This is my first time on this site

This isn't a site. Usenet is a set of internet bulletin boards. Some
web sites put Usenet content on their own web site, as if it were
theirs, but it isn't. It is public domain.

How can you IM, PM or whatever you call it to certain members?

There are no "members". Usenet is public domain. Anybody can post to
it. You can send Email to posters in the usual manner (once you know
their Email address), you can IM them in the usual manner (once you know
the IM service they use, and their screen name), but mostly Usenet
operates through public postings.

The best way to post to Usenet is to use a newsreader. You probably
already have one. Most Email programs also do newsgroups. If you are
using Windows, you can use Outlook Express to start with, and once you
decide you like the idea, you can get a better newsreader. You will
also need a newsgroups subscription, which probably comes free with your
internet service provider. (If not, try giganews.com or teranews.com).
You set up a "newsgroup account" pretty much the way you set up an
Email account, and then you can use your newsreader software to read
newsgroups pretty much the same way you do Email.

These same newsgroups have been pasted into quite a number of web sites,
and google has even created a web interface for Usenet newsgroups plus
their own message boards (groups.google.com). But basically, it's just
Usenet in drag.

So, set up your newsreader, and join the world of Usenet, completely
independent of any web site!

Jose
--
"There are 3 secrets to the perfect landing. Unfortunately, nobody knows
what they are." - (mike).
for Email, make the obvious change in the address.