Just wondering.
For most board software the answer is ‘somebody, somewhere, usually the technical admin’ can read them, but only with great difficulty (ie, pulling them directly off the database). There’s generally no built in function that allows admins or moderators to read others’ PMs.
Jacquilynne is basically correct. VBB will allow people with a particular level of access to get into them if needed (e.g., in response to “I want to report that Spavined Gelding threatened physical violence against me using my real name” or some such truly serious problem. I think it requires root access to the server, or else logging in using the login name and password of the sender or receiver, but am not sure of my facts there.
Bottom line is: Yes, they (or some of them) can do it at need – but it’s an onerous effort justified only by great need. They don’t wander in and read your PM’ed comments that “TubaDiva could stand to be a bit less snarky in public” or whatever, just out of boredom.
(Names used as examples chosen at random from among Dopers/staff to illustrate, not implying anything regarding Mr. Gelding and Ms. Diva’s personae.)
Even if the off-the-shelf software doesn’t come with that function, it’s pathetically easy to make a custom script that does it for an administrator.
Assume that your PMs can be read by anyone who has access to the machine to make a small PHP file, or to run basic MySQL tools (I mean, you can do it from the mysql prompt, but it’s painful). Making a custom function/page is a simple effort. I made a PHP file that would allow any administrator on my vBulletin board to do it in about 20 minutes - someone like Fierra could do it in less time.
Now, as to whether or not as a point of policy anyone wants to, or would do so, that’s totally not for me to say. I’m just a cavewoman who knows PHP, MySQL, and vBulletin. I don’t speak for anyone at all.
I’m not 100% in love with your tone right now.
Thanks for the replies. I poked around a bit on the vB boards, and now better understand what you all are saying, from the technical sense.
