The problem I see is that new users don't understand the answers interface. Why do I say that? Because when a new user asks a question and get an answer, they often want to ask a followup question, which SHOULD be asked as a comment on the answer. This is entirely ok of course, and encouraged. It shows that a person is interested in the answer, and wants to learn more.
The flaw is, how should they do that? What do they see?
The new user sees a LARGE box, for a new answer. There is also a tiny blue button to add a comment to that answer. But they see a LARGE BOX to type in.
Honestly, what will the novice user type in to ask a followup question or make a comment? The big BOX of course, that lets them type. So every new user keeps adding new answers to their question for every comment. Eventually they learn, but only if someone is able to get their attention.
In one case, I saw Image Analyst actually move an answer into a comment, deleting the answer and pasting in the text as a comment in the appropriate place. He then added extra text to explain what he had done and why. I considered doing it myself at least once, but this takes extra work, and given the number of times it happens it is clear that this won't be done often by someone who has the powers to make that move.
My point is, the problem is the choice of user interface for a response. Big visible edit box for text (as an answer) versus little tiny comment link. And all the comment link does is create a comment edit box that should have been visible in the first place!
Best Answer