I think there are good takeaways here. I think having the comments-button contain the # is efficient, and I believe placement on the right side will encourage reading the article first, before diving into the discussion. Perhaps there will be a bit less discussion, but it should be of higher quality. It's worth trying, anyway.
To be honest, though, I'd rather see a better mobile experience first, before a re-design of the normal experience.
Or, ensure the re-design includes an improved mobile experience. No more itty-bitty links (I too often tap the wrong thing), no more itty-bitty text (to be readable, I have to scroll sideways a lot, and please please please no more triangles so small I have to tap the screen like 5x to be sure I don't accidentally hit "down" when I want to "up".
... and do I spy a gradient in the orange header?! I like gradients, when used minimally. 8-)
To be honest, though, I'd rather see a better mobile experience first, before a re-design of the normal experience.
Or, ensure the re-design includes an improved mobile experience. No more itty-bitty links (I too often tap the wrong thing), no more itty-bitty text (to be readable, I have to scroll sideways a lot, and please please please no more triangles so small I have to tap the screen like 5x to be sure I don't accidentally hit "down" when I want to "up".
... and do I spy a gradient in the orange header?! I like gradients, when used minimally. 8-)