@MaineLonghorn got it, thank you so much!
MODERATOR’S NOTE:
As has been said many many times, posts such as this only result in the post being deleted and the user being warned for spam posting.
@CCadmin_Sorin if I receive a message from someone who is able to send a private message and I respond will they get it if I don’t have 15 posts? It lets me send I’m just wondering if they will receive it. Thank you.
@sirmixalot, yes, the person will receive the message.
this thread is really helpful, I’ve been looking for the PM button for days but I just couldnt find it. thank yoU!
^^ Same with me, thank you for clearing this up!
Glad to know also that there is actually a reason I couldn’t pm somebody. I understand the goal behind the requirement, but lots of people have no reason to post because they don’t have much to add if they are early in this process. But, for example, somebody with my exact question has a post which says for more info, pm me. So of course, that is relevant to me specifically, but now I have to really clog the forum with 15 silly posts. I don’t have a better answer to the spammers, but now I understand why people often just comment things like “thanks” or something random. They are trying to increase their posts for this reason most likely. This forum is very helpful though. Thank you.
Thank you so much! I’ve been struggling to find the button but I’ve got it all sorted out now 
As a long time poster, I have to wonder why new posters who have posted NO questions on any threads…or started threads with their questions…would NEED to PM anyone.
This is a community of sorts. Asking the questions on a forum will give the poster responses from a variety of people with varying perspectives. In addition…that question and responses have the potential to also help others with the same or similar questions.
I’m not in charge here…but I would vote for 30 posts by new members before they can PM…and starting and asking questions on at least one thread.
As a respondent here…I seldom give any info via PM. My response is usually:
Post your question on the forum where you will get a variety of responses.
I have to disagree – just a wee bit – with @thumper1 post #88 – because I can readily imagine MANY questions that a new member might have but might not want to post relevant details publicly.
Had the same question about sending PM, it was good to find this link
I was wondering what was wrong. Good to know it’s normal
how can i send a pm
@muhammadassim you need 15 SUBSTANTIVE posts. They can’t be “OK!” “Good job!” etc. Once you’ve made 15 posts, log out and log in again and you can send PMs.
Is this still the case?
Yes
So good to find this thread. I’m wondering how I can PM people for a little more personal help.
Thanks the admin and everyone here!
You cannot do so until you qualify per the ToS. But post your question. If it requires the disclosure of personal information that you do not necessarily wish to air in public, say so and invite members to PM you. It works that way. I would not encourage new members to do this often or abuse it, but I can envision situations in which it might be warranted.
Just curious why brand new members want to immediately be able to PM folks.
IIRC, it’s against the TOS to send unsolicited PMs.
@MaineLonghorn is that correct?
I’m not @MaineLonghorn , but yes, that is correct.
The site’s preference is that the fora are for general discussion, and users may be more than willing to share answers here than to trade PMs. The primary purpose of the site is not a messaging center. But as @AboutTheSame says, if a user has overly identifying info, s/he can give a general outline of the situation and invite users to PM for further details with the caveat the overuse of “PM me” posts are also a ToS violation.