Here is my beef

It is not just obvious contact info….I got a tracking number for my purchase, and they redacted part of the number. Guess they thought it was a phone number or something.

@mahler123  No. The software recognises an email address and filters it.

Can’t you PM and get the recipient to send an email address?

Some of my best purchases on Audiogon were a result of a phone call with the seller. One particular seller years ago kept in touch with me.

Today, I received a direct message (though everyone here calls them PMs) and there it was at the top of the message: don’t try to contact anyone via phone or PM. First time that was ever there. It’s even in a different color so it stands out. But like I
said before, I prefer not to.

Proof that they read every thread. And I’m sure they’re hip to using "dot" in a PM when referring to an email.

Today, I received a direct message (though everyone here calls them PMs) and there it was at the top of the message: don’t try to contact anyone via phone or PM. First time that was ever there. It’s even in a different color so it stands out. But like I
said before, I prefer not to.

And, they did stop using CAPTCHA.

All the best,
Nonoise

Stay on WBF so you can hold hands with these dudes.I have enough audio friend already good luck!!

There are no private messages on this forum.

There are direct messages.

@willgolf - before the Internet, this was done through individual contacts and clubs, among other things (events too, something we haven't had much of recently). Audiogon does not have a lock on your ability to communicate with folks in the community. Most of the people who are really plugged in tend to be in the industry (or so close to it that they are readily known). Nothing prevents you from contacting such people. All you need to do is ask. 

I've called musicologists, scientists, inventors of notable hi-fi, performers, producers and the like simply to talk shop with no monetary agenda in mind. If someone can make time (and you may have to schedule that, and possibly, put your thoughts into some notes to make sure you cover what you want), I think you'll find that there are people to "give." And if they are manufacturers, unless you are calling to bitch, they'll probably be more than happy to take the call. I called somebody at a manufacturer from whom I bought not a thing, simply because he knew how to use Jensen Imperials as bass cabinets. Have fun, Will. Life is too short. Don't worry about A-gon. From the sounds of it, you aren't trying to **** them. There was a whole industry out there long before this site appeared. Due respect, humble apologies to our host, etc. 

Bill Hart

I’ve contacted people via Agon with phone numbers etc. A PM will get flagged if there seems to be a side deal being put together to bypass the trade side of Agon. Other than that, it’s usually not an issue. Or do as suggested above and send a number “phonetically”…

Simple. PM the person you want to contact by phone. Instead of using numbers like 1,2,3,4, print out numbers like one, two three, or four.

Audiogon is a business. period. they are not changing. and don't expect them to.

ask the Audiogon member to PM you on What's Best Forum. it's simple for someone to join there if they mutually want to interact privately. yes, it's not as simple as it could be but not really any big deal.

Audiogon will filter PM if you try to send a phone number or email.

Nonoise, this feature is called CAPTCHA and it IS discriminatory to persons with poor vision. I was bitchin' this feature too so OP isn't alone. Check my posts.

What's stopping you or someone who's contacting you through a PM from sharing phone numbers and emails? In every instance I've had with someone here through a PM, there was nothing to stop or prohibit me (or them) from asking for a phone number or an email. 

I don't do that myself, but the option to is there.

All the best,
Nonoise

That is BS and discriminatory.  

We all hate the robot BS. Seems like it's been turned off.