Each topic in the Conference (i.e. each item that appears in the Navigation window) has a discussion area.

Start a new thread by clicking the 'new comment' link at the top of the discussion outline.

Messages are marked: unread messages are highlighted in bold.  The bold highlight is removed once the message is read.

Screen refresh occurs automatically every 60 seconds. If others are currently active in the discussion area, their new messages will appear in the outline.

Clicking on the 'Discussion' menu displays the discussion outline for the topic. 

Clicking on a message displays the message in a separate window.

Reply to a message by clicking 'Add a reply (continue the thread)' or 'Add a reply (to this message).' In the discussion outline shown, the message 'Reply to message' below the one written by Christine was added by replying to the message, whereas the last message written by Timothy was created by clicking on 'Add a reply (continuing the thread)'.

The comment form is where you type your message. It opens in a separate window.