Comments on: The Google Sidewiki Disaster

By: Wizzer

Wizzer — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:00:48 +0000

I guess everyone, including massive companies get it wrong sometimes!

The mark of true brilliance is when you put you hands up and admit it.

Come on Google, show us those hands!!!

By: Destritt

Destritt — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:53:44 +0000

This was not a well thought out process and I am really surprised that Google would roll out a tool like this. What amazes me is that Google can penalize some of us if we don't follow their standards but its okay for them to create a useless tool like sidewiki. I don't get it!!

By: Wizzer

Wizzer — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:33:40 +0000

I’m with you on this. I think the disadvantages outweigh any possible benefits. Too much potential for abuse

By: Reza Winandar

Reza Winandar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:22:00 +0000

I don't like Google Sidewiki because it makes my browser load slower and I don't think the information that given to me is acceptable.

By: Wizzer

Wizzer — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:44:29 +0000

I agree – I think sometimes that big companies get caught up in their own importance and put things out without always thinking through the implications. As you say though – push the boundaries.

By: Trial Contact Lenses

Trial Contact Lenses — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:21:30 +0000

Hmm I can see Google's thinking behind this but there are just too many practical issues for it to work. For one, even if you can flag comments, how many people will Google need to hire just to plough through all the spam?! I like Google, but they do come up with some hairbrained ideas sometimes! Still, at least they're pushing the boundaries and trying new stuff I guess!

By: southfloridaBizpages

southfloridaBizpages — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 20:31:50 +0000

Thanks for your useful information. Monitoring and control is a key issue.

By: Wizzer

Wizzer — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:31:58 +0000

Thanks for your input Brian. I think the real issue is – control. Being able to monitor the comments is one thing but I can already feel my blood pressure rising if that's all I can do and I have a whole layer of extra work and bureaucracy to go through to get unwanted comments deleted

By: Brian R

Brian R — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:08:39 +0000

I surely understand why many webmasters don't like SideWiki and fear that competitors will use it to add comments to your site that will be as helpful as the comments that graffiti artists add to bathroom walls.

You should monitor the SideWiki comments on your own site(s) closely and act promptly on negative comments. There are now tools available that can monitor SideWiki comments for you, and alert you when new comments are posted.

http://www.updatepatrol.com/monitor-sidewiki-comm…