[Sigia-l] Feedback

[Thomas Vander Wal]

On 4/9/03 5:52 PM, "Listera" <listera at rcn.com> wrote:

> "George Olsen" wrote:
> 
>>> Getting one "your navigation sucks" is one thing, getting a dozen of
>>> those is another. The former you may choose to ignore, but the latter
>>> ought to cause the designer/developer team to sit down and do some
>>> (detective) work. There's usually smoke where there's fire.
>> 
>> Gee, I never would of thought of that...
> 
> I don't know if you would have or not, but my comments weren't addressed to
> you in person.
> 
> The reason I started this thread is the woefully common reaction on this
> list to unfavorable criticism. Tongue lashing isn't the cure, just as an
> organization-wide rule to dismiss any criticism that is not 'specific' or
> 'constructive'.

Actually one of the major complaints stated about SigIA at the Summit was
the acerbic tone and lack of help the list serves.  I know many say go
somewhere else, but this is where many of us found the answers to our
questions and have stuck around.  People will answer questions if they feel
it will be helpful, but many of those we all have learned from are tired of
wading through the muck to find the gems or questions from those that want
help.

Madhu's comment about the fish and the chef illustrated the point, but in a
converse way.  The "navigation sucks" comments are made in an IA board.  In
a sense it was a chef that said the fish was bad and should offer insight
into the comment. These comments belong with the children at Slashdot that
are moderated out of view.  Having a bunch of folks stating the navigation
sucks and nothing else on SigIA is a sign IA is bankrupt of intelligence or
folks could not spell and signed up for a list serve on a cigarette brand IA
and have really been confused since they got here.

I am not sure why or how it is helpful to make inane comments that are not
constructive, or even why someone would stick up for making such comments (I
have a feeling I will find out).   I don't think anybody has a problem with
unfavorable criticism on this list.  But, this list used to be filled with
bright comments that were favorable and unfavorable, but always offered
something to learn.  The bright comments have become less common
(fortunately the vile tone has calmed) and sharing of resources and
experiences are a rarity.  Have we talked everything out?  Does this list
only serve a purpose to show was people do not know?

All the best,
Thomas

www.vanderwal.net