> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.projectecho.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Comments, votes, and internal notes

> Collaborate on requests with public comments, upvotes, and staff-only internal notes.

Requests collect conversation and demand through **comments**, **votes**, and **internal notes**.

## Comments

Comments are the public discussion on a request. Customers on the portal and teammates in the staff app can leave comments (depending on access).

Use comments to:

* Ask clarifying questions
* Share progress updates customers should see
* Keep a visible history of decisions

## Internal notes

Internal notes are for your team only. In the comment composer, use the lock control to switch to an **internal note**.

Internal notes:

* Appear with distinct styling so they’re easy to spot
* Stay off the public portal conversation
* Can stay in an internal reply thread when you lock replies

Use notes for support context, engineering constraints, or private prioritization discussion.

## Votes

Votes help you see which requests have the most demand.

* Anyone with access can **upvote** from the list or request detail
* Open the **Votes** tab on a request to see who voted (team vs members)
* Staff can also **cast a vote on behalf** of someone when that option is available

Vote visibility on public surfaces can be controlled in your portal and feedback settings.

## When to use which

| Use this      | When                                       |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| Comment       | The message should be visible to customers |
| Internal note | The message is for staff only              |
| Vote          | You’re signaling demand or interest        |

Need help? Visit the [Help Center](https://docs.projectecho.io/) or email [support@projectecho.io](mailto:support@projectecho.io).


## Related topics

- [Working from a request detail page](/requests/request-detail-page.md)
- [Use the Project Echo REST API](/api-mcp-and-embed/use-rest-api.md)
- [Create and manage API keys](/api-mcp-and-embed/create-manage-api-keys.md)
- [Tour of the staff app (Requests, Roadmap, Changelog, Members, Settings)](/getting-started/tour-of-the-staff-app.md)
- [Slack: notifications and creating requests from messages](/integrations/slack-integration.md)