Addition of user comments system - good bad or ugly?

[Dan Morgan]

For my ski site I am thinking of adding a user comments system so that users can add to the controlled reviews at the bottom.

Obviously to begin with I will auth them as and when but I am wondering what it will do in terms of SE?

I run the risk of diluting my pages with un keyword optimised drivel, but on the other hand most of my pages will be updated more often and attract the amorous eyes of FreshBot.

More important to me is the stickyness it will create for the site without running the risk of adding a forum with the relatively low level of traffic I have at the moment (200 uniques +/-).

Danka!

[r2d2]

Could add keywords automatically with each comment? Like:

XXXXX's comment on 'this ski product'

Or some similar idea?

[Chris]

Comments are definitely a good idea. Its one of the easiest ways to add content to your site and the more content your site has the better off it is.

[Dan Morgan]

r2d2 - good idea - had not thought of that.

Chris - Thanks!

By the way I meant 200 uniques a day not a month.

[MarkB]

Not only could they add to your SE effectiveness, they'd also make your site more attractive to people - especially those shopping for gear and wanting *real* opinions ;)

[Dan Morgan]

I have now had a system in place for some months now and I have had very little take up on it. Maybe 20 comments over 55 ski reviews.

I do require user signup for comments which may put some off, however seeing as the only benefit of signing up is to post comments, and the amount of new users weekly far outweighs the amount of new comments its quite odd.


800 uniques a day now

[r2d2]

I dont think I would make people sign up to give a comment, you need to make it as easy as possible I think. I just wouldnt bother if I had to sign up - whats in it for me?

Maybe try it for a bit without forcing a sign up?

Strange people sign up still but dont leave a review - maybe some people just sign up with anything without reading why? Like people will get in a queue even if they dont know what they are waiting for! just because they think there must be something worth queueing for at the end.

[Nick]

My site, http://www.synthguide.com has a comment/review system. It's excellent. It's all free content.

[MarkB]

Don't consider it as content - consider it added value! :)

Dan, have you considered changing the 'comments' text to 'Your Reviews'?

I would also consider changing the following text:

"Only registered users can write comments."

to something more welcoming, like:

"Adding your own review is easy! Just sign-up here!"

[Dan Morgan]

r2 & Mark - great comments thanks!

[incka]

Perhaps ask your users to use the keywords in their comments, such as 'Please include the words 'Ski Pro 9000' in your comment to help us users find your comment while searching for that product.'

[Dan Morgan]

Perhaps ask your users to use the keywords in their comments, such as 'Please include the words 'Ski Pro 9000' in your comment to help us users find your comment while searching for that product.'

Thanks for the suggestion, but forcing keyword density explicity is not what I am after. It would be much easier to hack the comments system to auto include the review title.

Thanks

Dan

[MarkB]

If a site asked me to do that, my initial reaction would not be able to be included in ANY review ;)

[Dan Morgan]

If a site asked me to do that, my initial reaction would not be able to be included in ANY review ;)

Precisely :)

If I saw that it would translated as "Please help me spam the search egines - thanks!".

Here's to a good weekend all!

[Emancipator]

the way my site is setup when you register for the board it gives you access to all kinds of goodies on the main site. You can

- build a movie list of movies you own
- build a movie wish list
- list your favorite directors
- your favorite news items
- write reviews

The system is very simple, to add a movie you just click a box, and it adds it to your "movie page". When you write a review it is displayed with the movie details, but also on your page, as well as how you rated it. And of course most importantly it is all integrated into AWS.

Users use it because it is a usefull tool to them, but it also adds a sticky factor. It is very easy to build your movie list, and to write the reviews, and it adds valuable content pages. Anyone who wants to try it out to see how it works and get ideas, by all means go ahead :)

This is my version of comments basically.

[moonshield]

anyone know of any scripts that would allow one to add comments?

[ozgression]

Here's one (php)... http://www.digitalmidget.com/php_noob/comment.php .
________
Daihatsu Tanto specifications (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/Daihatsu_Tanto)

[Emancipator]

if your just after the code, and can setup your own tables, I can write you one in 4seconds... comments system is VERY easy. Oz has pointed out what looks like a good one :)

[Nick]

Yes, I've used php_noob one on many sites.

example:
http://www.djsupplystore.com/model/2938

[moonshield]

anyone know of asp one?

[Emancipator]

sorry poorman i find good asp hosting to expensive so i stick with php :)