Feedback vs. Comments
I have had the pleasure of trying out and using both the Site Feedback and Site Comments sections of the Site Rubix tab on the left. I have to say that my experience with both has been quite an inspiration! Although I have talked in length about the Site Comments section in an earlier blog of mine, the purpose of this blog post is to remind all of the difference between Feedback and Comments.
What Are Comments?
Comments are always located at the end of a post or page and for good reason. They are meant to add to the post or page and provide a place where the readers can engage with the author or other readers. This actually boosts rankings when Google and other search engines see that your content is actively engaging your readers with their responses and your replies.
That being said, a valid comment is one which pertains to the actual content at hand. Also, a comment is usually within 25 - 50 words because it is about what the reader liked about the post or contains a question about the content and so it doesn't have to be long at all.
What is Feedback?
This is given outside of the actual site and is separate for a specific reason. Feedback is only meant to be seen by the author. This is so that the author can make corrections or improvements to whatever he needs to as suggested by the feedback received.
Thus, feedback is quite lengthy depending on what is being looked at. Keep in mind that the goal is to help the author with what you find to be good and what you feel needs work. Be courteous with your feedback and offer some guidance rather than bash his work.
I hope that I've cleared up the confusion between the two as whenever I see a comment that is over 250 words, I know it's feedback or when I see feedback that is only a few sentences, I know it is a comment - it is frustrating to see that there are many others that still don't know the difference!
Tell me your experience with Feedback and Comments or share your thoughts on this blog below.
Adrian
Recent Comments
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Good point Adrian. Hope they find this post, to bring some clarity between the two. Thank you for sharing.
:)Bishop
I sure hope so as well! There's so much unnecessary confusion on it that I really wish it could get cleared up faster.
I agree with you, comments are usually what the reader likes or does not like about you content. Feedback is intended to help you optimize your site. I really wish folks would take the time to go to Rubix and give feedback. Instead they use a blog on their site to request feedback. not good, in my opinion
Ah true that! I understand what you mean on requesting feedback directly on their site, Sharon!
It's a matter of investment. I feel like some users don't want to invest the time on Site Feedback because of the 2 to 1 rule but that is time well spent. Once that viewpoint is shifted, I think you'll see more people on Site Feedback.
I jumped in this adventure, where you do not know what to expect. You mentioned about length of comments. 25-50 words? I guess that it is a short comment. I guess it depends on content. If it is rich with meaning and leads to conversation, it is perfect. If I see just standart words, it looks for me as spam. Feedback supposed to be constructive. It must point what is not good in author's site. Flattery, which is just words such as your website is excellent, does not give for you anything. Feedback is for improving your site, adding something what you missed. I would prefer words such as your website is total missery or something similar. We are here to grow and learn. Without constructive criticism, I feel that something is missing and I do not know what it is.
I prefer constructive criticism in my comments because it will help me improve than be sugar-coated and miss the plot.
I would like to add that having the right kind of comments actually gives your website a boost by adding to the content and helping add value to the article itself. Sometimes a concerned commentor can even help your article by giving a controversal opinion that is against your beliefs. But comments are just that, they are like a review that someone is expressing about your article.
I wonder what would happen if you edited someone's comment before it was approved?
Ken
It works. You can edit them. I got advice from one member. You remove link in comments as always and edit comment as you like. All the best. I think it was Robert-A. Yes, it was him. Good luck.
Thank you Nemira for your answer. I have done this once already, but kept quiet about it, and hoped Google didn't penalize me.
I totally agree with the points you mention above Nemira. Comments are excellent no matter the size, as long as they are engaging and add depth to the article.
As for feedback, it is true that it must be constructive. I wouldn't go so far as for the person to use such harsh evaluative words as "misery" but I do see the benefit of showing the weaknesses as well as the strengths of the site rather than some fairy-dusted comment that sounds like it's all sunshine and daisies.
In response to Kmer6, you have every right to edit your comments as your are the website administrator. Also, sometimes you will find grammatical errors or backlinks or even links within the comment itself that shouldn't be there.
There is no harm done when you edit your comments. So keep at it as you want to make sure that what is there is in the best shape it can be. Remember those comments are also a reflection of your site as they add to the discussion, so they must look as good as the rest of your article and site :)
In reply to RKSiganisucu, that's a bit tricky to have constructive criticism in your comments. Remember that what is said in comments should add onto your post or article. Having those kinds of criticism in your comments won't make much sense if you edit your post/page after the comment was written.
Plus, if there is something to improve and the person is a WA member, he or she should just PM you the corrections or the points that need to improve and write a genuine comment about the post/page. That way you can have a comment that adds to the discussion and still make those corrections.
I hope EVERYONE in WA reads this. Oftentimes, when I request and receive "comments" they get published on my post as, really, "feedback" ... general assessments of the site and content, not specific comments on the post or page.
To an "outside" reader, this can look rather strange, I think, and inappropriate. When you give a WA member feedback on his/her site, it should be just that - feedback. When leaving a comment, talk about and respond to the content of the post or page.
True enough. Have you been screening out the "feedback"- type comments before publishing them?
The Site Comments tool really helps cut down the number of "feedback type comments" but some still skirt on by. Good thing there's a disapprove button :)
The difference between comments and feedback certainly needs to be pointed out. I can't say I agree with you in terms of length however. I have written fairly lengthy comments and a few words in feedback. It's not how long it is. It is what is being said. Like you say feedback is constructive criticism on design, page layout, use of headers etc. Suggestions for site improvement. Comments are based on content only and should be engaging, ask questions, provide opportunity to continue the discussion thread.
Oh, I am in total agreement with what you are saying that length doesn't really play a factor in it. I was merely stating it as it is the suggested minimum for Site Comments and Site Feedback.
Certainly, the aim should be on the purposes and goals of comments vs feedback as you and I have mentioned above.
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I like that you mention feedback being for the author only.