There are several ways (1) to add a user: (Don't laugh, but I've seen often when one way didn't work, it worked with the other way). If that doesn't help, check log files (2). (1) http://www.skilledtests.com/wiki/Statusnet_problems#two_ways_to_subscribe_to_users (2) http://www.skilledtests.com/wiki/Statusnet_problems#How_do_I_activate_logs_.3F