52

Incredibly, I couldn't find a single, consolidated and up-to-date answer for this question. All I found was people complaining about missing notifications, discussions about changes in the notification system, and questions about @replies.

So here is what I think I know:

  • If I ask a question, I get notified about all comments, on the question or on any answer.
  • If I write an answer, I get notified about all comments on my answer.
  • Otherwise, I'm only notified if the comment contains a @reference to me

Is that really how it works? Do I get automatic notifications in any other situation?

Improve this question
3
  • possible duplicate of How do comment @replies work?
    – Sathyajith Bhat
    Commented Mar 10, 2012 at 4:03
  • 1
    Thanks. I've seen that answer, but I was hoping for a more straightforward answer to "when do I (or you) get automatically notified of a new comment". For example, I'm including @Sathya here because I'm not sure you'll be notified. I know the answer is somewhere on that link, but I'm just too lazy to find it there right now. That's why I'm asking this, I think we need a separate, simple and clear answer to that simple question.
    – bfavaretto
    Commented Mar 10, 2012 at 4:15
  • 3
    @CodyGray I don't think the FAQ answers this specific question too well, because it focuses on @replies and their syntax. My question here is "I know @replies forces a notification, but when else am I auto-notified?".
    – bfavaretto
    Commented Mar 11, 2012 at 2:12

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
52
  • On a question, you will receive notifications automatically for comments on the question only, not the answers.
    • One exception is auto generated comments, like closing as duplicate: you will not get notified of such comments.
  • On an answer, you will receive notifications automatically for comments on your answer.
  • On any question or answer, you will receive notification when you are pinged (@name).

Pings are slightly more complex, as they are potentially ambiguous. @name will match the eligible user with a name beginning with name that most recently acted in the thread. The following actions make one eligible for receiving a ping:

  • Commenting on the post.
  • Editing the post.
  • (♦ moderators and users using the dupehammer only) closing a post.

For the rules on writing a ping, refer to the faq.

There is also an automatic / implied ping:

  • If you are the only user to comment on a post, and its author posts a comment without an @notification, you will be notified.
Improve this answer
0

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .