I think DDG is fantastic for what it is and what it's trying to accomplish.
That said, I looked through those comments that Gabriel linked to and I find the comment of:
> which collectively are the most vitriolic I've seen under a single story (about us)
... to be the wrong way to look at that thread.
If I were working on DDG, I'd be thrilled with all that great criticism. Some of it could have been said more gently. Some of it ignores that DDG has a different mission than Google. Overall, though, it's a raw look into what some people are thinking -- even if it's a bit rough and tumble.
Gabriel, keep up the great work. Take that criticism and use it for what it's worth and forget about what's left.
I don't know. In relative terms it's probably true since HN is usually very positive about your work.
Sometimes, though, being in an echo chamber isn't what is best for your ideas or your company. It's good to step away from the DDG Fanbois and see what the contrarians are thinking.
"Sometimes, though, being in an echo chamber isn't what is best for your ideas or your company."
Exactly. When you show an idea to someone you should ask them (which is what I do) "tell me all the things you don't like about it - pick it apart". Nothing is worse then sharing an idea with someone (like your mom or a relative) and have them tell you what a great idea it is w/o any negative feedback.
As an aside I hate when in a restaurant they ask you "how is your meal". Of course people who are really upset will speak up. But what about the people in the middle or are just slightly satisfied. They will normally just say "it was good" or something like that.
Very true. Wouldn't be refreshing if at the end of your meal, a manager came to your table and said, "Seriously, I know you indicated you enjoyed the meal, but if we could do just one thing better... what would that have been?"
I've thought about this and wonder if it has to do with the fact that they
a) already know what you are going to say (if they've done enough volume the complaints generally are the same)
b) if "a" isn't true then does it matter if you have a thousand happy diners and 6 don't like the napkins from a profit perspective
c) they don't want to put a negative thought in your mind by asking you (negative priming?)
d) they feel they cover this with surveys that they do
e) they don't want to hear a complaint and then have to comp you (profit)
f) none of the preceding they just don't do it because they are lame and/or busy.
Anytime I've been asked this type of question though it's been over the phone by a bank employee who hits me with "is there anything we can do..." and I don't feel like giving any help to an automaton basically. In general I don't do any phone surveys. If someone with a clue called me and had a real conversation I would. I hate surveys.
Of course if the restaurant is really on the ball they can see whether there is a problem I guess also by watching the diners.
Interesting if anyone in food service could chime in on this issue.
That said, I looked through those comments that Gabriel linked to and I find the comment of:
> which collectively are the most vitriolic I've seen under a single story (about us)
... to be the wrong way to look at that thread.
If I were working on DDG, I'd be thrilled with all that great criticism. Some of it could have been said more gently. Some of it ignores that DDG has a different mission than Google. Overall, though, it's a raw look into what some people are thinking -- even if it's a bit rough and tumble.
Gabriel, keep up the great work. Take that criticism and use it for what it's worth and forget about what's left.