Google has launched Sidewiki, a browser sidebar that lets you contribute and read information alongside any web page. It was launched on September 23, so some of you may have thoughts on its viability by now.
It’s designed to allow readers to contribute insights, access tips on browsing, ask questions and build community. Site owners are provided with the ability to interact with users, editing and responding in a way that links into the new technology being made available through Google Wave.
You can access the sidewiki feature by downloading the Google toolbar with sidewiki, online at www.google.com/sidewiki.
So, is this a great tool for capturing feedback and launching conversations or does it throw the doors wide open to spammers and give ‘em free reign?
Question of the day
What will you use sidewiki for, if anything?
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-comments-and-sidewiki-alerts.html