Top 50 Posters Extrapolated, January 2008

[Doctor Q]

This is the 10th edition of my semi-annual analysis of the MacRumors Top 50 Posters.

Previous "Top 50 Posters Extrapolated" threads:2003: July
2004: January, July
2005: January, July
2006: January, July
2007: January, July

The legend of column headings follows each chart, and the post following the charts have my comments and analysis.

As tradition dictates, measurements were taken on January 3rd.

These charts and the discussion here are simply for amusement and general interest. Posting in the forums simply to pad your post count is not permitted.

Chart #1: Current Top 50 Posters

Computed by Doctor Q in January, 2008

Cur Cur Prev Delta
Rank Current Top 50 Posts Rate Rank Rank
---- -------------- ------ ---- ---- -----
1 mad jew 31,327 22.8 1 0
2 Mr. Anderson 23,158 1.7 2 0
3 jsw 19,970 6.3 3 0
4 mkrishnan 19,657 16.0 5 +1
5 Doctor Q 19,101 11.3 4 -1
6 wdlove 16,647 0.0 6 0
7 ~Shard~ 16,594 6.0 7 0
8 Blue Velvet 14,925 16.8 14 +6
9 edesignuk 14,493 7.9 9 0
10 bousozoku 14,161 4.3 8 -2
11 PlaceofDis 13,366 7.2 12 +1
12 devilot 13,246 11.7 17 +5
13 iGary 13,137 1.1 10 -3
14 yellow 12,900 5.0 13 -1
15 Abstract 12,790 6.0 15 0
16 eyelikeart 12,112 0.0 11 -5
17 Eidorian 11,690 30.0 --- ---
18 WildCowboy 11,685 11.0 23 +5
19 Rower_CPU 11,353 0.5 16 -3
20 Sun Baked 10,689 5.6 24 +4
21 raggedjimmi 10,523 5.8 26 +5
22 Mitthrawnuruodo 10,504 4.9 25 +3
23 bartelby 10,487 21.2 46 +23
24 Nermal 10,459 3.6 21 -3
25 CanadaRAM 10,434 8.0 27 +2 Cur Cur Prev Delta
Rank Current Top 50 Posts Rate Rank Rank
---- -------------- ------ ---- ---- -----
26 dmw007 10,317 1.5 19 -7
27 emw 10,308 2.3 20 -7
28 vniow 10,248 0.0 18 -10
29 jelloshotsrule 9,744 0.2 22 -7
30 iBlue 9,675 14.2 40 +10
31 Applespider 9,258 4.6 30 -1
32 jefhatfield 8,825 0.0 28 -4
33 iMeowbot 8,814 0.8 29 -4
34 arn 8,606 4.5 33 -1
35 katie ta achoo 8,534 2.0 31 -4
36 Jaffa Cake 8,458 10.2 47 +11
37 iGAV 8,212 2.5 34 -3
38 MacNut 8,202 16.2 --- ---
39 dynamicv 8,096 8.9 49 +10
40 MacRumorUser 8,053 4.1 38 -2
41 dcv 8,031 9.3 --- ---
42 nagromme 8,030 2.2 36 -6
43 Chundles 7,977 1.0 32 -11
44 robbieduncan 7,909 7.5 48 +4
45 Chip NoVaMac 7,760 0.4 35 -10
46 Mord 7,716 3.2 39 -7
47 rdowns 7,695 13.4 --- ---
48 Lau 7,622 7.1 --- ---
49 IJ Reilly 7,502 8.2 --- ---
50 MacBandit 7,418 0.0 37 -13
Columns:
Rank = Position in order by post count, 1 (highest) to 50.

Current Top 50 = members with the 50 currently highest post counts.

Cur Posts = # of posts by that member.

Cur Rate = average # posts per day by that member over the last 6 months, or for the length of their membership if they joined less than 6 months ago.

Prev Rank = previous rank, as of 6 months ago (July 2007), or "---" for those who are new to the Top 50.

Delta Rank = change in rank, i.e., # of slots +higher or -lower in rank since 6 months ago.

[Doctor Q]

Mean average: 52.5 months (up 5.9 since 6 months ago)
Standard deviation: 16.5 months (same as 6 months ago)

As expected, the longest membership among active Top 50 posters is arn, at 80.9 months (6.7 years).Second place: Rower_CPU, 75.0 months (6.3 years)

Third place: Mr. Anderson, 74.1 months (6.2 years)

MrMacman, who was previous second after arn, is still active but no longer in the Top 50.

Shortest: dynamicv, 22.0 months (1.8 years)Second-shortest: MacRumorUser, 28.4 months (2.4 years)

Since dynamicv and MacRumorUser held those positions last time, we can see that no relatively new member has been able to break into the Top 50. It gets harder each year!

The graph below shows the distribution of length of membership among the Top 50. The current distribution is in blue. The distribution from 6 months ago is in red.

Unlike 6 months ago, there is an apparent split between long-term members (5 to 6 years, the "class of 2002") and mid-term members (2 to 4 years, the "class of 2004" and the "class of 2005"). It's a generational war!

These half-dozen "tweens" are bravely holding up the gap in the middle: ~Shard~, rdowns, Mord, iMeowbot, yellow, Chip NoVaMac.

[Doctor Q]

Changed members

Six new members joined the Top 50 list (the same number as last time). One made the Top 25:Eidorian (#17)
MacNut (#38)
dcv (#41)
rdowns (#47)
Lau (#48)
IJ Reilly (#49)

Lau dropped out of the Top 50 between a year ago and six months ago, but has returned to the list based on posts in the last six months.

Six members are no longer in the Top 50 (previous ranks are shown in parens), having slipped off from near the bottom of the list:scem0 (#41)
MrMacman (#42)
kretzy (#43)
Counterfit (#44)
Lacero (#45)
clayj (#50)


Changes in rank

Highest rise in rank: bartelby, up 23 slots!Next highest:
Jaffa Cake (up 11)
iBlue (up 10)
dynamicv (up 10)

In the last 12 months, devilot has climbed 18 slots, PlaceofDis 11 slots.


Highest loss in rank: MacBandit, down 13 slotsNext highest:Chundles (down 11)
Chip NoVaMac (down 10)
vniow (down 10)

In the last 12 months, MacBandit dropped 21 slots, to last place on the Top 50. Meanwhile, Chip NoVaMac dropped 19 slots, jelloshotsrule 13 slots, and inactive jefhatfield 12 slots.


It was a stable period, with seven members (3 more than last time) retaining their position in the Top 50 list:mad jew (#1)
Mr. Anderson (#2)
jsw (#3)
wdlove (#6)
~Shard~ (#7)
edesignuk (#9)
Abstract (#15)

wdlove is inactive, so he held his position without posting!

Only edesignuk kept the same position since both 12 months ago and 6 months ago, while bousozoku (#10) and arn (#34) returned to the positions they held 12 months ago.

kretzy missed making the Top 50 by 18 posts (0.1 posts per day, the equivalent of 1 post every 10.2 days).Next was psychofreak, who missed by 95 posts (0.5 posts per day).


Changes in the Top 10

mkrishnan moved past Doctor Q for the #4 slot. Both have been making a couple of posts per day more than their long-term averages, but mkrishnan's averages are higher (between 13 and 16 posts/day), with Doctor Q at 10 to 11 posts/day.

Blue Velvet jumped into the Top 10, from #14 to #8. bousozoku is no longer active, but stayed in the Top 10 at #10. This is the 6th time that bousozoku has been #10 or #11 in the last 10 recording periods.

iGary, formerly #10, dropped to #13.

For the first time ever, more than half the Top 50 are members with over 10,000 posts, just as I predicted six months ago.

Together, the Top 50 members have made a total of 578,418 posts. I predicted it would be 590,016.


Posts in the last 6 months

Note: This section excludes members who were not in my stats 6 months ago, since I didn't track their post histories then.

Highest number of posts in 6 months: Eidorian, 5,512 posts, 30.0 posts per day

Next-highest:mad jew (4,187 posts)
bartelby (3,903 posts)
Blue Velvet (3,099 posts)

Those were the only members with over 3,000 posts in 6 months.


Seven members had over 2,000 posts in 6 months:MacNut (2,980)
mkrishnan (2,941)
iBlue (2,604)
rdowns (2,469)
devilot (2,152)
Doctor Q (2,081)
WildCowboy (2,027)

Another 14 members had post counts between 1000 and 2000.

Members with the highest post counts in six months who did not make the Top 50:psychofreak (3,387 posts, 18.4 posts per day)
twoodcc (2,678 posts, 14.6 posts per day)
mpw (1,180 posts, 6.4 posts per day)
EricNau (941 posts, 5.1 posts per day)
skunk (878 posts, 4.8 posts per day)
sushi (869 posts, 4.7 posts per day)
LimeiBook86 (854 posts, 4.6 posts per day)

Lowest post counts:These inactive members stayed in the Top 50: vniow, jefhatfield, wdlove, eyelikeart.

MacBandit visits the forums but made only 8 posts in the last 6 months, while holding onto the bottom slot in the Top 50.

Next-lowest:jelloshotsrule (36 posts)
Chip NoVaMac (71 posts)
Rower_CPU (98 posts)



Excluded members and posts

MacRumors "bots" (members Macrumors, MacBytes, DailyTunes) and banned members are excluded from my tracking, but none would have made the Top 50.

Members can lose posts due to deletion or Wastelanding of threads. In the last 6 months, this reduced the post count of two Top 50 members:wdlove lost 1 post
eyelikeart lost 4 posts

[Doctor Q]

Chart #2: 6-Month Projected Top 50 Posters

Computed by Doctor Q in January 2008

Proj Projection Proj Cur Delta
Rank July 4, 2008 Posts Rank Rank
---- -------------- ------ ---- -----
1 mad jew 35,491 1 0
2 Mr. Anderson 23,477 2 0
3 mkrishnan 22,582 4 +1
4 Doctor Q 21,171 5 +1
5 jsw 21,116 3 -2
6 Blue Velvet 18,007 8 +2
7 ~Shard~ 17,695 7 0
8 Eidorian 17,172 17 +9
9 wdlove 16,647 6 -3
10 edesignuk 15,942 9 -1
11 devilot 15,386 12 +1
12 PlaceofDis 14,676 11 -1
13 bartelby 14,369 23 +10
14 bousozoku 14,161 10 -4
15 Abstract 13,893 15 0
16 yellow 13,817 14 -2
17 WildCowboy 13,701 18 +1
18 iGary 13,347 13 -5
19 iBlue 12,265 30 +11
20 eyelikeart 12,112 16 -4
21 CanadaRAM 11,889 25 +4
22 Sun Baked 11,719 20 -2
23 raggedjimmi 11,584 21 -2
24 Rower_CPU 11,450 19 -5
25 Mitthrawnuruodo 11,395 22 -3Proj Projection Proj Cur Delta
Rank July 4, 2008 Posts Rank Rank
---- -------------- ------ ---- -----
26 MacNut 11,166 38 +12
27 Nermal 11,126 24 -3
28 emw 10,736 27 -1
29 psychofreak 10,693 --- ---
30 dmw007 10,589 26 -4
31 Jaffa Cake 10,322 36 +5
32 vniow 10,248 28 -4
33 rdowns 10,151 47 +14
34 Applespider 10,102 31 -3
35 jelloshotsrule 9,780 29 -6
36 dcv 9,736 41 +5
37 dynamicv 9,717 39 +2
38 twoodcc 9,628 --- ---
39 arn 9,431 34 -5
40 robbieduncan 9,276 44 +4
41 IJ Reilly 8,999 49 +8
42 iMeowbot 8,958 33 -9
43 Lau 8,923 48 +5
44 katie ta achoo 8,901 35 -9
45 jefhatfield 8,825 32 -13
46 MacRumorUser 8,807 40 -6
47 iGAV 8,674 37 -10
48 nagromme 8,428 42 -6
49 Mord 8,310 46 -3
50 Chundles 8,159 43 -7Columns:
Proj Rank = Projected position in order by post count, 1 (highest) to 50.

Projection July 4, 2008 = members with the 50 highest projected post counts based on current post count and rate for the last 6 months.

Proj Posts = projected # of posts by that member.

Cur Rank = current rank, as of January 2008 (see Chart #1 above), or "---" for those who are not in the current Top 50.

Delta Rank = projected change in rank, i.e., # of slots +higher or -lower in rank over the next 6 months.

[Doctor Q]

I made the chart in the previous post by extrapolating member post counts 6 months into the future, based on current post counts (excluding posts that the forum system does not count) and post rates over the last 6 months.

The results are only estimates because members change their rate of posting, current members will join the list or drop out, and new members will appear.

They are overestimates for members who have had a recent flurry of posts and will "settle down" in the next months, and underestimates for members who have taken temporary breaks to visit the alleged "real world."


Changed members

Two members (half as many as last time) are projected to join the Top 50 list:psychofreak (#29)
twoodcc (#38)

Neither made the Top 25.


Two members are projected to fall off the Top 50 list (current rank):Chip NoVaMac (#45)
MacBandit (#50)


Members next closest to the Top 50 list:kretzy -- missed joining the list by 309 posts (1.7 posts/day)
Chip NoVaMac -- missed staying on the list by 329 posts (1.8 posts/day)



Random trivia

It is projected to take 8,159 posts to make the Top 50. Currently, it takes 7,418 posts.

Members will have one more day than usual to add to their post count, since the next 6 months includes a Leap Day.

For the second time in a row, jelloshotsrule is at the border between 4-digit and five-digit posts counts.

AlphaTech, one of the high posters early in the history of MacRumors, would just barely stay in the Top 100. I estimate #98.

The number of members with over 10,000 posts grows from 28 (I predicted 27) to 34. mad jew is still the only member projected to have over 30,000 posts, with nobody else even close to that mark.

Last time, I predicted that three members would have 20,000 (but under 30,000) posts: Mr. Anderson, jsw, and mkrishnan. As it turned out, only Mr. Anderson hit that mark; jsw was only 30 posts shy.

This time, I predict we'll have four members with 20,000 to 30,000 posts: Mr. Anderson, mkrishnan, Doctor Q, and jsw.


Changes in rank

Although the numbers tell us that jsw will drop from #3 to #5, below mkrishnan and Doctor Q, I think it's a spurious result because jsw was temporarily away from the forums. If the real world doesn't take him away again, he's likely to retain his position.

At current post rates, Blue Velvet will pass ~Shard~ and Eidorian will leap into the Top 10, bumping bousozoku out of the Top 10.

Largest margin of victory: mad jew (#1) increases his lead over Mr. Anderson (#2), and now leads by five-digits -- 12,014 posts!Next largest: jsw over Blue Velvet by 3,109 posts.

mkrishnan over Doctor Q by 1,411 posts.

iGary over iBlue by 1,082 posts.

The race among four Top 50 members will be too close to call, with IJ Reilly a mere 44 posts ahead of iMeowbot, who will be a mere 35 posts ahead of Lau, who will be a mere 22 posts ahead of katie ta achoo!

Highest projected rise in rank: rdowns (up 14 slots)Next highest:MacNut (up 12 slots)
iBlue (up 11 slots)
bartelby (up 10 slots)


Highest projected loss in rank (while still on the Top 50): jefhatfield (down 13 slots)Next highest: iGAV (down 10 slots)

Projected to hold their current rank:mad jew (#1)
Mr. Anderson (#2)
~Shard~ (#7)
Abstract (#15)


Excluded and inactive members

No banned or unregistered members are projected to remain in the Top 50.

Six inactive members are projected to remain in the Top 50:wdlove (#9)
bousozoku (#14)
eyelikeart (#20)
vniow (#32)
jefhatfield (#45)



Total posts

By this projection, by July 4, 2008 there will have been 644,539 total MacRumors posts by the Top 50 members, up 54,523 from 6 months ago.

The average Top 50 member will have 12,891 posts total, having made 1,340 posts in the 6 months between now and then (7.3 posts/day).

At that point, everything that anyone could possibly say will have been said!

[Doctor Q]

Chart #3: "End of Time" Top 50 Posters

Computed by Doctor Q in January, 2008

Proj Projection Weighted Cur Delta
Rank End of Time Rate Rank Rank
---- -------------- -------- ---- -----
1 mad jew 26.41 1 0
2 Eidorian 19.34 17 +15
3 mkrishnan 16.65 4 +1
4 Blue Velvet 14.17 8 +4
5 psychofreak 13.97 --- ---
6 devilot 13.70 12 +6
7 bartelby 13.57 23 +16
8 jsw 13.30 3 -5
9 WildCowboy 12.56 18 +9
10 iBlue 12.23 30 +20
11 Doctor Q 11.75 5 -6
12 MacNut 11.63 38 +26
13 mattscott306 11.41 --- ---
14 dynamicv 11.21 39 +25
15 PlaceofDis 10.30 11 -4
16 twoodcc 9.71 --- ---
17 Jaffa Cake 9.31 36 +19
18 rdowns 9.28 47 +29
19 clevin 9.06 --- ---
20 dcv 8.89 41 +21
21 ~Shard~ 8.64 7 -14
22 raggedjimmi 8.57 21 -1
23 CanadaRAM 8.49 25 +2
24 Sesshi 8.24 --- ---
25 Abstract 8.10 15 -10Proj Projection Weighted Cur Delta
Rank End of Time Rate Rank Rank
---- -------------- -------- ---- -----
26 MacRumorUser 7.51 40 +14
27 yellow 7.39 14 -13
28 IJ Reilly 7.13 49 +21
29 robbieduncan 6.99 44 +15
30 dmw007 6.84 26 -4
31 Mitthrawnuruodo 6.55 22 -9
32 Eraserhead 6.34 --- ---
33 xUKHCx 6.30 --- ---
34 EricNau 6.24 --- ---
35 Lau 6.15 48 +13
36 emw 6.07 27 -9
37 edesignuk 5.78 9 -28
38 katie ta achoo 5.73 35 -3
39 mpw 5.52 --- ---
40 Peace 5.32 --- ---
41 Applespider 5.15 31 -10
42 Chundles 5.13 43 +1
43 kretzy 5.12 --- ---
44 Sun Baked 4.84 20 -24
45 iGary 4.80 13 -32
46 balamw 4.79 --- ---
47 Mord 4.72 46 -1
48 zap2 4.65 --- ---
49 skunk 4.49 --- ---
50 LimeiBook86 4.45 --- ---Columns:
Proj Rank = Projected position in order by post count, 1 (highest) to 50.

Projection End of Time = members with the 50 highest projected post counts as time goes to infinity, based on a computed post rate.

Weighted Rate = # posts per day by that member as a cascading weighted average, giving 50% weight to the most recent 6 months, 25% to the previous 6 months, 12.5% to the previous 6 months, and so on, with adjustments made based on the length of membership. See definition of weighted rate from July 2006. To avoid what appeared to be ties in past End of Time charts, I have added another decimal digit of precision.

Cur Rank = current rank, as of January 2008, or "---" for those who are not in the current Top 50.

Delta Rank = projected change in rank, i.e., # of slots +higher or -lower in rank from now until the end of time.

[Doctor Q]

At the Top

mad jew tops the End of Time projections, as he did last time. His weighted post rate has dropped in the last two six month periods, from from 32.3 to 30.1 to 26.4 posts/day, but it's still "good enough" for the top spot.

In second place is Eidorian. For those who say "Eidorian who?" I'll give you a few facts. Eidorian joined in March 2005 and by January 2007 had 4,179 posts and a rate of 6.4 posts/day, which while modest was high enough to warrant #35 on the End of Time projection. With a rate increase to 11.0 posts/day (6 month average) and a total of 6,178 posts by July 2007, Eidorian moved to #22 on the End of Time list. All it took was a subsequent jump to a 6-month rate of 30.0 posts/day and a weighted rate of 19.2 posts/day (with a total of 11,690 posts) and the rest was (projected future) history!

All other members of the End of Time Top 15 have weighted rates of over 10 posts/day, ranging from mkrishnan's 16.7, Blue Velvet's 14.2, and psychofreak's 14.0 to PlaceofDis's 10.3.

Leaders and followers

Measuring leads by either post rates or percentages, we find the biggest differences among the End of Time Top 50 posters:

The biggest leads by post rate are among our #1, #2, and #3 posters.Biggest: 7.06 posts/day lead: #1 mad jew over #2 Eidorian

Next biggest:2.69 posts/day lead: #2 Eidorian over #3 mkrishnan
2.48 posts/day lead: #3 mkrishnan over #4 Blue Velvet

All others are leads of less than one post per day.

The biggest leads by percentage are also at the top:36.5%% lead: #1 mad jew over #2 Eidorian
17.5% lead: #3 mkrishnan over #4 Blue Velvet
16.2%% lead: #2 Eidorian over #3 mkrishnan

Closest race by post rate: iGary over balamw by 0.005 posts/day. That's a difference of 1 post every 206 days!Next closest:Chundles over kretzy by 0.012 posts/day (1 post every 80 days)
Applespider over Chundles by 0.016 posts/day (1 post every 62 days)



Closest race by percentage: iGary over balamw by 0.101%Next closest:Jaffa Cake over rdowns by 0.240%
Chundles over kretzy by 0.243%




Changed members

As usual, the End of Time Top 50 is very different from today's Top 50, because shorter-term members with high post rates show up among the top ranks.

Fifteen members are projected to join the Top 50 list sometime in the future:psychofreak (#5, projected to be #18 six months ago)
mattscott306 (#13)
twoodcc (#16)
clevin (#19)
Sesshi (#24)
Eraserhead (#32)
xUKHCx (#33)
EricNau (#34)
mpw (#39)
Peace (#40)
kretzy (#43)
balamw (#46)
zap2 (#48)
skunk (#49)
LimeiBook86 (#50)

Fifteen members are projected to fall off the current Top 50 list (in descending order by weighted post rate):bousozoku
Nermal
iMeowbot
arn
vniow
nagromme
iGAV
Mr. Anderson (currently #2)
Chip NoVaMac
jelloshotsrule
wdlove
Rower_CPU
jefhatfield
MacBandit
eyelikeart

Just missed the Top 50: Nermal, by 0.045 posts/day, or one post every 22.2 days.It takes a weighted rate of 4.45 posts/day (LimeiBook86's rate) to make the End of Time Top 50. Nermal's rate is 4.40 posts/day.



Changes in rank

Highest projected rise in rank: rdowns, up 29 slots, from #47 to #18Next highest (all those up 20 or more slots):MacNut, up 26 slots from #38 to #12
dynamicv, up 25 slots from #39 to #14
dcv, up 21 slots from #41 to #20
IJ Reilly, up 21 slots from #49 to #28
iBlue, up 20 slots from #30 to #10 (she likes multiple of 10!)



Highest projected loss in rank: iGary, dropping 32 slots, from #13 to #45Next highest:edesignuk, down 28 slots from #9 to #37
Sun Baked, down 24 slots from #20 to #44


Only a single member is projected to retain their current rank: mad jew (#1)


Changes in the Top 10 End of Time

This is a comparison of the prediction (not the reality) from 6 months ago with the prediction now.

Joining the Top 10 End of Time:Eidorian (up from #23 to #2)
psychofreak (up from #18 to #5)
bartelby (up from #36 to #7)
iBlue (up from #14 to #10)

Their ascent bumped these members out of the Top 10 End of Time:dynamicv (down from #6 to #14)
PlaceofDis (down from #7 to #15)
dmw007 (down from #8 to #30)
Doctor Q (down from #9 to #11)


bartelby's large jump is due to his increased post rate. From a year ago to six months ago, he had an overall rate of 5.9 posts per day. In the last six months, his rate has jumped to 8.1 posts/day overall and 21.2 posts/day for the six-month period, giving him a weighted rate of 13.6.

The predictions for Eidorian and bartelby are based on less data than for the others, so they have less inherent accuracy.

Doctor Q's drop might be a result of posts like this one, where he spends hours composing a single post! ;)

Trivia

mattscott306 is not in the current Top 100, but is projeced to be #13 at the End of Time.

The number of members in the Top 50 with a vowel as the first alphabetic of their username has grown from 8 to 10. They are Abstract, Applespider, edesignuk, Eidorian, emw, Eraserhead, EricNau, iBlue, iGary, and IJ Reilly.

emw has slipped position among the five MATLOC members (MAcrumors Three-LettOr Club).Six months ago: jsw, emw, dcv, Lau, mpw

Now: jsw, dcv, Lau, emw, mpw

Percentage of women:16% overall (same as last time)
30% among the Top 10 (up from 20% last time) as iBlue joins Blue Velvet and devilot.


Based on total weighted post rate, the Top 50 will combine for one post every 3.2 minutes, 24 hours a day, for the rest of eternity. This is exactly the same figure as 6 months ago, showing that nothing can stop the Top 50 MacRumors posters!


Now I hope I don't get arrested for spamming this thread! :eek:

[Fearless Leader]

excellent as usual.

[robbieduncan]

What a lot to get through! I'm pleased/scared to see that I am still marching up the ranks with a nice #29 end-of-time position to look forward to...

Edit to add: OK, that's scary: you predicted my movement up 4 positions perfectly 6 months ago. Do you have next weeks lottery numbers too?

[devilot]

Ah, the Thread of Shame. Thanks again, Q, for your number crunching. It's interesting to see that though it feels like there aren't many women on the forum, we're not afraid to be seen/heard. ;)

:edit: Robbie, your post made me check Q's projection for me. Alas, I disappointed him-- I didn't hit ninth poster, "just" 12th. :o

[iGav]

Fifteen members are projected to fall off the current Top 50 list (in descending order by weighted post rate):bousozoku
Nermal
iMeowbot
arn
vniow
nagromme
iGAV
Mr. Anderson (currently #2)
Chip NoVaMac
jelloshotsrule
wdlove
Rower_CPU
jefhatfield
MacBandit
eyelikeart


I'm truly humbled to belong in such company. :)

[iJon]

It really saddens me that I've been on this site longer than most and I can't get the enjoyment of seeing myself on the top 50 anymore. I guess I need to go click on older years to make myself feel better :D.

jon

[fivetoadsloth]

Great job,

However, the fact that iGary is no longer posting was not included in the charts.

[puckhead193]

i like how wdlove and igary are still on the lists and aren't active

[IJ Reilly]

Doctor Q: I am curious about your projection that I will move from #49 to #41 in six months. I believe I was actually higher on the list a few months ago; in fact, I thought I might even fall out of the top 50 before the end of the year. We seem to have a lot of new posting monkeys lurking just below the top 50 line -- won't they be displacing a lot of us old plodders?

[iPhil]

i like how wdlove and igary are still on the lists and aren't active



The reason on why wdlove,igary are still on the top 50 is : There post count was so high before they took their sabbatical from MR.. :o

[zap2]

I'm going down, almost off the "End of Time" List....last time I was more to the middle.


Ugg..not enough time in the day :(

(And I spend too much time in the gaming forum, which doesn't count to my posts)

[MacNut]

Damn thats a lot of data, good work Q.:cool:

[Eraserhead]

What a lot to get through! I'm pleased/scared to see that I am still marching up the ranks with a nice #29 end-of-time position to look forward to...

And I'm 32 :eek:.

[Eidorian]

Quake at my Forum Spy skill.

I've been waiting for this for ages.

[robbieduncan]

And I'm 32 :eek:.

But you are younger than me. By the end-of-time that may well become important...

[Doctor Q]

I'll crack that top 50 someday. I think I sleep to much.:p
Wow 30, I better get posting if Im going to accomplish Q's numbers.:cool:
....but not today, Im going over to the beach.:)
Gah. Need more spam! :p
if I keep up this past week's post rate, I'm on schedule for 7357 posts come January 4th. Odds on that happening? Hah.

On the other hand, if I keep up my lifetime post rate, I'll hit 7357 posts on Februray 4th.....2011. :D
damn it, I was trying to stay under the radar and out of that list. :o :p
I have one thing to say about this thread... I am fading fast as far as post count per day goes, and that trend, sad to say, will only continue. Expect to see me out of the top 80 or even the top 100 by the time this gets done again :eek:
I don't think I'll be able to make it into the Top 50 again... even if I maintain my posting rate of 10-11 or so posts per day (though my long-term average is considerably lower than that).
If I average 32 posts per day, then I'll be in the top fifty by the time the next one comes out in January. I'm off to a pretty good start, got over 40 posts today and yesterday and over 30 for a couple days before that.
These are quotes from the Top 50 Posters Extrapolated discussion from six months ago. It's fun to see how things turned out.

[psychofreak]

Oh well. I blame that month-long Summer trip. I'll get it next time :)

[MacNut]

Q, a few ?'s why is the master list not showing retired members yet the top 50 has everything in tact. Should those members be reinstated in the master list.

[Mitthrawnuruodo]

He-he... another extrapolation where I managed to stay completely unnoticed... the plan works... :D

[Jaffa Cake]

Highest rise in rank: bartelby, up 23 slots!Shameful – some people clearly need to get out more... :rolleyes:

Next highest: Jaffa CakeAh. :o

Seriously though, great work as ever Doc and interesting reading. Thanks for all your efforts.

[WildCowboy]

Q, a few ?'s why is the master list not showing retired members yet the top 50 has everything in tact. Should those members be reinstated in the master list.

It's just the way vBulletin works...the usergroup they're in isn't included in the Members List since they can't log in and post.

[MacNut]

It's just the way vBulletin works...the usergroup they're in isn't included in the Members List since they can't log in and post.So retired actually means they can't post. It isn't just a title.

[WildCowboy]

So retired actually means they can't post. It isn't just a title.

That's correct...their accounts have been deactivated. That's not to say they couldn't be brought back, but it would take some behind-the-scenes voodoo to make it happen.

[tkidBOSTON]

Hmm... I wonder if I can pump out 7,658 posts in the next 6 months and crack that list...

Well, make that 7,657 posts now... I'm on my way!! :o

[Queso]

Ooh, new stats :)

Nice to see I appear to be giving that Real Life thing a bit more attention, whilst not entirely disappearing off the board. Ta Q.

[MacNut]

Hmm... I wonder if I can pump out 7,658 posts in the next 6 months and crack that list...

Well, make that 7,657 posts now... I'm on my way!! :oThe way the list is steaming er umm spamming ahead its gonna take more then that.

[twoodcc]

awesome stats again. and this time i was mentioned quite a bit!

[bartelby]

Changes in rank

Highest rise in rank: bartelby, up 23 slots!

Eep!!

And I've been posting less this last month or so!! :o

[MacNut]

Eep!!

And I've been posting less this last month or so!! :oSure you have.

[skunk]

I'd just like to say that the End of Time™ is relative.

[Mord]

I've been slacking a bit....

[rdowns]

Hangs head in shame. Man, my posting has really gone up the last 6 months. I blame iBlue's boobs.


Eep!!

And I've been posting less this last month or so!! :o


I'm telling you, your creepy 'tar posts while you're sleeping pased out drunk.

[MacNut]

Hangs head in shame. Man, my posting has really gone up the last 6 months. I blame iBlue's boobs.





I'm telling you, that creepy 'tar posts while you're sleeping pased out drunk.I think Blue gets help too.:p

[iDAG]

Maybe one day when I'm 40 or something I'll make this list. :cool:

[IJ Reilly]

I'd just like to say that the End of Time™ is relative.

It also appears to be trademarked.

[Doctor Q]

Here are the tracks left by the Top 10 over the last 2.5 years and their 6-month projection.

[yellow]

The number of members in the Top 50 with a vowel as the first alphabetic of their username has grown from 8 to 10. They are Abstract, Applespider, edesignuk, Eidorian, emw, Eraserhead, EricNau, iBlue, iGary, and IJ Reilly.


Isn't "y" sometimes a vowel?! [pout]

How about a breakdown of "color" members? :)

[Eric Lewis]

wow? i must post more here

[skunk]

It also appears to be trademarked.No, that stands for Temporal Misplacement.

[psychofreak]

Isn't "y" sometimes a vowel?! [pout]


Erm... (http://thatvideosite.com/video/1944)

EDIT: Fixed :)

[MacNut]

Erm... (http://www.truveo.com/Family-Guy-Vowels-Hate-Y/id/3794078706)maybe not.

[Doctor Q]

The percentage of posts by non-Top-50 members has increased from 88.9% to 92.4%. In other words, the Top 50 contribution dropped from 11.1% to 7.6%. That's a significant change. I think the influx of new members interested in iPhones and other Apple products has given a little more oomph to the forums outside the chatter among the regulars. The top members still post a lot, but the others are posting more than ever.

Compare the new pie chart below with the chart from July 2007.

[MacNut]

What were the numbers pre iPhone.

[Eidorian]

I wish I was in that top 10 line graph. I remember doing 200-300 posts in a few days.

[MacNut]

I wish I was in that top 10 line graph. I remember doing 200-300 posts in a few days.That is nothing compared to MJ.

[devilot]

Posting a lot isn't necessarily a good thing. And it's also not necessarily gonna make you more popular. :p

[rdowns]

What were the numbers pre iPhone.


Compare the new pie chart below with the chart from July 2007.

Stop mattscotting.

[MacNut]

Yes, you need to spa....post wisely.

July 2007 was post iPhone.;)

[Eidorian]

That is nothing compared to MJ.True but I do track the other posters in the Top 30. mad jew did take a break for awhile back as well.

Posting a lot isn't necessarily a good thing. And it's also not necessarily gonna make you more popular. :pQuality and quantity.

[twoodcc]

dang the top 50 has gone down quite a bit. maybe it's b/c i'm not in the 50 yet :p

[sushi]

Thanks for the stats Dr. Q!

And I've been posting less this last month or so!! :o
Sure, we believe that! ;) :p :D

I'd just like to say that the End of Time™ is relative.
Very good point.

I wish I was in that top 10 line graph. I remember doing 200-300 posts in a few days.
That is nothing compared to MJ.
Sustainment is what counts.

Posting a lot isn't necessarily a good thing. And it's also not necessarily gonna make you more popular. :p
:)

[MacNut]

dang the top 50 has gone down quite a bit. maybe it's b/c i'm not in the 50 yet :pAlmost, just need to eat a little more spam.

[Eidorian]

Sustainment is what counts.I haven't been on a vacation. :p

[takao]

man i just realized that i passed my macrumors annual joining date (25. december) yet again and i'm already a member for more than 4 years by now... wow time for sure does pass (5 year anniversary coming up this year)

perhaps if i time it correctly (and don't make postings in the consoles/politics forums) i can hit my 3000 postings mark on the very same day ;)

edit: just looking at the member list i think i'm not even in the top 200.. i wonder where i was 1 year ago ... any way to look that up ?

[MacNut]

I haven't been on a vacation. :pNobody else has either.

[Eidorian]

Nobody else has either.I remember mad jew was away from posting for a good time a few months ago. :p

It's not that hard to check to see who's made at least some posts when there's a lot of data available to everyone.

[MacNut]

MJ could disappear for 2 years and nobody would catch him.

Hey Q can you do the numbers if Mad Jew stops posting today, how long would it take someone to catch him.

[twoodcc]

Almost, just need to eat a little more spam.

yeah, i do need to up my dose a little

[Eidorian]

MJ could disappear for 2 years and nobody would catch him.

Hey Q can you do the numbers if Mad Jew stops posting today, how long would it take someone to catch him.100-300 posts a day isn't terribly hard for me.

If possible I'd like to see my highest number of posts made in a 24 hour period.

[jsw]

200-300 posts a day isn't terrible hard for me.
I wouldn't recommend that. Too many too often aren't always seen positively.

[MacNut]

100-300 posts a day isn't terribly hard for me.

If possible I'd like to see my highest number of posts made in a 24 hour period.Not hard for anyone just make sure it isn't spam.

[Eidorian]

Not hard for anyone just make sure it isn't spam.I do have a certain minimum level of quality in my posts.

I rarely make threads as well.

[twoodcc]

I do have a certain minimum level of quality in my posts.

I rarely make threads as well.

yeah i know you do, but they don't like to broadcast that many at a time. it makes others want to post that much, and theirs is usually spam

[PlaceofDis]

thanks for the stats Doctor Q. always interesting to see them. glad i haven't been too bad lately. :p

only one mention, i can deal with that.

[Eidorian]

yeah i know you do, but they don't like to broadcast that many at a time. it makes others want to post that much, and theirs is usually spamCould you clarify on what you mean? I've only had 4 hours of sleep and I'm sick. :(

[jsw]

Could you clarify on what you mean? I've only had 4 hours of sleep and I'm sick. :(
If you post excessively and chronically, for example many short, nearly successive posts in a given thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=410022), and then you mention how easy it is for you to post hundreds of posts, you tend to draw attention to yourself. Drawing attention to yourself in such a way is not always a good thing.

[MacNut]

Could you clarify on what you mean? I've only had 4 hours of sleep and I'm sick. :(Basically don't announce how much you post. It gives others the idea that it is ok to spam.

[twoodcc]

Could you clarify on what you mean? I've only had 4 hours of sleep and I'm sick. :(

sorry. i meant to say that people around here don't like you to broadcast that you post a lot, like 200-300 a day or whatever. one reason might be b/c it will encourage others to post a lot of spam, to keep up with you on post count

[Eidorian]

sorry. i meant to say that people around here don't like you to broadcast that you post a lot, like 200-300 a day or whatever. one reason might be b/c it will encourage others to post a lot of spam, to keep up with you on post countI haven't mentioned my post count in any thread besides this one. :p

Kinda makes sense since it's about the top 50 posters? Eh?

[twoodcc]

I haven't mentioned my post count in any thread besides this one. :p

Kinda makes sense since it's about the top 50 posters? Eh?

yeah, but you are the only one talking about over 200 posts in one day

[sushi]

Sustainment is what counts.
I haven't been on a vacation. :p
What I meant by sustainment, is posting good posts consistently.

MJ could disappear for 2 years and nobody would catch him.

Hey Q can you do the numbers if Mad Jew stops posting today, how long would it take someone to catch him.
Now that would be interesting.

100-300 posts a day isn't terribly hard for me.

If possible I'd like to see my highest number of posts made in a 24 hour period.
It's not a competition.

Dr. Q likes numbers and enjoys analyzing the posting data. It is not meant to encourage competition.

I wouldn't recommend that. Too many too often aren't always seen positively.
And many times, this looks like thread spamming.

[devilot]

Too many too often aren't always is rarely seen positively. Fixed that for you, jsw.


And direct from the forum rules, kindly note #2 here (http://guides.macrumors.com/Help:Forum_Rules#Instantly_Bannable_Offenses): Spam and overposting. Not just being a prolific poster, but posting the same exact post in many different threads, posting multiple pointless posts in the same thread, making numerous post with no real content, or posting for the purpose of gaining a higher post count. This will get you banned.

[Doctor Q]

Whenever we do this bit of navel-gazing with the top poster stats, it's for fun, and we definitely don't want to encourage posting for the sake of posting. Luckily, this will all soon be forgotten for another six months.

Thank you, moderators, for reminding everyone about that.

[MacNut]

Yes, next week we will have other things to worry about.

[twoodcc]

Thank you, moderators, for reminding everyone about that.

hey, i was reminding everyone also, and i'm not a mod......:)

anyways, i know that this is for fun and all, and i was just wondering, do you do this in excel? (sorry if it's been asked before)

[Eidorian]

It's not a competition.

Dr. Q likes numbers and enjoys analyzing the posting data. It is not meant to encourage competition.I only post in a thread that holds my interest. It's just that there are a lot of threads that do interest me. :p

[IJ Reilly]

And direct from the forum rules, kindly note #2 here (http://guides.macrumors.com/Help:Forum_Rules#Instantly_Bannable_Offenses):

Has anyone ever been banned for multiple pointless posts?

I mean, it hasn't happened to me yet.

[twoodcc]

Has anyone ever been banned for multiple pointless posts?

I mean, it hasn't happened to me yet.

i'm sure it has. or at least a temporary ban

[MacNut]

I would imagine it is more of a warning.

[Eidorian]

I would imagine it is more of a warning.I have to agree with some of the threads that are started here on MacRumors.

I've decided against starting a thread unless it's in the marketplace. I've rarely had people reply to them. Maybe my problems are too technical but still too mundane for the Apple Mailing Lists.

Where do I go then?!

[MacNut]

Of course if someone was banned for it we would never know. So I imagine it has happened.I've decided against starting a thread unless it's in the marketplace. I've rarely had people reply to them. Maybe my problems are a too technical but still to mundane for the Apple Mailing Lists.

Where do I go then?!Depends how you word the problem, somebody has an answer. There are threads here for everyone.

[Eidorian]

Of course if someone was banned for it we would never know. So I imagine it has happened.Let's not imagine that.

[twoodcc]

I have to agree with some of the threads that are started here on MacRumors.

I've decided against starting a thread unless it's in the marketplace. I've rarely had people reply to them. Maybe my problems are too technical but still too mundane for the Apple Mailing Lists.

Where do I go then?!

apple discussion forums maybe?

[Eidorian]

apple discussion forums maybe?I'm not even going to try there.

[twoodcc]

I'm not even going to try there.

it's not that bad. i've tried there a few times.

[Doctor Q]

anyways, i know that this is for fun and all, and i was just wondering, do you do this in excel? (sorry if it's been asked before)I've been doing these stats for a long time, so of course I first used an abacus. ;)

Eventually, when the computer age came about, I switched to an Appleworks spreadsheet, and I now shudder to think how I survived using that extremely limited component of what was otherwise a nice integrated suite. Then I switched to Excel and never looked back.

I've gradually added notes to myself and formulas that automatically adapt to the 6 month period at hand so that I get better at the process each time. But it's complicated enough that I make a few mistakes each time and have to back up over a step now and then because I mis-sorted or forgot to fill some range before the next step.

I've played with Numbers, but haven't seriously considered migrating from Excel.

[twoodcc]

I've been doing these stats for a long time, so of course I first used an abacus. ;)

Eventually, when the computer age came about, I switched to an Appleworks spreadsheet, and I now shudder to think how I survived using that extremely limited component of what was otherwise a nice integrated suite. Then I switched to Excel and never looked back.

I've gradually added notes to myself and formulas that automatically adapt to the 6 month period at hand so that I get better at the process each time. But it's complicated enough that I make a few mistakes each time and have to back up over a step now and then because I mis-sorted or forgot to fill some range before the next step.

I've played with Numbers, but haven't seriously considered migrating from Excel.

thanks for sharing that. maybe Numbers will get the job done someday ;)

[eric55lv]

im not even mentioned!:mad:

[twoodcc]

im not even mentioned!:mad:

all good things come with time, young grasshopper.....:p

[Doctor Q]

Top Posters Named eric55lv

Rank Name
---- --------------
1 eric55lv
Columns: Rank = rank among members named eric55lv
Name = name of member named eric55lv

[siurpeeman]

aw, you're so sweet, Q! maybe i'll be mentioned in the next top 50 thread. :)

[iMacZealot]

I got snubbed again this year. I'm so disappointed.

[Jaffa Cake]

But it's complicated enough that I make a few mistakes each time...That's the most shocking thing I've ever heard. I always considered the good Doctor to be infallible...

[sushi]

I've been doing these stats for a long time, so of course I first used an abacus. ;)
That must be quite a nice abacus! ;)

That's the most shocking thing I've ever heard. I always considered the good Doctor to be infallible...
Well, looking above, you can see why. ;) :p :D

On a serious note, it would be fun to see Dr. Q's Excel spreadsheets.

[Cassie]

The day I make that list is the day mad jew doesn't make the list.:rolleyes::p

[sushi]

The day I make that list is the day mad jew doesn't make the list.:rolleyes::p
Based upon our current post rates, you will overtake me in 703 days.

And even with our combined post rates, MJ will continue to widen the gap.

So your estimate may be correct. :)

[Macmaniac]

It always amazes me how fast people rise and fall. I remember being in the top 50 back in the day. I gave that up a long time ago. I wonder how much each of the top 50 spends time wise posting to keep this up!

I'll just continue to hold my title as one of the top 20 Oldest active MR members:P

[MacRumorUser]

Is there anyway to know what my post count would be if it actually took into account the games section of the forum.

I post a lot more than 4 posts per day so I assume my actual post count is higher than it is currently reported / recorded.

And would like to know would I have increased my position, rather than drop two this year if those had been taken into account, as they were last year.

:)

[twoodcc]

Is there anyway to know what my post count would be if it actually took into account the games section of the forum.

I post a lot more than 4 posts per day so I assume my actual post count is higher than it is currently reported / recorded.

And would like to know would I have increased my position, rather than drop two this year if those had been taken into account, as they were last year.

:)

yeah, i bet it would be a lot higher if the games section was counted. you seem to post there a lot.

[Doctor Q]

Is there anyway to know what my post count would be if it actually took into account the games section of the forum.

I post a lot more than 4 posts per day so I assume my actual post count is higher than it is currently reported / recorded.

And would like to know would I have increased my position, rather than drop two this year if those had been taken into account, as they were last year.

:)
We can make an estimate. You made your last 300 Console Games posts in 44 days, which is 6.8 posts/day. If we assume that you had that rate since the Console Games forum was created in April 2007, your daily post rate climbs from 4.1 in recent months to 10.9, and adds 1,691 posts to your 8,053, giving 9,744.

That would put you in the Top 30, tied with jelloshotsrule for 29th place. Instead of being down 2 slots, you'd be up 10. However, this doesn't take into account any posts made in the Console Games forum by any other members of the Top 50, so it overestimates your position in the rankings.

[Brianstorm91]

If you post excessively and chronically, for example many short, nearly successive posts in a given thread [...] you tend to draw attention to yourself.

Reminds me of a certain person in the Post Your Setup! Threads.. Not to name names.

[bartelby]

Here are the tracks left by the Top 10 over the last 2.5 years and their 6-month projection.

Look at MJ go!

It's a good job he's helpful or he'd have to give himself a time out!



Mr Doctor Q, Sir.

Does MR see an increase in spamming levels when you post these extrapolation threads?

[twoodcc]

We can make an estimate. You made your last 300 Console Games posts in 44 days, which is 6.8 posts/day. If we assume that you had that rate since the Console Games forum was created in April 2007, your daily post rate climbs from 4.1 in recent months to 10.9, and adds 1,691 posts to your 8,053, giving 9,744.

That would put you in the Top 30, tied with jelloshotsrule for 29th place. Instead of being down 2 slots, you'd be up 10. However, this doesn't take into account any posts made in the Console Games forum by any other members of the Top 50, so it overestimates your position in the rankings.

dang, that's a big difference. :eek:


Mr Doctor Q, Sir.

Does MR see an increase in spamming levels when you post these extrapolation threads?

more than likely ;)

[Cassie]

Mr Doctor Q, Sir.

Does MR see an increase in spamming levels when you post these extrapolation threads?

I'd imagine so, because people want so badly to be on the list.

Me? Heck, I'm just happy to be on the first ten pages of the members list.:p

[bartelby]

I'd imagine so, because people want so badly to be on the list.

Me? Heck, I'm just happy to be on the first ten pages of the members list.:p

The thing is, once you get on the list you realise that you spend far too much time on MR!

[MacRumorUser]

dang, that's a big difference. :eek:


Sure is... and about what I has suspected :)

Thanks Doctor Q for that explanation it was greatly appreciated :)

[Blue Velvet]

I'd imagine so, because people want so badly to be on the list.


I don't know why... the people whose opinions I trust and respect, the posts I always read, are not all on that list. Post count means nothing to how a forum member is favourably viewed.

[PlaceofDis]

The thing is, once you get on the list you realise that you spend far too much time on MR!

as if that stops you, or anyone else. :p

[Queso]

I don't know why... the people whose opinions I trust and respect, the posts I always read, are not all on that list. Post count means nothing to how a forum member is favourably viewed.
**runs away crying**

[skunk]

**runs away crying**There, there, dry your eyes. She said "not all"... :rolleyes:

[Queso]

There, there, dry your eyes. She said "not all"... :rolleyes:
*sniff*

Oops. Mattscotted it didn't I? :D

[emw]

Does MR see an increase in spamming levels when you post these extrapolation threads?I'd think you could answer that one... ;)

I don't know why... the people whose opinions I trust and respect, the posts I always read, are not all on that list. Post count means nothing to how a forum member is favourably viewed.That is quite true, but unfortunately we don't have a "Top 50 Most Helpful Posters" thread. Which is too bad, because I'm relatively certain the names would be different. I, for one, wouldn't be on it.

We've debated the merits/lack thereof of any system to show "helpfulness" or some such thing, and I agree there's no way to do it well. So unfortunately we're left with really only one "recognition" system and that's post count. Which, probably quite directly, leads to some additional posting by some members.

[jsw]

Post count means nothing to how a forum member is favourably viewed.
I disagree - but only on a technicality: I think high post rates are usually a disadvantage when it comes to gaining respect from others.

Post counts, by the way, mean little. Someone who joined 6 years ago with 12,000 posts isn't posting too often (if their post rate is fairly stable at least). Someone who joined a year ago with the same total is much more likely to have worn out their welcome.

[bartelby]

*sniff*

Oops. Mattscotted it didn't I? :D

Yep. but it's ok. We need someone to fill the little tykes slot!

I'd think you could answer that one... ;)

I plead the 5th!


is that the right one?

[Cassie]

I don't know why... the people whose opinions I trust and respect, the posts I always read, are not all on that list. Post count means nothing to how a forum member is favourably viewed.

True, but I don't think it's about trust, it's just about being recognized.

[skunk]

Yep. but it's ok. We need someone to fill the little tykes slot!Eww!

[Queso]

I disagree - but only on a technicality: I think high post rates are usually a disadvantage when it comes to gaining respect from others.
It depends where they are posting. Both mad jew and psychofreak for instance build up high post rates by answering questions in the Mac Basics and Help forums. Obviously that's far preferable to someone like me who just arses about in Community Discussion.

[Blue Velvet]

That is quite true, but unfortunately we don't have a "Top 50 Most Helpful Posters" thread.

Who said anything about being helpful? :D



I disagree - but only on a technicality:

Pedant. ;)



...it's just about being recognized.

I recognise you. :)

[Cassie]

I recognise you. :)

Aww, thanks.:)

I guess you could compare "The List" to some exclusive club. If you're one of the few in the club, it gives some the notion of "I'm better then you".

Which obviously isn't true, but hey, who are we to spoil their fun?;)




That is not to say all the members on the list feel this way, as I know many of them don't even care if they're on the list or not.:)

[Brianstorm91]

I recognise the font!

Anyway Doctor Q, come June time, would you happen to be free to sit a Statistics A-Level for a certain MacRumours member?..

[emw]

Who said anything about being helpful? :DIndeed. :D

If you're one of the few in the club, it gives some the notion of "I'm better then you".I'd say that for those in "the club" that think that, the post count has nothing to do with their attitude. And I can't think of any examples.

Me? I just think I have too much to say and enough time to say it.

[Jaffa Cake]

Both mad jew and psychofreak for instance build up high post rates by answering questions in the Mac Basics and Help forums. Obviously that's far preferable to someone like me who just arses about in Community Discussion.On the other hand though, one of the things I like about MacRumors (and something I've heard many, many other posters comment on favourably) is the sense of community that exists here – and members who contribute meaningful stuff to forums like Community Discussion are helping to foster this. Not those who just arse around in there though, mind. ;)

Ultimately though, the one flawless recognition system each of us has is personal experience. Each of us will recognise certain posters who we always read, be it because we find those people helpful, entertaining, thought-provoking or whatever – how many posts they have or what title they display under their username doesn't come into it at all.

[Doctor Q]

Does MR see an increase in spamming levels when you post these extrapolation threads?A little bit, mostly in the Top 50 thread itself. Sometimes we have to clean up these threads to keep the conversation on topic.

Overall, however, I don't think spamming goes up, or I'd be more hesitant about doing these threads at all.

Some people count posts, but I think they'd do so whether or not we're noting the results a couple of times a year.

[MacNut]

I think it would be more of an issue if posts counts were visible like they were a few years ago.

[PlaceofDis]

I think it would be more of an issue if posts counts were visible like they were a few years ago.

yes. thank goodness they're not

[twoodcc]

I think it would be more of an issue if posts counts were visible like they were a few years ago.

yes. thank goodness they're not

well, they aren't by default. but they are on my iPhone though

[sushi]

The thing is, once you get on the list you realise that you spend far too much time on MR!
Kind of shocking when you think about it.

There, there, dry your eyes. She said "not all"... :rolleyes:
Ouch! ;)

yes. thank goodness they're not
Agree.

well, they aren't by default. but they are on my iPhone though
Most interesting.

[iMacZealot]

Can you tell what time of year users are most active? I would think most people would be posting more often in the summer and around this time.

[MacNut]

Summer and Xmas is the slow time I always thought. Most people travel those times.

I slow down a lot in the summer, usually outside more.

[Cassie]

Summer and Xmas is the slow time I always thought. Most people travel those times.

Of course many of us bring along our laptops, so posting rate doesn't slow down too much. ;)

[MacNut]

Of course many of us bring along our laptops, so posting rate doesn't slow down too much. ;)When Im on the beach the computer stays inside.:cool:

[iMacZealot]

Well, I know I post more often in the summer because I don't have school...

[dukebound85]

It would be interesting to be able to see your own posting trends. Say post rates for each member over the last month, 6 months, year and all time

Would that be difficult to incorporate in our user cp? Seems like just some simple algorithms would be needed

[MacNut]

This place gets quite right around xmas. And Im sure the US members slow down in July.

[WildCowboy]

Can you tell what time of year users are most active? I would think most people would be posting more often in the summer and around this time.

That's not the easiest thing to track. The most obvious trend is the the flurry of posting that occurs around major Apple events. So January (MWSF) and June (WWDC) are big times for us, in addition to some of the special events we've seen in the past.

Things are generally quietest in December around the holidays, and there seems to be a lull in the spring.

It's tough to figure out exactly what's going on because you have the influence of Apple events overlaid on seasonal trends, which are then overlaid on a general upward trend in posting rates as we add users. But in general, fall seems to be busier than spring.

Looking at 2007, we had a peak around MWSF, then things dropped off considerably to levels even below those of the previous fall. We peaked again in June around WWDC and then tailed off a bit but remained high as we then built to another peak for the Leopard release in late October, followed by another decrease.

[Cassie]

And Im sure the US members slow down in July.

Why is that?

[MacNut]

Why is that?Vacations.

[iMacZealot]

That's not the easiest thing to track. The most obvious trend is the the flurry of posting that occurs around major Apple events. So January (MWSF) and June (WWDC) are big times for us, in addition to some of the special events we've seen in the past.

Things are generally quietest in December around the holidays, and there seems to be a lull in the spring.

It's tough to figure out exactly what's going on because you have the influence of Apple events overlaid on seasonal trends, which are then overlaid on a general upward trend in posting rates as we add users. But in general, fall seems to be busier than spring.

Looking at 2007, we had a peak around MWSF, then things dropped off considerably to levels even below those of the previous fall. We peaked again in June around WWDC and then tailed off a bit but remained high as we then built to another peak for the Leopard release in late October, followed by another decrease.

It seems like I've seen more members who've joined in the months of January or June 2007 than any other month. Those two periods also seemed to be the busiest times I've ever seen on the forums, too.

A loose way you can judge the site's popularity is here. (http://www.google.com/trends?q=MacRumors&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all&sort=0) From the looks of that graph, this site peaked in January 2007.

[WildCowboy]

A loose way you can judge the site's popularity is here. (http://www.google.com/trends?q=MacRumors&ctab=0&geo=all&date=all&sort=0) From the looks of that graph, this site peaked in January 2007.

By most measures (new members, number of posts, number of new threads), our all-time high activity occurred this past October around the Leopard launch.

[MacNut]

The first big influx of members was January 2002, then the next was around 2004.

[iMacZealot]

By most measures (new members, number of posts, number of new threads), our all-time high activity occurred this past October around the Leopard launch.

Hmm...to me it feels like it was the iPhone announcement and launch, but then again, I wasn't around here much in October.

[adrake86]

The stats that are kept on this site are amazing. I just want to know really how they work. :rolleyes:

[dukebound85]

The stats that are kept on this site are amazing. I just want to know really how they work. :rolleyes:

some of them are made up. the top posters are merely bots and not real people.

i mean its just like the lotto. no one really wins. the announced winners are named so people/society thinks someone won but no one actually knows the people..

so kidding. i agree it is interesting!

[adrake86]

That sucks. So really no real winner. :mad:

[dukebound85]

That sucks. So really no real winner. :mad:

lol i was joking alot. i was hopin someone would have quoted me and saw my white text haha

[Fiveos22]

Thank god my 0.49 posts per day isn't attracting Top 50 attention...

Here's to lurking...*cough*...flying under the radar!

adrake86 You're really going balls to the walls to win today :) 45 posts so far today!

[PlaceofDis]

That sucks. So really no real winner. :mad:

there are no 'winners' just counts that mean nothing.

[sushi]

some of them are made up. the top posters are merely bots and not real people.
Hey, don't give out the secret of Spam Jew, er, Mad Jew! ;) :p :D

That sucks.
dukebound85 was joking with his post. You can see his hidden text.

Here it is:

"so kidding. i agree it is interesting!"

So really no real winner. :mad:
That's correct! :)

there are no 'winners' just counts that mean nothing.
Exactly.

At MR, post count is not a competition. It is merely a way of tracking how many posts someone has made. Every 6 months, Dr. Q, who enjoys numbers and statistical data, posts the top 50 statistics for the rest of the MR members to see.

BTW, if you look at someone like skunk who posts a lot on the PRSI (Politics, Religion, Social Issues) forum, his post count is much lower than what he actually posts because posts in the PRSI forum do not count. But that doesn't stop him from posting in the PRSI forum.

Post count is not a competition at MR. It's just an interesting number.

[Doctor Q]

It seems like I've seen more members who've joined in the months of January or June 2007 than any other month. Those two periods also seemed to be the busiest times I've ever seen on the forums, too.
Last time, I did a little comparison of the months when top posters joined. You can see those results here. That didn't tell us what months the average members joined, of course.

[iPhil]

there are no 'winners' just counts that mean nothing.



There is a winner a every 6 months or so.. It's Q 'cause he likes being in Number/Stat heaven .. :p :D :cool:

[sushi]

There is a winner a every 6 months or so.. It's Q 'cause he likes being in Number/Stat heaven .. :p :D :cool:
Good point!

I can just imagine him grinning from ear to ear as he compiles his stats.

[skunk]

some of them are made up. the top posters are merely bots and not real people.

i mean its just like the lotto. no one really wins. the announced winners are named so people/society thinks someone won but no one actually knows the people..I see that dukebound85-bot is posting again... :rolleyes:

[mad jew]

Good to see a couple of months off has made my rate a little easier to swallow. Thanks for all the work you put in, Doctor Q.

[kretzy]

Eek! I've dropped out of the top 50. :(

I blame the fact that I've been overseas for the last month or so. I'll have to lift my game once I get back. :D

[iBlue]

http://upc.edesignuk.com/uploads/catmacros/BEHOLDmightySPAM.jpg


oh no, the thread of shame™ again! :eek:

:o

A little bit, mostly in the Top 50 thread itself. Sometimes we have to clean up these threads to keep the conversation on topic.
...
I'm pleased to notice that one such example was taken care of. ;-)

I always wonder if the number of people who want to be on that list matches with those who are on it and don't really want to be.


Coming soon to the marketplace (http://forums.macrumors.com/forumdisplay.php?f=14):

For Sale: iBlue's promising rank.

[edesignuk]

Only edesignuk kept the same position since both 12 months ago and 6 months agoI'm special :D

Slow and steady wins the race..and all that.

[bartelby]

Coming soon to the marketplace (http://forums.macrumors.com/forumdisplay.php?f=14):

For Sale: iBlue's promising rank.

Boy, did I miss read that last word! :o

[sushi]

Boy, did I miss read that last word! :o
I can see a couple of options on that! :eek: :p

[iBlue]

Boy, did I miss read that last word! :o
O RLY? anything relating to this? ...
Hangs head in shame. Man, my posting has really gone up the last 6 months. I blame iBlue's boobs.
...
:o ( o Y o )

[bartelby]

O RLY? anything relating to this? ...

:o ( o Y o )

More than likely!
:o

[mad jew]

Thank God this is a thread about boobs again.

[edesignuk]

Thank God this is a thread about boobs again.The natural balance has indeed been restored.

[sushi]

The natural balance has indeed been restored.
I guess you would know about the true balance in this case. ;)

Please forgive my transgression there e, but iBlue is well, you know.

[Consultant]

How is Eidorian going to gain in places if Moderators put Eidorian on time out (2 day ban)?

[Abstract]

I'm posting just to say hi. *cough*

[MacNut]

I'm posting just to say hi. *cough*Something in your throat?

[sushi]

I'm posting just to say hi. *cough*
Something in your throat?
Must be. Surely it couldn't be anything else! ;)

[Abstract]

*checks your rank*

HAH!

[Doctor Q]

I wonder what would happen if arn decided to sell post counts? What if you could pay some amount to get credit for 1000 posts, without actually making the posts?

It would wreak havoc with the forum rules and user titles and the reasons behind them, of course, but I wonder if people would actually buy them and for what price.

[PlaceofDis]

I wonder what would happen if arn decided to sell post counts? What if you could pay some amount to get credit for 1000 posts, without actually making the posts?

It would wreak havoc with the forum rules and user titles and the reasons behind them, of course, but I wonder if people would actually buy them and for what price.

500 posts would be the top seller for an avatar.

[MacNut]

I'll sell some political posts.:p No refunds. Im sure we can do a wasteland bargain basement blowout sale as well.

[sushi]

I wonder what would happen if arn decided to sell post counts? What if you could pay some amount to get credit for 1000 posts, without actually making the posts?

It would wreak havoc with the forum rules and user titles and the reasons behind them, of course, but I wonder if people would actually buy them and for what price.
I think it would depend on the cost per post?

For example, at a penny per post and you would probably have some huge post count increases. Only a $100 would get you 10,000 posts. So $300 would put you in MJ's territory. :)

At a dime per post, $300 would only get you 3,000 posts. Probably not enough to get anybody excited.

At a dollar per post, you might see more posting as folks figure that they are saving/making money posting! ;)

[2nyRiggz]

Wow I fell right off.....damn you gaming section! Good job once again doc.

2008 might be the year of the spam;)


Bless

[mad jew]

If we could sell post counts I'd do it in a fit.

[Abstract]

How much would someone pay for your spam? Sure, it tastes good sometimes, but who really knows how you produce so much spam.

[Eidorian]

If we could sell post counts I'd do it in a fit.It's not like a large post count has any value to the user that has it. :D

I wonder what would happen if arn decided to sell post counts? What if you could pay some amount to get credit for 1000 posts, without actually making the posts?

It would wreak havoc with the forum rules and user titles and the reasons behind them, of course, but I wonder if people would actually buy them and for what price.I don't think a high post count is worth paying real money for. :eek:

It'd be nice to see a poll on this though! I'd never pay a penny.

How is Eidorian going to gain in places if Moderators put Eidorian on time out (2 day ban)?
Thank you for noticing but I can take care of myself. I don't need to make a ridiculous number of posts to increase my count. :rolleyes:

[Doctor Q]

Some people make money by building up characters in online games and then selling them, and you can exchange real money for Linden dollars at Second Life, so there certainly is a real market for virtual goods.

Perhaps I'll sell my forum posts and some of the avatars I've used, and start taking bribes when we have MacRumors contests, all so I'll have money to pay for my next Excel upgrade. :)

[jsw]

Some people make money by building up characters in online games and then selling them
I'm not the dread jsw. My name is Gern Blanston. The dread jsw before me had gotten so many posts, he wanted to retire. So he PM'd me, and told me his secret. "I am not the dread jsw", he said. "My name is Ryan. I inherited the membername from the previous dread jsw, just as you will inherit it from me. The man I inherited it from was not the real dread jsw either. His name was Cummerbund. The real jsw has been retired two years and living like a king in Cupertino."

Then he explained that the name was the important thing for inspiring the necessary fear. You see, no one would accept moderation from the dread gb. So we waited for the downtime of an MR vBulletin upgrade, swapped member IDs, and he continued posting for a while as gb, all the time calling me jsw. Once the demi-gods believed, he left MR, and I have been jsw ever since. Except now that I've gotten a real life, I shall retire and hand the name over to someone else. Is everything clear to you? ;) (http://fringe.davesource.com/Fringe/Entertainment/Scripts/The_Princess_Bride.html)

[mad jew]

Can I be jsw next?

[WildCowboy]

As you wish.

[EricNau]

mad jew, if you're going to be jsw next, can I be mad jew?


Rather than selling posts, why not just auction off entire user names? ...God positions would sell for the highest amounts, I'm sure, followed by moderators. (Although, I have no doubt that EricNau would receive the highest bid, for the coolness factor, naturally.) :p

[Abstract]

Why would you want to be mad.....or Jewish?? He's not even Jewish. He's a fake Jew.

[sushi]

I'm not the dread jsw. My name is Gern Blanston.
<snip>
Well done!

As you wish.
Love it! :)

Off I go to battle some RUS (Rodents of Unusual Size)! :D

[mad jew]

Trust me, you don't really want to be me.

[Eidorian]

mad jew, if you're going to be jsw next, can I be mad jew?


Rather than selling posts, why not just auction off entire user names? ...God positions would sell for the highest amounts, I'm sure, followed by moderators. (Although, I have no doubt that EricNau would receive the highest bid, for the coolness factor, naturally.) :p

I'm not the dread jsw. My name is Gern Blanston. The dread jsw before me had gotten so many posts, he wanted to retire. So he PM'd me, and told me his secret. "I am not the dread jsw", he said. "My name is Ryan. I inherited the membername from the previous dread jsw, just as you will inherit it from me. The man I inherited it from was not the real dread jsw either. His name was Cummerbund. The real jsw has been retired two years and living like a king in Cupertino."

Then he explained that the name was the important thing for inspiring the necessary fear. You see, no one would accept moderation from the dread gb. So we waited for the downtime of an MR vBulletin upgrade, swapped member IDs, and he continued posting for a while as gb, all the time calling me jsw. Once the demi-gods believed, he left MR, and I have been jsw ever since. Except now that I've gotten a real life, I shall retire and hand the name over to someone else. Is everything clear to you? ;) (http://fringe.davesource.com/Fringe/Entertainment/Scripts/The_Princess_Bride.html)I smell a MacRumors April Fools joke. :rolleyes:

[MacNut]

I smell a MacRumors April Fools joke. :rolleyes:That is just jsw you are smelling, he often forgets to shower.

[Doctor Q]

I didn't have enough geek points for the month, so I made up a challenge for myself: to find a spreadsheet formula that would identify which Top Poster members had post counts as of this January that were an integer multiple of another Top Poster member, including all members of all Top Poster lists that I've accumulated so far.

It took some thinking, but I have now succeeded and earned 1,000 more geek points -- almost enough to redeem for a Linux toaster!

First of all, the trivial cases: members who tied in post count have an integer factor of 1. Here they are, with the highest rank they have achieved:MacsRgr8 (#64 in January 2005) and iSaint (#90 now), each with 4,568 posts

MisterMe (#89 in July 2005) and dpaanlka (#99 now), each with 4,469 posts

bennetsaysargh (#40 in July 2004) and themadchemist (#57 in January 2005), each with 2,364 posts

sparkleytone (#36 in July 2003) and stubeeef (#99 in July 2005), each with 2,351 posts
(Dis?)honorable mention:johnnyjibbs (#79 in January 2005) tied banned member Phil Of Mac (#38 in January 2004) with 2,101 posts

[themadchemist]

bennetsaysargh (#40 in July 2004) and themadchemist (#57 in January 2005), each with 2,364 posts


Oh, how the mighty have fallen. :p

[Doctor Q]

Double the posts

rainman::|:| (#18 in January 2005) has 5,466 posts, which is exactly twice the post count of britboy (#25 in July 2003), with 2,733 posts.


Triple the posts

wrldwzrd89 (#21 in July 2005) has 6,696 posts, which is exactly triple the post count of Duff-Man (#117 in July 2006), with 2,232 posts.

rainman::|:| (#18 in January 2005) has 5,466 posts, which is exactly triple the post count of Stelliform (#56 in January 2004), with 1,822 posts.


Quadruple the posts

zap2 (#74 currently) has 5,284 posts, which is exactly quadruple the post count of Taft (#43 in July 2003), with 1,321 posts.


Quintuple the posts

iBlue (#30 currently) has 9,675 posts, which is exactly quintuple the post count of howard (#87 in July 2004), with 1,935 posts.


Sextuple the posts

jelloshotsrule (#3 in July 2003) has 9,744 posts, which is exactly sextuple the post count of Mav451 (#137 in July 2005), with 1,624 posts.


And the Oscar goes to...

rainman::|:| certainly deserves some kind of honorary title for appearing in this list twice! Let's name him Factor Integer Numeric King, or F.I.N.K. :)

[twoodcc]

Some people make money by building up characters in online games and then selling them, and you can exchange real money for Linden dollars at Second Life, so there certainly is a real market for virtual goods.

Perhaps I'll sell my forum posts and some of the avatars I've used, and start taking bribes when we have MacRumors contests, all so I'll have money to pay for my next Excel upgrade. :)

you mean Numbers upgrade ;)

[Eidorian]

Duff-Man (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=13640) is the coolest user ever.

[Brianstorm91]

Duff Man has enough time to be an IT Analyst also?
Wow.

[mad jew]

Duff-Man (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=13640) is the coolest user ever.


Probably one of the smartest, yet not one of the fifty top posters... ;)

[Doctor Q]

Top members (descending order by post count) who joined MacRumors on a given day of the week:

Monday (7,977 posts to qualify)edesignuk
CanadaRAM
emw
arn
katie ta achoo
Chundles
Tuesday (7,502 posts to qualify)jsw
bousozoku
PlaceofDis
yellow
eyelikeart
raggedjimmi
Applespider
MacRumorUser
dcv
IJ Reilly
Wednesday (7,909 posts to qualify)~Shard~
iGary
Eidorian
Mitthrawnuruodo
bartelby
robbieduncan
Thursday (8,030 posts to qualify)Mr. Anderson
Doctor Q
WildCowboy
dmw007
vniow
jelloshotsrule
iBlue
nagromme
Friday (7,418 posts to qualify)mkrishnan
Abstract
Rower_CPU
MacNut
Chip NoVaMac
rdowns
MacBandit
Saturday (8,096 posts to qualify)mad jew
Nermal
iMeowbot
iGAV
dynamicv
Sunday (7,622 posts to qualify)wdlove
Blue Velvet
devilot
Sun Baked
jefhatfield
Jaffa Cake
Mord
Lau

Friday has the lowest minimum post count. Saturday has the highest minimum post count.

Forum administrators apparently join on Thursday.

Sunday is the day of the week that the highest number of Top 50 women joined.

Tuesday was the most popular day to join overall. That must be because of those Big Apple Announcements!

[d_and_n5000]

Wow. Saturday's a tough crowd to break into.

Glad to see I didn't sign up then!

(or did i? :confused: )

[~Shard~]

Late to the thread (being that I just returned from vacation!) but wanted to throw in my thanks to Doctor Q for all his hard work on this - as always, it's appreciated! :)

Now, to catch up on all the MWSF news... :cool:

[Brianstorm91]

Now, to catch up on all the MWSF news... :cool:

There was news?
:p

[Doctor Q]

Late to the thread (being that I just returned from vacation!) but wanted to throw in my thanks to Doctor Q for all his hard work on this - as always, it's appreciated! :)You are welcome. (I hope I spelled your name correctly in the charts).

And welcome back. Be sure to read every post made at MacRumors while you were gone, in case you missed something important.

[~Shard~]

There was news?
:p

I haven't been able to find anything yet - quite disappointing, really... :p ;)

You are welcome. (I hope I spelled your name correctly in the charts).

And welcome back. Be sure to read every post made at MacRumors while you were gone, in case you missed something important.

Okay, I'll get right on that Doc! :D

The vacation was amazing but it is good to be back. ;) :)

[eric55lv]

Top Posters Named eric55lv

Rank Name
---- --------------
1 eric55lv
Columns: Rank = rank among members named eric55lv
Name = name of member named eric55lv

Sweet im mentioned:D

[~Shard~]

Sweet im mentioned:D

Oh yes, never underestimate Doctor Q's thoroughness! :D :cool:

[eric55lv]

Top Posters Named eric55lv

Rank Name
---- --------------
1 eric55lv
Columns: Rank = rank among members named eric55lv
Name = name of member named eric55lv

what about my posts?

[CalBoy]

what about my posts?

Oh don't you worry; Doctor Q is keeping an eye on everyone. ;)