To clarify, the feature in question is the "follow topic" button found in the upper right when viewing any topic, as highlighted in the following image:
[attachment=12245:follow_topic_button.png]

Given the discussion currently being held in the topic "+5 for following" in the Comments, Suggestions & Ideas forum I wanted to get some actual stats on how you -- our community -- actually use this feature so we can make a properly informed decision.


Please also feel free to give your opinion on the matter being discussed either here or (preferably, so we can keep the replies together) in the linked topic, we'd love to know everyone's thoughts.


Thanks for your time!

Another reason: Because I too want the answer to the question (which hasn't been posted yet), or is at least vaguely interested in what responses might be, but have nothing to say (yet)

Thanks Olof -- I've added that option in case others want to choose it.

Thanks!

I guess my reason was two.
Also if I don't really plan on replying, but is just interested to see how and what people will respond.

The post might be nothing special really, and will likely not be very useful, and will probably not become an argument, I'm just somewhat interested in either the subject, or the general forum response

I really do not have a use for it. Topics I find interesting, I bookmark, and than file accordingly. If the topic is really good, I save the text to my hard drive.

2 issues I have with "follow" in forums:
1:- They tend to spam the crap out of my Email box
2:- Random forum bugs and/or updates , can completely mess up "follows"

I used to use the equivalent feature to keep track of answers to common questions that I could copy and paste when they came up again. Ever since I lost the bookmarks from the previous version of the site, I don't trust the feature for that kind of usage anymore. There doesn't seem to be a point to using something the staff has been clearly unwilling to support.

I'd just like to add, that the main usage I have for it is to keep track of threads I've been active in, to follow up on replies and maybe reply again.
And that is a vital function I absolutely require of any forum I use, if there is no way to easily list my active threads, I tend to stop using that forum rather quickly...

I only need two tabs, "active" and "new", first go to active, check through those, and only after that (maybe, if I have time) check the "new threads".

I rarely go to the subforums directly

I feel like I should clarify my "I don't use it because I see no use for it" vote: I'm not really sure what "following" a topic even does. I certainly don't want emails. There's already a star by topics I've posted in, and usually I post in the ones I care about. I've already got bookmarks in my browser for common GD threads/answers. For me, personally, it doesn't add anything that either a) I can't already do myself, and b) I don't need to be bothered to "come see new posts to GD" because I'm already here waaaay more than I should be.

I'd just like to add, that the main usage I have for it is to keep track of threads I've been active in, to follow up on replies and maybe reply again.

You don't need to follow threads to do that. On the top right of the page, click on your name next to the sign out button, and then click on the My Content link from the drop down.

Personally, I don't use it but I would use it if I felt that it's essential that I be informed by email of replies to something. Currently though I can't think of any reason why I'd need such an update on a thread so urgently.

If I come across a thread or an article that I want to come back to later, I"ll just bookmark it.