From our friend Jeff C @cbs2ny.com
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Sunday, September 05, 2010
Google Blogger Real Time Traffic Stats Better Than Clicky.com, Worldlogger
Real time traffic estimation, or "real time web analytics," is where a software program updates estimates of such common web traffic measures as unique visitors and pageviews. A good system can do this within four to six minutes of the installation of a blog post.
This blogger discovered how useful real time blogging was almost by accident. Yobie Benjamin, who's a fellow CityBrights blogger at SFGate.com, turned me on to something he helped develop called in an effort to track down an Internet stalker. Yobie shut down his system, but I happened to find another one that had a license to use his software. It's called Clicky.com. But a month after installing the code, Click.com became a tool for another effort: real time blogging.
Real Time Blogging, or "Trend Blogging" is developing a blog post in response to what the top searches are on a service like Bing X-Rank or Google Trends. Using real time traffic reporting allows you to see how your blog traffic responds to your posts ability to "hit" the keywords people are using to find out about a subject in a search.
I started doing this last November of 2009 and just after the discovery that I generated 1.1 million unique visitors at SFGate.com for the month of October 2009. By November, that increased to 1.5 million, and in December, 2.2 million unique visitors. From October to May of 2010, I've generated over 7.7 million visitors at SFGate.com.
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| Jesse James and Michelle "Bombshell" McGee |
Sandra Bullock and Jesse James ruled Google Trends; I wanted to join them.
On that day I wrote six blog posts on the news, and amassed over 280,000 unique visitors before 4 PM EDT, according to SFGate.com staff. I blogged between 7 AM and 11 AM EDT, and by my later estimation, generated over $500 in ad revenue for SFGate.com for that one day, none of it I saw but I helped save some jobs (more about that later in this post).
But the flip side of that, is my videos, even though the latest one wasn't about Bullock at the time, realized a dramatic view increase. All of this was a fantastic development for Real Time Blogging. There was just one problem: Clicky.com.
Clicky.com MAJOR FAIL
Clicky.com stopped tracking traffic data at 4:13 PM EDT, and at 102,000 visitors. In fact, the traffic report updates were slower and slower, until by that time they were a full three hours behind real time. Without an accurate real time traffic gauge, I had stopped blogging around 11 EDT, as stated, really to let the system catch up. But the graph reporting dashboard was literally stuck in place.
This email I received from Clicky.com support explains what happened:
Your site is normally fine but the spikes that you have are HUGE. Not just today but every couple weeks you have a gigantic spike. This one does look to be your biggest yet. You currently have 4400 users on your site at once. We're just absolutely not designed for that level of traffic occurring on a single site. The server is processing the backlog but it's falling further and further behind real time because this is just too much. Your site is currently accounting for almost 50% of the total traffic being logged to your site's database server. Each server is allocated around 8000 sites.
That means your site is logging as much traffic as the other 7,999 sites on the same server put together, and your spike is affecting the other 7,999 sites on this server.
So I'm sorry to say, I don't think we'll be able to track your site anymore. I had to disable it for now so that the server can catch back up.
We can handle sites up to 500,000 daily page views, but that's assuming that traffic is spread out somewhat evenly throughout the day. Your traffic comes in huge spikes in just an hour or two, which doesn't work very well with our service.
I'd recommend checking out chartbeat.com. They don't have nearly as many features as we do but they handle higher traffic and they are real time.
For me that was a major blow. The information on my impact on Clicky.com was new and surprising. What I didn't get was why they didn't try and work with me, upgrading me to another service level?
So, Real Time Blogging hit a misstep. Fortunately, it was a temporary one.
Enter Worldlogger.com
I happened on Worldlogger.com after just searching around and evaluating different services. For all of it's poor customer service, Clicky.com's dashboard was terrific. So that became my model for the next service to use. I did investigate Chartbeat.com but I did not like their dashboard layout. I don't want dials and numbers; I want graphs and numerical charts and keyword readouts. Worldlogger.com had none of that. At first.
What Worldlogger.com did have and has is a team of people who really want to help you. They are the direct opposite of Clicky.com from a customer service perspective. But the design wasn't what I wanted; Worldlogger took my input and those of others to make a terrific interface. It was lacking in one area at the time: keyword reporting.
Which words are causing what level of traffic at what time is a critical part of Real Time Blogging. Worldlogger lacked that. Even with that, Worldlogger's people were so incredible to work with, I stuck with the service as they were constantly improving it.
Focus Turns To Zennie62.com
About two months later I refocused on what had been a year-long process: getting Zennie62.com on Google News. The argument I made to Google execs was that aside from meeting their basic requirements, all of my blog posts on SFGate.com started at Zennie62.com. That realization sealed the deal.
Then, Blogger announced Real Time Traffic Stats and the new course for Zennie62.com was set.
My objective with Zennie62.com and my new Georgia-based company Zennie62Media.com is to show that a worthy competitor to blog sites like The Huffington Post and PerezHilton.com can be created using the Blogspot.com platform. There a lot of incorrect assumptions about Blogspot.com that Zennie62.com's growth can help eliminate. Plus, I want to be able to capture that $500 per day of revenue (when it happens) for my media site.
SFGate.com and The SeattlePI.com are great websites, but the fact is what I'm doing is light years ahead of what's being done on those sites and elsewhere.
Consider entering a blog post with a photo from a cell phone at a Cal Football game, then having that blog post hit Google News, Twitter, and Facebook minutes later, all while being at the game and not in the press box. That happened Saturday and here's the post. Real Time Blogging goes mobile.
The Future Is Not For Everyone
Real Time Blogging is not for everyone. Journalists will hate it, and some who are aware of what I do already dislike it. But the bottom line is the revenue returns are better than anything news websites are doing now.
The future of media is Real Time Blogging. It can also save investigative journalism by generating revenue and eyeballs for it.
Chilean Miners Rescue Op Called "Operation San Lorenzo"
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| Chilean Miners on video (CNN) |
The miners, who reportedly almost escaped being trapped in the mine itself as it collapsed, were discovered alive, and surviving via stretching a 48-hour food ration over a 20-day period.
Now, the miners are receiving food, supplies and communications equipment via three holes bored down to the area they're trapped in. Their first request? To Send toothbrushes.
The miners aren't all in one space; they sleep in various parts of the mine. A tunnel some distance away reportedly serves as their toilet.
Operation San Lorenzo Ambitious and Risky
"Operation San Lorenzo" involves using giant drills, one called The Strata 950 and the other the T-130 to bore through the rock. It's estimated that it will take four months to create a full hole. Engineers are reportedly examining how the hole can be expanded in such a way as to get the men out of there.
Stay tuned.
Beck admits he lied to the rally August 28th: it was easier than telling the truth.
As Steve Krakauer of Mediaite
explains, Keith Olberman caught Glenn Beck's "white lie" told to the crowd at the August 28th rally:
At a certain level, Beck's doubters are unsurprised by the irony that he'd stoop to fabrication to maintain his credibility with his audience. The problem remains that Beck followers are unlikely to even hear the correction, let alone to believe it if and when they do. We'd all like to think that presented with a truth, logic will dictate what most people believe - but Beck's realized that oldest truth: that a lie can run around the world while the truth is still getting its shoes on.
"Tell the truth," Glenn Beck exhorted the crowd on the National Mall, "and then expect it from others." But not, for heaven's sake, from a Fox Network entertainer in pursuit of ratings. But he probably did at least go to see the Archives building, I suppose. He wouldn't lie about that, would he?
Thomas Hayes is a political strategist, entrepreneur, and journalist currently working for the Madore for Congress campaign in Minnesota's Second Congressional District. He contributes regularly to a host of web sites on topics ranging from economics and politics to culture and community.
explains, Keith Olberman caught Glenn Beck's "white lie" told to the crowd at the August 28th rally:...he didn’t actually hold George Washington’s first inaugural address. He just had it held in front of him.Beck's discussion on his show, admitting the lie, seeks to make light of it because the full explanation is "clumsy" in a speech. So, he says, "They caught me." He recounted a trip to the Archives, but...
"...you can’t touch them..."Keith Olbermann caught him telling a lie. He wants people to laugh it off; Beck says it's no big deal in his quasi-retraction, the equivalent of artistic license.
Glenn Beck
At a certain level, Beck's doubters are unsurprised by the irony that he'd stoop to fabrication to maintain his credibility with his audience. The problem remains that Beck followers are unlikely to even hear the correction, let alone to believe it if and when they do. We'd all like to think that presented with a truth, logic will dictate what most people believe - but Beck's realized that oldest truth: that a lie can run around the world while the truth is still getting its shoes on.
"Tell the truth," Glenn Beck exhorted the crowd on the National Mall, "and then expect it from others." But not, for heaven's sake, from a Fox Network entertainer in pursuit of ratings. But he probably did at least go to see the Archives building, I suppose. He wouldn't lie about that, would he?
Thomas Hayes is a political strategist, entrepreneur, and journalist currently working for the Madore for Congress campaign in Minnesota's Second Congressional District. He contributes regularly to a host of web sites on topics ranging from economics and politics to culture and community.Cal 52, UC Davis 3: Keenan Allen For The Heisman
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| Keenan Allen in High School |
Now, Keenan Allen may be the best college freshman wide receiver in the nation.
With his 158 of the 517 yards of total offense Cal amassed against UC Davis in a 52 to 3 win Saturday in Berkeley, Keenan Allen should be marketed as a candidate for The Heisman Trophy. So, let's get the ball rolling (excuse the pun) now. It would make the second straight year Cal had a real, live Heisman candidate, with Cal starting the 2009 Season by touting Running Back Jahvid Best for the award.
If you missed Keenan Allen's amazing 48-yard touchdown, here it is:
And unless you think wide receivers can't win the Heisman, here's two names: Desmond Howard and Tim Brown.
OK, so it's just one game. But this blogger's counting on Cal Offensive Coordinator Andy Ludwig to design the right plays to make it happen.
It's on you, Andy; please, don't wide-receiver-screen him to death, deal? (More on this, later.)
Cal's Keenan Allen For The Heisman. You saw it here, first.
Saturday, September 04, 2010
Cal Football vs. UC Davis: Cal 42, UC Davis 3 , 3rd
Either because of the weather or because of UC Davis there is a packed house for Cal vs. UC Davis. Cal is ahead 42 to 3 with a lot more game to go.
Really, Cal should be happy UC Davis is playing a pro offense. The Aggies are really well suited for a spread option system and could show better against Cal.
The main problem for UC Davis is Cal's Team Speed. Yep. In caps.
Lovely day in Berkeley
On The Way To Cal Football vs UC Davis
The Cal game started. This blogger got a late start and all to see Notre Dame vs Purdue. ND was leading 7 to zip.
Florida beat Miami of Ohio but 34 to 12. That is good for Miami. Florida should be concerned.
This is mobile blogging from a taxi cab in Oakland.
Stay tuned.
College Football Weekend One: Cal, Stanford, Notre Dame, Penn State
Dangerous matchup, because if either UC Davis or Sacramento State wins, or does well, it's going to be embarrassing for Cal or Stanford.
Penn State Beats Youngstown State
Meanwhile, in their own stomper game, Penn State beat Youngstown State 44 to 14. The game marked the first start for Penn State Freshman Quarterback Robert Bolden. State College News reports that Bolden did well:
He looked comfortable in the pocket and connected with his targets quickly and accurately. He threw 29 passes for 20 completions, 240 yards, two TDs and and an interception before Kevin Newsome replaced him in the fourth quarter.
Notre Dame v. Purdue
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish take on The Purdue Boilermakers at 3:30 PM ET. The game marks the first one for new Head Coach Brian Kelly and his innovative hybrid-spread offense.
Watch for live blogs from the Cal game here! GO BEARS!
Robert Schimmel Dead: Facebook Page For Schimmel Turns Memorial
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| Robert Schimmel |
Long-time Comedian And Howard Stern Show Star Robert Schimmel is dead. As reported at Zennie62.com, Robert Schimmel, long famed for his X-rated and controversial humor - died of complications from a car accident he was in with his daughter and son four days ago. He checked himself into a hospital Friday, where he passed away.
Robert Schimmel is survived by his ex-wife Melissa Schimmel and his son and daughter.
Special blessings for his daughter, who was driving the car that was in the accident that caused his injuries. She really must be going through a hard time.
Robert Schimmel On Facebook
Robert Schimmel's Facebook page has turned into a memorial. Fans and friends can leave messages here: Robert Schimmel's Facebook page.
Robert Schimmel Dead: Howard Stern Show Regular Dies After Car Accident
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| Robert Schimmel |
Howard Stern Show regular and Comedian Robert Schimmel is in the hospital and in critical condition after injuries from a car accident. Now, just 7 minutes ago, it was confirmed that he's dead.
Schimmel was reportedly traveling in Arizona with his son and daughter. Robert's daughter was trying to avoid one accident in the lane she was driving in, but caused her own car to roll over in the process.
The 60-year-old entertainer had overcame cancer and was waiting for a liver to complete a transplant operation to combat cirrhosis.
Schimmel An Amazing Talent
TheComicsComic.con reports:
Schimmel's big break came through Rodney Dangerfield's young comedians special for HBO in 1988, Nothin' Goes Right, in which he shared a bill with a soon-to-be murderers row lineup of Bill Hicks, Andrew Dice Clay, Lenny Clarke, Dom Irrera, Carol Leifer and Barry Sobel. Here's the clip from that appearance (language, obviously, is NSFW):
TheComicsComic.com has posted a great memorial to Robert Schimmel, that's worth a read.
This is sad news for The Howard Stern Show as it marks the second time in less than a year that a comedian who was a regular on the show has faced altering events. The last time was Artie Lange who tried to commit suicide in January.
More on this unfortunate news soon.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Jan Brewer Debate Gaffe Shows Brewer Is Not Executive Material
This space has been extremely critical of Governor Brewer and suspected that she was far too impatient because she was not a quick study and so-fueled by a dangerous mix of racism and power-lust that she was not executive material.
it would be easy to cause her to make a misstep in a discussion. But to this degree was unexpected.
What obviously happened is that Governor Brewer forgot her talking points, and could not come up with an original thought. Arizona has her as Governor?
Governor Brewer was, in part, the focus of my video on Arizona's Illegal Immigration Law:
Arizona can right this amazing wrong of a Governor by voting for Terry Goddard in November.
Stay tuned.
CNN News On YouTube at Zennie62.com
In seeking a way to add a news information widget that was informative, entertaining, respected, and space saving, WidgetBox, which produces the Zennie Abraham Widget (currently at 426 installs), once again provided the basis for a novel approach. The CNN News video widget.
The CNN News video widget was created specifically for the Zennie62.com blog. It's located in the upper left area of the blog and just above the pages section. Visitors can now see three kinds of videos: Zennie62 on YouTube videos on news, videos, and pop-culture, videos installed for blog posts by Zennie Abraham or Zennie62.com bloggers, and CNN News videos.
What's great about CNN News is that it's an established brand that's well-respected and frankly without the hyper conservative-cut that's come to dominate cable news. While I have been critical of specific CNN shows and some contributors for being racist, the basic respect for the CNN brand has never wavered. I will continue to push my friends at CNN in the future.
CNN iReport Relationship
As the CNN iReport Initiative is a favorite of this space, and this blogger has been on CNN nationally several times, it was only right to include CNN in this major addition to the Zennie62.com blog.
CNN News is an established name that signals international news coverage - just what we want for the changes coming to Zennie62.com. We welcome CNN News to Zennie62.com, as our effort to expand beyond just me, Zennie Abraham, continues to move forward.
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