Photo View Count - SmugMug Stats being upgraded

[LCKatMPN]

Hey, guys, can anybody fill me in on the breakdown today in "Photo View" counts? I was told via help@smugmug that there is a problem with the count and that it is being worked on but that was this morning and I just want a bit of a heads-up if this is a "fix-it-tonight" problem or a "wait- a few-days" issue. Also, I've been told that the count should reflect views that transpired during the breakdown period.

Thanks
Linda
www.MyPaperNow.com

[Andy]

Hey, guys, can anybody fill me in on the breakdown today in "Photo View" counts? I was told via help@smugmug that there is a problem with the count and that it is being worked on but that was this morning and I just want a bit of a heads-up if this is a "fix-it-tonight" problem or a "wait- a few-days" issue. Also, I've been told that the count should reflect views that transpired during the breakdown period.

Thanks
Linda
www.MyPaperNow.comI don't have any more than we told you by email, I'm very sorry.

The "problem" is that SmugStats are being improved dramatically and there's a temporary time here where the count is down from view.

[LCKatMPN]

I don't have any more than we told you by email, I'm very sorry.

The "problem" is that SmugStats are being improved dramatically and there's a temporary time here where the count is down from view.

THANKS!
It's not a problem, then (which would have been okay, it happens) but an improvement (which is always nice), and that implies more than just a temporary glitch that's taking longer than expected.

Thanks again.

[LCKatMPN]

Any word yet on Photo Viiew count update? Will it be up today?
Thanks
Linda
www.MyPaperNow.com (http://www.MyPaperNow.com)

[Andy]

Any word yet on Photo Viiew count update? Will it be up today?
Thanks
Linda
www.MyPaperNow.com (http://www.MyPaperNow.com)
Not yet.

By the way, do you not use Google Analytics & Statcounter as well? Both free, both easy to implement - we show you how even.

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092794
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092684

[Patoots2001]

I don't have any more than we told you by email, I'm very sorry.

The "problem" is that SmugStats are being improved dramatically and there's a temporary time here where the count is down from view.

That's pretty disappointing as I use the stats to determine traffic to my web Smugmug site. This is by far the busiest month of the year for me--last year I had over a million hits in month of March. Now the stats have been stagnant since since 3/20 at 6am (EST). BUMMER!

Andy: Any idea on when this will be fixed?

[Andy]

That's pretty disappointing as I use the stats to determine traffic to my web Smugmug site. This is by far the busiest month of the year for me--last year I had over a million hits in month of March. Now the stats have been stagnant since since 3/20 at 6am (EST). BUMMER!

Andy: Any idea on when this will be fixed?

Stats are in abeyance for a short time while we make them better and stronger. I will post news as soon as we have it.

Stay tuned and sorry for the inconvenience.

[LCKatMPN]

Not yet.

By the way, do you not use Google Analytics & Statcounter as well? Both free, both easy to implement - we show you how even.

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092794
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092684

Yes, I use Google Analytics.
I use both sets of stats.
Thanks,
Linda

[LCKatMPN]

Stats are in abeyance for a short time while we make them better and stronger. I will post news as soon as we have it.

Stay tuned and sorry for the inconvenience.

Will

[LCKatMPN]

Stats are in abeyance for a short time while we make them better and stronger. I will post news as soon as we have it.

Stay tuned and sorry for the inconvenience.

Will you be changing the way you count Photo Views? As for my part, I've been using them to compare apples and apple for would-be converts to a new way of providing online community journalism (since those of us who now are "print" dinosaurs have all been laid off or fired). The mass market media doesn't know how to use their online stats anymore (seriously, they don't; we've heard from the advertising folks that we've left behind that no one knows what a "hit" really means, or should sell for, anymore). But, people still like their stats and if nothing else, comparing stats from now to then when they count the same thing shows at least a trend of growth. After 16 months with SmugMug, I couldn't be happier with what this site has taught me and allowed me to do, but this month and next are crucial months for getting others to buy in and herego my seemingly anal fixation with the Photo View count. Thanks for listening, and any update in terms of how this feature is or is not going to be changed and/or updated would be useful. I know you have lots more on your plate, so I understand if this is not a top priority for you in getting back to me. I can wait. Thanks.
Linda

[ultimate yachtshots]

Hits counter not working yet.

[OhEddie]

Where oh where can they be.

They have disappeared in both Firefox and IE.

Where oh where can they be?

[Andy]

Where oh where can they be.

They have disappeared in both Firefox and IE.

Where oh where can they be?

Stats are being worked on and improved currently. We will post news in
this thread over on DGrin as soon as we have it:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=1070423#post1070423

[OhEddie]

Okie-Dokie

Thanks!!!

[hspooner2000]

Will you be changing the way you count Photo Views? As for my part, I've been using them to compare apples and apple for would-be converts to a new way of providing online community journalism (since those of us who now are "print" dinosaurs have all been laid off or fired). The mass market media doesn't know how to use their online stats anymore (seriously, they don't; we've heard from the advertising folks that we've left behind that no one knows what a "hit" really means, or should sell for, anymore). But, people still like their stats and if nothing else, comparing stats from now to then when they count the same thing shows at least a trend of growth. After 16 months with SmugMug, I couldn't be happier with what this site has taught me and allowed me to do, but this month and next are crucial months for getting others to buy in and herego my seemingly anal fixation with the Photo View count. Thanks for listening, and any update in terms of how this feature is or is not going to be changed and/or updated would be useful. I know you have lots more on your plate, so I understand if this is not a top priority for you in getting back to me. I can wait. Thanks.
Linda

Before I go off on my mild rant, let me say how much I love Smugmug. The user support forum is unbelievable. Not only are they knowledgeable and helpful, but they never make you feel stupid for asking questions, even if they have been asked before. I switched over from flickr a few months ago, and absolutely love the site. The ease of access, configurability, etc. Also, folks who buy photos from smugmug are thrilled...
<mild rant mode = on>
I use both google stats and stat counter and neither provide the detail or granularity that the smugmug stats do. I have worked in service organizations for over 30 years and we had a new product to deploy we did not simply take the old one out of service and tell the customer we were working on making it better. We tested, and retested before deploying. It is quite frustrating to have lost these stats for the past 2 weeks when I have added numerous galleries and photos.
<mild rant mode = off>

Hoping the stats are fixed very soon!

[Jay_S]

Nicely worded mild rant. I at least had some hits showing yesterday, this morning everything is zero'd out, as are all the prior months. :-( I'm hoping that's an indication that it is being worked on. I'm also hoping that (somewhat based on your thoughts) that a historical record is being tallied that will carry counts over to the new system and that we're not losing all the counts currently being accumulated.

Jay S.

Before I go off on my mild rant, let me say how much I love Smugmug. The user support forum is unbelievable. Not only are they knowledgeable and helpful, but they never make you feel stupid for asking questions, even if they have been asked before. I switched over from flickr a few months ago, and absolutely love the site. The ease of access, configurability, etc. Also, folks who buy photos from smugmug are thrilled...
<mild rant mode = on>
I use both google stats and stat counter and neither provide the detail or granularity that the smugmug stats do. I have worked in service organizations for over 30 years and we had a new product to deploy we did not simply take the old one out of service and tell the customer we were working on making it better. We tested, and retested before deploying. It is quite frustrating to have lost these stats for the past 2 weeks when I have added numerous galleries and photos.
<mild rant mode = off>

Hoping the stats are fixed very soon!

[hspooner2000]

Nicely worded mild rant. I at least had some hits showing yesterday, this morning everything is zero'd out, as are all the prior months. :-( I'm hoping that's an indication that it is being worked on. I'm also hoping that (somewhat based on your thoughts) that a historical record is being tallied that will carry counts over to the new system and that we're not losing all the counts currently being accumulated.

Jay S.

Hi Jay,
My stats were stuck for about a week, then went up yesterday a bit before being zeroed today. I did not realize how much I used these stats until they stopped working. They provide incredible detail & feedback on exactly what is being viewed. When I saw how few posts were on this thread I thought maybe I was the only one making a fuss....

Harry S.

[addis]

I was just wondering if there is any new information concerning the progress of the upgrade. I'm still not getting correct information on my stat page.

Thank you!

[Jay_S]

I just got an email indicating that there is no new news. Only to keep checking back here. The folks at Smugmug usually get things right, although as someone above pointed out, it would perhaps have been good to keep the old running while getting the new up to speed. Also, I'd just like some assurance that when the new is activated that it will include past history (which is now zero'd out) as well as any hits that may have been accumulating.

SMUGMUG TEAM - A little information would go a long way here.

UPDATE: I just checked again, and some stats are there, including past, but folders I know are getting hits are still not showing any..

I was just wondering if there is any new information concerning the progress of the upgrade. I'm still not getting correct information on my stat page.

Thank you!

[Andy]

I just got an email indicating that there is no new news. Only to keep checking back here. The folks at Smugmug usually get things right, although as someone above pointed out, it would perhaps have been good to keep the old running while getting the new up to speed. Also, I'd just like some assurance that when the new is activated that it will include past history (which is now zero'd out) as well as any hits that may have been accumulating.

SMUGMUG TEAM - A little information would go a long way here.I'm sorry there's no update, please stay tuned here.
I'm sorry we couldn't leave the stats working while we improve them - it wasn't possible in this case.

We appreciate everyone's patience.

[Jay_S]

Andy,

Thanks for jumping in.. Any idea about stats that were there? Are we losing hits coming in as we speak, etc.? Again thanks.

I'm sorry there's no update, please stay tuned here.
I'm sorry we couldn't leave the stats working while we improve them - it wasn't possible in this case.

We appreciate everyone's patience.

[flyingpoint]

Is there an issue with stats on the site? I'm getting sales from galleries --- which according to stats --- have no hits.

[Andy]

Is there an issue with stats on the site? I'm getting sales from galleries --- which according to stats --- have no hits.
Yes, read my posts above, thanks.

[flyingpoint]

I think it's great that you're upgrading the stats service. While I use Google Analytics, I still rely on the smugstats for detailed info regarding individual images.

But did I miss an announcement? Or was this a last minute thing?

[Andy]

I think it's great that you're upgrading the stats service. While I use Google Analytics, I still rely on the smugstats for detailed info regarding individual images.

But did I miss an announcement? Or was this a last minute thing?I hope it's gonna be upgraded fast! You missed no announcement, this came up very fast.

[funcrunch]

I would recommend that if an upgrade affects vital functionality on the site, the page(s) affected should at least display a message indicating such. A simple one-line "we are working on improving the statistics; your photo view numbers may not display correctly until the upgrade is complete" would answer a lot of questions. I too had been wondering why the new gallery I put up on Sunday for a client was displaying 0 hits, and had no indication of why this was so until coming to this forum.

I have put in Google Analytics code now, but again, we who rely on this service for our livelihood should get better communication when functionality is affected on the site.

[hspooner2000]

I would recommend that if an upgrade affects vital functionality on the site, the page(s) affected should at least display a message indicating such. A simple one-line "we are working on improving the statistics; your photo view numbers may not display correctly until the upgrade is complete" would answer a lot of questions. I too had been wondering why the new gallery I put up on Sunday for a client was displaying 0 hits, and had no indication of why this was so until coming to this forum.

I have put in Google Analytics code now, but again, we who rely on this service for our livelihood should get better communication when functionality is affected on the site.

Totally agree. This is exactly what happened to me with 3 different clients. I had sent numerous emails to the Hero's at Smugmug help and they told me they were being worked. After the 4th message, they sent me to this thread.
Ouch....
Harry

[funcrunch]

I would recommend that if an upgrade affects vital functionality on the site, the page(s) affected should at least display a message indicating such. A simple one-line "we are working on improving the statistics; your photo view numbers may not display correctly until the upgrade is complete" would answer a lot of questions. I see such a message is now in place on the stats page - thanks guys!

[hspooner2000]

I see such a message is now in place on the stats page - thanks guys!

Andy...
Do you feel like throwing us that are moaning the temporary loss of our stats a bone... i.e. what new and improved stats will be coming our way?
:D

[Longjack]

How much longer before we have our stats tracking back ?????

[theoptimizers]

...as Marvin Gaye asked...

I've been a member of Smugmug for three years, and have found little to complain about. The customer service has always been great, and the site is very well managed.

But, this situation is disturbing. It's not so much that those of us who've posted here are upset by the temporary absence of a feature that we rely on greatly for our businesses. The biggest issue at this point is that we are not being informed of what is happening.

If an important feature went down for one or two days without notice, that would be a problem. But, it's been a week now, and all we've been told is that the feature is being "overhauled". I know that I've suggested some improvements in the past, so I was happy to learn of these plans.

However, no one has even hinted what changes to the stats would include. And after a week, nobody has given us any idea when the changes will be ready.

Generally, everyone at SmugMug should be commended for the great work you do everyday. However, this stats situation is being handled poorly, mainly because you have left us in the dark.

Cass

[Andy]

The biggest issue at this point is that we are not being informed of what is happening.

I have been posting :D And we have this update on our stats page:

SmugMug statistics are getting a much needed overhaul with some exciting new features. As a result, statistics aren't up-to-the-second currently while we finish our work. We're still tracking all your hits, it just may take a little longer for them to show up here in your graphs.

You all want to know when - but we can't and don't pre-announce dates and such. But it's being worked on now. Thanks.

[hspooner2000]

I have been posting :D And we have this update on our stats page:

SmugMug statistics are getting a much needed overhaul with some exciting new features. As a result, statistics aren't up-to-the-second currently while we finish our work. We're still tracking all your hits, it just may take a little longer for them to show up here in your graphs.

You all want to know when - but we can't and don't pre-announce dates and such. But it's being worked on now. Thanks.
Andy,
With all due respect, not wishing to pre-announce dates of features is one thing, but removing the functionality of a relied on feature without warning is totally another. Look at the many folks who have had their first post on this thread. It meant enough for them to join the service just to make their opinion know.
I also agree that this was handled extremely poorly.
Harry

[Andy]

Andy,
With all due respect, not wishing to pre-announce dates of features is one thing, but removing the functionality of a relied on feature without warning is totally another. Look at the many folks who have had their first post on this thread. It meant enough for them to join the service just to make their opinion know.
I also agree that this was handled extremely poorly.
HarryI wish this could be done differently, but in order to improve them, stats had to be handled this way. They'll be better and stronger.

[omonra21]

I wish this could be done differently, but in order to improve them, stats had to be handled this way. They'll be better and stronger.

They are actually so poor now that I don't even mind their abscence, i'm being warmed by the thought they will improve soon :)

[l4pi]

I wish this could be done differently,

I believe the point your customers are making is that it could have been handled differently. Smugmug has everyone's email address. A simple informative email to the customer base explaining what the plans are or at least the intent was before the change was made would have gone a long way. As you stated in this thread, this came up suddenly, (which btw make folks like me wonder why so suddenly) but a simple email would have been a more professional and appreciated approach to take.

I watch the stats every day, especially when I'm loading multiple new galleries, but this is not the end of the world. We will all live until the stats come back up.

just my two cents.

Now to the big question....when are they coming back up....:D

[nipprdog]

I see that you're upgrading that stat counter. :clap


Any idea when it should be up and running?

Thanks

[theoptimizers]

I see that you're upgrading that stat counter. :clap


Any idea when it should be up and running?

Thanks

To paraphrase Andy's responses to various instances of this question, the answer is...

No.

[theoptimizers]

I wish this could be done differently, but in order to improve them, stats had to be handled this way. They'll be better and stronger.

While we wait for The Great Stat Counter who rises out of the pumpkin patch delivering stats to all the boys and girls, I wonder if you could tell us what is the basis for the teeny stat updates we've seen in the last couple of days. I've seen a trickle of activity, that when compared to Google Analytics should account for about 5 mins during the past few days.

I guess I'm asking approximately what moment in time is the current set of stats frozen at?

Thanks,

Cass

[Bucster]

I have been with SM for a short while now and I do appreciate the constant upgrades and excellent communication from them, even though getting info on release dates and details is about as easy as getting info from apple.

I would like to know what the upgrades are going to be though.

[scole]

One thing comes to my mind about the current situation.....

As its been stated, stats are being tracked but there might be a delay in their appearance on our Stats page. When the 1st of the month comes, all the DETAIL stats are gone & no longer viewable (only the aggregates for each gallery).

Am I correct to assume that we will probably "lose" any photo stats during the last few days of this month, given the current situation?

Thanks-

Steve

[Longjack]

I have to say that I too have been impressed with Smugmug's response to my questions in the past.
However, perhaps that's why I find this situation regarding stats tracking overhaul (such as no notice or advance warning) and the failure or (REFUSAL ???) to provide any estimated date of completion to be out of character and very poor in terms of customer service.

[Andy]

Am I correct to assume that we will probably "lose" any photo stats during the last few days of this month, given the current situation?
No, not correct.

[LCKatMPN]

No, not correct.

Wouldn't you know I've got some meetings lined up this week with potential sponsors/partners who want to see some numbers (evidence of growth) and this is my best month to date and I can't get a handle on it that is consistent with past-month statistics. Or can I? Meetings are set for Wed and Thurs.; is there a chance Photo View counter will be fully operational by then? I see some views are coming through, but definitely not the full count. Is it possible for me to get an updated count via email? Probably not, but doesn't hurt to ask. I'm using Google Analytics as well and, frankly, selling the community, not the technology; the coverage, not the numbers; but nevertheless there is a request to show some evidence of trending growth, so there you have it. In the meantime, I am working without Photo View counts, and plan to meet without them, but if this is something that will be available early in the week, then maybe I don't have to, so a heads-up would be nice. More important, though, would be for me to know if there will even be a count that compares today's apples to yesterday's apples; will there be a consistency in how you will count, and have been counting, "unique views" per page view, for example. Thanks again (and for your patience), Linda (www.MyPaperNow.com (http://www.MyPaperNow.com))

[Andy]

Wouldn't you know I've got some meetings lined up this week with potential sponsors/partners who want to see some numbers (evidence of growth) and this is my best month to date and I can't get a handle on it that is consistent with past-month statistics. Or can I? Meetings are set for Wed and Thurs.; is there a chance Photo View counter will be fully operational by then? I see some views are coming through, but definitely not the full count. Is it possible for me to get an updated count via email? Probably not, but doesn't hurt to ask. I'm using Google Analytics as well and, frankly, selling the community, not the technology; the coverage, not the numbers; but nevertheless there is a request to show some evidence of trending growth, so there you have it. In the meantime, I am working without Photo View counts, and plan to meet without them, but if this is something that will be available early in the week, then maybe I don't have to, so a heads-up would be nice. More important, though, would be for me to know if there will even be a count that compares today's apples to yesterday's apples; will there be a consistency in how you will count, and have been counting, "unique views" per page view, for example. Thanks again (and for your patience), Linda (www.MyPaperNow.com (http://www.MyPaperNow.com))
Stats are fully updating, just not in the 'instant' manner that they did before. If you look at your stats today, they should be fully uptodate through yesterday.

[LCKatMPN]

Stats are fully updating, just not in the 'instant' manner that they did before. If you look at your stats today, they should be fully uptodate through yesterday.

They aren't, though.
So I suppose that means they won't be, either.
I appreciate the effort.
Thanks for keeping us posted.

[Andy]

They aren't, though.
So I suppose that means they won't be, either.
I appreciate the effort.
Thanks for keeping us posted.
No, not true. If you aren't getting updated daily then the stats just aren't caught-up, system-wide. Hang in there.

[Richard]

Stats are fully updating, just not in the 'instant' manner that they did before. If you look at your stats today, they should be fully uptodate through yesterday.

OK. Is this a temporary thing while the upgrade is in progress or will the final version be daily rather than "instant?"

[Andy]

OK. Is this a temporary thing while the upgrade is in progress or will the final version be daily rather than "instant?"
Daily, afaik right now. More to come.

[theoptimizers]

Daily, afaik right now. More to come.

Wow, this is really bad news.

I can't see what improvements could compensate for this significant degradation of the feature that was once so useful.

[Andy]

Wow, this is really bad news.

I can't see what improvements could compensate for this significant degradation of the feature that was once so useful.
Aw... please have patience, hang in there! I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

To be clear: stats are counting, and updating to your site once a day, or sooner.

Improvements to stats to come!

[theoptimizers]

Aw... please have patience, ... Improvements to stats to come!

Hey Andy,

I have to say that I appreciate your patience with all of this ranting and moaning. It can't be easy to keep this dialogue open, when you really aren't at liberty (or aren't in a position) to say much about what is going on. So, thanks.

The only reasons I continue to post here are
1) I want to be sure the everyone at SmugMug understands that this is important to us.
2) If decisions are still being made regarding what the new stats will contain, you should know what's most important to us users.

I realize you can't tell us more about what or when, but please pass this along to anyone who has influence in the final product.

The immediate (or close to immediate) feedback that we used to get with the stats was EXTREMELY useful. If this is being changed so that we won't know about specific photo hits for 24 hours, this would be a major step down in functionality.

This is just so you have some feedback that might be useful.

Thanks for listening.

Cass

[Andy]

Hey Andy,

I have to say that I appreciate your patience with all of this ranting and moaning. It can't be easy to keep this dialogue open, when you really aren't at liberty (or aren't in a position) to say much about what is going on. So, thanks.

The only reasons I continue to post here are
1) I want to be sure the everyone at SmugMug understands that this is important to us.
We know! !But keep telling us, we love to hear from you :D

2) If decisions are still being made regarding what the new stats will contain, you should know what's most important to us users.

I realize you can't tell us more about what or when, but please pass this along to anyone who has influence in the final product.

The immediate (or close to immediate) feedback that we used to get with the stats was EXTREMELY useful. If this is being changed so that we won't know about specific photo hits for 24 hours, this would be a major step down in functionality.


We're not gonna lose that. Give us some time to get a new UI built around our new stats ability and I think you'll be pleased :thumb

[theoptimizers]

We're not gonna lose that.

:whew Whew! That was scary. I feel much better now.

Now, I just have to wait to open my sporty new Christmas present! :barb

[addis]

:whew Whew! That was scary. I feel much better now.

Now, I just have to wait to open my sporty new Christmas present! :barb

Do you have an idea about how much longer it will be?

[Andy]

Do you have an idea about how much longer it will be?
Hello - sorry we don't give out dates for new features, I'm really sorry.

[addis]

Hello - sorry we don't give out dates for new features, I'm really sorry.

Thank you, Andy. I appreciate that you don't want to promise a date that you might not be able to meet. I'm not concerned about the new features, I'm just trying to get an idea about whether it will be a few hours, a few days or a few weeks before we will be able to check our stats more than once every 24 hours. Thank you, again.

[action-pics]

Thank you, Andy. I appreciate that you don't want to promise a date that you might not be able to meet. I'm not concerned about the new features, I'm just trying to get an idea about whether it will be a few hours, a few days or a few weeks before we will be able to check our stats more than once every 24 hours. Thank you, again.

I agree with this. I hate when someone in customer service tells me something will be done or available "shortly." What do you consider shortly or soon? The stats have been down for almost a week and half now if not longer. This a long "breakin" period for any new service. While not promising a date is fine, your programmers still have to have some idea to be able to say it will be another day or two, another week or two, etc. If they are having major problems with something, then say that and take use back to how the stats were. I know Smugmug is a large site, but deployment of something like this should not take this long. It should have been tested out ahead of time and ready to put into action within a day or two.

I'm not yelling, just stating an opinion.

[Andy]

I agree with this. I hate when someone in customer service tells me something will be done or available "shortly." What do you consider shortly or soon? The stats have been down for almost a week and half now if not longer. This a long "breakin" period for any new service. While not promising a date is fine, your programmers still have to have some idea to be able to say it will be another day or two, another week or two, etc. If they are having major problems with something, then say that and take use back to how the stats were. I know Smugmug is a large site, but deployment of something like this should not take this long. It should have been tested out ahead of time and ready to put into action within a day or two.

I'm not yelling, just stating an opinion.
Hi, Stats aren't down any more. They update once a day, or sooner. All views are being counted.

We've built in some new features to our stats which we think everyone's gonna love. But we have to make a UI for this and that's gonna take some time, I can't say how much time but I hope it's soon. I promise that as we get news I'll share it!

[hspooner2000]

Hi, Stats aren't down any more. They update once a day, or sooner. All views are being counted.

We've built in some new features to our stats which we think everyone's gonna love. But we have to make a UI for this and that's gonna take some time, I can't say how much time but I hope it's soon. I promise that as we get news I'll share it!

Andy,
I understand this is semantics, but this is not simply a new feature. In the process of releasing a new feature, you have broken something that was used by many.
Today for instance I had stats showing up for a gallery which I have been following closely (at least once a day anyway). The gallery is now showing zero hits. I can not tell you how frustrating your "new feature" has become. This issue is now almost 2 weeks old.
Harry

[Andy]

Andy,
I understand this is semantics, but this is not simply a new feature. In the process of releasing a new feature, you have broken something that was used by many.
Today for instance I had stats showing up for a gallery which I have been following closely (at least once a day anyway). The gallery is now showing zero hits. I can not tell you how frustrating your "new feature" has become. This issue is now almost 2 weeks old.
Harry
Hi Harry, what gallery - can we have a link? Stats are being counted and should update every 24 hours (or less). -Th and -Ti counts are no longer counted.

:ear

[frel]

Hi Harry, what gallery - can we have a link? Stats are being counted and should update every 24 hours (or less).

:ear

I think he referred to the sporadic times where the page says 0. It happens to me once in a while just a reload of the page correct it. But I may be wrong of course ... One thought that may help people be more patient would be to have on the stat page the date of the last stat update (so they know how much they can rely on it) and as some pointed out some even rough -- with a huge "I do not guarantee" and/or pessimistic view -- idea on how long it will take (is it in the order of weeks, months, years, decades :D) or some teaser more than "I think you'll be pleased" as a SW developer I know from experience that this sentence will always lead to deception of some people (the famous "that's it ?" when you present something that required to you a huge effort). But well this last point may be just my craving for details :rolleyes

But on my hand I just proposing things and I am happy with your effort on maintaining the service while transitioning to something that looks like a full redesign of the processing of the stat (and I know that this is not an easy task and general).

Thganks and keep up the improvement of this already excellent smugmug

[hspooner2000]

Hi Harry, what gallery - can we have a link? Stats are being counted and should update every 24 hours (or less).

:ear
Hi Andy,
Can you send me an email and I can respond? This AM I went back and looked at last month's stats and it is showing data for this gallery now. Yesterday it showed a blank page with just the note about stats being improved, etc...
Harry

[Andy]

Hi Andy,
Can you send me an email and I can respond? This AM I went back and looked at last month's stats and it is showing data for this gallery now. Yesterday it showed a blank page with just the note about stats being improved, etc...
Harry
ATTN: Andy at our help desk :)

http://www.smugmug.com/help/emailreal

Thanks.

[addis]

I just need to vent my incredible frustration with this situation.

The last time I got a close to accurate reading on my statistics was at 5:00 AM yesterday morning. With great anticipation, I checked again this morning, but because it was a new month, I got zero readings and that used up my daily check.

I have had hits on my site, but won't know what galleries and what photos are being looked at until sometime tomorrow morning.

This might not be quite as frustrating if we had never been able to check stats throughout the day, but because it was something that we had that is now gone, and we have no idea when it might return, it is completely and totally frustrating.


Please give us some idea when this will be put back together.

Thank you.

[richturk]

I'll echo previous posters: of course your overall customer service and features are great, or I(we) wouldnt be using your service.

But one of the features you guys are selling is the built in, detailed traffic count, and you're selling it to professionals who use this for business.

So with all the communications you do, you could have sent something out so users don't panic the first time they see that a heavily trafficked gallery has no hits, as well as updates.

Also, this is just taking too long. I'm getting ready to produce prints for a show and I use the counter to help figure out what might sell...lot's of large image views...good. no views...bad...I'm sure you get it. We know you're trying hard, etc, but this isnt a free site.

I suggest that you offer your customers a partial credit for the time this vital part of the service is inoperative

thank you


I just need to vent my incredible frustration with this situation.

The last time I got a close to accurate reading on my statistics was at 5:00 AM yesterday morning. With great anticipation, I checked again this morning, but because it was a new month, I got zero readings and that used up my daily check.

I have had hits on my site, but won't know what galleries and what photos are being looked at until sometime tomorrow morning.

This might not be quite as frustrating if we had never been able to check stats throughout the day, but because it was something that we had that is now gone, and we have no idea when it might return, it is completely and totally frustrating.


Please give us some idea when this will be put back together.

Thank you.

[BradJudy]

Will this stats upgrade include the ability to download the per-image stats or make more than one month's per-image stats available? As far as I can tell at the moment, I can only view per-image stats for the current month and I'd like to be able to keep track of it long-term.

[LCKatMPN]

I appreciate all the help I've been given to help understand this situation more clearly. And, as you know, I've shared some internal data from my own business that I've been collecting over the past 15 months to attest for how I am certain I have missed at least 100,000 Photo View Counts in the month of March. I appreciate the information that the counts can differ according to which "views" the viewer selects, as I set my gallery options to the one that allows viewers to select their own viewing preferences. But, as I mentioned, I don't believe my viewers are availaing themselves of that option to a great extent. And even if I were to oblige that this is happening, there would be no reason at all why in the month of March they all of sudden decided to do it in greater numbers. As an online community newspaper, with close to 200 galleries and close to 15,000 News-Shots posted, I assure you I am pretty confident about assuming which events I cover should attract the most attention (and SmugMug View Counts helped me make those assumptions); and in March, I covered the heck out of those very types of events. From Google Analytics, I can report that the month of March surpassed the month of October 2008 in PageViews, yet the SmugMug view counts for 10-08 and 3-09 were not even in the ballpark with each other; nor was the month of March in the same category with the four highest count months after October. I appreciate, again, the discussion we've had about this issue and I appreciate the reply that I received that alerted me to so many things to consider, including that Google Analytics numbers can be off depending on blocks people have on their individual computers. I responded to that email and was told to return to dgrin for the discussion, and I am happy to be here, doing just that. I can wait for whatever is coming, but I do believe that the stats for March are off, and will be off, and I look forward to hearing how SmugMug will be dealing with view counts in the future. I praise the day when I do not have to be concerned about this, or any numbers for that matter, and just let the content speak for itself, but being in the publishing world, I don't believe that will ever be the case. Still, I won't let it thwart the spirit or dampen the intentions or take away from this incredible journey a site like SmugMug has afforded to me and to so many otheres.

As always, thank you for the service and attention you afford your site users. And please, if you can and when you can, fill us in on what has transpired and will transpire in the future concerning how SmugMug has, and in the future will, provide for an accounting of counts.

IN THE MEANTIME, I will continue to use Google Analytics, consider Stat Counter as well, but is there some other option out there, even at a cost, that others in the SmugMug world would attest to?

Well, thanks for listening, back to work! Time to shoot and post and report and text!!!!


Thanks,
Linda
www.MyPaperNow.com (http://www.MyPaperNow.com)
(A Proud SmugMug User)

[cj99si]

No hits showed for this month yet(people have been on the site quite a bit). How often are the updates?

[McD1]

Stats are still not working in full. Updated some this morning only this month. NO thumbs counted at all. What is happening?

Getting frustrated,
Mary


www.mcdonegal1.com

[Andy]

Stats are still not working in full. Updated some this morning only this month. NO thumbs counted at all. What is happening?

Getting frustrated,
Mary


www.mcdonegal1.com

Hi Mary, Your stats are updating: http://www.mcdonegal1.com/homepage/stats.mg once per day now. Thumbs aren't counted anymore but all sizes above (S, M, L, XL, X2, X3, O) are counted.

[Andy]

No hits showed for this month yet(people have been on the site quite a bit). How often are the updates?
Hi, your stats are updating, too - as are everyone's - once per day ( or sooner ).

http://img.skitch.com/20090403-p96t6n6inrbtk465nce4ni8bs4.jpg

[Andy]

Will this stats upgrade include the ability to download the per-image stats or make more than one month's per-image stats available? As far as I can tell at the moment, I can only view per-image stats for the current month and I'd like to be able to keep track of it long-term.

Good question, I'll try and find out, thanks.

[hspooner2000]

Stats are still not working in full. Updated some this morning only this month. NO thumbs counted at all. What is happening?

Getting frustrated,
Mary


www.mcdonegal1.com (http://www.mcdonegal1.com)
Hi Mary,
Welcome to the party.:D
Harry

[cj99si]

Hi, your stats are updating, too - as are everyone's - once per day ( or sooner ).



Thanks I noticed, several hrs after I posted some hits showed up. A little over 48hrs. Looking forward to the new features. I just hope its soon:wink

[Andy]

and I look forward to hearing how SmugMug will be dealing with view counts in the future.

First, the now: Stats are updated daily, once per day. Stats are being counted. We don't count -Ti and -Th views (the two thumbnail sizes) any more - this will give more meaningful and accurate photo view counts for all.

Second, the future: Once our Sorcerers have built and we've tested, a new user interface, we expect to return to more real-time and near real-time stats tracking. And we have some additional features in store for you as well. Many of you press us for dates of delivery on this - I'm sorry that I can't yet give that, but it's important to us as it is to you an we'll try to bring out these new stats features as soon as we possibly can.

[JimPR4]

Thanks Andy. I'm also in the group who is anxious for the realtime stats to be available again but am looking forward to the new features.

[addis]

Thank you, Andy, for the communication.

[omonra21]

Thank you, Andy, for the communication.

Agreed. Think everybody needs to take a chill pill. The stats are not real time - will be back at some point.
I'd advise everybody to get statcounter.com in the meanwhile - I found it to be amazing for seeing how people are looking at the site and which photos are popular. Head and shoulders above google analytics.

[big odis]

First, the now: Stats are updated daily, once per day. Stats are being counted. We don't count -Ti and -Th views (the two thumbnail sizes) any more - this will give more meaningful and accurate photo view counts for all.

Second, the future: Once our Sorcerers have built and we've tested, a new user interface, we expect to return to more real-time and near real-time stats tracking. And we have some additional features in store for you as well. Many of you press us for dates of delivery on this - I'm sorry that I can't yet give that, but it's important to us as it is to you an we'll try to bring out these new stats features as soon as we possibly can.

Andy,

Having been thru a number of rollouts similar to this in my past, why wouldn't you run and debug these changes on a parallel system and roll them out live when they are ready? In the couple of years I have been with Smugmug, I can say this is very uncharacteristic of the level of support and service I have seen and received.

Let's hope this is a isolated blip and not a sign of things to come.

Jim

[Andy]

Andy,

Having been thru a number of rollouts similar to this in my past, why wouldn't you run and debug these changes on a parallel system and roll them out live when they are ready? In the couple of years I have been with Smugmug, I can say this is very uncharacteristic of the level of support and service I have seen and received.

Let's hope this is a isolated blip and not a sign of things to come.

JimIt wasn't possible with this type of upgrade, I'm sorry. I wish it were otherwise!

[scwalter]

We don't count -Ti and -Th views (the two thumbnail sizes) any more - this will give more meaningful and accurate photo view counts for all.

I disagree with this statement. Seeing the ratio of thumbnails viewed to larger sizes viewed tells me if people were interested enough to click on the thumb to see larger versions. Not being able to see this ratio is MUCH LESS useful to me and makes the stats MUCH LESS meaningful.

Can you please explain how having less data is more meaningful to me?

-Scott

[AFBlue]

Agreed. Think everybody needs to take a chill pill. The stats are not real time - will be back at some point.
I'd advise everybody to get statcounter.com in the meanwhile - I found it to be amazing for seeing how people are looking at the site and which photos are popular. Head and shoulders above google analytics.

How/where would I place their code on my site? (Use small words; I'm at about square 1.2 when it comes to understanding code stuff.)

[omonra21]

How/where would I place their code on my site? (Use small words; I'm at about square 1.2 when it comes to understanding code stuff.)

1. get an account on statcounter
2. they will give you a piece of code you have to add to your site
3. go to customize on smugmug / site-wide customization / find the section called Custom Footer
4. Paste the code there

just for your reference, this is what I pasted there myself (you have to get your own code since it references specific project number that i replaced with Xs)

<!-- Start of StatCounter Code -->
******** type="text/javascript">
var sc_project=XXXXXXX;
var sc_invisible=1;
var sc_partition=56;
var sc_click_stat=1;
var sc_security="14c9ea6c";
</********

******** type="text/javascript"
src="http://www.statcounter.com/counter/counter.js"></********<noscript><div
class="statcounter"><a title="site stats"
href="http://www.statcounter.com/" target="_blank"><img
class="statcounter"
src="http://c.statcounter.com/XXXXXXXX/0/14c9ea6c/1/"
alt="site stats" ></a></div></noscript>
<!-- End of StatCounter Code -->

[Andy]

How/where would I place their code on my site? (Use small words; I'm at about square 1.2 when it comes to understanding code stuff.)
We have step by steps tutes! See 'tutorials' in the Dgrin navbar :D

here:

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092794
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092684

[LCKatMPN]

First, the now: Stats are updated daily, once per day. Stats are being counted. We don't count -Ti and -Th views (the two thumbnail sizes) any more - this will give more meaningful and accurate photo view counts for all.

Second, the future: Once our Sorcerers have built and we've tested, a new user interface, we expect to return to more real-time and near real-time stats tracking. And we have some additional features in store for you as well. Many of you press us for dates of delivery on this - I'm sorry that I can't yet give that, but it's important to us as it is to you an we'll try to bring out these new stats features as soon as we possibly can.

So, after all this, we learn there IS a change in how stats will be counted now versus then. I never did understand why the thumbnails on screen, in the SmugMug default view, for example, were counted along with the larger photo on the screen as well, but it was explained back then that this gave a more accurate count, because technically all photos, regardless of size, were being viewed on one screen together. Now, there is a different take on things; now, it's being described as NOT a more accurate count.

But even without counting these multiple hits as one, I am not confident at all that the counts are being accurately reported anyway. SOme of them just make no sense taking into consideration the types of events I'm covering and how they historically have been visited.

Whatever comes forth, I hope the "exciting new features" are worth it to you and to all the other SmugMuggers. As for me, I can't use them anyway; I can't show growth one way, then report it another way.

A bit more information up front as all this was unfolding would have been nice; all I really needed to know from the outset was whether counts then would be comparable to stats now. Obviously, this is an issue with others as well as even the more experienced SmugMuggers are starting to post as well.

Still a devoted SmugMugger,
Linda
www.MyPaperNow.com (http://www.MyPaperNow.com)

[AFBlue]

We have step by steps tutes! See 'tutorials' in the Dgrin navbar :D

here:

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092794
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092684

Thanks omonra21 for the general advise & Andy for the tute link. The code is in my footer now and I'm looking forward to seeing the source of the continuing high interest in my Grand Canyon gallery.

[ADubin]

I sent a Email to the help line 3/16/09 on asking when the stats was going to be up and running again. On 3/22/09 I received an Email from Steve (from “SmugMug Support Hero”) stating they “hope to have Stats back very soon!.” On 3/28/09 I sent another Email to Steve at help desk and he never answer me back on when he expects the stats to be updated. It has been 3 weeks now since the stats haven’t been updated and working real time. I understand website/stats changes take a long time if you run into difficulty. All I’m asking is when it will be up and running again (a firm date). I’m extremely frustrated since I have look at the stats on your website to determine when it is updated. I would also appreciate you telling me what these updates will include. I noticed that currently you don’t record the thumbnail stats any longer. Is there a reason why? I’m sure other SmugMug users would appreciate an answer to my question too. From a not very happy SmugMug user these days.

Arnold Dubin

http://www.dubinphotography.net/

[Andy]

Hi, your stats are updating every 24 hours.
http://www.dubinphotography.net/homepage/stats.mg

We put more info in our release notes,

http://blogs.smugmug.com/release-notes/2009/04/03/new-terms-and-bug-fixes-march-2009/

and also in this thread, just above, see my posting here (http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=1080581&postcount=76).

Thanks.

[hspooner2000]

I sent a Email to the help line 3/16/09 on asking when the stats was going to be up and running again. On 3/22/09 I received an Email from Steve (from “SmugMug Support Hero”) stating they “hope to have Stats back very soon!.” On 3/28/09 I sent another Email to Steve at help desk and he never answer me back on when he expects the stats to be updated. It has been 3 weeks now since the stats haven’t been updated and working real time. I understand website/stats changes take a long time if you run into difficulty. All I’m asking is when it will be up and running again (a firm date). I’m extremely frustrated since I have look at the stats on your website to determine when it is updated. I would also appreciate you telling me what these updates will include. I noticed that currently you don’t record the thumbnail stats any longer. Is there a reason why? I’m sure other SmugMug users would appreciate an answer to my question too. From a not very happy SmugMug user these days.

Arnold Dubin

http://www.dubinphotography.net/

Arnold,
Same thing happened to me. I received 2 emails from the hero's at smugmug who are usually very helpful. I got the run around until this thread. Coming from over 20 years in support organizations it is totally foreign to me that you would :
- Without warning, removing a working feature
- when asked about when what you broke will be fixed, it is stated that "We don't give dates on new features". to me this is bogus because it is not a new feature I want, it is what was broke to be fixed.
- Told to "take a chill pill" and get stat counter which fills up in over a day with only 500 entries.

I am also very frustrated. While I hear stats are updated every day, I have confirmed galleries that were not updated for at least 48 hours. We continue to receive non-information when it comes to when this will be working again.

Harry

[Andy]

- Told to "take a chill pill" and get stat counter which fills up in over a day with only 500 entries.

Can you email me this email - ATTN: Andy at our help desk. I searched our records of emails sent to you, and I can't find a single one where our heros told you this. That would be unacceptable and also extremely uncharacteristic of our heroes.

I'm sorry that the info has been a trickle. The reason this came about was that stats needed to be changed, in order to be scalable long term (we've 1/2 billion photos now!). Don fixed 'em up - and now they update 1x per day (or sooner) and we've got an engineer assigned to build a new stats UI so that you'll have more robust, more granular, and yes, more real-time, stats. And more that I can't say now.

It's coming. Soon.

Sorry for the hassle!

If you can tell me the gallery not updating in the last 48 hours, I'll check into it.

[Frog Lady]

as much out of curiosity as any thing...

Since the advent of the new way of counting stats, there are several galleries (too many to list/link) that show hits, but when I try to find out which images have been "hit", the number either doesn't match the stat page (eg "Redlands Utd vs Newcastle" shows 1 med and 10 large hits, but when you click on it, only the 1 med shot is indicated as "viewed"; the "Redlands AYSO Silver Bullets" gallery shows 29 large and 26 original hits, but none of the pictures are showing up to see what was actually looked at). So are the "hits" on the main summary page accurate or are the stats for the individual pages accurate. Note that at least the Silver Bullet gallery has been like this since at least the 1st of April (i.e., the individual pictures being looked at have not been updated...)

Also, do you know if Google Analytics counts your own views? Since I've been working on my galleries and making new watermarks, the unlisted watermark gallery is showing up as receiving hits.

thanks,

C.

[Richard]

Also, do you know if Google Analytics counts your own views? By default, it does. However, you can customize the reporting either by IP address (if yours is fixed) or using a cookie so that it excludes your own views. Instructions are here (http://www.google.com/support/googleanalytics/bin/answer.py?answer=55481&hl=en).

[Rick_R]

I have another question about the current View Stats issue / problem. The Photos Viewed information from the Control Panel displays one set of information (16,455 viewed with 2.17 gB used) while the Total for ALL Galleries displays a very different set set of values (30,696 viewed with 3.94 gB used). Is this correct or am I comparing two sets different views of hits to my galleries ?

On a another side note; am I correct in assuming that the current View Stats software is slightly buggy ? I have different overall values for a specific gallery than when inside that individual gallery's information.

Any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Regards
Rick

[action-pics]

The one thing that I can't figure out related to the whole stats mess is why hasn't someone said exactly what we are getting in this upgrade? I keep hearing "you'll like it", but I haven't read yet, bullet by bullet, as to what the new features will be. My thought is that the process for all of this should have went down like this:

1. Hear from Smugmug members related to new feature requests. Numerous members have requested a better stat system.

2. Smugmug powers to be sit down in a meeting and say, alright, this is what the members seem to want. Can we make this happen? How will we make this happen? What will be a timeframe (no one starts a project without a time frame in mind) and what specific items will put in this upgrade.

3. After the ideas are generated in the above meeting another meeting is scheduled with the programmers who outline what can and can't be done and what problems may arise during the process.

4. The programmers then come back and say "after looking at all of this, I think we can do this, this and this, but idea#1 can't be done.". The powers to be say, "make it so and keep us updated as to your progress".

5. At this time the Smugmug members get an email saying that "we are currently working on the following upgrade (specific items listed) and are excited to be able to bring it to by _____ (insert rough date...even if "second quarter 2009") Stayed tuned for more information.

6. Programmers are busy working away and setting up a mirror site to test and debug the new upgrade.

7. After the debugging is completed, the Smugmug members get an email saying that "in order to roll out the new (previously mentioned) upgrade to the stats system, we will have to shut down the stats tracking for a day while we plug in the new upgrade (code).

8. Members are understanding of the inconvience and are excited about the new upgrade (features of which they are already aware of).

9. Everyone is happy-:)

[Andy]

My thought is that the process for all of this should have went down like this:


I wish we could have! Our engineers took the interim step with stats, to prevent stats from blowing up completely - and now we all have stats, but updated once a day (or less). It was an emergency type situation. Our engineers and ops did what was smart and prudent. And so we have stats.

Next, we combed stats feature requests (our customers aren't shy, and email us all the time with requests, and also post them on Dgrin).. and we begin building out new stats capability.

Then, we get an engineer assigned - this is now done and work on exposing the new stuff has begun in earnest.

We don't give feature lists or dates, I'm sorry. But we hope you'll be thrilled.



7. After the debugging is completed, the Smugmug members get an email saying that "in order to roll out the new (previously mentioned) upgrade to the stats system, we will have to shut down the stats tracking for a day while we plug in the new upgrade (code).
Be sure to subscribe to your SmugNews and also our release notes. We don't spam our customers, sorry! But we'll for sure be sending out news item for your homepage, for the login page, and we'll update Release Notes which you can subscribe to, also.

[Andy]

I have another question about the current View Stats issue / problem. The Photos Viewed information from the Control Panel displays one set of information (16,455 viewed with 2.17 gB used) while the Total for ALL Galleries displays a very different set set of values (30,696 viewed with 3.94 gB used). Is this correct or am I comparing two sets different views of hits to my galleries ?
Gallery stats will record multiple views of the same photo by the same person, and so might be higher (say I look at that same photo 10x in a day).


On a another side note; am I correct in assuming that the current View Stats software is slightly buggy ? I have different overall values for a specific gallery than when inside that individual gallery's information.

Any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Regards
RickTry again?

[Frog Lady]

Quote:

On a another side note; am I correct in assuming that the current View Stats software is slightly buggy ? I have different overall values for a specific gallery than when inside that individual gallery's information.

Any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Regards
Rick

Try again?

Andy - I think he's referring to the same problem I mentioned... that in stats mode, the histograms show x mediums and y larges viewed w/in a given gallery, but when you click on the histogram to see which specific pictures in a given gallery were viewed at which sizes, those numers do not match up with the stat histogram (the ones where they show the thumb nail of a viewed picture along w/ which sizes its been viewed at).

Some of my galleries are correct and the histogram matches the numbers of views shown "inside" the gallery; others are way off, in one case, showing significant numbers of large and originals viewed, but nothing shows up within the gallery to show which images were viewed.

C.

[Rick_R]

Quote:

On a another side note; am I correct in assuming that the current View Stats software is slightly buggy ? I have different overall values for a specific gallery than when inside that individual gallery's information.

Any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Regards
Rick



Andy - I think he's referring to the same problem I mentioned... that in stats mode, the histograms show x mediums and y larges viewed w/in a given gallery, but when you click on the histogram to see which specific pictures in a given gallery were viewed at which sizes, those numers do not match up with the stat histogram (the ones where they show the thumb nail of a viewed picture along w/ which sizes its been viewed at).

Some of my galleries are correct and the histogram matches the numbers of views shown "inside" the gallery; others are way off, in one case, showing significant numbers of large and originals viewed, but nothing shows up within the gallery to show which images were viewed.

C.
Thanks for expressing my issue in much better manner. That is exactly the issue I was referring. This may be one of the bugs they are fixing (I hope). I use this information as a gauge of popularity of selected photos (I assume that the more views, the more popular)


Again Thanks
Rick

[beetle8]

Hey Andy, thanks for pointing me here, glad to know I'm not the only one thoroughly disappointed with stats and the fact that I can not operate my business in the same fashion SM made me accustomed to, because they decided to pull the plug on a portion of a product that I am paying for.
As pointed out here already the customary thing to do would be to build this behind the curtain and give us the "Boy your gonna like it" upgrade when it is ready.
The is the second time in one day that I have heard the we don't give out dates, I'll go ahead and swallow it on the coupons and packages because I won't really believe they are coming until I see them anyway. But to take something away from us and then tell us your not going to tell us when you are going to give it back? Do you have any idea how that sounds? You must, it's truly ludicrous. I definitely don't envy your Job Andy, I would tell senior management you need something to throw at the masses before the castle walls fall.
I am a member of another extremely large photo selling site that took real time stats away 2 years ago, probably for the same reason, they started out telling us they were going to come back better than ever, but then the dust settled and they now tell us to be happy with twice daily updates.

[Andy]

Hey Andy, thanks for pointing me here, glad to know I'm not the only one thoroughly disappointed with stats and the fact that I can not operate my business in the same fashion SM made me accustomed to, because they decided to pull the plug on a portion of a product that I am paying for.
As pointed out here already the customary thing to do would be to build this behind the curtain and give us the "Boy your gonna like it" upgrade when it is ready.
The is the second time in one day that I have heard the we don't give out dates, I'll go ahead and swallow it on the coupons and packages because I won't really believe they are coming until I see them anyway. But to take something away from us and then tell us your not going to tell us when you are going to give it back? Do you have any idea how that sounds? You must, it's truly ludicrous. I definitely don't envy your Job Andy, I would tell senior management you need something to throw at the masses before the castle walls fall.
I am a member of another extremely large photo selling site that took real time stats away 2 years ago, probably for the same reason, they started out telling us they were going to come back better than ever, but then the dust settled and they now tell us to be happy with twice daily updates.
Hi Beetle, I wish it would have been possible to do things the way you've said. But as I've posted many, many times in this thread already, we couldn't. We had to take action on stats and do what we did, or there'd be no stats at all. Now, stats are updated once a day or sooner. And all photos are being recorded.

And we've an engineer assigned to make a new UI to show the new up to the minute stats, and more, that'll be part of the next release. You're right, we don't give dates, I'm sorry. It's incredibly important to you, and us - to get this done.

I'm sorry I don't have a better, different answer than the one I've already given here in this thread. To you and all, we appreciate your patience as we build out new stats features, thanks!

[Andy]

Hey Andy, thanks for pointing me here,

By the way - I looked on your site - no Statcounter, no Google Analytics? Both free, both dead simple to add and both extremely useful. Why aren't you using them? :ear

We have tutorials for both:

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092794
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092684

[beetle8]

By the way - I looked on your site - no Statcounter, no Google Analytics? Both free, both dead simple to add and both extremely useful. Why aren't you using them? :ear

We have tutorials for both:

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092794
http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/1092684
I guess I'll have to,

I don't want to be argumentative Andy but pointing me to a free service somewhere else on the web, and suggesting that I am at fault for not using them so that I can try to compensate for something that SM use to include with my service is like my local restaurant telling me they don't have condiments or napkins anymore but I can get them for free from the counter at McDonalds.

[Andy]

I guess I'll have to,

I don't want to be argumentative Andy but pointing me to a free service somewhere else on the web, and suggesting that I am at fault for not using them so that I can try to compensate for something that SM use to include with my service is like my local restaurant telling me they don't have condiments or napkins anymore but I can get them for free from the counter at McDonalds.
Beetle, you are not at fault for not using GA or Statcounter, nor did I mean to imply anything of the sort. It's my job to make sure that you know how dead simple easy it is to use these tools- believe it or not, beetle, I'm trying to help you :D Use GA and Statcounter like so many thousands of Smuggers do to augment SmugMug Stats. Or don't, that's your choice - I just wanted you to know how easy they are. And that you have a choice to use them.

[beetle8]

:thumb

[hspooner2000]

Can you email me this email - ATTN: Andy at our help desk. I searched our records of emails sent to you, and I can't find a single one where our heros told you this. That would be unacceptable and also extremely uncharacteristic of our heroes.

I'm sorry that the info has been a trickle. The reason this came about was that stats needed to be changed, in order to be scalable long term (we've 1/2 billion photos now!). Don fixed 'em up - and now they update 1x per day (or sooner) and we've got an engineer assigned to build a new stats UI so that you'll have more robust, more granular, and yes, more real-time, stats. And more that I can't say now.

It's coming. Soon.

Sorry for the hassle!

If you can tell me the gallery not updating in the last 48 hours, I'll check into it.

Andy,
As all mentioned, it is extremely disappointing on the many things that have been mentioned in detail in this thread. I also still believe that this could have been handled in a much better way, where you were immediately up front and started documenting exaclty what was happening, rather than be reactive. Also, I believe that this has resulted in a black eye for SM. As Beatle said, taking away something that we were using, then tell us you don't release dates on new features does not hold water, imho.

I do want to clear up something. I never had anything but polite quick response from the smugmug hero's. To me, they are one of things that really differentiates you from your competition. It was a fellow poster who said "Take a chill pill" not the Hero's. My point was that I use GA and Stat counter and they are still no replacment for the stats that I was using. After 500 entries on Stat Counter, it fills up.
Harry

[Andy]

Andy,
As all mentioned, it is extremely disappointing on the many things that have been mentioned in detail in this thread. I also still believe that this could have been handled in a much better way, where you were immediately up front and started documenting exaclty what was happening, rather than be reactive. Also, I believe that this has resulted in a black eye for SM. As Beatle said, taking away something that we were using, then tell us you don't release dates on new features does not hold water, imho.

I do want to clear up something. I never had anything but polite quick response from the smugmug hero's. To me, they are one of things that really differentiates you from your competition. It was a fellow poster who said "Take a chill pill" not the Hero's. My point was that I use GA and Stat counter and they are still no replacment for the stats that I was using. After 500 entries on Stat Counter, it fills up.
Harry
Hello Harry, thanks for posting. If there were another way we could have dealt with this, we would. I wish it would have been possible to do things the way you've said. But as I've posted many times in this thread already, we couldn't. We had to take action on stats and do what we did, or there'd be no stats at all. Now, stats are updated once a day or sooner. And all photos are being recorded.

I wish I had a better, different answer for you.

Stats are being counted. Stats are updated once a day, or faster, for now. And we will have new and improved stats coming out soon. An engineer's been assigned, and is working this as his first priority. And when they do come out, you'll have more granular stats, up to the minute, and more options, and more stats, than you had before.

Thanks in advance, for your, and everyone's patience on this while we take the necessary and immediate actions that allow us to continue to serve you, and all of our customers, best.

Thanks.

[theoptimizers]

... We had to take action on stats and do what we did, or there'd be no stats at all. ...

So, there was a problem, and you fixed it, and while you're fixing the problem, you're upgrading the stats?

I think if you had said this at the start, you'd be fielding fewer frustrated posts. This thread lead me to believe that SmugMug had poorly planned an upgrade. But, I'm now getting the feeling that there was a problem with the stats that had to be fixed. And, the upgrade was an after thought.

If this is the case, then you really could have made life easier for everyone if you had made this clear. Instead, we all believed that this "procedure" was planned.

As usual, transparency could have been best for everyone, including you. ;)

Cass

[Andy]

I think if you had said this at the start,

I've been saying it as often and as soon as possible. Thanks!

[theoptimizers]

I've been saying it as often and as soon as possible. Thanks!

Andy,

I'm honestly trying to be constructive. You have not said that there was a problem. Perhaps, you hinted at this occasionally. Here is how you started:

The "problem" is that SmugStats are being improved dramatically and there's a temporary time here where the count is down from view.

Then, this:

Stats are in abeyance for a short time while we make them better and stronger. I will post news as soon as we have it.

And, then there was the first hint that this might be related to fixing a problem:

I hope it's gonna be upgraded fast! You missed no announcement, this came up very fast.

But, you never said that we had a problem that we're fixing, and we're ALSO upgrading the features while we're fixing the problem.

Perhaps this is just a miscommunication. However, I fear that you have a policy of limiting information, which has contributed to mass anxiety. I'm fairly certain that if you had been straight forward about the original problem, and subsequent decisions to upgrade the features, we all would have understood, and would have been much more supportive, rather than feeling like we were in the dark.

The biggest problem seemed to me that you were saying things that didn't makes sense, as compared to situation we all had seen in the past.

Normally, upgrades are handled differently than this situation was. And, it turns out, this wasn't an upgrade at all. It was a repair, which makes much more sense.

I'm just trying to let you know where I'm coming from, and maybe some others. And, how this kind of situation might be avoided in the future.

Cass

[Andy]

I'm just trying to let you know where I'm coming from, and maybe some others. And, how this kind of situation might be avoided in the future.

Cass
Thanks Cass! It's not easy,trust me :D I'm really trying to do the best possible job, and I never, ever, ever hold info back -we're transparent by nature and we show that all the time here on Dgrin. Nonetheless, I'm reading and re-reading your comments in hopes that I might so a better job next time - always room to improve!

[theoptimizers]

... always room to improve!

Please remember, as others have echoed even within this thread, you guys are doing a great job on the site. This single issue hasn't diminished SmugMug's value.

I just wish I had time to take advantage of all the cool stuff you guys have!

[LCKatMPN]

I appreciate the concern SmugMug has shown for some of the posters here, because through that concern I have gotten the answers I strove to get some three weeks ago when I started this thread. It really was as simple as I thought; a breakdown that needed to be fixed. And to think I was hesitant to bother you! Obviously, this issue has been an issue with many others. I'm just glad it's out in the open now and we know where we stand: the counts won't be the same, and maybe they will be better. In closing, tell the engineer to take as long as he needs to get it right. And if it can't be done, fine with that, too. Just let us know when it is what it is so we can determine how best to use what is available, when it comes online. Good luck with the effort. I know there's a lot to do with a site that is growing as swiftly as this one. I'll have more questions in the future and I hope you won't mind me asking!

Thanks,
linda
www.MyPaperNow.com (http://www.MyPaperNow.com)

[beetle8]

I appreciate the concern SmugMug has shown for some of the posters here, because through that concern I have gotten the answers I strove to get some three weeks ago when I started this thread. It really was as simple as I thought; a breakdown that needed to be fixed. And to think I was hesitant to bother you! Obviously, this issue has been an issue with many others. I'm just glad it's out in the open now and we know where we stand: the counts won't be the same, and maybe they will be better. In closing, tell the engineer to take as long as he needs to get it right. And if it can't be done, fine with that, too. Just let us know when it is what it is so we can determine how best to use what is available, when it comes online. Good luck with the effort. I know there's a lot to do with a site that is growing as swiftly as this one. I'll have more questions in the future and I hope you won't mind me asking!

Thanks,
linda
www.MyPaperNow.com (http://www.MyPaperNow.com)
Uh - No, please do not tell the engineer to take as long as he needs, Linda I'd like to think you were being sarcastic, but it really didn't seem like it. and if it cant be done fine with that too? Uh - No again.
If SM want's to take their time with a new feature roll out well then that's fine but get stats back ASAP, just the same old stats would be fine while we wait for the new and improved.

[frel]

Uh - No, please do not tell the engineer to take as long as he needs, Linda I'd like to think you were being sarcastic, but it really didn't seem like it. and if it cant be done fine with that too? Uh - No again.
If SM want's to take their time with a new feature roll out well then that's fine but get stats back ASAP, just the same old stats would be fine while we wait for the new and improved.
Well based on the recent post it is not only a new feature but also a necessary improvement probably due to the very large of photo we all post there (andy even mention half a billion in a previous post). So the same old stat won't have made it probably anyway. The extra features are just an extra and I agree with the fact that they can take the time needed to get things right.

I know that it may be annoying for all of us but we should also keep in mind that sometimes having a little of patience is better than discover too late that you don't have anything (or worst a crapy thing).

Thanks Andy for keeping us posted and the evolution of this thread showed me that even if the things are not perfect SM is really trying to do its best here.

[beetle8]

Well based on the recent post it is not only a new feature but also a necessary improvement probably due to the very large of photo we all post there (andy even mention half a billion in a previous post). So the same old stat won't have made it probably anyway.

I've read the thread,

The extra features are just an extra and I agree with the fact that they can take the time needed to get things right.

Uh-No, Saying hey take your time means that it's not important to you, and you don't care how long it takes.

I know that it may be annoying for all of us but we should also keep in mind that sometimes having a little of patience is better than discover too late that you don't have anything (or worst a crapy thing).

Thanks Andy for keeping us posted and the evolution of this thread showed me that even if the things are not perfect SM is really trying to do its best here.

Clearly there are some of us that use and rely on stats more than others.

[frel]

Clearly there are some of us that use and rely on stats more than others.
Yeah I got that ! Now imagine the eventuality that if they did nothing your stat would have been definitely lost ...

edit : end similarly that if the job is not done correctly due to to much pressure they can be lost to (as an engineer I know that bot things are possible and I am sure that devels at SM are not rolling they thumb and joking around about the current situation but you may know better)

[beetle8]

Stats are part of SM's product, a part that I use.

What if the shopping cart crashed, or thumbs became invisible (oh sorry that's happening too), or the slide show feature, etc.

It's a something that is part of a service that I am paying for and it's not working.

Cue the annoying analogy,

Your TV suddenly starts to produce no audio you call the cable company and they tell you they are working on an upgrade, don't know when it'll be ready but sit tight, oh and don't forget your bill is due next week.
"Hey no prob, take your time, I'll just sit over hear reading lips and being patient"

[frel]

Uh-No, Saying hey take your time means that it's not important to you, and you don't care how long it takes.

Well both me and LCKatMPN said "take the time needed" which is very different from "take your time". I'd rather have something that works properly and was correctly designed (and I am not talking about shiny interface here) than something that will eventually break again.

Do I rely on stats ? Yes. Does it have a financial impact to me ? No as I use it to see what my friend and family across the ocean like and don't ? which at my humble level is quite important to. Do I consider that I pay for this service too yes and that's why I am looking forward to see how things will be corrected/improved. I appreciate also that even though I lost real-time update the team managed relatively quickly to provide daily updates with as much data as they could provide.

But I'll stop here as we are definitely not on the same level.

[BradJudy]

Will this stats upgrade include the ability to download the per-image stats or make more than one month's per-image stats available? As far as I can tell at the moment, I can only view per-image stats for the current month and I'd like to be able to keep track of it long-term.


Good question, I'll try and find out, thanks.

Andy, did you find an answer to this question? Thanks.

[Andy]

Andy, did you find an answer to this question? Thanks.Should be able to do this... We'll do our best to include this in the new stats features. I've made sure Brad, the engineer working this, has your request!

[Richard]

Should be able to do this... We'll do our best to include this in the new stats features. I've made sure Brad, the engineer working this, has your request!

If the final version is not going to be real-time, it would be helpful if the reporting included a timestamp of the last update.

[theoptimizers]

If the final version is not going to be real-time, it would be helpful if the reporting included a timestamp of the last update.

This would be great regardless of real-time. Actually, it's especially important if not real-time. Like now. :cry

[jziegler]

I have one gallery (http://jziegler.smugmug.com/gallery/5239102_dZ722) that has some pageviews (15, last week) in google analytics, but has nothing showing up in my stats. Since I'm not a pro, it isn't really important to me, but I like to know so I can try to improve my site. I don't mind the less frequent updates, although I prefered when they were faster. I just want to join those asking if the current stats really are correct.

Thanks

[Andy]

I have one gallery (http://jziegler.smugmug.com/gallery/5239102_dZ722) that has some pageviews (15, last week)

Were they from a non-logged in browser (meaning, not you)?

[jziegler]

Were they from a non-logged in browser (meaning, not you)?

Yes, they were. When I'm logged in, it doesn't register on Google Analytics on the computers that I use.

[addis]

Do we have any updated news on what's happening? Do we know if the stats will once again be real time, and if so, when that might be happening? Thank you for any news you can give us.

Eva

[Andy]

Do we have any updated news on what's happening? Do we know if the stats will once again be real time, and if so, when that might be happening? Thank you for any news you can give us.

Eva
http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=1083582&postcount=107

[Andy]

Yes, they were. When I'm logged in, it doesn't register on Google Analytics on the computers that I use.
I see them here http://jziegler.smugmug.com/homepage/stats.mg?AlbumID=5239102&AlbumKey=dZ722

[addis]

http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=1083582&postcount=107

Does that mean there isn't any new or updated news?

[Andy]

Does that mean there isn't any new or updated news?
Hi Addis, a SmugMug Sorcerer has been assigned to the job, he's on the job and in the not so distant future we expect to have an important feature upgrade to Stats.

[jziegler]

I see them here http://jziegler.smugmug.com/homepage/stats.mg?AlbumID=5239102&AlbumKey=dZ722

I do see some now. They did take more than a day to show up, but the count is there. Thanks for looking into it.

[addis]

Hi Addis, a SmugMug Sorcerer has been assigned to the job, he's on the job and in the not so distant future we expect to have an important feature upgrade to Stats.

Andy, Since it's been such a long time, occasional updates are nice, and appreciated.

Thank you,
Eva

[beetle8]

Agreed :agree

[Andy]

Andy, Since it's been such a long time, occasional updates are nice, and appreciated.

Thank you,
EvaHey, if we had something to say, we'll update. I'm not going to update on no news :D

Please know that our engineer is working on this, and full-time, and it's his #1 priority. Next news will be release. http://blogs.smugmug.com/release-notes/

[theoptimizers]

Hey, if we had something to say, we'll update. I'm not going to update on no news :D

So, the good news in this for me was that I became more aware of this forum. While checking for news on stats every day, I also read threads about customizing my site. I think it's looking much better now. :thumb

So, please thank your engineer for giving me so many opportunities to improve. :barb

[Andy]

So, the good news in this for me was that I became more aware of this forum. While checking for news on stats every day, I also read threads about customizing my site. I think it's looking much better now. :thumb

So, please thank your engineer for giving me so many opportunities to improve. :barb
cool. You can also subscribe to our release notes blog and just get notified by RSS feed when we release it :D

http://blogs.smugmug.com/release-notes/

[theoptimizers]

No stat updates for a couple of days. :cry I was expecting more timely updates :deal but I know the economy is tough right now.
:deadhorse Sure would be nice to see some new stat features.:deadhorse

I know our patience will be rewarded when the shiny new stat features eventually come. Because your web guys are the best!!! :buttkiss

[Andy]

No stat updates for a couple of days.

Really? What gallery? We're updating stats every 24hrs or less. If it were otherwise, that'd be a bug, I'd expect.

[theoptimizers]

Really? What gallery? We're updating stats every 24hrs or less. If it were otherwise, that'd be a bug, I'd expect.

This gallery specifically has had hits that are not shown ...
http://photos.cunningham-photo.com/gallery/8028810_yaMbA

And at least two others I know have had more hits based on conversations.

[Photobycate]

Where is SmugMug with the new stats reporting?

[Andy]

Where is SmugMug with the new stats reporting?
No update, other than it's in the works, Sorcerer assigned, and is actively working on a major update to our stats ability.

For now, nothing more to add to this message appearing on your stats page. IMPORTANT: SmugMug statistics are getting a much needed overhaul with some exciting new features. As a result, statistics aren't up-to-the-second currently while we finish our work. We're still tracking all your hits, it just may take a little longer for them to show up here in your graphs. Your stats may be out-of-date for up to 24 hours but are otherwise working fine and are current.

We'll announce new stats on release notes, http://blogs.smugmug.com/release-notes/ be sure to subscribe in your favorite feed reader!

[JC4]

This gallery specifically has had hits that are not shown ...
http://photos.cunningham-photo.com/gallery/8028810_yaMbA

And at least two others I know have had more hits based on conversations.


Same here. No updates in 2 days. I know this gallery should have hits(Recent, active forum posts)
http://johncaputo.smugmug.com/gallery/4928909_AMCfM

None of my Galleries have hits for May, which is unusual.

Edit: Stats working again.

[addis]

Are you working on something today? I've been having trouble all day trying to log in and get to the control panel. I also can't load pages from my StatCounter.

[Andy]

Are you working on something today? I've been having trouble all day trying to log in and get to the control panel. I also can't load pages from my StatCounter.
No we're not. Write our heroes and we'll do some diagnostics on your connection to us.

http://www.smugmug.com/help/emailreal

[JCC]

I know there's a thread post on this somewhere but I sure can't find it today. So, I'll just ask:

1. Why is there a difference between SmugMug Site Visit stats (eg: photos viewed this month) and Google Analytics' Pageviews? They differ by a power of 10ish.
2. Can the two be brought closer together by using a more detailed (really really detailed - eg: make each photo a "page") sitemap?


Thanks!
Jill

[l4pi]

Anybody still working on this?

[JCC]

2. Can the two be brought closer together by using a more detailed (really really detailed - eg: make each photo a "page") sitemap?

Thanks!
Jill
Hi James-
I've gotten this to work, to a point. Google will recognize the page type down to the gallery level. So that makes up for at least part of the difference. I'm guessing there's a way to do it down to the photo level, I just haven't had time to solve that yet.
Your photos are great!
Jill
http://jcarpenterclicks.com

[Andy]

Anybody still working on this?
Yup. But while we work, we're counting your photo views and updating stats every 24hrs or less (usually far, far less these days).

[beetle8]

I just finished reading a thread from 4 years ago about Sm working on packages.

Related to stats...SM has officially taken something away from me that they used to provide as part of the service I pay for. A feature that I used on a regular basis, hourly tracking for the first 36 to 48 hours after an event.

This is not a new feature release, this is a broken feature going on 3 months.

Back to my cheesy analogy, if the cable service you paid for suddenly lost a vital component, say audio, how long would you sit while the cable company told you they were working on it but have no further or more detailed info.

This...

Hey, if we had something to say, we'll update. I'm not going to update on no news :D

Doesn't reassure me that this is as high a priority as I feel like it should be. Again, we are not talking about packages here, and the old SM policy of not divulging dates on new feature releases. This was taken away from us without notice under what seems to be a ruse of
SmugMug statistics are getting a much needed overhaul with some exciting new features...
Which seems to go in direct contradiction to your, "we don't pre-announce new releases policy"

no notice no nothing with substance,

You know what my Grandpa used to say, "If it aint broke don't fix it"
maybe he should have added, "if it is broke and someones' payin' ya' for it, you better get yer butt in gear and fix it fast"

-Keith

[Sheaf]

You know what my Grandpa used to say, "If it aint broke don't fix it"
maybe he should have added, "if it is broke and someones' payin' ya' for it, you better get yer butt in gear and fix it fast"


It was broken, but not generally customer-facing-broken. It was causing major issues on our backend, meaning that you were seeing significantly more site problems. This was an overhaul to lighten the load on our database servers.

I know stats are extremely important to people, but I'm not sure why this is causing such an uproar. The stats are working the same as before, just slightly delayed. And we are working hard at improving the whole feature.

[beetle8]

Not working the same as before.

edited to clarify.

If they were working the same as before, there would be no need for a "just" after your statement.

When I can refresh (every 5 seconds if I want) and see my photo views steadily rise after an event. Then you can say The stats are working the same as before

Before stats broke, I had an event that Produced over 2000 photo views an hour one of those hours was over 3000, I know that because stats were working at the time and I was able to track it. This is valuable to me because it trends my customers behaviors i the hours directly after an event.

[ChatKat]

I've recently done some heavy SEO and I was trying to determine my hits per image and gallery.

When will the new stats be finished?

[Andy]

Not working the same as before...
Doesn't reassure me that this is as high a priority as I feel like it should be.
Hey Beetle, stats were gonna blow up - and if we didn't make changes you'd be really really really upset.

We have a full-time sorcerer on this project, and he's doing nothing else. That's as high-priority as it gets.

Beetle, I know you sell a lot. And I know stats are important to you. I'm really curious why you won't use the free and easy google analytics and statcounter that so many of our SmugMug Pros use. There's so much to gain and nothing to lose for you. If you want help adding them, just holler.

Hang in there, because new stats are gonna blow you away. Sorry it's taking some time to pull it all together but I can assure you we're working as fast as humanly possible on building new stats.

[Andy]

I've recently done some heavy SEO and I was trying to determine my hits per image and gallery.

When will the new stats be finished?
What functionality are you looking for Kathy? We're counting your photo views right now, and you can view and monitor gallery stats Let us know and we can help :ear

[ChatKat]

Thanks, Andy - I just wanted to go through photo by photo in gallery view to see what is attracting attention.

[Sheaf]

Thanks, Andy - I just wanted to go through photo by photo in gallery view to see what is attracting attention.
You can do that currently. Just click on the graph for the gallery you are interested in (not the link above it).

http://sheaf.smugmug.com/photos/555415758_UgaCT-X3.jpg

[beetle8]

Hey Beetle, stats were gonna blow up - and if we didn't make changes you'd be really really really upset.

We have a full-time sorcerer on this project, and he's doing nothing else. That's as high-priority as it gets.

Beetle, I know you sell a lot. And I know stats are important to you. I'm really curious why you won't use the free and easy google analytics and statcounter that so many of our SmugMug Pros use. There's so much to gain and nothing to lose for you. If you want help adding them, just holler.

Hang in there, because new stats are gonna blow you away. Sorry it's taking some time to pull it all together but I can assure you we're working as fast as humanly possible on building new stats.

I understand that stats were going to blow up, and as I mentioned earlier in this thread, I'm involved with another photo selling site that went through a very similar growing pain, and they promissed real time would return, but it has not. It doesn't matter at this point but I feel like there was a bit of cover-up about that very point at the begining of this issue.

I set up my google analytics account last night Andy, and installed it via a plugin for my new WordPress site. The Google analytics CP says I can use it for more than one site so I will be installing it on my main site and SM site.

That being said, I personally find it very frustrating that SM is suggesting that I use someone elses service to compensate for their issues. This is SM's solution to the Safari issue as well. I've taken great care when formulating responses to my customers on that one. Fortunately stats does not directly affect my customers.

We have registered a new name to handle portait/wedding work and our intent was to use SM as a proofing gallery location. The main site will be the WP site I mentioned ealier. My point for bringing this up is that, we have built a business (champion Photo) that relies heavily on the services that we pay SM for. We are now building a new business with the same intent, and I have to stop and wonder if we are making the correct decision.
At some point I will have to set aside that you have the best customer service in the world and take a look at everything else. Where are the gosh darn packages and coupons, I mean honestly, I just mentioned seeing a thread that was 4 years old with SM customers begging for packages and coupons. Actually the thread was strikingly similar to all the other threads that have mentioned these things, I think you know what I mean.
There's another one where SM is asking us to use somone elses service as a work-around.

One last thing, Why does this thread keep falling off of my subscription list?
-Keith

[Andy]

but I feel like th
I'm really sorry you feel this way, Beetle. We've got a 7 year history of openness, we've really got nothing to gain by hiding or covering. Still, I'll review all the communications and we'll strive to do better!

I personally find it very frustrating that SM is suggesting that I use someone elses service to compensate for their issues.
Beetle, we've been recommending Google Analytics and Statcounter for years and years. It's just good smart business sense. Go back and search Dgrin :D We don't recommend GA & Statcounter for any reason other than they are great free additions to the stats we provide. I'm really sorry you feel otherwise :(

This is SM's solution to the Safari issue as well. I've taken great care when formulating responses to my customers on that one. Fortunately stats does not directly affect my customers. Huh? Apple broke Safari, and took their sweet time. Finally they were able to get us enough information about what was going on so we could actually fix things on our own.

We have registered a new name to handle portait/wedding work and our intent was to use SM as a proofing gallery location. The main site will be the WP site I mentioned ealier. My point for bringing this up is that, we have built a business (champion Photo) that relies heavily on the services that we pay SM for. We are now building a new business with the same intent, and I have to stop and wonder if we are making the correct decision.
At some point I will have to set aside that you have the best customer service in the world and take a look at everything else. Where are the gosh darn packages and coupons,
Plenty of other threads going where I'm updating you and all our pros. They're both in active, agressive development, Beetle, I'm sorry I don't have more to say than that.


One last thing, Why does this thread keep falling off of my subscription list?
-KeithI don't know, Beetle, I'm sorry. Check your dgrin profile settings?

[beetle8]

Thanks for your time Andy,

It isn't till post #96 that you divulge the reason for the stats being down was due to impending doom. Up to that point the info was decidedly less specific.

You can apreciate that I don't have the background knowledge that you do on when you started recomending GA. All I do know is that it was recomended to me as a solution to this issue.

I know, I apologize about bringing up the Safari thing again, it was just a sore subject for me that I could not wrap my head around.

That's my point Andy, If you've read one Coupon and Package thread, you've read them all.

I have, I don't understand, it's the only one that is randomly falling off my subscription list. Is there a conspiracy to keep me out of this thread? :D

[beetle8]

Andy, Thanks for the suggestion/push to GA and SC, super cool stuff. I've been playing with them over the past day, and have installed them on all my sites and will be installing on 2 sites that I've done for charity, I'll be busy for a while trying to figure out a way to use the mass amounts of info provided. :D

I had one of my shots on the cover (http://www.nbl.org/public/files/bmx-today/June-2009.gif) of a national magazine this month, now it's cool to see where the visits are coming from not just the numbers.

I wish I listened to you 2 months ago.

I'll wait more patiently now for SM's new stats, but only cause I have something to keep me busy. My points on the issue still stand:wink

[Andy]

Andy, Thanks for the suggestion/push to GA and SC, super cool stuff. I've been playing with them over the past day, and have installed them on all my sites and will be installing on 2 sites that I've done for charity, I'll be busy for a while trying to figure out a way to use the mass amounts of info provided. :D

I had one of my shots on the cover (http://www.nbl.org/public/files/bmx-today/June-2009.gif) of a national magazine this month, now it's cool to see where the visits are coming from not just the numbers.

I wish I listened to you 2 months ago.

I'll wait more patiently now for SM's new stats, but only cause I have something to keep me busy. My points on the issue still stand:winkWoop!

[beetle8]

What does Woop! mean?

Is it like Whupee (sarcastic)
or woohoo (good for you)

I've read Woot! before in threads and I know thats good like congratulations.

But I'm not sure on Woop! I would be bummed if it was a "Big Woop!" kind of '80's sarcasm.

[Andy]

What does Woop! mean?

Is it like Whupee (sarcastic)
or woohoo (good for you)

I've read Woot! before in threads and I know thats good like congratulations.

But I'm not sure on Woop! I would be bummed if it was a "Big Woop!" kind of '80's sarcasm.
It means I'm excited and happy for you! :barb

[beetle8]

So the notice on the stats page has changed,
Now it just tells us when it was last updated instead of telling us about the much needed overhaul.
Does this mean your done fixing it?
Because if that's the case I'll just need a little help with finding the neat new stuff that was promised, and if that's the case you forgot to flip the real time switch.

[Andy]

Does this mean your done fixing it?
Because if that's the case I'll just need a little help with finding the neat new stuff that was promised, and if that's the case you forgot to flip the real time switch.

Hi Beetle, why would we forget to tell you about enhancements? We'll announce it in Release Notes when we have new stats, in the meantime, we're counting your photo views. New stats will be vastly improved. It's gonna take some time for us to complete this sorcery, but we think the wait will be worth it.

Just yesterday we all (internally) got a sneak peek at the progress, and it's very encouraging! But it's taking more time than we hoped - it's going to have more than we expected, and be built to last.

I know you're anxious, Beetle. Stay tuned. And for everyone that hasn't seen this friendly reminder of mine: You'll want to subscribe to our Release Notes blog, so that you don't miss a single update from SmugMug :) http://blogs.smugmug.com/release-notes/ at the bottom, there's a link for Entries (RSS) - put that in your favorite feed reader.

[Jay_S]

Hi Beetle, why would we forget to tell you about enhancements? We'll announce it in Release Notes when we have new stats, in the meantime, we're counting your photo views. New stats will be vastly improved. It's gonna take some time for us to complete this sorcery, but we think the wait will be worth it.

Just yesterday we all (internally) got a sneak peek at the progress, and it's very encouraging! But it's taking more time than we hoped - it's going to have more than we expected, and be built to last.

I know you're anxious, Beetle. Stay tuned. And for everyone that hasn't seen this friendly reminder of mine: You'll want to subscribe to our Release Notes blog, so that you don't miss a single update from SmugMug :) http://blogs.smugmug.com/release-notes/ at the bottom, there's a link for Entries (RSS) - put that in your favorite feed reader.

Hi Andy,

Looking forward to the update as well, and if the wait is as worth it as you're indicating, should be a nice addition. Was just checking stats and don't seem to be able to link back to source gallery from stats page any more (been vacationing) and just wondered if that was a part of the overhaul as well. Thanks again.

Jay S.

[Andy]

Hi Andy,

Looking forward to the update as well, and if the wait is as worth it as you're indicating, should be a nice addition. Was just checking stats and don't seem to be able to link back to source gallery from stats page any more (been vacationing) and just wondered if that was a part of the overhaul as well. Thanks again.

Jay S.Got a link? :ear

[Mike_P]

This is just the official monthly bump of this all time hit.

;)

[Andy]

This is just the official monthly bump of this all time hit.

;)
You don't need to 'bump' for a feature that's in development :D

STATS are being fully counted, just like always. We're in the process of building out many improvements to Stats. We've got an Sorcerer assigned full-time to this, and when we release it, there will be lots of new stuff within the new Stats application. No, we won't promise a date - but it's in active development right now. You'll want to subscribe to our Release Notes blog, so that you don't miss a single update from SmugMug :) http://blogs.smugmug.com/release-notes/ at the bottom, there's a link for Entries (RSS) - put that in your favorite feed reader.

[Mike_P]

Hi Andy,

Just KIDDING!

I know it's in development and I'm sure it will be another terrific feature of the terrific service you provide here.

But..... you have to start expecting a little good natured ribbing at this point -- the first post in this thread was in March and there's beginning to be a bit of an "Urban Myth" sense of the thing.

But I do this for fun, don't try to make a living out of photography and thus don't need quick viewer count, so I'm happy to wait for the next big thing.

Until this time next month --- ;)

Best regards,
Mike

[Andy]

the first post in this thread was in March
Then what we come up with better be good. Seriously - just let it be, it's #1 priority for Sorcerer Brad. Go shoot and be surprised when new stats come out :)

[beetle8]

So has the big "fancy-doo" stat upgrade been tabled? or canned?

or put in that special place with packages and coupons?

[Andy]

So has the big "fancy-doo" stat upgrade been tabled? or canned?

or put in that special place with packages and coupons?
no, it's being actively worked on. Are you using GA & Statcounter, as additional awesome stats to supplement SmugMug stats?

Stay tuned for our new stuff, it'll come.

[beetle8]

no, it's being actively worked on. Are you using GA & Statcounter, as additional awesome stats to supplement SmugMug stats?

Stay tuned for our new stuff, it'll come.

I'm using both Andy, we've been over that, and after being forced into using those tools, tools that were suggested by you to fill the gap left by SmugMug removing a portion of their service, I told you they were cool but not a replacement for SmugStats.

Im back into my busy season again, and as I predicted, SmugStats are still down, yes they are down, what you're giving me is not SmugStats, it's not anywhere near the level of product that I'm paying for. I can say that because you have effectively taken away a service that was part of the product when I bought it, and that I came to use as part of my business workflow.

What's with the lying timer at the top of the SmugStats page? Suggesting that it's current and essentially live with an hour delay. If that were the case I'd see my numbers rolling every time I refreshed.

Back into my busy season again and in the middle of trying to get mass amounts of pictures onto the site yesterday, SmugMug goes into "let's screw up your workflow" mode again.

Who's taking bets on SmugStat's never going live again? Probably pretty low odds.
You'll need to polish up the new release really nice to get everyone to overlook that.

Now I'll go try and find a "where are the packages and coupons" thread, instead of taking this one off the rails.

[mistifarang]

be careful, I just want to change from another site and I'm very spoiled with their stats! (not with lots of other things!)

Furthermore nobody can beat your help-service!! :lust

[bohdank]

Stats are not working, again. The total hasn't moved all day + whereas the daily numbers keep incrementing. Also. if you look at the total views for a Gallery for today they don't match the sum of the individual views/image in the Gallery.

[Andy]

Stats are not working, again. The total hasn't moved all day + whereas the daily numbers keep incrementing. Also. if you look at the total views for a Gallery for today they don't match the sum of the individual views/image in the Gallery.
We'll get an update out to stats as soon as possible - hopefully this week. Total view count for sure will be fixed. I'm not aware of the 2nd issue you report - can you please email our heroes http://smugmug.com/help/emailreal on that? Thanks so much.