don’t get me wrong. I see how this post is almost entirely contradictory to my previous one, but I have to confess that I have become utterly addicted to stats.
It kind of started when I got brave enough to start a Flickr account (I know. I’m so totally chicken and lame), and I suddenly noticed that people were looking at my photostream. For a brief moment I toyed with the idea that I was about to be uncovered as an undiscovered amazing photographer, then I just realised that there were just that many people out there looking at Flickr, sooner or later, one of them had to check out one of my photos. (If you’ve seen my photos you’ll similarly attest to this theory!)
My initial reaction to seeing the stats on how many people had viewed my photos was utter horror. But then, after a while, it became quite intriguing. Now I find myself posting often, and I think that part of the motivation is that – as with blogs – the more you post, the more people sneak a peak.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not burning up anyone’s bandwidth. If I get 4 people checking out one of my photos that’s enough to get me excited. But its definitely proven to be a motivator for me. (hey, I’m brave / foolish enough to admit it!)
Same with this blog. Second thing I did after finally choosing a name was to sign up for Google Analytics. Fortunately, I’d been able to get myself account due to my previous life as a web producer, and now its been put to far better use tracking the traffic on my blog.
Something I’ve noticed though (and this is probably due to the sparseness of my traffic I guess, Dooce wouldn’t have this problem!) – no one ever comes visiting when I’m watching. If I go into a meeting for an hour or so and come back – hey! visitors! But never when I’m watching. Its like the virtual equivalent to the watched pot scenario.
How fabulous is Google Analytics tho. I’m amazed that something so useful (and addictive) can be so free!
I know its not just me though. Ben also started his blog not so long ago, and he also admitted a slight addiction to Google Analytics. Eh. its not our fault. Its just so fun.
(eh. the joy of being a new blogger. I refuse to pretend to be all sophisticated and above it all. this is the exact reason *why* its so fun! being all networked up, and the potential for global domination. and getting visitors from all over the world without having to clean the bathroom before they arrive).