Zaadz Stats and Size.

Kiso wrote:

”Siona: And Zaadz isn't everyone's cup of tea! Our version of changing the world might not be shared by everyone. Nothing wrong with that.
 
Zaadz is the cup of tea for only 0.6% of monthly site visitors? Come on.  If you insist on that “skewing,” then it's easy to follow with the conclusion the Zaadz message is ultimately flawed if so few (actually statistically insignificant) people want to participate with the “community.”

Is that the real story?  Only real facts can tell the truth.  I wonder if Zaadz has the confidence to share some of their membership numbers in the way that at least one other networking site has.”

And I replied:

”Kiso: I'm a little confused; how are we not sharing our membership numbers? I just posted the most recent number of pageviews and absolute uniques, and as of this morning we're at 90,910 members. I guess I'm a little puzzled by the “real story” thing. Yes, I know there's a big difference between the number of visitors and those who join, and it's something our investors have asked about in the past. Frankly, I'm not sure of the answer; your guess is as good as mine. :)

I don't know. This might be beside the point, but there's a balance to be struck between those of you who are worried about Zaadz getting “too big” and losing the neighborhood or community feel and those who are more ambitious and brash about spreading the word and attracting more members. I'm curious about the “fundamentally flawed” message, though. I'm sure we could change our message to be more popular, but is this what you, the existing community, wants? Would we then still be Zaadz?”

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

“Zaadz is the cup of tea for only 0.6% of monthly site visitors? Come on.  If you insist on that “skewing,” then it's easy to follow with the conclusion the Zaadz message is ultimately flawed if so few (actually statistically insignificant) people want to participate with the “community.”

i'm not sure what the exact explanation is either. but what i'm sure of is that we're not skewing anything.

allow me to explain it based on my understanding of how traffic on social networking sites work.

first, Zaadz gets a lot of page views from quotes, books, videos, pods, blogs. you don't need to be a member to access the contents of Zaadz. most people are just passing by. they see Zaadz, look at the content then move on.

second, a significant amount of the page views are generated from members! that's good :)

third, there is a thing called the 1% rule.

“It's an emerging rule of thumb that suggests that if you get a group of 100 people online then one will create content, 10 will “interact” with it (commenting or offering improvements) and the other 89 will just view it.” (read more)

so it's possible that people from all over are visiting Zaadz frequently (e.g. reading quotes and blogs) but they're not interested in contributing and interacting so they don't bother to sign up.

it happens to all lot of Web 2.0 sites out there and especially to blogs. for example, my personal blogs gets hundreds of hits per day (pretty lowlife for a blog that's almost 4 years old. ahh well). e.g. i may get thousands of views but only less than 10 people actually comment and interact with what i had posted.

finally, this could be explained by another statistical distribution called The Long Tail. blogs and social networks like Zaadz have very long tails (thanks to blogs and pods) so they catch a lot of traffic but it doesn't mean that it automatically translates to increase in memberships and interaction. most people just like to watch :)

does this make sense? i hope so.

thanks for asking.

P.S. our membership count is always publicly viewable. just to the Zaadzster page:
http://www.zaadz.com/people and look at the count at the bottom :)

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

C4, I'm glad you mentioned quotes.   I've noticed that a large number of our quote pages rank in the top 10 on Google and elsewhere.   With quotations being such a popular search choice,  I bet we're getting a huge number of referrals from there.

BTW, kudos to the team on the high rankings. 

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

Kiso: whats with trying to make a point on such a superficial number?

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

…our numbers may be small…but We are potent…

         …We are the thin line of molecules on the razor edge of the blade that is rending open the Veil…

              …one half of one percent is all it's going to take to trip the Shift…Our numbers build…


                      …it's comeing !…

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

Hello all - another quote from ~C's links above;
”For instance, a site that demands too much interaction and content generation from users will see nine out of 10 people just pass by.”

I have a lot of great friends in the “meat world” and I've been talking about zaadz since I stumbled upon it in ODE magazine.  A few friends have joined and are sometimes interactive, many more are tracking my blog and don't join zaadz yet tell me about it all the time.  Others have specifically said it looks great and they have other priorities right now. 

Be The Change  has quite a bit of “OMG that means me” inherent in it. lol.  Being the change continues to be subtlely difficult every second I continue to live it.  Every choice I make (Both when I stumble and when I shine).  Many folks see/intuit/discern/feel this and aren't willing to watch themselves that closely.  Many other's don't accept that the very things they are doing are enough for them to be doing right now and are unable to claim credit for that. 

Bottom Line for me is any change can seem hard.  New info in can seem scary.  Meeting new folks (even on line) can seem scary.  There's a lot of reasons folks visit and don't join.  Computer skills or accessibility, priorities and time, interest in specific issues…

 YET, I think if & when folks are visiting zaadz then zaadz is still creating that shift.  Zaadz is still getting info and quotes out there, and discussion started, connections made.

What I have honestly experienced is that the world I interact with is simply dying for this connection and yet at present zaadz is not the tool they are able to use to get it.  For me it's a part of the connection I'm thankful for.  For 99.4% it's a tool they are now aware is out there and is a possible resource.

Blessings, David

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

I may sound a bit silly but - that is another thing cool about zaadz…we learn, drill and grow together and I know for a fact changes happen in any of the 90,000 + views and we help make someone's day brighter in merely planting some seed.

So here's my idea, and I'm almost serious about it, too. Today we have recourse to digital tools that have revolutionized the arts. You can paint, compose music, edit films, design buildings, all on your laptop while chewing a Krispy Kreme donut, if you choose. Basically, there is no excuse anymore for anyone who claims to be interested in the arts to not be very productive. It's just too easy.  The size and connection and those I have routed to Zaadz I am most proud.  The team at Zaadz has provided huge changes in the world, and some probably from a laptop.

The real dividend for the culture will be the conversion of critics into artists. We always need more of the one, and seldom have a hunger for the other.  This team together are most genius and will continue to increase and remain stable due to the knowhow of guys like C4Chaos, David, Sionne, Brian, Matthew and the rest of the team that have been always there and answered every query helping me build my site.  Whatever you guys need to continue increasing let me know and I will help.

Kathy

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

Kathy, you are amazing. Your energy on the site has certainly helped to brighten my day. Thank you so much for your warmth & positivity. You are such an asset to this community. And, I think you're doing an amzing job by being present here and sharing the goodness of this community.  Thank you on behalf of the entire team.

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

Not silly at all, Kathy– very powerful actually.  Thanks for that. :)

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

I read some of the posts, but not all……so please be patient if this has already been said.

Perhaps the not actually joining thing has to do with fear of commitment?  So many sites to join, you can hardly go anywhere on the net anymore without having to register, sign up, join, etc.  I myself have tried to keep it to a minimum, how are supposed to remember all of those member logins……that you are not supposed to write down?

To assume that the “viewing” is not just as important as the joining……i think would be error.  This is not myspace……..where the viewing is checking out someone's cool background……..or pics.  There are important things being said here and the viewers are walking away with much positive info……..whether they are ready to “commit” or not.

I think ALOT of people think about changing the world, want to………….but are deathly afraid of commiting to it…………..for what ever reasons.  I wonder if “joining” zaadz feels like a commitment people are not quite ready to take on.  Maybe they don't think they are “special” enough to change the world?  Strong enough, good enough……..etc.?

No judgement against people who do not feel ready is needed, perhaps they've already had enough of that.  It is encouragement that people need, not tomato throwing.

I say “viewings” are seedlings….if  encouraged  enough  some may come back with renewed confidence that maybe just maybe they can make a difference too!

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

Exactly!  Well said.
Blessings, David

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

That's an interesting thought Kathy,

But I tend to disagree. We are coming to a situation were everybody is an artist because he uses his computer, everybody is a healer or therapist of some sort having done some seminars, and so on.

Of course on one hand it is good, because it is a democratization of arts and healing (and other domain as well). But the downside of it, and it is not a small problem, is that it creates a lowering of the cultural level. We can clearly see that in Europe. The amount of books in library is amazing, but there content is often dull, not new. The same for music. And as for healers, you just have to look around to see that everyone claims to be one, but in reality it's probably not the case.

There is a difference in the fact of: having an artistic activity, and beeing and artist in the true sense of the term. 

I can paint, play music, and can do good to others. That doesn't make of me ipso facto a painter, a musician or healer.

Access to techniques for everyone (green meme) is good, but calling all of them artists and healers (still the green meme which doesn't recognizes hierarchy) creates a downfall of the cultural level.

Best wishes,

Patrick 

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

Patrick,

I don't think Kathy's idea is necessarily green meme because technology is giving people the access to be more creative.  To me its more about the barrier to entry that allows everyone to express themselves creatively, it doesn't mean that everyone's work needs to be coming through the same meme filters.

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

I agree with Kathy, Patrick and Mark here. I think our current society does diminish our culture and lower standards, but I also think it democratizes and allows needed access for those who haven't had outlets and resources to create or promote their art, healing practices, etc.

Our current culture is much more democratic in nature. People have so much more say in what they consume and who becomes popular. I think this results in an increase of our exposure to great work and mediocre work. In a way it is much more genuine and give us the opportunity to develop our own discernment. In the past, we would have relied on “experts” or the “elite” to filter products, art, teachings, etc. But, we now have to opportunity, and I think the responsibility to filter these ourselves and even create collective standards rather than oligarchical ones. It's a challenge for all of us to keep up with these times, times that demand and fertilize the seeds of innovation and creativity, I believe. Our “culture” is more fluid and malleable than ever.

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

I fully agree with you Jessica,

Jessica: ”But, we now have to opportunity, and I think the responsibility to filter these ourselves and even create collective standards rather than oligarchical ones.”

This point of view is very interesting. It is also tricky as it does not seem, at least here in Europe, to be in the making. The examples of the downfall of the cultural level is just too obvious here in Europe (for example: on the TV, the newspapers, radio)

I was wondering:
- Do we see collective standards in the making?
- What are the means to create these?

Best wishes,

Patrick

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

I would be interesting see collective guidelines in the making… could it come from Zaadz?  Are collective standards are a moving target within a community?

You raise some interesting questions. 

A community can and often times does raise the tide.  I think part of the challenge is that almost any community is a reflection of the whole. 

So I ask can an on line community like Zaadz be the means to create evolving social change and enough of collective “guidelines” and roadmaps?  How? 

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

So I ask can an on line community like Zaadz be the means to create evolving social change and enough of collective “guidelines” and roadmaps? 

Absolutely!!!


How?

Among the cacophony of conspiracy theories is one that claims to have a nafarious scheme of world domination, through economic and religious pressures.

The theory claim that certain aristocrats have divised a method of applying cognitve pressure on the pysche' of the masses, so that they would submit to the rule and controls of the above mentioned elite.

The problem with such a scheme, whether true or false, is it creates uncontrollable pockets of social paradigms and sub-cultures, that compete and war for domination in local, regional and global setting.

Even if this destruction were “acceptable casualties”, the broader view of humanity's development is the important thing that's not being seen. 

There's been a gradual fragmmenting of social cohesion which in turn is creating larger and more numerable mental and physical health issues globally, as well as ecological break-downs.
 Whether purposeful or unwillingly, global economics and religous dogma are the two primary areas that have done more to frighten people into unpseakable acts, than they've done to encourage people to help stop such acts.

And they can be stopped, one miond at a time but, there must be pressure applied at the top, to provide what's needed at the bottom.
And at the top are the political, corporate and religious elite who have had the same paradigm of fear and competition for generations, in most cases.

Changing their minds will quicken a change in the world.

Hey…you asked.

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

Nice to find in this thread -that although some people
participate more -a large number of members -
89 per cent in fact -will be reading the posts.
That is heartening and explains why although we do
have so many listed-there is a minority posting.

I hope, with our evolution to Gaia -that those “latent” members
will begin to participate more.
As always though -there are too many new pods starting and that
could be one of the major causes of the problem.

I have suggested that growing a pod should be delayed until
the new member has served an certain time frame here and
that they participate in at least 3 other groups before beginning
one themselves?


S

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

sandy: Yes, I'm with you; I think there's a tendency for new members to ambitiously start new Groups without fully exploring what's already available, and without grasping the dedication and involvement necessary to sustain a fledgling Group. In looking at our redesign we've been playing with ideas around how to encourage people to play in existing areas and dive into forums that are already in place instead of jumping ahead and starting a redundant new one, and your ideas here are great. I like the time aspect–having been an active participant in the community for some time is a great pre-requisite–and while mandating that people have participated in other groups might just lead to people commenting just so that they can get their own Group, I think we have plenty of options to shift the balance a bit. (What if you don't see the 'Create a Group' button not just until after you've been a member for a while, but after you've searched the site for a Group of interest? Or what if Groups needed sponsors from other members? That is, that you needed to get a few people together ahead of time who'd 'raise their hand' in support of the Group and say that they'd participate?)

Okay. This is getting long. All I really wanted to say was 'yes.' ;)

     permalink

Re: Zaadz Stats and Size.

Yeah I totally agree with Sandy as well on this.  It may also be beneficial to have an ongoing requisite before you can start the second and then finally the third.

Also, what about giving the group portion of this site a much needed cleaning?  I’m thinking something along the lines of terminating any and all groups that have been inactive for at least six months along with all the groups whose cultivator has quit the community.  Worried about losing beneficial information or potential?  Well I propose a group cemetery can be created for all those who have passed.  It could be accessible only through a link via the ‘Browse Groups’ tab.  If a group resting in the cemetery all of a sudden garners a certain type/amount of activity over a certain time frame then it will be resurrected and place into regular circulation.

C4, the stats you have listed above are very interesting. I’m glad you posted them.

     permalink