About the Changes (was: Forum Traffic)

Are there stats somewhere regarding forum traffic/number of posts since the changeover? It seems like way less "content" to me now, although that could be more about how I am interacting with the new set up.

I was someone who said to give the new place a chance, and I still feel that way, as more good stuff is to come, but I have to admit that right now my motivation to stop by POTN is very low. Just seems like I have to try too hard to have a similar experience as before.

I don't have stats, but I've noticed that the numbers of viewers on the visitors list are about the same as before, but posts are fewer. Probably some people are giving Likes instead of writing "Nice shot!"

mpix345 wrote in post #17366356
Are there stats somewhere regarding forum traffic/number of posts since the changeover? It seems like way less "content" to me now, although that could be more about how I am interacting with the new set up.

I was someone who said to give the new place a chance, and I still feel that way, as more good stuff is to come, but I have to admit that right now my motivation to stop by POTN is very low. Just seems like I have to try too hard to have a similar experience as before.

Yep, you are a Glodmember with 2,604 posts to date.

idsurfer wrote in post #17366369
Yep, you are a Glodmember with 2,604 posts to date.

I believe mpix was asking whether POTN is getting the same amount of use as before, not just from him.

The site was updated in December. In the countries in the northern hemisphere, people tend to take less vacations / holidays except to visit family and are generally inside more. I would blame the lack of traffic on this seasonal effect more than the change in format. In the spring things outdoors have that newborn green look, fall has it colors, and summer its activities. There is plenty to take photos of during the winter, but many people slow down at this time of year or spend more time with family instead of taking photos.

It might even be possible that Pikka picked this time of year to do the upgrade because he knew it would be when the site is less active.

OhLook wrote in post #17366372
I believe mpix was asking whether POTN is getting the same amount of use as before, not just from him.

Yes I was. Thanks.

There has always been plenty of activity on POTN, season notwithstanding IMO. The same logic that says people go out to shoot less this time of year makes them more likely to be on POTN and to post more frequently.

And it's Pekka.

mpix345 wrote in post #17366600
There has always been plenty of activity on POTN, season notwithstanding IMO. The same logic that says people go out to shoot less this time of year makes them more likely to be on POTN and to post more frequently.

And it's Pekka.

Yes, but the other factor I didn't mention is many of us are reading all these comment sections now instead of posting photos, etc.

There is probably just as much traffic, just less of the typical regular traffic. Everyone is too busy either reading about people complaining about the forum, or else they are joining in.

Sorry about the "Pikka." I know better, just much more likely to make those type of mistakes when trying to use my phone to surf the forum.

Interesting thread. Personally I don't see how stats could really mean anything. You'll get what you get from the forum regardless of how many people are around. Some people are overwhelmed by big busy cities, some are bored. It is really a matter of perception. If you don't find you're getting as much from the forum as before it could mean you have to hang around more or maybe give it a break for a while and come back with fresh eyes. I know that since the redesign I'm infinitely more active and I really like the new features. Either way I hope you stick it out. There are some good eggs here.

nqjudo wrote in post #17366642
Interesting thread. Personally I don't see how stats could really mean anything.

They are a good indication as to whether things are changing for the better - or not.

If forum traffic - especially useful forum traffic - slows down too much then it can cause a positive feedback loop (nothing to read on the forums, so I'm less likely to read the forums, so I'm less likely to read a thread where I might usefully contribute, so the number of useful contributions decreases, so I'm less likely to read the forums.....etc., etc.)

I think PotN is too strong to fail like this, but I'll bet Pekka is doing a lot of statistical analysis to see just how things are changing.

nqjudo wrote in post #17366642
Interesting thread. Personally I don't see how stats could really mean anything. You'll get what you get from the forum regardless of how many people are around. Some people are overwhelmed by big busy cities, some are bored. It is really a matter of perception. If you don't find you're getting as much from the forum as before it could mean you have to hang around more or maybe give it a break for a while and come back with fresh eyes. I know that since the redesign I'm infinitely more active and I really like the new features. Either way I hope you stick it out. There are some good eggs here.

I agree with what you are saying. I'm curious if the stats match my perception, which is that I see less interesting content.

hollis_f wrote in post #17366922
They are a good indication as to whether things are changing for the better - or not.

If forum traffic - especially useful forum traffic - slows down too much then it can cause a positive feedback loop (nothing to read on the forums, so I'm less likely to read the forums, so I'm less likely to read a thread where I might usefully contribute, so the number of useful contributions decreases, so I'm less likely to read the forums.....etc., etc.)

I think PotN is too strong to fail like this, but I'll bet Pekka is doing a lot of statistical analysis to see just how things are changing.

I agree that Pekka is looking at those stats. He's seems to be that kind of guy.

And I agree that POTN is not in failure mode by any stretch. I would guess that with major changes such as this that some attrition is expected, with hopes that it is more than made up for in a reasonable amount of time based on the improvements.

Traffic seems thinner to me since the changeover, but it could be that it's just spread out more due to the increased number of forum sections.

hollis_f wrote in post #17366922
They are a good indication as to whether things are changing for the better - or not.

If forum traffic - especially useful forum traffic - slows down too much then it can cause a positive feedback loop (nothing to read on the forums, so I'm less likely to read the forums, so I'm less likely to read a thread where I might usefully contribute, so the number of useful contributions decreases, so I'm less likely to read the forums.....etc., etc.)

I think PotN is too strong to fail like this, but I'll bet Pekka is doing a lot of statistical analysis to see just how things are changing.

Interesting Thoughts. I never considered it from that angle but I still can't help but feel stats are superfluous in defining one's own user experience. When I open my daily paper I don't really need to know what the circulation is to know whether or not the quality of the content has declined or improved.

ETS wrote in post #17367149
Traffic seems thinner to me since the changeover, but it could be that it's just spread out more due to the increased number of forum sections.

Good point. Thanks.