Oof. Couple of points:
1. Newbie posts are moderated for the first couple of posts, so don't immediately appear. Patience really is a virtue.
2. Newbies initially don't have DM capabilities, neither send NOR receive. Don't worry, with a few more posts, it will magically appear.
These are to suppress spammers. You're not one, but you do have to have a little bit of patience. My advice, despite eagerness, I wouldn't be posting e-mail addresses in the open. That's what DM's are for.
When you do have DM capability, simple to use. Left click the recipient's handle in the far left column in one of his (OK, I'm sexist) posts. In the pop-up menu that appears, just click on the Private Message button. When you have incoming DM's, that LITTLE menu item, Notifications, at the top right of the screen (same row as Log Out) will be a bright and glowing red. Just click to see your inbox. On the Messages Page that will appear, to the left, below the Inbox will be the Sent Items folder.
Don't worry, the party train won't leave without you.