Sue, I just got one yesterday. The person posted a message on my Photoblog (which is linked in my screenname) The message said "I saw on another Forum that you have Bassett Urban Loft furniture. I would like to buy your nightstand" So weird...I don't have any of it for sale so that was very random.

I'd certainly be annoyed that somehow the person got your e-mail address. There's no easy link to it off anything we post, right? Any "normal" person would post a fresh entry on the forums with a heading that says "Attn: sueb20".
Continue to NOT respond to them.

For those who tell you they want to buy something of yours, it could simply be that they're missing a piece for their set. It's kind of a cold-call, I guess, but I don't see it as good etiquette.

That's very odd. I agree - don't respond!

The OP doesn't have her email address listed on 'my page' so then it would appear strange (unless she just deleted it).

I have recieved many emails but have my addy available. Most are from lurkers who seem to be too shy to post. They don't bother me at all and I'm glad to answer questions.

I've emailed GWers, also, and apologize if I'm being intrusive. I figure that if your email is public that you welcome polite Q and As.

Same situation for me as parma - I've received emails from people asking for more info about something I posted or just wanting to make a private comment regarding something I shared. But then, my email is not hidden so it's possible to contact me.

To the OP - if you've never had your email available on your My Page here, then it is a bit odd. If you only recently changed that option then that's likely how someone contacted you.

I get email like that a few times a year. GardenWeb members can email me through my member page. (It's a separate address that I use for shopping and GW. I don't download the messages to my computer.) I also have a link to my WebShots albums on my member page. Every once in a while, someone dredges up an old thread on the Kitchen forum, or someone sees my kitchen photos on Webshots or on the Finished Kitchens Blog (is that still up and running?), and they email me.

why not just respond to my post where I showed my banquette, instead of emailing me directly?
Because your post and/or the thread could be really old, and perhaps you don't visit that forum anymore and wouldn't see their question. I read the Kitchen forum very infrequently (my kitchen remodel was completed five years ago), and I never read Appliances anymore. If someone did a search on "Dacor ranges" for example, some of my old posts may come up. If they asked me a question on that thread, I'd never know it.

I've never had a problem with email I've received from GardenWeb members. And I've even sent email between other GW members who didn't want their email address "out there." No worries!

But it's odd that her "My Page" doesn't show the email option. I wonder how they got her email addy?

I get them every so often, but they get sent automatically to my Spam folder -- so apologies to anyone to whom I didn't respond when they emailed me directly.

When I see them, if there's nothing in the tone or question that is offensive (and there almost never is), I answer them happily, either directly (even though that gives away my real name) or on the original thread. I have had a few odd or badly-worded questions that I've ignored, but not so many.

By and large, GWebbers seem to be a really nice bunch.

I have met several 'friends' via email through Garden Web. We'll write privately back and forth about my granite or other such things.

I always respond. Of course, I don't mind giving my name out. The internet is like a phone book. My name, address, email and phone number has been readily available online since 1994. I'm still alive. Hehehe. Never had any identity issues.

Yeah, that is odd, if her email isn't on her member page. hmmm...

I received an email today from someone I 'met' on another forum. She contacted me through the info on the My Page.

The first line of the email that I received:

"[This message originated at GardenWeb]"

Just trying to say that you can tell if they are contacting you through GW.

ML

Oh I didn't mean it wasn't okay to email me. That's exactly why I have my address out there. I don't mind at all if someone has a comment or question. This is different though...it's almost like "fishing" where some company is trying to get your information. I don't even think this person lives anywhere near me that wanted to buy some furniture....??

And very strange about sueb getting emails when hers isn't listed.

Sorry for the confusion -- yes, without really realizing it, I did have my email available if you clicked on my name, but I deleted it early today. Sorry for the confusion! So, from everyone's responses, I guess I was just being paranoid. Slinking off now to answer the innocent question from the person who emailed me this morning...

We all get paranoid from time to time. But this is a decorating site not a personal dating site. lol

But go with your gut.

....Jane

I'm glad you posted this, Sue. Sometimes, message boards can be confusing. I just emailed you because you do still have that availability even as I am reading at 10:45 am Wed.
People can (and do!) email me, but I don't think my addy shows, just the 'Email Me' option. That makes it possible for someone to send you an email asking for more detail on how you painted a piece of furniture, or where you bought a table, or just to compliment you on a room well done. But your address is not necessarily out there. Only if you Reply to the sender's email do they get your email address. That's how Craigslist works too. The buyer can email you using the CL addy, but only when you reply do they get your own address.
For the most part, I don't think it's a big deal. And sometimes someone just has a question or comment that they don't want to put on the board. I've done it myself. Plus, not everyone keeps going back to their old threads.

Red