I often suspect players do not notice they have messages. I am quite chatty in games but often get no replies.

I believe if people actually new they had a message they would respond. I feel most have received a message at some point, but not cleared it, but have no idea that a new one was sent.

I know it is animated, but perhaps a more visible message would be better? A pop up perhaps, or maybe a tally that clocks up next to the envelope icon?

I have gotten messages I didn't notice until later, so I agree it would be nice to have them more visible. Not sure how to go about it.

a pop up window similar to cards? 

That would be brilliant

I want to reiterate how infuriating this is.

I am certain so so many newb players do not notice they are having diplomacy sent their way.. and despite writing on their walls, leaving a profile comment.. they still seem oblivious

I agree. I think I'm still one of the more voluble players around here and even I can go rounds without noticing someone has initiated a conversation.

>voluble

At least you are not garrulous.

Well A.D. already took 'chatty' so I had to choose from what was left.

Loquatious was still available.

In software engineering you can often set the amount of debug logging you want to see.  Usually a step up from normal debugging is "verbose", but one app I was working on needed an additional level for just a ton of debug info, so I created "garrulous" mode which we now use at work for levels above verbose.  I guess I need to figure out where loquacious and voluble fit in that hierarchy.

That's a great anecdote!