Google's Sidewiki, released on September 23, is a browser plug-in that allows anyone to add their own comments to a page for others to see that have the Sidewiki plug-in. Did I say that you can't filter these comments? YOU CAN'T.
The basic idea is that every page on your web site provides the user community with a public area to make comments on your brand, products, services, etc. Google has built in some controls but nothing that you have control over. Google has an algorithm that decides which comments are more relevant and moves them to the top of the sidebar.
The Sidewiki also includes various ways for people to interact with each other. Users can vote on the comments regarding their usefulness as well as the ability to report abuse.
Sidewiki is not a new idea. There have been other attempts to place this public information on corporate web pages. Third Voice provided this same service but went under after a huge amount of public complaints. Their installation involved pop-ups which was more intrusive than Google's implementation.
When we work with companies on social marketing we tend to get the response that our clients want to control the comments that get added to the social environment. Even though that might keep negative comments off your branded site it doesn't stop bad comments from being placed elsewhere. Sidewiki now makes it a lot easier for those negative comments to be entered and closely associated with your brand (on your own site).
The important take away from this is that your brand must understand how to communicate in this new social environment where bad comments can be instantly added in such a way where thousands can gain access to those comments. Brands have to learn how to interact with the Internet community.
If handling this type of Internet social media is new or a challenge give us a call at (816) 529-9000 or visit our web site at www.ontargetinteractive.com.
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