Spelling and Grammar

• Use proper grammar when posting on a discussion board. Avoid using slang phrases or abbreviations, and use common spellings for words. If you can use a spell-checker before you post content, do so. Try to keep your text in standard fonts and colors to make it easy for everyone to read.
  
  

Respect

• Show respect for your fellow discussion board participants. Do not reply to discussion threads with insults or other rude comments. Refrain from using curse words, as this is always inappropriate on any discussion board. There is never a reason to write anything disrespectful on the discussion board. If you don't agree with something that someone says, explain your point of view in a respectful manner.
  
  

Be Specific

• Do not simply reply to a thread on the discussion board with "I agree" or "good point." Elaborate on why you agree with someone's posting. State specific parts of the post that you liked the most. Find other information that supports or contradicts the poster's point of view to include in your reply. This adds value to the discussion, whereas a simple "good job" does not.
  
  

Citations

• When taking information from other sources to include in your posting, make sure to cite it. You cannot take information from other sources and claim it as your own on a discussion board posting, just as you cannot do that in a research paper. Include the source information (author, title, publication, link) at the bottom of your posting.