...
When you comment or reply to someone's topic or post, you are automatically set to "Watch" that topicthread. This means that, when someone else adds a reply, you will be notified.
...
You can also decide to receive these same notifications on a topic you haven't commented on. Or even entire category.
Instructions
How to watch a topic
If you would like to watch a topic, follow the below instructions:
Start by clicking on the topic thread name
Look for the bell icon on the right side of the screen
...
Click the bell icon and you’ll see a small menu appear
Select "Watching" (keep scrolling down for an explanation of the difference between watching and tracking)
...
What is the difference between watching and tracking?
Watching - Anytime someone replies to this topicthread, you will get a notification. You will also see a count of the replies on the category home screen.
Tracking - You will be notified as normal if someone replies to you. You will also see a count of how many replies there have been on the category home page.
Normal - You will be notified as normal if someone replies to you. This is the default.
Muted - You will not be notified about this topicthread, even if someone mentions you. And it will not appear in your list of the Latest topics threads.
How to watch a category
Watching a category is basically the same as watching a topicthread. But instead of just being notified when someone replies within a topicthread, you are notified whenever someone adds a new topic or reply to that category.
...
Watching (red arrow) - Anytime someone adds a new topic thread or reply, you will get a notification. You will also see a count of the replies on the category home screen.
Tracking (blue arrow) - You will be notified as normal if someone replies to you in any topic in this category. You will also see a count of how many replies there have been on the category home page.
Watching first post (green arrow) - You will be notified whenever someone adds a new topic to this category. You will not be notified when someone adds a reply.
Normal - You will be notified as normal if someone replies to you. This is the default.
Muted (orange arrow) - You will not be notified about this topic, even if someone mentions you. And it will not appear in your list of the Latest topics threads.
How do I see which categories I am watching?
You can see all the categories you are watching from your user preferences. To view this, please follow the below instructions:
...