comments...obstacle or catalyst?

One of my goals, as a blogger, has been to make this blog a welcome
spot, where readers feel comfortable to participate in the comment
section. In fact, I am quite in awe of the comments left by all of you.
I am daily inspired, very much entertained (your comments make
me laugh until it hurts), as well as enlightened, by your thoughtful
and avid participation. In many of the more lively conversations,
there are those of you who return, adding further to the discussion.

Last week, I visited an interesting blog for the first time and left a
comment. This blogger, in turn, visited Willow Manor, and instead of
leaving a comment, took the extra effort to send an email, telling me
they "turned tail" because of the number of comments. It never
occurred to me that too many comments could chase bloggers away.
I know. I know. I shouldn't take these kinds of things personally, but
not being one who relishes the thought of being blissfully ignorant, as
Reya so eloquently mentions in her blog today, I took a moment to
ponder.

I've always considered the comment section the soul of the blog.
That's where the compelling expression takes place. I appreciate that
readers feel free to leave their own ideas, even if they vary from my
own. It gives the blogging community the texture and interest it
needs to be engaging and appealing. The more the merrier. There are
countless times an excellent book, piece of music, an artist, recipe, or
thought provoking idea has been mentioned, not in the text of a post,
but in the comment section of a blog.

So, what's your opinion? When you visit a blog, does the number of
comments effect you? Are you repelled by a large number and leave
without visiting the comment section? Or does the number work as
a catalyst, drawing you in, behind the scene, to the smoke-filled
room?

artwork: detail from Mr. Hulings' Rack Picture by William Harnett