Sidewiki was a browser extension that allowed anyone logged into a Google Account to make and view comments about a given website in a sidebar.

[6] Sidewiki also linked to "relevant posts from blogs and other sources", a feature that was potentially gameable.

It robs my site of much of its value",[13] and PaidContent noted that "Google is walking a fine line in its efforts to innovate in some areas that have long been the domain of traditional publishers, while not alienating them.

"[8] Public relations professionals saw Sidewiki as another venue that will need managing, but which offered an opportunity to engage with complaints and spot 'hot issues'.

[14] Mark Borkowski predicted that "SideWiki is going to challenge PR by providing the masses with the tool for the ultimate expression of people power, something uncontainable that will need constant monitoring... SideWiki will make it impossible to promote one message and not be held to account.