Why does Facebook hide messages from others?

[superman]

If you don't have them added it puts the messages in "other" and doesn't even give them a notice so they never reply until months later

I know these guys personally and don't want to add them, but would just like to ask a question.. Wtf?? How can I get them to notice my question, without adding them?

[abraXus]

facebook does this to prevent spam - facebook is a website to stay in touch with your real life friends, not a website to be talking to strangers (even tho lots of people use it like that)

there is no way around this preventive measure - if there was, people would get spammed

you have the option of allowing strangers to message you tho, as explained here

http://abrax.us/Facebook/ContactPrivacy.php

but it's the opposite of what you want

[yor]

We only hide them from you.