I have members who want to get notified via email when a post has been added to a specific category. Like most things related to discourse, I can’t figure it out. I see the bell, but that doesn’t seem to send anything to the inbox.
AI-generated summary
Users discuss how to enable email notifications for new topics in specific categories on Discourse. c12gene wants to notify members but finds emails aren’t being sent despite enabling the watch option. Heliosurge explains that users can watch categories via preferences or topic controls, and notes that notifications only trigger when the user is not logged in or if the topic is posted by someone else. Heliosurge suggests checking email preferences and adjusting the default notification timing in admin settings. c12gene asks about the abbreviation “SS,” which is clarified as “screen shot” by Lilly and Arkshine. The conversation highlights the need for clearer communication of settings and potential improvements in user interface guidance.
Have them change Category to watching
The SS above shows it from topic controls. They can add a category to watched in Preferences.
Alternatively There is a Customization > Theme component that can make this easier as well.
There is also a Customization > Plugin that allows you to follow members.
This is great Dan. Thank you. I’ll give it a test.
@Heliosurge I changed the default watched categories to two categories, then made a post. I waited 20 minutes, and zero emails were sent. Is there something I am missing, or could something be broken? I checked my spam folder etc..
Were you still logged on the site? Check your email preferences.
If like mine above. An email will be sent if I am not logged in. Also just to be sure the new topic would be posted by someone other than yourself. A test user is a good idea
Note: if you use the watch first post instead.(Option just below in your pic) This will only send a notification of a new topic vs notifying of every post in the topic.
Yeah, I’m logged in. We keep people logged in unless they purposely log out. That would be a huge bummer if emails don’t show up because a person is logged in. I’m continuing to run more tests…Still no luck…Seems like there should be a way to turn this stuff on/off for everyone in the forum.
The setting in the SS I believe. Try changing it to “Always”
In you admin panel you can set default watched categories etc. iirc it will ask you if you want to apply to all? Though may need to set it manually for some.
Stupid question, but what is SS?
Thanks again for taking time with me.
screen shot
It means ScreenShot. 
Okay, thank you. I thought it was security settings. Lol.
My apologies. There are times I have to look up th abbreviations ppl use. 
Maybe the team would consider using linkify words or iirc there is one for abbreviations to show a tip?
