Post by ALJD on May 3, 2009 14:53:17 GMT -5
Hi folks,
Some questions that had been of interest to me recently were how many active members do we actually have, and why we are hanging out on this forum. That's why I was motivated to do a census last week.
Realistically, the information is only useful to the extent it gives all of us a better understanding of what we are as a virtual community. But then again, it's always good to have a better idea of where everyone is coming from. ;D
Prior to the census, we had a little over 700 registered members, and we usually have about 50-60 members logging in everyday along with 400-500 "guests".
During the period of the census with login required, registered membership increased to approximately 760+ with an average login count of 210 or so. The guest count stayed constant at the 400-500 level.
Now that the census has ended and the forum reverted back to open status, forum login has returned to about 50-60 members a day.
So as far as forum populations go, it looks like we have around 200+ active accounts, 50-60 of which log in everyday, along with a few hundred lurkers who are content to just watch.
Regarding the participation of the census polls, we got roughly a 25% participation rate out of the 200 or so active accounts. So while it's not ideal, it presents a decent enough picture to give us an idea of what we are.
On current employment status, Part I of the census poll shows that current board membership are predominantly federal attorneys, with ALJs, AJs, state ALJ/AJs, private practitioners and some others rounding out the rest.
As for why folks are reading this board, it is very clear from Part II of the census poll that the vast majority of the members are ALJ candidates, whether currently in the running or not. We also have some ALJs who gone through the process and like to share some of their insights with the current candidates.
All in all, it shows that the overriding issue driving this forum continues to be the ALJ hiring process. Which is fine since that was the reason this forum was founded in the first place back in 2007. The hiring process will continue on, and some of our members will make it while others will have to try again. Such is the nature of the beast.
Finally, for those of our members that make it through this time or the next, please consider staying around and continue to share your wits and insights for the folks that are following your path. I think there's something rewarding about giving back and helping to make the hiring process a little more clear and less stressful for the newbies, and I hope you would feel the same way.
Thanks and good luck to all!
Some questions that had been of interest to me recently were how many active members do we actually have, and why we are hanging out on this forum. That's why I was motivated to do a census last week.
Realistically, the information is only useful to the extent it gives all of us a better understanding of what we are as a virtual community. But then again, it's always good to have a better idea of where everyone is coming from. ;D
Prior to the census, we had a little over 700 registered members, and we usually have about 50-60 members logging in everyday along with 400-500 "guests".
During the period of the census with login required, registered membership increased to approximately 760+ with an average login count of 210 or so. The guest count stayed constant at the 400-500 level.
Now that the census has ended and the forum reverted back to open status, forum login has returned to about 50-60 members a day.
So as far as forum populations go, it looks like we have around 200+ active accounts, 50-60 of which log in everyday, along with a few hundred lurkers who are content to just watch.
Regarding the participation of the census polls, we got roughly a 25% participation rate out of the 200 or so active accounts. So while it's not ideal, it presents a decent enough picture to give us an idea of what we are.
On current employment status, Part I of the census poll shows that current board membership are predominantly federal attorneys, with ALJs, AJs, state ALJ/AJs, private practitioners and some others rounding out the rest.
As for why folks are reading this board, it is very clear from Part II of the census poll that the vast majority of the members are ALJ candidates, whether currently in the running or not. We also have some ALJs who gone through the process and like to share some of their insights with the current candidates.
All in all, it shows that the overriding issue driving this forum continues to be the ALJ hiring process. Which is fine since that was the reason this forum was founded in the first place back in 2007. The hiring process will continue on, and some of our members will make it while others will have to try again. Such is the nature of the beast.
Finally, for those of our members that make it through this time or the next, please consider staying around and continue to share your wits and insights for the folks that are following your path. I think there's something rewarding about giving back and helping to make the hiring process a little more clear and less stressful for the newbies, and I hope you would feel the same way.
Thanks and good luck to all!
