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Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:21:42 -0000

Will Bontrager has kindly tracked the actual percentage of traffic that comes to his websites that has Google Sidewiki installed.
http://www.willmaster.com/blog/contentprotectio...

For those of you who may still be saying that this isn't a big deal and that "no one will end up using it anyway", think again. Currently, the statistics are showing that over 14% of traffic is using it. 14%!!!

Do you not understand what this means?

14% have adopted this "feature", and the tool has only been launched about a MONTH.

Wow. Even for Google, that sets a record.

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:12:03 -0000

Don't worry, KonaGirl. When I get this mad, I'm like a pit bull and won't stop biting until someone pries my jaws open. LOL

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:09:53 -0000

True, my days don't normally consist of fist waving and slogging through mountains of sleazy comments. I'm also much more peace-loving on any given day. But this issue is well worth the battle, if there is even the slightest chance that the Google Gods will listen to our pleas. :)

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:06:45 -0000

That is an excellent suggestion, Dan. Much appreciated!

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:09:21 -0000

Exactly! The assertion that "people will know it isn't your website" is patently ridiculous. Google knows damn well that people will use it instead of our built in commenting system.

But here's the real rub.

You do not need Sidewiki installed in order to view comments that people have posted. Google has already proven this by including Sidewiki comments as fully indexed and searchable on their own engine.

When anyone clicking THAT link (a google.com link, not your own URL), they will definitely be confused, and Google knows it.

Here's an example (I found this while searching on Google for the keyphrase "stop sidewiki"):
http://www.google.com/sidewiki/entry/1059090425...

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:40:20 -0000

And more shocking news...

Thanks to LB in the Warrior Forum for spotting this PRINT AD that Google placed in a newspaper, advertising for Sidewiki. http://twitpic.com/kml4q

I want you to pay close attention to how they chose to word the ad.

Headline: "Every page on the web is missing one crucial voice. Yours."

Excuse me? What did you just say? Did you just say that EVERY page on the web needs/requires/craves opinions from every Joe Blow who has the urge to post whatever they damn well want to?

Really?

Every page on the web?

Pardon the language, but...
HOLY CRAP!!!!!!

Who the hell died and made Google the boss of the internet? When did they win the Gods of the Web Award?

What makes them think they have the right to decide what appears anywhere on or near our websites!!!

They have only ONE right. That is, they can choose which sites THEY POINT TO in their search engine. I have zero right to tell them how they should serve traffic, and I have steadfastly abstained on the issue for many years.

But they think because they own over 90% of our eyeballs that this gives them the power to decide what our visitors may or may not do while on OUR SITES?

(Can you tell I'm steamed?)

(breathe, Sylvie, breathe)

OK, now, take a look at the illustration they use to show how it works.

Look closely.

Do you see my point?

OK, let me clarify...

The illustration clearly shows that they know full well that Sidewiki is viewed as (and will be used as) the MAIN METHOD for social interaction while viewing a webpage.

Meaning (for those who insist that Google means no harm to anyone with this) they are deliberately trying to sidetrack users AWAY from using our website's primary communication medium, and instead, use THEIRS.

AAARRRGGGHHH!!!!!

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:39:02 -0000

You got my vote, John. (and for the record, my deep dark shameful secret is that I am a big fan of Failblog, so I can tell a good Fail from a dumb one) LOL

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:56:58 -0000

Oh, man, you have GOT to read this...

John Varley graciously permitted me to use his personal horror storm with Sidewiki as an example on this website, as shown in the above screenshots.

Today, I noticed he has updated his rant against Sidewiki, and I have got to tell you, I am still wiping the tears of laughter out of my eyes. This guy truly understands the problem, and for those of you who are still in doubt about how horrible this is, please read John's updated commentary. (Strong Language Warning)

The Sidewiki Abomination

And while you're there, if you're a fan of science fiction, or if you aren't sure what to get for someone you know who is a Sci-Fi fan, please consider buying one or more of John's books either from Amazon, or from your local book store. I am personally planning to buy one of everything he has ever written, as my personal show of support for a guy who isn't afraid to speak his mind.

His books are listed here:
http://varley.net

And no, please do NOT use Sidewiki to communicate with him, even if you want to post something nice. He makes it quite clear that he does not want any commenting on Sidewiki, and we should respect his wishes please.

If you want to talk to him, he reads all his email and will respond if he chooses. Yes, he really does want to hear from his fans. :)

Another update:

Our friends at iCop posted a very interesting newsletter issue today. You will definitely want to read this!

Apparently, Google has shown quite clearly that they do not intend to listen to any of us, ever. Period. Read the saga for yourself, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on their obvious self serving interest in this matter:
Read their latest issue: The Finger Raising Ceremony
http://onlinebusinesstradejournal.com/10-19-09.htm

Shocking stuff!!!

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:22:39 -0000

Hey John. Yep. I'm afraid that I will be following suit myself, and for the first time since Google was born, I will be actively using an alternate search engine. I know it ain't much, but it's my own personal boycott.

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:21:09 -0000

Hi Abey. Thanks for your comments. However, you're seeing this from your perspective, rather than seeing it from the perspective of someone relatively new to online tools. Remember, you're talking to someone who runs a company that specializes in supplying web based businesses with customer support services. Which means, we see MORE than just one perspective. We see the flood of emails from people who ask the "dumbest" questions, because they just aren't web savvy. Most can't tell the difference between an ad appearing on your site vs. your content. This is hardly different.

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:16:30 -0000

Thanks for this link! I've added it to our Sidewiki Blockers list, in a new section where we'll list any Anti Sidewiki activism links. http://www.marketersboard.com/google-sidewiki-b...

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:09:53 -0000

Thanks for this link! I've added it to our Sidewiki Blockers page:
http://www.marketersboard.com/google-sidewiki-b...

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:04:14 -0000

Well said!

Re: Google Sidewiki Blockers

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:02:26 -0000

Not sure what a "normal website owner" is defined as (I think I'm pretty normal). :)

But my problem with all of this is that all website owners lose the ability to manage the comments appearing that are directly related to (beside) their own websites, and that's where blockers may become a necessity. For us, we haven't yet decided to implement a blocker, as we're in a "wait and see" mode. But we won't hesitate to do it if it becomes necessary.

Note that even the blockers won't stop Sidewiki comments from happening, and they will still be searchable (indexed by Google), but that, at least, would be located on Google's domain, not appearing next to my own while a customer is browsing my website.

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 08:55:59 -0000

Yep, this one is already listed on the Google Sidewiki Blockers page.
http://www.marketersboard.com/google-sidewiki-b...

We haven't installed it yet, so we can't advise on its efficacy

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:33:12 -0000

Thank you for this link. Very informative! It is good to know that we can't get sued over garbage that others post on Sidewiki. But I still have concerns over how people can misperceive it as material I somehow allow on my site. Just last week, I had a conversation with someone who threatened to report me for being a scammer. Why? Because they had clicked an Adsense ad on one of my sites, got scammed by them, and they thought they had bought from ME.

If people are that easily confused by an ad, think how they can be confused by what looks like my comment system. uggh. The mind boggles

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:47:21 -0000

Absolutely agreed! What I find insulting is when people came on this board saying "I haven't seen anything bad posted" as if that proves their point.

That's why I took all that extra time during the weekend, slogging through the crap, so I could show exactly what is there.

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:44:46 -0000

OK, that is just hysterical! Thank you for doing this, and hopefully drawing attention to how Sidewiki could be used/abused by people with nefarious intent.

I love how you're doing it, too. Keeping within the boundaries of their rules, and showcasing the possible damage that could be done on these sites.

My favorite is the jihadist comments. Seriously, smart stuff!

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:27:11 -0000

So far, the only power we have, according to Google, is to "claim" our own sites by posting our own Sidewiki entries, on each and every page of our own sites, so that people know how to reach us directly. Uggh.

That's all well and good if you only have one site with a few pages, but what about those of us who have dozens or hundreds of web properties? Each with hundreds of pages? Impossible task.

The only other option is to install a Sidewiki blocker. See the article where we are posting constantly updated lists of technological solutions.

Re: The Google Sidewiki Controversy

sylviefortin — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:23:36 -0000

Hi Deah. Yes, you are correct. People need to have Sidewiki open to view the comments. Which brings to mind...do I want people on my site who would want to use such a tool?

Re: Randy The Hermit, Homer & Sylvie Fortin in Threesome

sylviefortin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:47:34 -0000

Thank you for the review. Very nicely done!

But I must gently correct you on the Guru Basher term. In fact, one chapter in IM Sins is against guru bashers, which will make a lot of sense when you read it. :)

I believe you have mis-labeled yourself as a guru basher. You aren't at all. You, my dear friend, are like me. You focus on the sin, not the sinner.

A Guru Basher is someone who blasts a person. Guru Bashers are detrimental to themselves, as well as to those who listen to them.

I know, I know...it's all semantics. :)

Just wanted to clarify the distinction between bashing a tactic or a product vs bashing a person upside the head. :)

*scurries off to finish Part 2*

Re: Randy The Hermit, Homer & Sylvie Fortin in Threesome

sylviefortin — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:31:20 -0000

I'm perfectly fine with you using me in the running saga. I love the message you're trying to get out there, and I love that you are using tongue in cheek humor to make the point.

Plus, I am having fun with it, so why not? LOL

Re: Randy The Hermit, Homer & Sylvie Fortin in Threesome

sylviefortin — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:05:18 -0000

Well I felt it was necessary to set the record straight after all. :)

Just curious, if you're the Anti-Hype, and Randy is the Hermit, what would my nickname be? Or maybe we should wait until all three parts are finished. I'm working on stuff that even scares me a little. LOL

Wondering if everyone will still be so supportive when I cover some tough issues from the other side of the coin. :)