Even though the number of visitors to this site is pretty constant, I have noticed a drop off in comments. My first thought was the Math Captcha wasn’t working properly, but after many tests I can say it works like a champ. My second thought was my recent focus on travel, photos and fitness is less comment worthy. So I dusted off my SQL skills and uncovered this data.
| Category | Posts | Comments | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Books | 125 | 149 | 1.19 |
| Finance | 129 | 448 | 3.47 |
| Fitness | 119 | 185 | 1.55 |
| General | 293 | 331 | 1.13 |
| Nutrition | 81 | 173 | 2.14 |
| Photos | 231 | 121 | 0.52 |
| Travel | 144 | 93 | 0.65 |
| Web | 156 | 162 | 1.03 |
The data suggests that readers are most likely to comment on a Finance post and least likely to comment on Travel and Photos.
One quick comment
I made one long comment a week or so ago but forgot to enter the math captcha number. After getting the error message I hit ‘back’ on my browser (firefox) only to discover that my long comment was gone. Not good. I said screw it and went on to something else and did not re-enter the comment.
That is useful feedback. I wonder if I can modify the plugin with some client-side validation? Should just be some javascript. Thanks.
Maybe you oughta do more posts on comments to get commented on.
Hey MAS –
I find your other posts interesting, but generally don’t feel I have much to add. I feel I generally have some unique perspective or additional piece of info to add to financial posts though.
I also just personally enjoy a friendly debate with people on finance, politics or philosophy, which are my primary interests these days.
Finally, I found your site by googling “counterparty risk” during the “crash of ’08.” There was so little information on it in the world that your post was near the top of the google search.
Cheers!
Jim
Thanks all for commenting.
I will most likely do a few more finance posts this year, but my core interest is now in nutrition and fitness. The similarities between the two are striking. Experts and conventional wisdom have been wrong on both.
Ditto with what Jim basically said. Your research has been interesting and influential to me especially in the nutrition area. I will continue to read your blog.
I’m getting a lot from your posts but don’t often feel I have any to add.
Best regards,
Glenn
I had an experience similar to dhammy’s with the math captcha. I didn’t notice it, so had to go back, then didn’t notice comment hadn’t been retained, so had to go back … took me 4 tries. Good think I like you, or I would have bailed.
So a suggestion: Make the captcha label red, bigger, outlined, blinking, flanked by animated gifs of dogs running in place – anything to make it stand out more. Maybe put it between the comment field and the submit button.
Good idea. I just made it bold with a yellow highlighter background. Thanks!