Private Messaging with Mutual Consent
NatterFly does allow private messaging, but we've designed it differently from the instant private message systems found on many chat websites.
You cannot simply open a private chat with another member from a chatroom or send somebody an unsolicited private message.
Instead, private messaging on NatterFly is based on mutual connections. Both people must agree before private messages can be exchanged.
Why do we use mutual connections?
Chatrooms are a great place to meet people and get to know them through normal conversation. However, there may come a time when two people want to exchange information that they don't want to post publicly in a chatroom.
For example, you may have been talking to somebody for a while and decide you'd like to meet for a coffee. Arranging where and when to meet, or exchanging contact details, isn't something you necessarily want everyone else in the chatroom to see.
The NatterFly Messaging Centre provides a private place for those conversations, while still giving both members control over who can contact them.
How connection requests work
Before two members can privately message each other, one person must send a connection request.
The other person can then choose whether they want to accept the request.
Only when the connection has been accepted can private messages be exchanged between the two accounts.
This means receiving a private message should never simply be the result of somebody finding your profile or seeing you in a chatroom.
Sending a connection request
If a member is accepting connection requests, a Connect button will appear on their profile.
Once you've sent a request, it will remain pending until the other member decides whether to accept or decline it.
If somebody has chosen not to accept connection requests, the Connect button simply won't appear on their profile.
Receiving a connection request
Incoming connection requests can be viewed from your Messaging Centre.
You are under absolutely no obligation to accept a connection request.
If you know the member and would like to communicate privately, you can accept it. If you don't want to connect with them, simply decline the request.
Private messages
Once a connection has been mutually accepted, both members can exchange private text messages through the NatterFly Messaging Centre.
Private messaging is deliberately text only.
NatterFly does not provide image, photograph or file attachments through private messages.
If two people later decide they want to exchange photographs or other files, they can choose how they wish to do that away from NatterFly.
You remain in control
Accepting a connection doesn't mean that it has to remain permanent.
You can end a connection if you no longer wish to privately communicate with that member.
You can also turn off connection requests from your account settings whenever you wish. When connection requests are disabled, other members will not be offered the option to connect with you.
Blocking a member
If you don't want contact with another member, you can block them.
A blocked member cannot send you a connection request or use the private messaging system to contact you.
Blocking therefore takes priority over connections and private messaging.
Private messaging is separate from chatrooms
Private messaging is not available directly inside NatterFly chatrooms.
There is no private-message box, whisper command or hidden one-to-one conversation within the chatroom itself.
Private conversations take place through the Messaging Centre and only after a mutual connection has been established.
Think carefully before sharing personal information
Mutual consent makes private messaging safer, but it doesn't mean you should automatically trust somebody simply because you've connected with them.
Take time to get to know people before sharing personal information such as your telephone number, email address, home address or other contact details.
If you're arranging to meet somebody you've met through NatterFly, follow the advice in our Safety section and always put your personal safety first.
Remember
A connection request is an invitation, not an obligation.
You decide who you connect with, who you privately message and when you want that communication to end.