suggestion: tick "notify me when a reply is posted" by default(particularly for the thread-starter, but I think it would be a good idea generally)
rationale:
1. some users are unaware of the checkbox and don't know they have to tick it to be notified
2. even when you are aware of it, it's easy to forget every so often
3. it increases forum participation
4. it's a particular pity if a user asks for a movie in "help me name that movie" and is not notified when a helpful Criticker fellow finds the movie many months later