What's up with that?

I think the reason is clear. The new powers that be do not want members bypassing the Audiogon transaction system and thereby bypassing their cut of the selling price. It was unfortunately inevitable once they added on a fee based on selling price.

putting your email in the message is not that difficult, I do it all the time.

Swampwalker has hit the nail on the head. they may claim it is a security measure, but the root of the change is financial security. Although I agree that the site requires income to sustain, it is also a community of people that share a passion for music and equipment. They should be permitted to communicate un-chaperoned. As a thought: how would everyone feel about a membership fee, that would offset the loss of income on the occasional side deal? Just a thought as a alternative to the censorship of e-mail addresses.

Swampwalker has pretty much nailed it. I wonder if they will be smart enough to charge an annual fee that will let members have that feature back again. They charge a fee for their Bluebook service, maybe if I send them $50 a year I can have e-mail access again. LOL!

Sadly......it's all about the Benjamins.

putting your email in the message is not that difficult, I do it all the time.
Buconero117

I included my email address in my last for sale ad and promptly received notification from Audiogon that it was a violation. They advised me to edit the ad and remove it. I removed the ad and sold the item through Audio Asylum.
End result is Audiogon did not receive their cut. I will check every avenue available before listing items.