It seems like guest books are loved by some and hated by others. Regardless of whether or not you have one on your site, do you think they are out of vogue for the times, or do they still have a valid place on the web?

I think they may have a valid place on the web, but because they seemed so popular with earlier, unprofessional attempts at websites a few years ago, my impression is that they developed a bit of a stigma.

I guess that will fade, and they may help visitors feel connected to a site.

I think they are good depending on the website. If people are leaving testimonials and personal experiences, then I think they have some value. Don't really see the value in people posting "so and so was here".

oceangypsy wrote:
I wonder if some site owners follow up with visitors who've signed up, and refer to the visits... Assuming their contact info has been collected too.

oceangypsy wrote:That's where I definitely see their value. There's a website, in fact, that does memorial guest books, and those are actually quite special.

Yes, I have posted on memorial websites before. I think they are a great way to post memories and share stories.