On this last day of 2006, here’s a look at what we’ve experienced at BMG since we hit the internets in late 2004:
In a couple of weeks, if current trends continue, our one millionth unique visitor will drop by. That’s so far beyond where I dared to imagine this site could go that it’s a bit hard for me even to believe it, but statcounter doesn’t lie (at least, we’re told it doesn’t).
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: thank you. You, the readers, the posters, the commenters, the lurkers, are why this site has had whatever success it’s had. You, the netroots, have arrived in Massachusetts, and you’re here to stay. Don’t let ’em forget it.
Happy New Year to all!
Please share widely!
technical note – some folks set their browsers to dump cookies on shutdown. I think the user categories in the graphic are based on cookies. If so, the “unique” count will be infalted and the “return” count underestimated. Either way, though, it’s a great showing. Congratulations!
Yes, all the counts are based on cookies, which means there are lots of inaccuracies — as you say, some dump their cookies periodically; some probably don’t allow cookies at all, so we can’t count them; some read the site by RSS, so we can’t count them either; and the list no doubt goes on. It’s the best we can do, though, at least without spending more time and money than it’s worth!
…you guys threw a great party. Thanks for the invitation. This is a really fun blog, with a welcoming interface and lots of fun friends. Have a sip of champagne with our best wishes.
Here!
If someone blocks cookies from statcounter, as I do, then every time they go the site it will look like a new visitor, so that one user who comes to the site frequently could look like hundreds of new visitors.
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Nevertheless, the increased traffic stats do not lie and congratulations are definitely in order.
It is so hard for a private citizen to have access to current information.
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You have really helped me to tune in and stay informed in a way I could not do without you. For that, I am grateful and intend to be a reader and poster for as long as this site is open and available – and I personally hope that is a long, long time.
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I appreciate your openness, the helpful structure, and the ability to both learn and share what I do know.
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Together we are so much more than any one of us can be as an individual.
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I look forward to the New Year, accepting both the sorrows and joys of 2006 while hoping to make 2007 better yet.
God Help Us, Every One!
How many not counting Jerome Whatshisname?
…Thank you, Charley, David and Bob. Although fun and passion are the oxygen of blogging, and progress the reward, it should not be forgotten that in order to generate this traffic requires an unbelievable amount of financially thankless time. May you all ‘keep on’ in 2007!
You guys created a place where people a free to share their thoughts and interesting topics bumped often. It’s a places where everyone feels involved. Great job, and kind of selfless to he honest.
on a spectacular 2006.
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Any goals for 07? If you guys could influence one (or a couple of things) this year what would it be?
And I fully realize I am a fringe element as far as politics and my personal worldview. I’m even thinking of “retiring” from this armchair activist thing.
I also see dailykos and huffpost rated higher than Malkin, which is another good sign.
Out of curiosity, what’s the trend look like for account holders?
for a couple of reasons, one of which is that the “account” thing took on a different meaning when we changed platforms back in December of 2005. Many of the user accounts from the typepad days (which go up to about # 550) are no longer active, since folks could leave fake email addresses if they wanted to, and many did. On soapblox, of course, you need an account with a working email to comment or post, but that wasn’t true at typepad.
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That said: we have 2454 registered users as of today, which means we’ve had about 1900 people actively sign up with the site since we went to soapblox roughly a year ago. There’s no easy way to figure out the trend lines, though.
In my book, you are breaking records in many significant ways beyond the traffic numbers. Breaking isolation through the blog medium and allowing for passionate, intelligent and sometimes bizarre conversation. The emphasis on sharing accurate information with opinion is greatly appreciated. I love it that Peter Porcupine posts here as I have a keen interest in hearing opposing views. Exceptions being the occasional leap to conservative rhetoric…aka “blah, blah, blah”.
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Just funnin! Happy New Year!
Thanks for creating this wonderful resource and to everyone for your thoughtful comments and articles. I recently discovered BMG and have found much of interest here. I expect it will continue to grow exponentially as word gets out. I really appreciate the service of David, Charley and team–knowing it takes a real commitment to manage this site and keep it vibrant– it’s very much in keeping with the spirit of social/civic engagement that is the hope of our future.
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I also want to congratulate David and the Civic Engagement transition team for their excellent work and recommendations– I hope that Governor Patrick (has such a nice ring-doesn’t it!) can find a way to implement all of them over time. It was an extraordinary effort in a short period of time and you earned all the kudos you get!
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Keep up the great work. Here’s to a new year–may it bring peace ever closer to our world….
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Jane A