How do you send mini messages?

[moonlitsongbird (deleted)]

I joined yesterday and am having difficulty figuring out how to use some of the features here.

From what I can tell, I should be able to use the whole site because this is the only Passions network I belong to:
"Is this site 100% free?
Yes, if Native American Passions is the primary site you join within Passions Network, then you will have 100% free access to all features within Native American Passions."
http://www.nativeamericanpassions.com/deinfo/faq.html

I'm wondering if it has something to do with the message
"ATTENTION:
•You have to be subscribed for more than 1 full day to access the email system. The full day begins at midnight AFTER you join."
popping up when I try to send an email? Is the mini message system the same as the email system?

[feedback]

Welcome to Passions Network, and Native American Passions in particular.

New members are restricted from contact options for 24-48 hours after joining, and that includes a number of areas aside from just email.

If you joined yesterday, then you will have full access after midnight tonight (EST).*

*Some restrictions still apply if you have not completed enough of your profile. Information on this issue can be found by reviewing the information in the PROGRESS BAR area on the Account page.

Separately, while the site you joined is 100% free, there are many other sites in the network that can be added into your account for free as well.

Click the MY SITES link in the Account area to find sites recommended to you based on your passions, and to browse the entire list of sites in the network.

While many sites in the network do require an upgrade to 'Network Wide Access' in order to add them into your account, you can always stay on this site and any of the other free sites you add into your account.

Please keep in mind that sites move from being available to add for free to requiring a 'Network Wide Access' upgrade after they exceed a threshold in members and activity (so it's best to add any free sites you like as soon as you can...because you never know when they will no longer be available to add for free).