The "Recent Comments" feature on the homepage was mixed up a little bit today. Previously, the 8 most recent comments were posted in chronological order. The issue was that if a single discussion was really hot, the entire section was blown out with postings on that. Who needs 8 links to the same thing?

The idea now is that the 5 most recently commented on articles appear in that section. I've already sensed some possible issues with this system, but I'm not sure they're bigger than the previous ones. Now it seems that a large degree of the comments section's personality has dissipated, as users' comment titles are no longer featured. It's always the same boring article title. Hmm. It certainly helps continuity, but does it hinder community?

Another issue. Right now, the section highlights, if you are logged in, how many of the comments in the thread are new to you. I think it's neat, and helpful, but I am concerned it might not just be easier to show how many comments exist total in that thread. From what I understand, people can do simple math pretty well. We'll keep it this way as a trial and go from there. Comments and ideas to craig@jewcy.com.