The lights are on
Veteran Member - Level 11
Kind of a shorter than usual and out of the ordinary blog for me, but the latest episode of Blog Herding posted on Thursday, August 23, 2012 marked the one year anniversary of the series, but it also means it's a great time to post an annual report on the Game Informer Online blogging community statistics. The last time I did a blog like this was to post the semi-annual statistics report.
For those that don't know, I collect some basic information about every blog that's published and post it in a Microsoft Excel file. I then modify and customize this spreadsheet so I can track a few variables like number of blogs submitted, number of bloggers contributing, and number of blogs featured in Blog Herding.
Over the course of the year, it doesn't take long to collect a wealth of data that takes some time to wade through. For example, just reviewing the list of basic information contained in the spreadsheet, I had to filter through 20,000+ rows of data. In the end though, the results are interesting...surprising even. Not only do I get to see the names, but I also get to see the numbers.
Who has posted the most blogs from August 2011 to August 2012?
How many blogs did they post?
Who has been featured in Blog Herding the most from August 2011 to August 2012?
How many times were they featured?
Admittedly, I wasn't really too surprised with the person who was featured in Blog Herding, but the person who has posted the most blogs I was.
So, why am I prattling on about all of this instead of just posting the statistics? Well, the truth is I don't have it all compiled yet and I'm looking at other interesting facts I can include in the final report. Stuff like...
What video game is mentioned in the title of more blogs than any other?
Or...
How many 30/30 or 31/31 blogs have been posted over the course of the year?
How many blogs were posted from August 2011 to August 2012?
You see, there really are all sorts of interesting items to include. And that...that is why I'm posting this. Actually for a couple different reasons. For one, I want to give those who might read this and are compelled to respond an opportunity to make predictions on the above questions; and two - if there is a particular statistic you would like included I might have the data that supports providing it. Care to see how many blogs a certain user has posted and how many were featured in Blog Herding? I can do it. (I plan to include a top 10 bloggers and top 10 bloggers to be featured in Blog Herding, but is that enough?)
I'll include some user review statistics too, but admittedly I don't keep near as much information on the reviews as I do the blogs. I will be able to include names of contributors and the quantity of reviews they have submitted; and also the names of the video games that were reviewed. That's about it.
I'm not sure how long it will take to finish this blog...a day or two maybe. So if you have questions or comments; or you're looking for some specific information, please let me know and I'll do what I can. Also, I'd like to say I have a cool prize or cash award to give the person who submits a correct (or the most correct) answers to the questions, but I think all you're going to win is bragging rights and my hearty congratulations.
Last thing and I'll be on my way.
With all of the name changes that some members have made, if you don't think I know your various names and you want to make sure I do, please let me know. For example, I know that Demon Ragnarok is now Chris Mrkvicka, but I don't know if Harry and harrykm are one in the same. I could find out...if I had the time...which I don't.
Let the guessing begin (exclude me from any guesses, I don't count).
Cheers.
I think Stranger has been herded most... or Godofwine... one of those two. This is based on only a few months of being apart of the site, but yea. Those guys are all over the place and get herded quite a bit. They are awesome.
These should be some pretty interesting stats! I always enjoy stuff like this. I am indeed harrykm, that is pretty much my username for everything, or at least a variant of it.
I'm always impressed with your level of commitment to this site and the depth of detail you can plumb to provide some fascinating insights into our community. I look forward to the stats, as always, and if I can think of any other interesting means of measuring blog stats I'll let you know. In the meantime, thanks as always for your efforts. They are most definitely appreciated!
You, good sir, are amazing. That's really all I can say. Your dedication to this is impressive and I commend you for it. We very much appreciate it! I haven't been around enough to make predictions, so I'll keep my mouth shut, but I wanted to say that.
Wow, Saint, you really go above and beyond (won't say it) contributing to this site. Everyone is extremely grateful and appreciative.
Wow, it's amazing how much work you put into this. I'm horrible at guessing these things, so I'll save myself some embarrassment lol. I've been meaning to post another blog, gonna have to get around to that soon.
I have no idea where to even begin with guessing, but I just wanted to say it's interesting to read the statistics you come up with. Oh, and that "I'm not a player..." photo is great lol.
If this comes down to most posts, I can't imagine that you don't have the gold, Saint.
The fact that you are on line 21313 of an Excel spreadsheet is jaw dropping. Props to the dedication and hard work you put out for this community.
I'm guessing Shootist2600 might take spotlight for most herded!
Could you also include the average number of comments each blog gets?
ah, Excel, how I love thee. Looking forward to seeing the results. My bet on most herded is Kyle Wadsworth aka shootist2600.
Wow, to think that it's been a year already. Time sure does work in mysterious way. It goes by slow, then in the future, you ask yourself, "what happened?"(probably my lack of a life)
Let me just say thank you, Saint, for being so diligent! It's amazing that you've compiled all of this data, and it will be fascinating to see some of the statistics.
I haven't been around for long, but I plan on sticking it out here, and I feel like I've already gotten to know some of my fellow members on GIO pretty well. Looking forward to what you come up with!
You know I'm going to guess that you have the most blogs over the last year Saint with 287 and a half. Also the work you put into the community is incredible and I don't understand how you do it.
Awesome. Always interesting to see the stats!
Cannot wait to see all th nuggets of info. My Prediction is that you already have a couple other criteria in mind! Great job as always Saint. I barely have time to comment these days, so the dedication you show is amazing.
Would it be possible to include which blog got the most comments and/or views in 2012?
What about which blogger got the most comments/views from the GIO community? How about which day of the week, has the most blogs posted; what time of day has the most blog views, morning, afternoon, evening, or late-night?
That's pretty sweet! I've got an excel chart for my old d&d campaigns... Also, That Ethan shot from your profile (at least on the 27th), is awesome!