Would this be possible for PM's?
 

Is there a modification - or way to enable present features - for Private Messages, that would enable a recipient to make a particular message publicly viewable? I envision having it post as the first post in a new thread (perhaps use of the feature could restrict the forum to which these post in the first place . . . ) with follow up conversation by the person who made the PM public, and the rest of the community.

I've seen communities where the PM system is abused as a medium to bully and silence community members (as I'm sure we all have) and it seems like it might be a valuable tool in the right, mostly-self-policing community. If people knew their PM could be made public, they would think twice about what they say under the "cover" of the PM system. It wouldn't be right for every community, but it would be great in community that are otherwise good with self-censure when a member steps out of line.

I don't think there is anything like this. You could just disable the PM system for certain usergroups.

You could use the "report PM" mod and make it send reports to a publically viewable forum:

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=191356

note: PM - Private Messaging

lol

Yeah, I get the irony. But there are a few cretins out there who do not understand that it's not a feature intended to shield their abusive actions. Nobody is entitled to that sort of Privacy, at least not on a community site where I expend *my* energy as a volunteer admin. I think the suggested hack will work very nicely. I have a feeling we are only dealing with a couple abusers, and they'll lay off once they realize their actions will be subject to community review.

Site Rules.

Abuse of the Private Message system will result in a 7 day ban from the site, repeat offenders will be banned permanently. All site rules apply to Private Messages. If you are the subject of an abusive PM from another member, please forward it to site admin for action.

I have used this to remove several 'cretins' from my site.