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Long answer: copied shamelessly of Shog's answer in MSO:

Later on, the system was expanded to allow notifying other users of comment-replies.

• Private message system unlocked by reputation

• Why don't we have instant messaging on Stack Exchange?

• Is there a way to contact another member of stack overflow?

• Is there plans for an IM Capability?

• Request a specific expert on a subject to answer your question

• Feature Request: "WAKE UP and accept my answer please"

• My Social Network Integration for Private Messaging, Commenting, Etc

• how can I get in touch with a stackoverflow member privately?

• Many, many more

Long answer: copied shamelessly of Shog's answer in MSO:

Later on, the system was expanded to allow notifying other users of comment-replies.

• Private message system unlocked by reputation

• Why don't we have instant messaging on Stack Exchange?

• Is there a way to contact another member of stack overflow?

• Is there plans for an IM Capability?

• Request a specific expert on a subject to answer your question

• Feature Request: "WAKE UP and accept my answer please"

• My Social Network Integration for Private Messaging, Commenting, Etc

• how can I get in touch with a stackoverflow member privately?

• Many, many more

• Private message system unlocked by reputation

• Why don't we have instant messaging on Stack Exchange?

• Is there a way to contact another member of stack overflow?

• Is there plans for an IM Capability?

• Request a specific expert on a subject to answer your question

• Feature Request: "WAKE UP and accept my answer please"

• My Social Network Integration for Private Messaging, Commenting, Etc

• how can I get in touch with a stackoverflow member privately?

• Many, many more

• Private message system unlocked by reputation

• Why don't we have instant messaging on Stack Exchange?

• Is there a way to contact another member of stack overflow?

• Is there plans for an IM Capability?

• Request a specific expert on a subject to answer your question

• Feature Request: "WAKE UP and accept my answer please"

• My Social Network Integration for Private Messaging, Commenting, Etc

• how can I get in touch with a stackoverflow member privately?

• Many, many more

• Messaging between users

  Declined without comment.

• User messaging or wall

   

  it's possible we might have some kind of messaging function later, so as not to expose emails but let users communicate. But it's low priority.

• Allow private messages

  it's about the questions and answers, not social networking. But if you want to contact someone, check their profile -- they will provide an URL or email address there.

• How do you send a message to a stackoverflow user?

  Declined without comment

1. It could hide information from the community: useful information transmitted privately is unavailable to other readers, subverting the core purpose of the site.

2. It could be used to harass other users ("Answer my question!", "Accept my answer!", "Yer momma so fat she overflows the stack!", etc...)

• Messaging between users

Declined without comment.

• User messaging or wall

   

  it's possible we might have some kind of messaging function later, so as not to expose emails but let users communicate. But it's low priority.

   

• Allow private messages

it's about the questions and answers, not social networking. But if you want to contact someone, check their profile -- they will provide an URL or email address there.

• How do you send a message to a stackoverflow user?

Declined without comment

1. It could hide information from the community: useful information transmitted privately is unavailable to other readers, subverting the core purpose of the site.

    

2. It could be used to harass other users ("Answer my question!", "Accept my answer!", "Yer momma so fat she overflows the stack!", etc...)