I’m a bit of a nerd. Sure, there are the occasional LAN parties, but they’re few and far between. Beyond that, though, I mean, c'mon, I’m an engineer. It’s to be expected. I analyze EVERYTHING. I track changes and try to make informed decisions based on statistics. Wouldn’t it make sense that the more informed decisions you make, the better your decisions can be?
I have spreadsheets for everything. I track my weight, my 401(k), my schedule, etc. There’s just something about organizing data into a palatable form that makes so much sense. A single number means nothing without it's context. By analyzing data, you can see patterns and can predict response based on decisions you make.
And, of course, this flows into my music. I track how many CDs I sell at each show, how much I get paid at venues, how I do on tips, and I even track what elements I am using in each song. The last point there has helped me in writing/forming album 2 and has helped frequently in creating set lists (whether they are pre-planned or made up on the spot).
So I’ve got all of this data. And I organize it on my own. It’s not nearly as daunting as it may sound, but it is nice to have the work done for you every once in a while. Such is the case with this blog. Conveniently, blogger tracks everything from which posts get the most views to where the viewers are geographically and what internet browser they use.
Most of these trends make sense. Sometimes my writing is better or sometimes I get some views from friends mentioning my blog, etc. My Kaki King post, for instance, was mentioned by my friend, Ken Mueller. Compared to most of my other posts, it blew up! Likewise, I reviewed a Kyle Rictor show and, after he posted a link of it, it started to get a lot more traffic.
But here’s one that doesn’t quite make sense. A while back I wrote a post on my new Adamas guitar. Since then, it’s gotten more views per month than most of my other posts ever do. And it’s consistent. A few views per day, usually. So either Adamas guitars are booming right now or I really hit on something with a review of the guitar…
So I think that will be up next on the agenda... Reviewing some more gear. Specifically, my guitar collection. It'll help introduce everyone to the family and will give me topics that aren't just calling everyone out for not trying hard enough.
So I think that will be up next on the agenda... Reviewing some more gear. Specifically, my guitar collection. It'll help introduce everyone to the family and will give me topics that aren't just calling everyone out for not trying hard enough.