Using Private Messaging
Many Warriors roleplay sites are created through Proboards, or another message board that allows many features, one of which is: The PM: The Private Message. It's a great tool that you can use to privately communicate with someone through a miniature email system, that's only sometimes monitored by board administration to assure for your privacy. It's very handy when used properly -- but it strikes me often how many people don't know how to use it, nor do they know the etiquette that comes with private messaging and email!
The point of this article is to remind or inform you on some tips for getting an answer to your message as quickly and painlessly as possible, as well as using Private Messaging properly.
(Many of the examples in this article are that; examples that the author has had and will refer to. Though they apply to the author directly, they can also apply to many less specific situations.)
MESSAGE TITLES
First of all: titles. Just like you would a title on a thread on the forum, the title should be short, down to the point, but descriptive enough that the receiver has a clear idea of what's in it. Message titles are not that complicated, but they can end being the difference between a busy person going, "Alright, let's deal with this." or "Let's not even go there. Not interested."
Bad Message Titles
Hi!
Um....
SUPER URGENT!!!
BIG QUESTION!!
What?
[no subject]
I have received all of these at one point or another, several of them many times. None of them are the least bit descriptive, and most of them are misleading. I'm a busy person; the subject "Um..." or "Hi" as much as I'd like to read it and meet you, probably won't attract me because half of the time it's someone who's just typed: "hi." And that's all that it's there in the message. I might also be looking for specific types of requests depending on what I'm doing at that moment. Gathering TDP articles? Great, if you're message says: "Freelance TDP Article", not so great if you're message says, "BIG QUESTION!"
The use of caps and the word "URGENT" is also extremely annoying. When you use "EXTREMELY URGENT!" to ask me a question about making avatars with Photoshop, the word looses it's meaning. On top of that, many people might be so annoyed that they just won't rely to your message. Caps, "1331" speak, and many exclamation marks are signs which all translate to one thing: "I'm an annoying n00b who wants your attention and whose message bears nothing important." Not a good message to send to someone.
Finally, the use of "[no subject]", the default message title. It's not quite as bad as it looks, but it won't get your message replied to quickly. You might send one of these because you're too lazy to change the title, because you forgot to change the title, or just because you couldn't think of anything to say. Chances are you're not annoying the receiver too much, but they'd probably appreciate something more specific.
So, now that you know how to phrase a terrible PM title, what's a good one look like? Well, they're not as hard as they sound. Let's take this example: I'm writing to someone asking them to be a guest on The Darkest Half-Hour Podcast. The message is something like this:
"Hello Clouds,
We're podcasting for TDHH next Tuesday at 7:00 EST and we're looking for a guest to join us in an interview. I know you've been working busily on a new roleplay index. It sounds like a great idea and I'm sure everyone would love to know about! Can you get on Skype at seven on Tuesday and we can record the interview?
Talk to you soon,
Blizz"
The subject is obviously a request for them on Tuesday, 7:00 EST to do podcasting for The Darkest Half-Hour. So, what's an appropriate title? How about, "Guest on Podcast?" or "Roleplay Index Publicity". The title has to be short, but give the receiver an idea of what they're opening.
SALUTATIONS AND CLOSING
The use of salutations in PMs is a bit disputed. They're not necessary, because your account name is obvious in the message, and the receiver is probably the only one getting the message. That means that when you're PMing a friend to chat, they're not necessary. However, if you'd like to advertise and more professional or formal air, salutations and closings are often used. Examples of salutations:
1. Hello [name here],
[message here]
2. Dear [name here],
[message here]
3. [name here],
[message here]
4. To whom it may concern,
[message here]
Example one is a friendly and simple salutation that can be used about anywhere. The second in a very common one that indicates respect and possible formality between the correspondents, or a close friendship. Three is a very simple salutation that is more often used with a message that is not overly friendly but still requires a salutation. Number four is not recommended to use within PMs. It's often excruciatingly obnoxious, especially when the receiver is one person; and whom you must know that you're sending the message because you're the one who clicked "send PM".
Closings are like salutations but are used to close the message and indicate the sender (again, it's very obvious within PM systems). A few common ones below are used only in the Warriors community.
1. [message here]
Sincerely,
[name of sender]
2. [message here]
Regards,
[name of sender]
3. [message here],
May StarClan light your path,
[name of sender]
4. [message here]
StarClan Bless,
[name of sender]
All of the four examples here are polite endings to a message, the later two used only on Warriors oriented forums. Number one is probably the most common, and indicates sincerity in a message, it's polite, concise, classic and can be used in both friendly situations or something of a more formal situation. The second opinion is less common but can used interchangeably with the first (except it's easier to spell *winkwink*). The third is just a fancier way of saying number four, both of which indicate good will towards the receiver and because of their exclusivity to Warriors communities, a more personal touch.
There are many other options for salutations and endings, but it's recommended to avoid personal subjects such as religion (God Bless, etc.). Salutations and endings end a message with in a more dignified and professional manner, but can be annoying for friendly chats.
PM MESSAGES
The first thing to keep in mind with PMs: Replies are not instant! PM tools are not instant messengers for quick chitchat. Define your purpose in the first message so as not to waste peoples time with endless replies. And do not send a message quickly after the first with "Why haven't you replied?". Such messages are appropriate after a good timespan, but not instantly; if they are used appropriately, it's also a good idea to repeat the message as to not send the reader hunting after your message from before.
Some people put extremely small amounts of text in their PMs that it's ridiculous to send one at all. Never send a PM with, "hi". Even if you just want a chat, state your purpose. "Hi, how are you?" is much better. Never ask, "I have a question, can I ask you it?" State your question in the first post, so as not to waste peoples time. Send posts with a purpose, or do not expect a reply.