Does this "view" count on posts reflect the # of distinct viewers? (i.e., and not the total # of views)
I noticed this because when I re-read a post, the view count of that post did not increase.
I have always assumed that the view count is distinct views and that it is constructed by some combination of forum account and IP address because guests are counted as well. I have not tested this, however. I certainly hope the count is based on distinct views because that makes it a possible way to determine current and potential users's interests.
I think you are right, but I am also pretty sure that at least some other forums that I use do it the other way.