Do people respond more to public comments or private messages?

Question

From everyone's past experiences, do you get better response from sending a private message or by posting a public comment on their profile?  I have sent two private messages to a profile manager without response.  I am wondering if it is time to send one with links to the Collaboration page and Honor Code.

Comments

Aaron, see Unresponsive Profile Managers.

Answer 1

i would say yes, its time but without links unless you can avoid chastment as that may make the person balk. But do what your instincts tell you. Gently.

Answer 2

Have you looked to see how recently the profile manager has been active on WikiTree?

Comments

Yes, her last contribution was 3 weeks ago, between my first and second private messages.

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I think Dorothy's comment is correct--whatever you say, 'gently' is important!

Answer 3

Some of us less tech savvy people do not check our email very often. Might be worth trying a public comment, although that does also rely on the person checking email or page. Personally I am also guilty of not responding to emails in a timely fashion. That doesn't mean I don't think they're important, I just like to get what I say right - and I'm easily distracted. I guess what I'm trying to say is they might have a good reason for not responding yet, or just be a bit slack like me - so a gentle reminder is probably appropriate.

Comments

I haven't sent too many private emails but, unfortunately, have only gotten a couple of responses from those sent.  It would be helpful if people would just send a quick reply.  Something like: Thanks for your email. Not able to respond in detail right now but will as soon as I can.

Answer 4

I get a better response from a private message.  Also, I think you only get a weekly notice of posts on your profile, so it might be a week before a person would be aware of your 'public comment'.

Comments

Darlene, I get an email copy of every message posted on my profile.

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Hmmmm, wonder why I don't?  I looked through my settings, and it IS set up to receive an email when anyone posts.  But for some strange reason, I'm not getting them...

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Darlene, I posted a test on your profile.

The subject of the emails is "Comment from ... " WikiTree member's name.

The email starts with "The following message from (WikiTree member) was posted on your WikiTree profile.

Hope that helps!

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50 minutes, and no email notification....

Update:  11 hours later and still no email notification...  And yes, I checked my spam folder.  :(

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Weird?

Answer 5

For genealogy like a merge or correction for exemple, I always ask on the profile so others can see the request.

Answer 6

I usually start out with a private message and follow up with a public comment - depending on the nature of the issue, of course.  But yeah, there's a procedure for Unresponsive Profile Managers (linked above by Maryann) that would probably apply to your specific situation.