Virtual online agents

[garthu]

Anyone had any experience with these online virtual agents - more sepcifically on there own websites or built one in for someone that has worked well etc

They make some awesome claims as to lead conversion, but i have my doubts... in fact ALOT, but always game for something new

[QUINN]

What services do they offer I m not sure I understand?

[garthu]

Its a talking virtual online support system. Like you FAQ section instead of all print is read to you by an agent. This virtual agent speaks to you instead of you reading the answers, Also asks if you would like to be contacted in voice etc

The theory is that it converts much higher leads into contactable leads. It looks good i must admit and they got pretty high end testimonials like McAfee etc. Take a look at sitepal dot com

[garthu]

Actually the more i think about it, the more it might be a good idea.... i might set it up on and arb web and then ask a few of you to crit it and see the opinion (is that Ok Dave???)

It really has my curiosity as its new.... new clever things often work a while.

[Dave A]

(is that Ok Dave???)

Go for it

[garthu]

Thanks!

[Marq]

I am still not sure what this is or how it works. Is it like a computerised American, reading stuff to me instead of me having to read?

it converts much higher leads into contactable leads

I do not understand this - How would it do this?

[insulin]

Actually there are a few programs that can read text on both the internet or just PDF files if the formant is correct. “It can’t read pictures� Anyway I have question about bandwidth. If this is not a program you install and the sound is loaded up to your computer from the website it can eat a 3G cap and also slow down your overall net performance. So there are a few things that need to be considered.

[garthu]

I do not understand this - How would it do this?

Thats really the question i am looking at answering. Been busy so havnt been able to get into this yet. They show off alot of big brands using it but noticed a couple of them have dropped it

It uses a database of likely questions, the engine then matches your query with responses on a percentage level and rreads the answer to you. I think it has some sort of potential as the interaction, almost feeling live, could at the very least generate better and more leads.

Once i get the time to get this running, i will post it, but its gonna be a few weeks at this rate

[bullfrog]

Anything thats on a web site that makes a sound or noise or a virtual person reading stuff to me annoys me.

This means that the site gets an immediate close if I can't find the off button quickly enough.

That's my personal opinion as I personally dislike sites that try to be too flashy or noisy.

So that to me leaves the question, who doesn't feel this way?

[garthu]

Hmmm...good point. Must admit that i get a bit twitchy as well, especially if loud. Even gives a fright

Must say i'm not feeling good enough bout this to invest time in at the moment.

[insulin]

I feel that a website is about information and speed. Give the right information when requested and keep it simple! You cannot imagine the frustration when you go to a site and all you see is install this and do that to get it going and in the end of the day they give you limited information and you downloaded 100mb of useless plug-ins that corrupts your browser.

[Debbiedle]

Annoying annoying annoying annoying.....did I mention annoying! I will not even investigate a good idea if someone is going to shove their plastic PR voice down my sensitive auditory canal.

I don't think it speeds things up - they need to enunciate and look at the camera - I read 15 times faster than that...

[Marq]

I also agree - its dreadful annoying stuff.

Anybody had one of those early morning reminder type automated voice messages, on your landline, cause the people using the system have not put a cell phone number into their system for an sms.

You are just waking up and the phone goes......as you say 'hello'...this is freds toast and coffee services, this grinding american drawl has already started up with a bunch of words that goes straight into a reminder for an appointment....I think because I have usually put the phone down by that stage.

Talk about a rude awakening.

[Dave A]

From my side, I normally have my sound switched off. Even the funny blurp my accounting package makes when I make an entry gently annoys me. About the only time I switch the sound on is if I follow a link to a recommended Youtube video.

Whilst the evidence against deploying a talking website climbs, I see the idea as potentially useful for a visually impaired visitor. But I suspect people with this need will have software already loaded that deals with text to speech anyway.

Judging by the posts so far, it's going to have to be really real or forget it.