Ayn Rand would always emphasize the positive, which is why I believe the invitation of "Comment" is preferable to the stigma of "0 comments." Always put equal onus on the audience, I assert. Never did believe in the inert entertainment absorber theory of audience participation. Hell, an air fern can do that.

RE: "do you hand code these beautiful sites?"
We do. And, thank you.

RE: "Kudos to the Producers"
Thanks Mooch. A separate category may be stretching it a bit but, feel free to drop a "thanks" post to whomever you like in "The Gulch: General" category. I'm sure John would love to hear it.

Yep. I'm getting it now. That's a really good idea. I think we should definitely do it.

Couldn't have said it better, jbaker, thanks, and I hope my reply to Scott clarifies.

Hi there WesleyMooch. I think you might have a really interesting idea that would help improve usability.
Please tell me if I am getting the idea. Are you suggesting that in the case where a post has 0 comments, for example a brand new post, that the site should say something like "Comment?" or "be the first to comment" or some other invitation to comment on the post instead of "0 comments"? And further that this would be a more clear way to drive people to the post detail if they are interested in that?
Again, I think you might be on to something here and I would like to get the most out the idea by understanding fully.

Kindly forget "field marker." Maybe I'm missing something by dint of impatience. If the original post counts as a comment, thus changing "0 comments" to "1 comment," then I require no more help, problem understood. If, however, I'm that 3 year old looking at a "0 comments" link which unbeknownst to me, points to the original post, I simply go away puzzled about what "contribute bandwidth" means. But if instead of "0 comments" I see an invitation in the form of a "Comment?" link, however, I'm intrigued to have a look. Hope this sorts it for you.

By the by, while I've got you, because you're a busy man whose help I much appreciate here -- do you hand code these beautiful sites? And may we have something like a "Kudos to the Producers" (or Makers) category to express appreciation for Mr. Aglialoro, bigjim, yourself? Thanks, Brother, Rick Reid

Again, I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "I believe 'Comment?' *might* have led to less confusion on my part"

I really want to understand where the problem exists so, if you don't mind, try being as explicit as possible. Pretend I know nothing about the system, Explain to me your issue like I'm 3 years old.

Also, what are you referring to as a "field marker?"

I believe "Comment?" *might* have led to more clarity on my part. The only reason I didn't notice "0 comments" till today was that I had been rescued from that necessity by quick replies from others.

I'm not sure I follow. When you post to The Gulch, you have the option of linking to external content (other websites) or submitting a post that essentially links to itself (its comment page).

If you want you're posts to link to external content, fill in the URL field. If you want posts to link to themselves (the comments page), leave the URL field blank.

I'm not sure I'm following your comment though. Try elaborating a bit more on your point.

Yes, but I have intentionally made posts thus. Why not change the field marker to read "Comment?" which, after comments are made in reply to the post, changes to "1 comment" etc?

It's actually not a bug. Don't forget, the URL field is not required. If you don't want the title to link to content, just leave the URL field blank. Make sense?