I've been searching around the forums for a way to get automatic email notifications when someone replies to one of my forum posts or sends me a personal message (you know, like every other forum has), but I haven't found that option. Does it even exist?

As far as I know, it's not an option. I don't think TV Tropes does anything involving users' emails at this point and time.

Well, there's no such thing as a "reply" to your forum posts, at least as long as far as the forum software is concerned. I'm pretty sure it only counts things as replies to the thread as a whole (which you can follow if you put it on your watchlist). As far as I know, that feature does not have a PM feature.

TV Tropes does not collect or utilize your email address in any way, shape, or form. We have considered requiring email addresses for account verification but that is, at best, at the wishlist stage.

The best way to keep track of threads that interest you is to add them to your forum watchlist and check it regularly.

edited 10th Feb '12 6:36:52 AM by Fighteer

Is there a way one could add email functionality, for people who actually like getting notifications that something they are watching has been updated?

Replied in PM. No, I somehow don't think it's going to be implemented.

but does anyone know why not?

We don't ask for an e-mail addy when you register, for one thing.

I'm also sure that FE et al are disinclined to add to the complaint load with people being paranoid about the use of their e-mail addresses.

As I said earlier, this is not on the table currently. Also, moving to Tech Wishlist.