[Jack Simth]

A bit off topic here, but I'm referring to the system admins: the computer techs. How easy it is for them to read someone's PM depends on how the board is set up. If the .cgi format the board runs in is as open-source (given direct server access) as .php is, then it would be a surprisingly simple matter of finding that method in the code (a search for "private message", perhaps), digging out the query(s), and running it(them) independantly on the appropriet database(s) replacing the variable used for the currently active member with the target's member number; a copy/paste procedure - a matter of a few minutes, tops. If the board is compiled (and not a script like .php) and the system admins don't have access to the source, then it becomes much harder. Not that anyone would; it's an invasion of privacy - just that they could, which is as I stated.

Also, they wouldn't need to change your password, just look it up - there is a warning when you change your profile: "Note that your password is not encrypted and may be accessible by the message board administrators." If true, they can read it directly. Again, not that they would, just that they could.