Private Messages — often called Conversations — let members communicate privately with each other instead of posting publicly on the forum. Here’s how to start, read, and manage them.



🧩 What are Private Messages (PMs)?​


  • On CCF, private messages are called Conversations.
  • They work like a private thread between two or more members.
  • Only invited members can see or reply to them.
  • You can include text, photos, and attachments — just like in normal forum posts.


✅ Who Can Send or Receive PMs?​


To use the Private Messaging system, you must:


  1. Be a registered and logged-in member.
  2. Have completed email verification.
  3. In some cases, you may need a few public posts before PMs are enabled (to prevent spam).

If you can’t start a PM, contact a moderator for assistance.



🪜 Step-by-Step: How to Send a Private Message​


Option 1: From a member’s profile​


  1. Click the username of the person you want to message.
  2. On their profile pop-up or page, click “Start conversation.”
  3. A new message window will open.
    • Title: Enter a clear subject line (e.g., Question about your Z06 post).
    • Message: Type your message in the box.
    • (Optional) Add more participants if you’d like to include multiple people.
  4. Click “Start conversation.”
    • The other member will receive a notification and can reply privately.


Option 2: From your Inbox​


  1. Click your envelope icon at the top right of the site (in the navigation bar).
  2. Select “Start new conversation.”
  3. In the Recipients box, type the username(s) you want to message.
  4. Add a Title and write your Message.
  5. Click Start conversation to send.


Option 3: From a post or classified ad​


If you’re viewing someone’s thread or ad:


  1. Hover over or click their username.
  2. Select “Start conversation.”
  3. Write your private message and send.
    (This is the easiest way to contact sellers or other members privately.)


💬 How to View and Reply to Private Messages​


  1. Click the envelope icon 🔔 at the top of the page.
  2. You’ll see a list of your conversations (like an inbox).
  3. Click any conversation to open it.
  4. Type your reply in the message box and click Post reply.
  5. Messages update in real-time — you can have ongoing chats with multiple members.


⚙️ Managing Your Conversations​


  • Add Participants: Click “Invite more” to include another member (if allowed).
  • Leave Conversation: If you’re done, click “Leave” to stop receiving replies.
  • Notifications: You’ll get alerts for new PMs at the top right of the page.
  • Attachments: You can attach images or files just like in normal posts.


🚫 Privacy & Etiquette​


  • Messages are private, but moderators can review them if necessary (e.g., abuse reports).
  • Always keep communication respectful — CCF’s forum rules apply to private messages too.
  • Do not use PMs for spam, unsolicited advertising, or harassment — violations can result in bans.
  • For safety, never share personal or financial information with strangers via PM.


🧠 Common Questions​


Q: Why don’t I see “Start conversation”?
A: You may not have reached the required post count yet, or the user has disabled PMs. Try posting more or contact an admin.


Q: How do I know if someone read my message?
A: XenForo shows a “Last read” indicator inside the conversation if read receipts are enabled.


Q: Can I delete old messages?
A: You can Leave a conversation. It won’t delete it for the other person, but it removes it from your inbox.


Q: Can I send a message to multiple users?
A: Yes! When starting a conversation, add more usernames separated by commas in the Recipients field.
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