1. Follow the conferencing structure.
The conferencing system is built so that there is a distinction between "posting new message in this thread" and "Reply" to a message that is already posted. Following this structure will tune the users into whether they are continuing with an idea previously posted or starting a new message about the thread topic.

2. Stick to the discussion topic.
When posting messages, make sure that your ideas either relate to the discussion topic or are in direct response to something that someone has already posted. If you have something to say, a new discovery perhaps or a sudden inspirational thought, that does not fit the above criteria, this is a sign that you need to start a new thread.

3. Respond to each other's postings.
Users are not sure which messages to respond to and which to leave as completed thoughts. This produces confusion. Some tips for responding include:
* acknowledge the last entry when appropriate
* cut and paste ideas from previous messages to carry on the conversation
* pose questions for others to respond to
* identify people by name to keep a personal sense of communication alive.

4. Ask for what you need.
If you would like to have a response to a particular thought or question, ask. That will tune other users' attention to your comments.

5. Know in advance that the discussion may nonetheless appear disjointed.
Online conferencing is also identified as "asynchronous communication."
It is a mix of written and spoken language and the open-ended nature of this kind of communication leads to what may seem like random postings.