Brad - Thanks for the mention.  Since we're tooting my horn at the moment, I'd like to add that I posted about this feature on 2/21/2009 in my post titled, "They're at it again: ActiveRain still making changes."  I was (and still am) excited about the comments linkability.  When a good comment sparks a good idea for a post, its nice to give credit and link back to that comment so everyone can see it (and hopefully read the post and comment on that as well).

Of course, now that you've let the world in on the fact that there is in fact and AR World's Record For Longest Comment Stream, people will be banging down my door to try and dethrone me.  So long top spot.

Lenn - Thanks for the compliment.  I'm a firm believer in trying to reply to everything.  I might miss a few here or there, but I've said it before and I'll say it again - the comments are where the real stuff should be happening.  The purpose of a blog post is not a singular point with a definitive end.  It should be a chance to open the door to a conversation - especially when we're dealing with a public facing post.

Kristin - Its hard to dethrone someone who talks too much.  Just wait until you get a voicemail from me.  I can leave my whole life story on there if they let me.

Sally - Its not about clicking on the #x while reading through the comments, its about getting the link URL from that #x and then using it as a link in something else (a post or an email for example).    For example, you recently commented on C Tann-Starr's blog.  You wrote:

Holy smokes... that's too cool.  I think those who use a graphic image for their photo are missing something.

If I didn't want to cut and paste the text (like I did above), I could just put something like:

Hey everyone, check out what Sally had to say today!

Cindy - I know sometimes I delete posts when someone double posts the same thing.  I'm kind of nuts for that kind of stuff.  When you do that, there will be a missing number.

Brad - Missing my post pointing out the changes in ActiveRain when you work at ActiveRain should be considered acceptable.  The day I discovered you could use the links, I wound up creating a circle of links between two posts and the comments.  It got a bit confusing for me.   Be careful with the new power.

Mr. Crouch - It is with great sadness that I report to you that your attempt at your claim will be denied.  Although your comments are record worthy under normal circumstances, you will find that #121 takes two clicks to get through (this will depend on your browser width and height, but this was independently verified a in a very scientific test), #154 takes 3 clicks, and my opus takes 4 clicks.  I realize I may have started a war, but its a war I am willing to work on and win.

Hmmm, we need a good scientific test to prove ourselves.  Perhaps we'll both have to write a post of x length that will be featured at the same exact time.  We will be forced to not reply to any comments until the following day at which time we will have to reply naturally (with typing "blah blah blah" a thousand times).  An independent panel will be asked to verify length and validity of comments (repeating the same basic idea over and over again will bring on penalties).  Brad, I'll expect you to set up the First Annual ActiveRain Comment Cage Match Competition at your earliest convenience.