I know this has probably been asked before, but there's my suggestions.. a spell check option for thread, and a notice that members have a new pm waiting to be read.
If your using Internet Explorer Ispell is the add on that you want. If your using Firefox then it comes built in. In regards to private messages you do get a update either through your emails sent to you by email or if you refresh the home page of afterdawn it should show you that you have a new message on the right hand side.
