There is nothing that switches me more off a 'writer' than the 'writer' thanking the reader. In 60 years of being published, and with 22 years of earning my living as a writer on the web (on many, many different websites), this is the first time I've encountered this rediculous pander-mongering to the reader.

i find it patronizing to be 'thanked' for reading. I wasnb't doing you any favours, and I most certainly won't be reading anymore of your stuff if that is your response.