The issue has been raised about extending a public thread privately by using PMs or going off site and/or offline to continue the correspondence.

I think eveyone knows I am very much against a responder offering such contact. I am not against the contact itself, but believe it should be the asker's choice and not the responder's offer.

One of the purposes of keeping discussions public on a site like this is to get a variety of responses or input on a question. Another purpose is to have peer review to make sure answers are accurate. Taking the discussion private removes both of those advantages.

However, I do recognize that there are occassions where it does make sense to take a discussion private. Generally this occurs when the information being shared is private and posting it publicly might cause problems or embarassment to the asker.

My feeling here is that we open this for discussion which may result in a clarification of the guidelines. But if anyone sees an offer for private extension of a thread that the Report Inappropriate Post link be used and let the mods decide whether the post oversteps the guidelines or not.

Alder

Ok, two questions:

First, where do we find the rule in question here? I'm not seeing it in the TOS.

Second, if a question is posted in which the OP specifically asks for response by private message, rather than public answer, is that question inappropriate? Should it be reported?

The situation I got into was where an OP asked for response by PM, but apparently had turned off private messages on her account. I posted a public answer noting that, and telling her that if she got it fixed and was still interested, she could send me a private message.

I get that the value of this site is that not only does the OP get his or her question answered, but third parties with similar problems can learn from reading the dialog. Hence the importance of keeping things "on board."

But what about the situation of someone saying they need to find a particular good or service? Can an answerer who provides that good or service let the OP know? Pardon the facetious example, but suppose someone posts the question, "I really need a brain transplant. How do I find a neurosurgeon who does that?"

If there is a member of AMHD who is a brain-transplant neurosurgeon, is she allowed to post an answer, "As a matter of fact, I've successfully transplanted over five hundred brains"?

What about, "As a matter of fact, I've successfully transplanted over five hundred brains; call my office at 555-1212 to make an appointment"?

What if there is no member of AMHD who is a brain transplant neurosurgeon. Am I allowed to post an answer, "Dr. Frankenfurter at 123 Fake Street transplanted my brain a year ago, and I've been much smarter ever since"?

Is it okay to suggest to an OP that he or she contact a third party that may be able to help with the problem in question?

What if you just suggest a general third party, such as, "That could be serious, you should see your doctor"?

Vs. the example of recommending a specific doctor?

What if you recommend a specific doctor who happens to be your friend? What if it's your spouse?

ScottGem

The first is fine, the second is not. Its OK to mention that you do something and let the OP choose to ask for more info. Its not OK to ask yourself for offline contact.

Justwantfair

Is there a way to appropriately redirect OP when they start to PM you without a request?

I know the rule is not to offer to take the message offline, but if you have random people following up PMing you personally, how do you politely redirect them? Can you answer at that time if they have choosen to PM you? Sometimes new members you haven't ever answered.

ScottGem

Respond with:

I'm sorry, but PMs are only for correspondence of a personal nature. If you have a question or are following up on a response, please post int he appropriate forum.

Altenweg

Scott I'm copying that and putting it in my sig. Oh, no, not enough room. Oh well.

JudyKayTee

I just write back that I'm sorry but I am unable to take INFORMATION and/or questions off the board - please post on the board and I will get back to you.

ScottGem

The rules are clearly against using this site for advertising. This comes under that heading.

Alder

I take it you are quoting this rule:

So you define the word "advertising" to include an answer that says, "I need more information to be able to answer your question. I realize it's very personal, you can send the information privately as you prefer"?

I would never have understood the word "advertising," as people normally use that word, to describe such a suggestion. However, now that I know better, I won't.

I wasn't sure, Scott, are you the person on this site who makes/enforces the rules and terms of service? If so, you might consider editing the rule to make it more clear that you consider anything that suggests any communication other than on the forum thread to be advertising. If not, could you please let me know who does make the rules and decide who gets kicked off the site for breaking them, so we can get an official ruling of what is allowed?

Fr_Chuck

Ask Me Help Desk - FAQ: <u>Other Forum Features</u>

clearly states not to use PM for info that should be put in the question.

Adler you have been warned, continued arguement is uncalled for.
Even if you can not "see" it or do not wish to, it is a rule and you will follow it.

J_9

There are a number of us here Alder. We have specific titles yet many of the duties are the same. It is the Administrators who make the rules and us as moderators who enforce them.