Feedback forms

dreuby posted this at 12:19 — 5th March 2001.

Joined: Sep 2000

Not sure if I'm posting in the right place, as this question is really about netiquette rather than tech!

I'm planning to have a feed back form on my site - what topics do you want, what sites could you recommend, etc.

I see most feedback forms ask for email address - is this just a check that it's a "real person" posting?
Are webmasters saving them for future publicity, etc?
If I do ask for email addresses, is there anything I need to be sure to include in my "Privacy" statement?

Thanks!

D Reuby

mjames posted this at 13:50 — 5th March 2001.

They have: 2,064 posts

Joined: Dec 1999

Quote: I see most feedback forms ask for email address - is this just a check that it's a "real person" posting?

No, I would say it's more so you, the webmaster, can reply to the feedback if it's appropriate. If you would like an example of a feedback page, go here: http://www.sports-central.org/other/feedback.shtml

Quote: Are webmasters saving them for future publicity, etc?

Not sure I quite understand your question, but if the person praises them, they could always use that in testimonials.

Quote: If I do ask for email addresses, is there anything I need to be sure to include in my "Privacy" statement?

You can let a very reputable company in Microsoft-owned bCentral create a basic Privacy Statement for you at http://privacy.bcentral.com . That will include your guarantee you won't use the person's e-mail address.

Wedge231 posted this at 01:26 — 7th March 2001.

They have: 3 posts

Joined: Mar 2001

I use e-amil addresses so I know how I can contact who sent the form. Privacy Policies don't hurt either. The person will feel more safe giving out information then.

-Wedge231 [email protected]

Jaiem posted this at 14:17 — 7th March 2001.

They have: 1,191 posts

Joined: Apr 1999

A feedback/contact form is also good for people to contact you when they aren't at their own machine so they can't send an email (or don't want to send an email from where they are).

However, the down side to a feedback/contact form is that it does let people be more anonymous than with email. Therefore, it can be a vehicle for spam or flames.

Still, I think it's worth using one.