Kewney: Positive feedback

Comments on the web are two-a-penny, but a response from an IT Week reader is priceless

One problem never facing “Cut Me Own Throat” Dibber ­ a fictional character from Terry Pratchett ­ is the question of whether people buy his sausage-in-a-bun products because of the quality of the produce. As long as he doesn’t actually kill his customers, he’s happy to take their money. Which leaves the question of whether people read this column because of its incredible quality, or because it’s got the back-page slot.

Whatever the reason, this column has been the most rewarding of all the things I write. Not only have I enjoyed it, but enough of your fellow readers have, too, judging from the feedback I get.

Feedback from a web page is easy. You can tell from the sorts of things people say in the forum sections of major web news sites how much intellect is involved. I still cherish one comment of: “La la la la, I’m not listening!” after my carefully argued online article about the iPhone.

By contrast, someone sitting down with a copy of IT Week on their lap has to be stirred ­ if not emotionally, at least physically. They have to put the paper down, go and find paper or keyboard, and stick the printout in an envelope. And they have to want to talk to the writer ­ it’s not an exhibition, strutting in front of your fellow readers, hoping to score points.

Truly, one feedback item from a print reader is worth dozens of “click here to comment” remarks online.

A sense that out there is a keenly interested audience expecting something good always inspires me, and it seems to work.

One editor did remark that my column was “the most popular item” in the paper. Flattered? Well, of course, but writers are insecure little bunnies, and constantly need reassurance. Could it be “I read it because I start on the back page”?

IT Week readers have been remarkable, maybe even unique, in my experience; much more focused on their overall role in the corporate structure, much less obsessed with the basic technology facts, than some other groups. Let’s call it a “successful partnership” and see where it takes us in future.

There. Is that good enough feedback for you?