The simple solution is to just scrap the notifications for individual posts or PMs. Instead, do notifications by each GAME , with a counter showing its total number of new forum posts. Within the game forum, use the existing "New" flag to show which threads have new posts (although, a counter would be nice here, too). When a game forum thread is opened, it should go automatically to the first of the new posts. The counter would reset to zero. Also, if wouldn't hurt to sort "My Games" by those with new posts first. For PMs and non-game forums, do similarly, Boom! Done. Nice & easy. No more drowning in notifications.