Not sure how many users know about the
Notify option, which shows up when are you on a particular forum or topic. This option enables email notification to your registered email address, whenever there is any further activity on that particular forum or topic.
This takes away the need to login to the site periodically for checking updates.
BTW, how many have noticed the
View the most recent posts in this forum option at the bottom of the home page. That is also very helpful in figuring out the most recent activity on the forum.