Unless you have a community really focused on good discussion with readers who treat each other with respect it's pointless to solicit comments on the web these days. It just drags down the quality content. I think it's difficult for writers to not be influenced by this small vocal minority who use web comments as an outlet for their mental health problems. Most of these comment trolls are no different than a crazy homeless person ranting &#38; raving on the street. They just want an outlet.