Notifications About Site Activity is inconsistent

[c2q]

I do not consistently get notification in my inbox on site activity close to me, even when I am a participant in the discussion or when I have  checked under actions to actively follow it.

What should I do?

[kristen-9-7-15]

Mark‌

All of mine look like #1. What your saying is if I want to be notified in the Inbox aka the red bell thingy, I should click "Inbox" as shown in #2?  I think I understand.  Aye Aye Aye.  I am lucky I am almost 3 years quit!  Phew! Thanks for all you help Mark!  Your an AWESOME Community Manager!! 

[CommunityAdmin]

That is correct! And thanks

Mark
EX Community Manager