A reminder to posters: you can click on another poster's name, select "send private message" (or "send email" if the poster has made that option available) and correspond privately with that poster. Only your posting name will show, and the message will not be saved on your own computer.
This is a safe alternative to USM email if you need to convey confidential information, especially without revealing your name.
If you receive a private message, a notice will appear below your name at the upper right of the board (be sure to refresh your screen if you have been logged on for a long time.)

We hear complaints that the board is slow or "dead" but in fact, a fair amount of private messaging has been taking place, and we wanted to remind everyone of this function.

PS if you choose the email function, your own email address will not appear.