Add request for followup to AskMeFi February 27, 2024 11:12 AM Subscribe
Would we like a feature to request that an original poster, asking for recommendations, follow up with a comment about what they did, or if some place, restaurant, or service was recommended whether it worked out and why or why not?
I'm envisioning something like 'Request followup' as processed similar to the 'Favorite' button now - when clicked it would add 1 to the count of people requesting a follow up on the AskMeFi post. The OP, of course, is free to follow up or not. Right now, some 'follow up' happens with OPs replying 'thank that worked!' or 'got it in 30 minutes' or whatever, but this would be slightly more enigineered: the edit for a post would have a 'follow up' box which only the OP could fill out, and the follow up would be added to the original post with some sort of visual cues to differentiate it from the OP commenting on the thread to supply more information or answer questions about their post.
I would use this feature as both and original poster, and as someone reading questions just because I'm interested; but would others? Are comments by the OP enough and this wouldn't therefore be used much?
I'm envisioning something like 'Request followup' as processed similar to the 'Favorite' button now - when clicked it would add 1 to the count of people requesting a follow up on the AskMeFi post. The OP, of course, is free to follow up or not. Right now, some 'follow up' happens with OPs replying 'thank that worked!' or 'got it in 30 minutes' or whatever, but this would be slightly more enigineered: the edit for a post would have a 'follow up' box which only the OP could fill out, and the follow up would be added to the original post with some sort of visual cues to differentiate it from the OP commenting on the thread to supply more information or answer questions about their post.
I would use this feature as both and original poster, and as someone reading questions just because I'm interested; but would others? Are comments by the OP enough and this wouldn't therefore be used much?
I like this, though I admit it's less urgent now that AskMe threads stay open a good long time.
Currently, Askers get an email reminder a month later -- but sometimes, that still isn't enough time to know if any answers were correct or not. And once that email has gone out on Day Thirty, there are no more reminders.
I, too, would appreciate this as a reader and as an Asker 9with a bad memory for following up).
posted by wenestvedt at 12:52 PM on February 27 [3 favorites]
Currently, Askers get an email reminder a month later -- but sometimes, that still isn't enough time to know if any answers were correct or not. And once that email has gone out on Day Thirty, there are no more reminders.
I, too, would appreciate this as a reader and as an Asker 9with a bad memory for following up).
posted by wenestvedt at 12:52 PM on February 27 [3 favorites]
I like it too. What would the time horizon for this be? I've definitely waited a LONG time to act on recs before, maybe it would make sense to allow a follow-up to be posted well after the original comment period had ended? Or maybe that would be a huge pain in the ass.
posted by saladin at 1:13 PM on February 27
posted by saladin at 1:13 PM on February 27
I think it would be nice to have it automated; sometimes I've refrained from offering a followup because I hate to bother mods.
posted by corb at 1:59 PM on February 27 [2 favorites]
posted by corb at 1:59 PM on February 27 [2 favorites]
I like the idea, but feel like it might feel a bit weird to get pressure for updates in the way described.
I'd prefer that the asker could add an update even long after the question has closed. I do like to hear what happened and how things worked out.
posted by dg at 3:03 PM on February 27 [5 favorites]
I'd prefer that the asker could add an update even long after the question has closed. I do like to hear what happened and how things worked out.
posted by dg at 3:03 PM on February 27 [5 favorites]
I like this idea, but can see how it might feel like pressure to some Askers. Maybe there could be a way to turn it off when the question is posted?
posted by rpfields at 4:10 PM on February 27 [1 favorite]
posted by rpfields at 4:10 PM on February 27 [1 favorite]
A checkbox for an optional reminder at 90 days or six months or whatever?
posted by wenestvedt at 4:27 PM on February 27 [10 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 4:27 PM on February 27 [10 favorites]
FWIW, the site's FAQ says that questions stay open for a year, and can be updated by a mod.
posted by wenestvedt at 5:30 PM on February 27 [1 favorite]
posted by wenestvedt at 5:30 PM on February 27 [1 favorite]
Not sure I see any value in visually calling out an update versus just another comment by the OP. *shrug*
posted by wenestvedt at 5:31 PM on February 27 [4 favorites]
posted by wenestvedt at 5:31 PM on February 27 [4 favorites]
I like wenestvedt's idea of a checkbox. Something the poster can check when they post an Ask for an optional "hey it's been (x) days - would you like to post an update to your Ask?" reminder nudge.
As a person who often asks MeFi for advice, and much-less-than-often comes back and updates the thread with what I did with said advice (even though I appreciate it all!), I'm not sure I'd like a commenter-driven poke for an update.
That would feel to me like NO REALLY C'MON YOU GOTTA TELL US WHAT YOU DID EVEN THOUGH BY NOW YOU'VE PROBABLY FORGOTTEN YOU EVEN ASKED THE QUESTION. But a poster-driven opt-in at the time of post creation could be a nice, gentle nudge.
posted by pdb at 7:57 PM on February 27 [6 favorites]
As a person who often asks MeFi for advice, and much-less-than-often comes back and updates the thread with what I did with said advice (even though I appreciate it all!), I'm not sure I'd like a commenter-driven poke for an update.
That would feel to me like NO REALLY C'MON YOU GOTTA TELL US WHAT YOU DID EVEN THOUGH BY NOW YOU'VE PROBABLY FORGOTTEN YOU EVEN ASKED THE QUESTION. But a poster-driven opt-in at the time of post creation could be a nice, gentle nudge.
posted by pdb at 7:57 PM on February 27 [6 favorites]
I already get prompted a month after I post an AskMe to maybe make sure I've followed up with the question... I'm not sure there's much more that can be done than is already being done?
or am I the only person who gets a "follow up on this Ask" emails?
posted by hippybear at 8:39 PM on February 27 [4 favorites]
or am I the only person who gets a "follow up on this Ask" emails?
posted by hippybear at 8:39 PM on February 27 [4 favorites]
I wonder if there would be more responses if the email requesting follow up came after two weeks, or even one week.
I could also imagine sending out additional emails monthly if there was any new activity on the question (responses, favorites, etc).
posted by snofoam at 1:54 AM on February 28 [1 favorite]
I could also imagine sending out additional emails monthly if there was any new activity on the question (responses, favorites, etc).
posted by snofoam at 1:54 AM on February 28 [1 favorite]
This is a problem with a solution already in place. The site notifies the poster a month later. If the poster needs more reminding that’s a them issue; and they should solve it themselves with a reminder of some sort on their computer/phone/lovely paper calendar. If an update doesn’t come and someone who has an interest in the results needs closure they can MeMail the poster.
posted by terrapin at 6:22 AM on February 28 [4 favorites]
posted by terrapin at 6:22 AM on February 28 [4 favorites]
maybe it would make sense to allow a follow-up to be posted well after the original comment period had ended?
This is already supported. If the asker wants to update a closed askme they can drop an note to the mods and they will add the update.
posted by Mitheral at 7:50 AM on February 28 [2 favorites]
This is already supported. If the asker wants to update a closed askme they can drop an note to the mods and they will add the update.
posted by Mitheral at 7:50 AM on February 28 [2 favorites]
or am I the only person who gets a "follow up on this Ask" emails?
It's an option in member profiles: "Opt-out of MeFi Mail reminders?"
Perhaps the mods could alter the content of the mail that gets sent. Right now it reads:
***
You have a new message from MetaFilter member loup:
About a month ago you asked a question on Ask MetaFilter:
[title of and link to question]
Since then, your question has received 14 answers from 13 members. Was your question answered? If so, please visit the thread at the link above and select best answers if any stood out. If you have any follow-up information or a resolution, please comment in the thread.
Consider adding a 'resolved' tag to the thread if your problem was solved. This will let other members know your question was answered and will help others find any follow-up information you add. You can add the tag by clicking this link:
http://ask.metafilter.com/contribute/resolve.mefi?id=X
***
posted by dobbs at 8:30 AM on February 28
It's an option in member profiles: "Opt-out of MeFi Mail reminders?"
Perhaps the mods could alter the content of the mail that gets sent. Right now it reads:
***
You have a new message from MetaFilter member loup:
About a month ago you asked a question on Ask MetaFilter:
[title of and link to question]
Since then, your question has received 14 answers from 13 members. Was your question answered? If so, please visit the thread at the link above and select best answers if any stood out. If you have any follow-up information or a resolution, please comment in the thread.
Consider adding a 'resolved' tag to the thread if your problem was solved. This will let other members know your question was answered and will help others find any follow-up information you add. You can add the tag by clicking this link:
http://ask.metafilter.com/contribute/resolve.mefi?id=X
***
posted by dobbs at 8:30 AM on February 28
Previously
Oh hell no. Don't remind me of a thread that went off the rails so spectacularly that I ended up buttoning for a while.
A footnote to that previous thread is that among the posts I said I'd like to see an update on, there was *one* that seemed to generate all of the grar. Surely this would be traumatic for me to bring this up, I was a monster, etc. The OP of that post actually sent me a nice note, wasn't at all bothered, and is doing fine thanks.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:21 AM on February 28 [3 favorites]
Oh hell no. Don't remind me of a thread that went off the rails so spectacularly that I ended up buttoning for a while.
A footnote to that previous thread is that among the posts I said I'd like to see an update on, there was *one* that seemed to generate all of the grar. Surely this would be traumatic for me to bring this up, I was a monster, etc. The OP of that post actually sent me a nice note, wasn't at all bothered, and is doing fine thanks.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 9:21 AM on February 28 [3 favorites]
How would you envision the asker being notified about the requests for follow-up?
I could see it becoming very annoying very quickly if they get a notification every time someone clicks the button but they don't have anything to add. But if they don't get a notification, what would cause them to return to their own questions and re-read them and see the increasing flag count?
I am on board with the idea that the original asker should be able to add updates to their AskMes in perpetuity, though.
posted by jacquilynne at 12:14 PM on February 28
I could see it becoming very annoying very quickly if they get a notification every time someone clicks the button but they don't have anything to add. But if they don't get a notification, what would cause them to return to their own questions and re-read them and see the increasing flag count?
I am on board with the idea that the original asker should be able to add updates to their AskMes in perpetuity, though.
posted by jacquilynne at 12:14 PM on February 28
Imagine being a community-funded site manager and responding to a feature suggestion thread by saying you won't even read it.
posted by Klipspringer at 12:51 PM on February 28
posted by Klipspringer at 12:51 PM on February 28
What would you like them to do? It’s clear that any new features for the site aren’t coming any time soon. Personally, I appreciated the mod note. “Here’s a spot to chat about something that won’t happen, if you want to do that” is better than the “your feature request is very important to us, please stay on the line and the next available mod will be with you soon” vibe.
posted by Diskeater at 1:10 PM on February 28 [2 favorites]
posted by Diskeater at 1:10 PM on February 28 [2 favorites]
Mod note: Imagine being a community-funded site manager and responding to a feature suggestion thread by saying you won't even read it.
That's a less than charitable assumption. I am reading the thread. Please go on.
posted by loup (staff) at 1:52 PM on February 28 [6 favorites]
That's a less than charitable assumption. I am reading the thread. Please go on.
posted by loup (staff) at 1:52 PM on February 28 [6 favorites]
Oh! It seemed the obvious implication of asking to be alerted via the comment form. Sorry I misunderstood.
posted by Klipspringer at 2:46 PM on February 28
posted by Klipspringer at 2:46 PM on February 28
There is a middle path here: when the AskMe is being composed, offer the option to "follow up until resolved," with maybe a pop-up for weekly/monthly/daily.
All the world loves opt-in!
posted by wenestvedt at 4:58 AM on February 29 [2 favorites]
All the world loves opt-in!
posted by wenestvedt at 4:58 AM on February 29 [2 favorites]
I don't particularly like this idea, and I'd not want to feel nagged. if you want someone to follow up, say it in your comment/answer imo.
posted by Sebmojo at 12:03 PM on March 1
posted by Sebmojo at 12:03 PM on March 1
This is a problem with a solution already in place. The site notifies the poster a month later. If the poster needs more reminding that’s a them issue; and they should solve it themselves with a reminder of some sort on their computer/phone/lovely paper calendar. If an update doesn’t come and someone who has an interest in the results needs closure they can MeMail the poster.
right - yes, this. this is a solved problem and doesn't need anything more imo.
posted by Sebmojo at 12:04 PM on March 1
right - yes, this. this is a solved problem and doesn't need anything more imo.
posted by Sebmojo at 12:04 PM on March 1
I would like to add that A) I forgot about the reminders and B) nothing in my post was meant to request reminders or 'nagging'. I merely requested a count as a way of gauging the desire for follow-up. Maybe the reminders could say " 'N' people have requested follow up" but if that is too much pressure leave it as it is and let the OP read the count to see if followup is really desired or 'meh'
posted by TimHare at 12:11 PM on March 1
posted by TimHare at 12:11 PM on March 1
While we're talking about AskMe, I'll leave a reminder that the new user signup page still says to new folks that there's a one-week waiting period before they can post a question, which hasn't been the case for years:
Waiting Periods for Posting
Metafilter is a site with a long history and a strong site culture. To encourage people to acclimate, we have set some limits on what brand-new users can do. You must wait one week before you can post a new thread on either the front page or on Ask Metafilter.
AskMe used to be one of the bigger drivers to new signups back in the day, and while I'm not sure that's still the case, telling new users on the signup page that they have to wait a week to post their question is not ideal.
Also note that the FAQ gives contradictory information about this, stating in the first answer here "Please note that there is a waiting period to post to MetaFilter and Ask MetaFilter" with a link further down the page to a statement that "You can make an AskMetafilter post immediately."
I sent an email to the mods about this a month or so ago but this thread reminded me of it, so I figured I'd pass on the reminder. Seems like a very easy 5-minute fix to correct inaccurate info for new users about when they can start posting in AskMe.
posted by mediareport at 1:42 PM on March 4
Waiting Periods for Posting
Metafilter is a site with a long history and a strong site culture. To encourage people to acclimate, we have set some limits on what brand-new users can do. You must wait one week before you can post a new thread on either the front page or on Ask Metafilter.
AskMe used to be one of the bigger drivers to new signups back in the day, and while I'm not sure that's still the case, telling new users on the signup page that they have to wait a week to post their question is not ideal.
Also note that the FAQ gives contradictory information about this, stating in the first answer here "Please note that there is a waiting period to post to MetaFilter and Ask MetaFilter" with a link further down the page to a statement that "You can make an AskMetafilter post immediately."
I sent an email to the mods about this a month or so ago but this thread reminded me of it, so I figured I'd pass on the reminder. Seems like a very easy 5-minute fix to correct inaccurate info for new users about when they can start posting in AskMe.
posted by mediareport at 1:42 PM on March 4
Mod note: Hey, I tend to deal with FAQ stuff, so will fix when on duty tomorrow ! Thanks for pointing this out!
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 3:34 PM on March 4 [4 favorites]
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 3:34 PM on March 4 [4 favorites]
I dislike this idea, and agree the existing email reminder is enough. AskMe is for asking a question, not telling internet strangers what you did. I understand that people like fostering community and/or having their effort at answering rewarded and that's fine, but that's a direction I am actively against taking AskMe and I believe would feel intrusive to potential posters, depressing user engagement.
posted by Wretch729 at 6:58 AM on March 5 [4 favorites]
posted by Wretch729 at 6:58 AM on March 5 [4 favorites]
brief messaging in the new-post process could be helpful here. letting askers know updates are appreciated might be sufficient; i honestly didn’t know this was something the community would like! i have posted updates before, but i would have been more consistent if i had known it is desirable.
i don’t think i have ever received an email nudge after posting an ask, so adjusting messaging here may only reach some folks …unless of course the nudge email becomes an opt-in.
posted by tamarack at 6:45 AM on March 7 [2 favorites]
i don’t think i have ever received an email nudge after posting an ask, so adjusting messaging here may only reach some folks …unless of course the nudge email becomes an opt-in.
posted by tamarack at 6:45 AM on March 7 [2 favorites]
this would be awesome.
posted by hermanubis at 12:02 PM on March 11
posted by hermanubis at 12:02 PM on March 11
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posted by loup (staff) at 11:13 AM on February 27