This got settled nicely in the chatterbox, but for the benefit of future generations of Super Searchers, the nodes to check out are these:

• Chatterbox FAQ
• Using the Chatterbox: Public Messaging
• Using the Chatterbox: Private Messaging
• What shortcuts can I use for linking to other information?
• and of course, the granddaddy of them all, turnstep's Chatterbox FAQ++.