Aug/100
Can’t see the insight for all the data
Recently at work we’ve been given access to a load of data from one of or clients. And ‘a load of data’ is right!
This is obviously great as it allows us access to the inner mind of the client to see what they are looking at and how they are filtering and actioning on that data.
Well. That’s the theory. In practice we’ve been given access to what seems like read only reports that are predefined to a set of criteria that hasn’t been explained. The question on my lips is who would be able to explain it. I think that gets to the nub of the issue.
The short version is that we’ve simple been asked to ‘derive insight’ from the data. While I like a challenge as much as the next man and know I can pull out some good gems for further analysis and action it struck me that this is possibly a backwards and inefficient way to do anything with this potential gold mine of information.
That’s where my metaphor comes in! If you can imagine all the data as a big Forrest and the client has said “brings some good wood”. Off I go with my big old axe and bring back a load of logs. But I don’t know if what I’m bringing back is the right size or shape or event the right type of wood?!
If the client had asked “bring me some wood to make a rocking chair” now I’ve got something to aim for! There’s still questions to be asked “how big? Hard or soft. Wood etc…” but it’s a start.
That’s what I think this engagement is missing, the start. Just because we said we can work with analytics it shouldn’t be assumed we know how ‘your’ data is set up.
A professional solution should come with documentation around the aim/goals of the analytics solution. This documentation should not only cover the technical implementation of the given solution but should also contain the business requirements (KPR – key business requirements) that shaped the final solution.
Without this documentation anyone picking up from your previous agency/department/analyst will be fighting a very hard uphill battle with the final outcome all but already decided.
Well, that’s where I am this week! So to get me out of this situation, I guess I’ll have to don my battle armour and go get me some documentation!
Any tips on getting documentation out of long standing (some may say legacy) systems? All help gratefully received.
Jun/100
Google offer httpS searches
The first I heard of this was from a Google tweet and then shortly after an article from Wired. To power-phrase a couple bits:
Google users can now run encrypted searches using the company’s flagship search site
when you click through a search result on Google’s new secure page, your browser will not send along ‘referrer data’ revealing the search terms you used
Feb/100
Landing page optimisation
A while back I downloaded a recording of a seminar hosted by Omniture by a Dr. Flint McGlaughlin of Marketing Experiments. The Lecture was entitled:
Landing Page Optimization: How to increase Online revenue without increasing Marketing costs
I finally got round to watching it and there were a couple of points that really sung out.
Sep/090
The Winter King
This is the second time I read this book and like last time I really enjoy it. I think the majority of it is Mr Cornwell’s ability to weave fact and fiction. His historical notes always bares that out where he details what bits he’s taken from others and which bits he’s made up…
Aug/090
Gran Torino
Thanks to a ridiculous delay on the train today I managed to finish watching Gran Torino staring the quite frankly brilliant Clint Eastwood.
I really enjoyed this film and as someone else put it to me it kept you engaged right from the beginning till the very end and I couldn’t agree more.
The out and out racism that to start is quite blunt but as the film progresses you see that for most of those who know Walt (Clint) it’s almost become a term if endearment and is often given back as good as received.
The story itself is simple and well told and yes there is an element of Hollywood in there of grumpy old guy learns to smile again but I think that’s OK. It’s kind of only part of the whole film and I think secondary to the character interaction and how the two what seems like completely outlook and understanding are in fact not that different when you strip away the fluff and get down to basic human emotions.
Aug/090
True Blood – Series 1
Just finished watching the first series of ‘True Blood‘ and having been caught both at work (during my lunch break) and at home enjoying and at times chucking along I have been asked ‘what it is?’. This has been surprising hard to explain. So rather than make a hash of it I though I’d plagiarize Wiki and say:
“[True Blood picks it's story up where] Following the creation of synthetic blood, vampires have progressed from legendary monsters to fellow citizens overnight. Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) is a telepath and waitress at Merlotte’s in the small Louisiana town of Bon Temps, owned by Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell), a shapeshifter—though this secret is kept hidden. One night, Sookie meets Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a handsome 173-year-old vampire who has returned to Bon Temps following the death of his last remaining relative. As she cannot hear his thoughts, she finds it easy to be in his company and over the first season, the two become romantically involved.”…
Aug/090
Watchmen
I finally got round to watching the film and really enjoyed it!
The idea of ‘ex-superheros’ isn’t new (the incredibles for example?!) but the realism of them as just humans with a gift I thought was a refreshing take. I particularly liked the idea that there existence would have changed history. In the film looks at the theme that if the balance of power was heavily one sided (to the good of course) would it make for a safer more peaceful world? I agree with the direction of the film, no it wouldn’t. Peace is a balancing act. This film shows that by giving a glimpse at a possible alternative.
I know lots of verb-age with little substance or meaning, sorry. So, the short version. Yes I liked the film, maybe a touch too long (nearly 3 hours) and while it nicely explained a couple of the characters background the more ‘mundane’ superheros were left unexplained. More often that not it was those ones that you really wanted to know more about….
Jul/090
Without Remorse
I really like this book and have read it a couple of times now.
I think it very cleverly blends the Vietnam war with urban America with an interesting comparison between war in Vietnam and the war on drugs and how at times both seemed doomed to failure. for example, when removing 1 drug pusher from his corner or capturing a hill is only a success until the force is removed then that area is retaken and back to how it was before intervention…
Jul/090
Screen Reader Survey
Came across a survey, commissioned December 2008/January 2009 by Webaim that looks at the usage of and users of Screen Readers:
http://webaim.org/projects/screenreadersurvey/
Some interesting findings that seemed to cut across a range of disciplines within the web community…
Jul/090
Devel May Care
New book commissioned by Ian Fleming’s family written by Sebastian Faulks in Fleming’s style.
Very enjoyable read. It certainly felt like one of the series in terms of both the style, speed of motion through the book and levels of action and excitement.
You do have to smile at the choice of the ‘bad guys’. Yes Fleming did get into the habit of giving each of his villains a certain flair or ‘tick’. This book is no exception in that regard.
