No…that headline is not a question. It is a suggestion. So let me explain what I’m talking about. There are many ways I try to determine which stories that Strata-gee readers like. One tool, widely used in social media, as well as on other digital properties, is the ‘like’ button. So let me tell you about Strata-gee’s trial ‘Like’ button.
Why am I talking about likes? Read more on Strata-gee’s trial ‘Like’ button…
So yes, there are a few tools I can use to see which articles drew your “clicks.” And furthermore, tools that show me which articles you actually read. I certainly look at pageviews, a clear indicator of those stories to which you navigated in order to check it out. Another statistic I watch is “time on page” to see if you actually stay to read the article.
But what none of these deep and detailed statistics tell me is which articles you actually enjoyed, or…in internet terms…liked.
A Strata-gee Experiment
So a few weeks ago I decided to add a ‘Like’ button on a trial basis, to see if this is an avenue that can yield some additional feedback. This new feature was was added with no fanfare – or even an announcement, for that matter.
A ‘Like’ button was simply added after every article posted on Strata-gee. What will this tell me? Well, short of a comment where you actually articulate your thoughts on an article, a ‘Like’ button is another avenue that provides me some sense of what topics and stories you found useful.
A ‘Like’ for Those Stories You Like
No, I can’t tell if you liked it a lot…or only a little. But a ‘Like’ button is a much easier and quicker option for you to give me some feedback, as compared to leaving a comment. And it is only a little more effort – just one click – to help me out.
‘Like’ buttons are somewhat controversial in some circles and you may be aware that some services have experimented with deleting them. While there are arguments around the internet that can explain the controversy much better than I can – some feel clicking a ‘Like’ button trivializes the content.
A No-Risk Way to Help Me Deliver Content You ‘Like’
So, of course, it is totally voluntary…I won’t hold a gun to your head. But if you don’t have time to leave a comment on a story you read and liked…click Strata-gee’s trial ‘like’ button to let me know that this is the kind of content you enjoy or support.
Did you like this post? Be sure to click the ‘Like’ button below! Don’t like the ‘Like’ button? Let me have it in the Comment section below. The trial period continues as utilization has been fairly light. Hopefully, now that you know about it, you will help me out by clicking the ‘Like’ button on those posts you like!
Well done Ted! Where’s the like button.
Mark,
Thanks! It is towards the bottom of the page…
Ted
I already like you Ted. What I “dis”like about Like button is that hitting them generally adds a lot of cookies and exposes me to even more data lists that I’d prefer not to be exposed too. It’s a conundrum.
Glen,
Great point. In fact hitting my test “Like” button is a collected data point, but it is only used for the purposes of helping me continue to guide my coverage down the path of greater relevance for you and all Strata-gee readers.
I do not sell or rent my data to any external third party.
Thanks for your thoughts on this though…it helps me assess the “Like” feature. It is only a test right now…
Ted
Sure, and I see your point Ted, but now I have to log in and give data. It doesn’t matter if I trust you or not, someone has data that I may not want them to have.
So yes, going through and liking previous articles as a way to vote. But not happy about it.
Chuck,
Certainly…and I understand your position. I too, work hard to protect my privacy, which is no small challenge on the internet these days. However, as that “someone” who would have your data, if you feel you can’t trust me to live up to my statements on the reason I’m collecting the data and purpose for which I’m asking for it, then, you can certainly choose not to participate. You’ll still be welcome here!
Also, I’m not necessarily asking everyone to go back over past articles (which go back many years)…you are welcome to hold off and register your digital vote on future articles.
Thanks for reaching out! And thanks for reading!!
Ted