Feedback vs Comment, the war continues!
I see there is a lot of debate as to what constitutes a comment and what constitutes feedback....instead of debating it I am going to put it into the context that I understand WA to use it.
When we are giving feedback on a site through site feedback we are basically making observations of that site, as in, does it load quickly, is it pleasing, do the links work (you click on shoes and it goes to shoes and not carpets), can you navigate the site easily, is there a privacy policy...etc, etc...all relevant to the site. Are the posts well written, the subject looks good, etc. So when we give feedback the site owner can improve their site with the constructive criticism received...all about the site.
Comments in this context is usually about the content on the site. Like if you are looking at their shoe page (sorry I am now fixated on shoes today) you say I love the shoes do they come in my colour, or I bought a pair of those and the heels dropped off inside a week, or I love that you have vegetarian shoes, or how much do you charge for postage on that item, my Mother bought those and she says never to buy from you again......all good stuff related to whatever they are selling or advising on their site. It could also be, the advice you have given here is what I needed to start my business, or what makes you an authority on this subject?
So that my beautiful WA'ers is my 4.275 cents worth on the subject (I will not be cheapened!) and if you think it could be useful, share it with those who are still trying to figure it out.....
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We are going to be making some updates to further clarify this for people, but there was actually an issue we just found within the SiteHealth tab of websites. People were clicking the SiteFeedback button and it was taking them to SiteComments.
This could have very well been the culprit of many of these issues and we are going to be updating that bug tomorrow AM.
But more clarity is going to be coming people's way before they use both platforms, even though there is training on both pages and a strong distinction between the two, it might not be enough.
All part of the process of improving platforms. :)
I am glad to hear that Kyle...I was wondering why people weren't getting the comments they deserved...
That's fantastic Kyle. It's really awesome to see that you and Carson stay on top of things!
I was starting to become more concerned leaving a comment or feedback than to go diving with Sharks.
I have a confession...I have not started using Site Feedback yet. I have done the Comments though.
The distinction is pretty simple I think.
Feedback-details about your website itself (as you said).
Comment-discussion about the content of your site.
So for my site on cat health and nutrition, the comments are all about cat health and behavior issues (Joe wants to know about what to do for an old cat with teeth falling out, Sue wants to know what to do about a cat that bites), not about my layout, colors, speed etc.
Exactly Jessica....and comments can make or break your site...which is why they have to be carefully moderated.
Even comments which are complimentary but have no relevance to the page that their comment is on....
Hi Michael,
Thanks for the insight and a sometimes confusing topic. I am reluctant at times to get involved with issuing feedback or comments because I am not always sure how my comments or feedback on the other person's site, will be taken This helps the understanding of the subject.
Bill
If you have something that can add value and you are not sure if it will be received in the manner you intended, you can always PM them and let them decide. Thanks for dropping in folks!
I have noticed the same thing. When I go to the feedback forum and see the comments that are left on the websites, I see critiques on the website rather than comments on the content.
It has to be realized that critique is going to devalue the page or post which sets back the "pay it forward" mantra. Promote the page then critique in the feedback here within WA.
Do any of the shoes fit Yaks? Bernie wants to know.
Good point Greg comments are about promoting the site rather than devaluing it.
Bertie's having you on.....he has a room full of them......he's on that show, hoarder's buried alive........there's no hope for him!
I totally agree with you, giving a feedback on how the site looks etc.. how can you possibly comment on a site that is selling rotten cheese and say wow I love it... I would be lying ... now we all know that most of our sites are in the make money niche, and yes we can comment on that because we know what we are saying to be true. I was told the other day, not to allow comment make them leave a comment on the bottom using the fb comment plugin.. I know a top blogger who does that.. okay thats my 3.9 cents lol Bea
Hi, Michael I like your views on the subject, the comment/feedback chestnut is cyclic in nature. As new folks come through the system it rears its head until folks click on, it is part of the system we are a family older brothers and sisters should look after the littluns. Cause otherwise they will up sticks and truck off to the next venue.
Thanks Michael.
I try to be really optimistic and positive and polite and ask questions when doing comments.
With feedback I am still polite and positive while being objective and using constructive criticism where I think it's needed because that is what I want people to do for me.
The point of feedback is for people to find fault that you may be blind to yourself right? And to get ideas to take on board.
Cheers, Kris.
P.S. I like shoes too ;-)
You have the right ideas Kris...and I am glad you like the shoes. Read Kyle's comment here....
Loved you shoe party... though at times you want to be barefooted ... and walk under the rain...on the grass...or feel the thick fluffy carpet, or carefully make your way on the pebbles to the sea.. whatever...
Both are quite clear notions, I presume, and judging from what you say and how I see it, looks like site owners would rather prefer comments than feedback... though it depends...)
Still you see if you give a feedback, you a kind of put yourself higher, though it depends in which manner you do it...
We here commenting on our blogs, definitely do both, in in absolute majority of cases it's fine...:)
We dance the dance of life and sometimes we tango......in the end if we all help each other the better off we all are...... :)
Yes... I mostly, rock'n roll, even now, sitting in front of the computer... though tango is good too...(it takes two, i know...in our case it's some mass tango, sometimes...).. We help each other continuosly here, even if we do not notice...Some word, some attitude, some tiniest detail...:)
I should be crazy ... I think I wrote the comment...and even sent it... Multitasking... lol...:))
thanks for this michael,
so maybe a template on what to look for in the feedback on sites would be good - just to let people know what to give feedback on, instead of 'nice site'?
or maybe instead of telling show? examples, within the site feedback and comment area?
explaination of how much is required and why it is required
why a comment on the site of ' change your headers' will be deleted, it is not a chat area - it is for others to see that you are knowledgeable in your chosen area.
oops - starting to rant meself!!
have fun
phil
LOL ! You can rant all you like Phil. I think maybe the feedback could be in the form of a questionaire to standardise the feedback and make it more useful...the comments would obviously change according to the site they are looking at...good points you make.
ooh! there's a plugin for questionaires - i found it yesterday - still trying to get it to work!!
i agree about the form, with areas for free expression of course.
comments area totally free exression, but with rules of 250 words, ask at least one question, if you know nothing about this or are not interested then.....
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Spot on, Michael.
The problem is, this is obviously not made clear to new members when they start using SiteComments.
I think the only way round it is to reject these comments and provide a good explaination informing them why it was rejected and how they can do better next time.
Luckily Kyle is now on the case...see his comment below....