Some may call me a Myositis Support Website Statistical Analyst, Bean Counter or whatever, but unless an analysis is maintained, we don't know what transpires. Facts and figures are necessary to judge the quality and value of our website.

After the new program was brought online March 4, 2001, allowing us to have up to 10 bulletin boards within our Discussion Forum program, I did not maintain a daily number of postings to the Discussion Forum. In April, a daily log will be maintained in all areas, seeing which bulletin boards have the most action and the main topics of discussion.

As the owner of this independent website and our webmaster's 24/7 assistance, I have to justify if the total costs involved with the website, the various programs & updating programs, monthly host server and monthly Internet costs are in line with the results. This site is not underwritten.

Here is March's record for our group's information:

Total hits to website was 3,289*
*A total of 39 registering for the various Bulletin Boards.
The 39 registered under the following: GENERAL DISCUSSION - 19; IBM BOARD - 23; JDM BOARD - 6; DM BOARD - 8; PM BOARD - 0; CAREGIVERS - 1; MEDICAL AIDS 1

* These are figures are from the Webmaster's administrative computer files.

In April, we will begin keeping a daily log of postings.

The Scripture says, "Without a vision, the people perish." I will continaully strive to improve our website (with Kelly's 24/7 assistance) for as long as IBM and Osteomyelitis allow me.

If anyone has more ideas for improvement, please let Kelly or me know. If we can use your ideas within our newest program we have - one of the largest available - or without tremendous cost, we will consider all ideas.

(Forget the Chat Room idea because for the size of our website, the cost would be $400-$500 plus installation.)

Remember: None of us are alone with a Myositis disease; and that you are loved.

With the 39 new members added in March, I can't get into the computer program brains because our pass words were changed with the latest program. I forgot it - not an easy set of numbers to remember. Kelly will give it to me when we see each other. We don't want to post it anywhere.

Sorry to take so long to reply to your very informative post. It's great to see, in concrete numbers, just how far the MSG web site has come in such a short time. You and Kelly are to be commended for your efforts, and the results thereof.

I have just a couple of suggestions:

- Would it be possible for Kelly to create a real-time "statistics" web page? This could show you the number of "hits" and "site visits" in the past hour, 6 hours, 12 hours, day, week, month, etc, or whatever intervals you want. I've seen this elsewhere and find it interesting.

- There is a way to add a Chat Room to your site for free. Of course, chatters will have to endure looking at ads, but I think most of us would put up with that. Maybe you could make that a poll question. Anyway, here are some links for you to check out:
http://www.chat-forum.com/freechat/
http://www.beseen.com/chat/
http://www.quickchat.org/

(there are others, but you get the idea)

Thanks for listening. We really do appreciate the openness you have shown us, and the efforts you have put in.

I've asked Kelly to look into your good suggestions. Thanks for the input.

We've already got a great website, but those little extra things are good. The new program has much stuff that we didn't add at once; afraid the site would be overwhelming at first.

Thanks again.

Wow with that many hits - you would think we would get more
people to join our groups. But at least you know your getting the hits and its helping a lot of people.

Take care and looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks. GOD BLESS YOU TWO!!!!!!

I've been overwhelmed in so much work for the past two weeks I didn't welcome you personally when you came on as I usually do.

The number of hits is great, but many times all of us visit sites to look around, maybe read and get some information, but never register. The number of hits include our group and people who just want to read messages or look around the website.

I wasn't asking for anything - just wanted to share the news of a wonderful March, 2001 with everyone. I hope that our myositis group - the newest member to the first one who registered back in November - realize how visible our site has become.

I thought if you were registered it was for all the boards but you show 0 for the PM board which I post on.

Any suggests as to how we can help more?

That report given was for MARCH report only. The preregistered are not included.

Now say this with me: "We had 39 new group members added in MARCH, 2001." :>)

39 "new" members sounds mighty good.

Yes, 39 new members in March is something. Indeed, our website is truly blessed with wonderful people.