Excellent observation. Do you think if FriendFeed sent out an email for every time someone commented on one of your posts it would increase the amount of time people spend interacting with the community? - Michael Forian

Michael, I've actually said that for awhile. FriendFeed will never hit a mass audience unless it focuses on e-mail more. E-mail is something everyone understands, regardless of the technology. - Jesse Stay

Almost nothing from Facebook goes to my email. When someone friends me or sends me a direct message. Nothing else; I turned it all off immediately. If FriendFeed emailed with every comment? I'd turn it off, too, or stop using FriendFeed if there wasn't an option to turn it off. - Jandy

We should note that the email notification in Facebook is an //option// (which I happen to turn off), but I do understand what you are saying. The other thing about Facebook is the 200 milllion users; FF probably has 5% of that. - Kenley Neufeld

Jandy, I don't think you're in the majority though. Most people are used to getting e-mail for stuff like that, and will not opt-out if it's a service they frequently use and enjoy. - Jesse Stay

Kenley, yes, it's an option that can be turned off, but it's also the default, and gets sent on *every* comment. FriendFeed's only goes out when you haven't had activity in awhile. There's no way to get an e-mail for every comment. - Jesse Stay

I think the most you can get from FF is a daily digest, which I did receive when I first started using the service, but have since turned off. Perhaps the closest we are getting is the new FF notifier service. I'm playing with it now, but don't see long term use. - Kenley Neufeld

I wouldn't opt in to email notifications (I get enough email I don't read already), but what I would like FriendFeed to steal from Facebook is the ability to tag specific people in posts (to make sure they see the post) coupled with the on-site notification system. Giving the user the option to be notified by email with new activity would be good, I suppose - as long as you can opt out. - Jandy

Matthew do you really think the majority of Facebook knows how to turn that off? I have a hard enough time finding those preferences. I have a hard time believing others can find them easier than I can. I actually enjoy getting the e-mail. It forces me to read the comments. Just mark my words - you'll see greater response on Facebook because of that (w/ fewer friends). - Jesse Stay

Friendfeed could use the IM feature for comments made after you have posted to an entry NOT started by you. That could work well of course with option to turn it off. That would be better than email b/c as long as you are online and working you will know that someone somewhere has responded to your comments. And would save the spammy emails. - Amani

Amani I think that would go a long way, but the average Joe isn't going to be able to figure out IM on their own. E-mail is something everyone understands, and it's set up, automatically by just knowing their e-mail address. - Jesse Stay

I'm not underestimating anyone. The fastest growing demographic on Facebook right now is the 30 and older crowd. Even faster is the 40-60 year old moms and grandmas joining Facebook in the US. Do you really think your mom unsubscribes from those e-mails? - Jesse Stay

Jesse, I have FriendFeed as a contact on Gmail Chat so it will notify me if someone comments on any of my posts. And I must agree with you on email being universally accepted. - Michael Forian

Jessie, I think IM is the next step in progress after email. Especially with Facebook chat going mainstream. Saying that, I think IM could be the optimal solution. It will take time though. But definitely realistic moving forward with FB as the "hub". @Michael - the issue isn't being notified on comments from YOUR posts, but rather any post you comment on but aren't the author. - Amani

Well, so far the Yes's are winning. Be sure to spread this around to your friends and you can see how it breaks down: http://www.socialtoo.com/survey... - Jesse Stay

FriendFeed notifying by E-mail 'd be a great feature, with an opt-out CheckBox. In addition to this, a Private Messaging system. Really.. - Thierry R. Andriamirado

This week... I would have received at least 175 emails about comments on my stuff (and It's been a quiet week for me)... err... no thanks - Johnny