Some interesting stats

Na | 21/10/2007 - 13:43

I went on a hunt today for some statistical information on Theatre Australia. What was I looking for? Some correlation between people who post "I'm 12 and want a job" threads, their lack of response/replies to their own threads, and the relationship between the quality of their post and their replies/lack of.

First, I need to make clear that the statistics are:

generalised, since there are obvious irregularities (to be explained later)
incomplete, since many users' information did not fully transfer between old and new Theatre Aus. sites
Taken from a small sample of new threads (18 in total), of which ALL users had registered, and does NOT include any threads by Walter Plinges - because WPs are anonymous, there is no way to track their visits over a period of time
Threads were taken from the last five pages of recent posts, as well as a small percentage which are from the past few years.

It should also be made clear that I have used PUBLICLY AVAILABLE information about users visits and postings. I do not use names here or single anyone out to keep their privacy, although as I said, it's publicly available to those willing to search.

Here are the conclusions.

Of all the users, the ONES MOST LIKELY TO RETURN, and view or post to other threads on a different day than their original posting are:

The ones who (either or in combination) write clearly, offer a great deal of information about themselves (ie. their experience, skills, or facial/body features), and state where they are and what type of roles they are interested in. These people are also more likely to reply to their own original thread about seeking work, and also view threads which were mentioned in advice given or which might be relevant to them (auditions postings, etc). They are more likely to have filled out their profile completely.

Of all the users, the ONES LEAST LIKELY TO RETURN, and view or post to other threads on a different day than their original posting are:

The ones who (either or in combination) do not write clearly, offer little information, write perhaps one or two sentences, add information not related to their question/search for work, offer no information about their location or their skills, and provide very little information on their profile or have irrelevant information listed there. They are the least likely to reply to their own threads, view relevant threads mentioned in the advice, or view any other page at all.

Of all the users, the ONES IN THE MIDDLE are members who post a new thread, perhaps post to one or two other threads, view a few pages, but in general do not actively do much. They mostly have information on their profile, which is relevant, and when they add their "work wanted" thread, they do provide relevant information in clear English. However, they provide little information, but it rates better than the ones least likely to return.

Interestingly, I came across this old thread, which sums things up as to why some people don't return:

http://www.theatre.asn.au/node/9090

(This thread suggests further that the better the information is provided to us regulars by the new member, the better/more courteously/more helpfully we reply; which then encourages the new member to spend more time on the site)

Of course, there are anomalies, like a member who is in the least likely category who comes back and posts to other threads. Generally speaking though, this too is poorly written and infrequent.

The above will not come as a surprise to anyone, but I thought no one would have actually looked into the correlation (between adding a new "work wanted" thread and the quality/quantity of further postings) before.

If anyone wants to follow up on this statistical analysis, let me know. It's a small sample, which makes the stats not particularly reliable. (Then again, if it comes as no surprise, the stats might be more accurate than I realise!)

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Some Feedback

Author: Sun Manson
Date: 21/10/2007 - 15:56

When I joined Theatre Australia I did so believing that the site provided professional and amateur actors and film makers alike an opportunity to learn more, become more involved and expand their skills.

As you may see, I posted a blog a few days ago further introducing myself to establish a basis to network with others.

I returned today and read this post regarding 'some interesting stats'; then viewed a reply to the blog I just mentioned.

After reading the reply to my blog, I must say that the reply to my post holds an element of cynicism and negativity that leads me to think perhaps this site is for absolute professional work only and anything less just is not tolerated (ie. volunteer work vs paid work etc). After reading this blog on stats I am further wondering if this site is intended for people like myself.

If you could clarify for me if the details within my post and effectively being a member of Theatre Australia is inappropriate for an amateur film maker such as myself.

Regards
Sun

WOOOOOOH! Stop the pro

Author: Sean B
Date: 21/10/2007 - 16:15

WOOOOOOH!

Stop the pro thoughts instantly- don't run away yet!

This website is DEFINATELY for the amateur, it's just the sudden influx of 'I'm 14 I want to be the lead actor in a big musical' posts kind of got under everyones skin lately.

As it is a public forum with everyone able to comment/reply you are bound to get some cynicism. Soon though you'll work out who is good to listen to, and who is not.

Quite often random people post really weird, off topic, and very frustrating/ degrading comments. They're the ones you don't tend to listen to. Being a member though you do gain the right to help moderate the posts as well as voting for good articles, which gets them onto the front page and allows them to have more readers.

This website is definately for amateur theatre people because there are enough people on here that will be able to give you good sound advice and support, by searching you will also find lots of tips and tricks as well as advice.

You can list a production, auditions, read throughs etc all for free. Which is great for the amateur production.

Many other amateur companies also post their auditions and things as well, so an amateur performer can keep an eye out for that too.

Sometimes it's good to look beyond the cynicism too. Maybe what has been said is a little cynical (not everyone is super supportive out there) but what they may have said may contain a little gem of advice. Eg. Getting hold of film stock can be expensive.

So Sun, don't run away yet thinking this is only a pro world. There is definately room for the amateur and those who require help here too.

Stick around, read the posts, post replies, vote and moderate and you'll see how good and how much fun Theatre Australia can be.

Sean

____________________________________________________________
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'Locked In' a short play based on a real life experience
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Sun, you might want to read

Author: Na
Date: 21/10/2007 - 19:29

Sun, you might want to read the 'about this website' page in the FAQ. The website is set up and run by the Independent Theatre Association, located in WA, and is an organisation for amateur/community theatre. While there is more stuff here for theatre people than film, we welcome all types.

In fact, I would state that there is more amateur postings/companies/people involved here than professional - but I don't have stats on that.

I will say - at least on my own behalf - that I try to be courteous on this site and offer information where and when I can. But as Sean B notes, we've had an influx of these "work wanted" posts, and it has gotten on people's nerves, mine including. I do not believe we are negative all the time - as I mention in my original post - we tend to be more negative when the person has posted in a way which either makes them unintelligible or incredibly naive (ie. the true "I'm 12 and want a job i'm pretty and i love theatre and i'm going to be in a big fat movie" threads).

I think some of the more regular members are cynical only because we've been burned before, and also tend to be the "gardeners" of this site. We are protective of our community here, and we don't want to see anyone else get burned by - see all the threads about dodgy agents for instance.

The fact is that there is a great deal of useful and insightful topics on this site; but they get drowned out by the incessant posting of "work wanted" threads. Because of this, it may appear that the site has little to offer at first glance; but many of us regulars know that there are gems of information lying in various threads, and would be incredibly valuable to both emerging artists, amateurs and professionals.

(I should note: I didn't reply to your original post about the film. Because I don't do film work and don't understand film making, not because I was being rude.)

Furthermore, the above stats are biased: it's a small sample, and I'd be much happier about them if I could go through all the threads on Theatre Aus. (If you look at the Hall of Fame page, that would be impossible!)

Finally, you said it yourself; you are a member of this site and community. And like they say, you only get out what you put in. As the stats show, the more you involve yourself on the site, the more you participate, the more you're likely to get out of the experience and the information.

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Some interesting stats

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