Visitors messages : what are they and why do they exist?

[weyland]

Apart from Private Messages, I am sometimes notified that I have received a Visitor's Message.

These are a mixed bag. Some look like a bulk mailing, such as one asking for information about the nightlife in Rio (I have never been there and am unlikely ever to go there) or notification of forthcoming events in monger hotels, while others are specifically aimed at me. If these latter were sent as PMs I would reply to them, but there seems no convenient way of doing so as Visitor's Messages.

If I don't immediately answer a PM it sits there everytime I open my PMs reminding me to answer it. But Visitor's Messages are out of sight, out of mind (especially for someone with my memory).

What purpose are Visitor's Messages supposed to serve which cannot be accomplished better by PM (if specifically to me) or by posting on the open board (if the need is contact as many people as possible)?

Also, everyone can see my Visitor's Messages by clicking on my name. I can see everyone else's Visitor's Messages. I haven't spotted any which look particularly sensitive, but does everyone realise that VMs are public property? I have seen telephone numbers and meeting arrangements posted which I would think would be better off as Private Messages.

[Kevy]

They are just sitting there with your profile, when you view it. I got some stupid ones in the past, you can delete them

[Señor Jimmy of Medellin]

They are your lurker fans

[knotty]

i swear you guys get the most interesting private messages. hasn't happened to me at all.

[Kevy]

i swear you guys get the most interesting private messages. hasn't happened to me at all.

Not even the crazy lurkers asking where they should go on vacation?

[knotty]

Not even the crazy lurkers asking where they should go on vacation?

Not at all, they all leave me alone. guess i'm not popular.

[gdogg]

Not at all, they all leave me alone. guess i'm not popular.

You've got mail!!!

[mikelodge]

Not at all, they all leave me alone. guess i'm not popular.

I had some guy PM me twice about reserving a room at TL telling me he wanted a King Bed. WTF. I never posted anything even close to make anyone think I had anything to do with the place.

I think some people just ask questions to fast before reading enough.

Hmm I think I did that once.

[weyland]

No-one has come close to answering my question, which was "what function are they supposed to serve which cannot be done better by Private Message or posting on the open board".

Someone must have thought they were a bright idea. Perhaps they are and I am just not getting it.

[Kevy]

No-one has come close to answering my question, which was "what function are they supposed to serve which cannot be done better by Private Message or posting on the open board".

Someone must have thought they were a bright idea. Perhaps they are and I am just not getting it.

They serve no real purpose, just part of the BB program. I guess on a different type of board (topic, not a whore board) people could post their comments on members, but this board does not seem to fit that type of profile.