Hi all,
Just to clarify, @mentioning and member's @username is not a requirement and is not part of the guidelines. How to use the @mention function is outlined in the "How to Get Started" guide: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/

@mentioning a member by @username can make it easier to quickly see who you are responding to and many members find that useful. When a member clicks REPLY directly below a person's message, the reply also shows a snippet of who they are replying to. I describe it here in full with pictures to demonstrate https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/new-customize-the-order-you-view-posts-see-new-posts-first/

Also, some message are not directed to a specific member and then you don't need to @mention anyone in particular.
@merpreb @trixie1313 @1943 @jimmy2248, there's no right or wrong way. I invite you to add your thoughts for improvements or usage in this discussion:
* Just Want To Talk > I'm new to all this -- how do I keep up with posts that I replied to? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/im-new-to-all-this-how-do-i-keep-up-with-posts-that-i-replied-to/