At least there's an API so services like Disqus and Echo can - in theory - fold the sidewiki back into the comments. I've been very happy with Echo's ability to gather all the activity about a blog post back into the comments. The Third Voice is going to happen thanks to sites like this and Twitter whether we like it or not. We just need to be able to capture and save the content. - Leo Laporte

It should be opt-in for the website. Otherwise Google is going to become a true pariah. - Dave Winer

Google is Evil! - Michael Pinto

It's not evil (I know you're probably kind of kidding, Michael). I do think Google looks out for its own interests more than it pretends to. Whenever you're trying to make something happen with some Google open thing -- gadgets, feeds, whatever -- and it's just not doing exactly what you'd like it to do, you can usually trace the snag for you back to some benefit for Google. - Amyloo

Amy, I don't throw the word evil around casually, but the problem here is that Google asked to be judged that way when it was a young and idealistic company. It was kind of an insurance policy that Brin took out, in case he lost control of the company, I guess. But they asked for that to be the basis of evaluation. A high standard that nowadays is laughable. A company that benefited from the openness of the web, that couldn't have existed without it being open, is taking it for itself. As you say so eloquently. They asked us to use that word to describe this. I don't think he's kidding and I don't think it's funny and I think it's true. - Dave Winer

I agree with Dave, this has to be opt in for the website otherwise I foresee a train wreck of abuse. - Gilbert Harding

Am I allowed to discuss your website with a colleague around the water cooler without asking your permission? - Stephen Judd

While Google is claiming that Sidewiki is a commenting tool, I don't really see it as such. It seems to me to be more of a bookmarking/recommendation tool. From a functional standpoint is is about the most worthless thing in terms of commenting. However, if I wanted to share a particular site/article, and include a quick snippet about why I like it I can see this being a great tool for that. It also has the advantage of bringing those recommendations and thoughts directly too the web page. I guess it is all in how you look at it. Sidewiki really reminds me of the Note in Reader functionality more than a commenting system. - Sean Brady