Either everybody checked the option to keep email addresses private, or they're not in the profiles any more. What's up with that?

hi Sandy,

We have never shown member's emails in their profile, even if they checked that option. In fact, our Registration Agreement asks members to please NOT post email addresses, although some folks do, especially in the Buddy Up forum.

This is done mostly to prevent spam .. not just to keep advertisers and solicitors from spamming the forum, but also to protect YOU, the members. Popular message boards like ours are frequently scanned by "spam bots" .. looking for email addresses which they can then send spam to. That's why the database automatically changes the "at" symbol with a ~ in any email addies that do get posted. Makes it harder for one of these robot programs to recognise.

Doreen

Ditto to what Doreen said. For this reason, we encourage members to exchange email addresses through PM.

Wa'il

Hi Doreen,
That makes a lot of sense; about keeping away the spam-bots.
This is such a fantastic board. Thank you thank you thank you thank you! I have learned so much here.
Sandy