Bookmarking/Email notification changes

[Engineering]

A couple of weeks ago, we rolled out a new feature so 'hounds could get emailed every time there was a new post on a topic that they were interested in. Turns out that's not the best solution for a number of reasons, so tomorrow we will be starting our new notification service.

Every night, we'll be sending out just one email that includes a listing of topics that you have participated in that have received new posts that day. You can opt out of these emails by going to http://www.chowhound.com/account/edit and unchecking the Email Notification checkbox.

Let us know what you think.

[Robert Lauriston]

I'm finding this a very useful feature. Makes it very easy to keep up with topics on boards that I don't follow.

[The Ranger]

Do the notifications only allow for the current ten topics or any topic the user has participated in? I've only "noticed" being pinged on the current topics which, for me, is not very helpful because that's my start-up page.

[Dave Feldman]

I only receive the email updates about once a week. I haven't opted out. Should I be receiving an email every day?

[Engineering]

We sent out a few test mailings last week, but starting tomorrow it will be automated to deliver every night.

[LisaN]

What if we just want to bookmark it like before, so it shows up under MyChow but don't want the email?

I liked the old system better. That way I can check a topic I bookmark, when I want, I still see on the thread what's new, and I don't get emails I don't want, need or have time for.

[JasmineG]

Agreed -- why can't we opt out of the email but still have the threads under My Chow?

[OCAnn]

You can. Go to Edit Settings next to your name and opt out of email notification by clicking that box.

[Engineering]

For one final change, we have merged Bookmarking and Email Notification into one option called "Watch this Topic."

You'll be able to manage your watched topics in my CHOW as always, but now you'll also receive a nightly email when the topic has new posts.

If you're already receiving nightly emails for updated topics, you will still only get one, but if you have opted out of the default nightly emails, you will still receive an email for the topics that you're watching.

[Robert Lauriston]

Slick. I like that.

[The Dairy Queen]

Hey, cool! It took me a few minutes to figure out that you have to, click on "Topic Options" to get the options menu, then "check" the little box next to the "watch this topic" option to "bookmark" it, but once you get the hang of it, it's pretty neat. Nice solution, thank you.

~TDQ

[Rondo]

I like your e-mail notification system. Keep up the good work!

[Tatum]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. We're working on our messaging, which includes email notifications and newsletters, so it may be a bit buggy over the next couple of days. Please keep sending us feedback, and be as tolerant as you can be!

Thanks!

[Sherri]

With the e-mail notification, nothing in MY CHOW was highlighted as it was in the past when there was continued discussion on a topic. The e-mail notification cannot possibly be up-to-the-minute current since it is sent "during the night" so it is still necessary to check the posts. Now, all posts must be checked since none are highlighted.

I prefer the highlighted MY CHOW instead of constantly switching between e-mail and the CH website. Also, opting out of e-mail notification was a nightmare as cited by Snackish.

[HillJ]

I had the same opt out issue.

[Snackish]

I wish there were an easy way to opt out. I got the email, read the opt out notice, clicked the link, and it took me to the Chowhound sign in page. I signed in, but then was just left in the wilds of chowhound with no idea how to opt out.

Please make it a one-click opt out.

Thanks.

[Engineering]

Am I understanding correctly that after you logged in you were not directed back to the account settings page?

[OCAnn]

I had no problems with the opt out button (sandwiched in btwn the two UPDATE buttons). Worked like a charm.

[Snackish]

Yes.

[Seth Chadwick]

Any chance we could choose between the old and new system in the future?