We expected far fewer responses during our survey earlier in the week (live for 84 hours). In fact, we expected less than half those who had a go. Amazing, so thank you. As this is *your* survey every bit as much as it is mine, here are the results (with more to follow).
Demography
Three-quarters of respondents lived in or around Rhuthun, with 10 per cent saying they were ex-pats, living away, one of whom was a regular reader in Australia. Bar one, the remainder all came from north east Wales. There are slightly fewer women reading than men. The range of respondents’ ages showed a bias towards middle age and older, with just two under 25.
80 per cent of respondents said they were “just” ordinary subjects (sic). Just under 20 per cent felt they were community activists in some way, including about five per cent of whom stated they were councillors. It was interesting that nearly a third declared that they owned or ran a business in Rhuthun.
Quality of the Blog
Turning to the Blog itself, nearly 90 per cent of respondents felt that the Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog was either Excellent or Very Good. Two thirds of readers came to read at least three or four times a week. It’s difficult to capture the weekly or occasional readership in a survey that lasted for such a short period. 40 per cent of respondents had been viewing the Blog for about two years, 30 per cent for about a year, 20 per cent for less than a year and 10 per cent for between three and four years.
Fewer than 10 per cent of those responding felt the Blog was biased. Fewer still felt that it should be more strident & less impartial.
You’ll have to come back on Monday to see what respondents felt about the Free Press, the Craft Centre and spelling of the town’s name.
Written Comments
We were please to receive some rather nice and often glowing written comments. Here are some of them:
But, not everything was rosy. A couple of people complained about what one called “ignorant whingers” or people who respond rudely, are “just mean” and uncaring of people’s feelings and who snipe at those unable to answer back. In defensive of these people, I suppose deleting their contributions would smack of censorship (and therefore bias). Two people wondered whether everyone commenting might have some sort of pseudonym, to prevent too many confusing ‘Anonymouses’.
A few commenters felt there tended to be a focus on Tesco and retail and that the Blog was “overly concerned with shops” (that was the reason for the genesis of the Blog, folks). What about Lôn Parcwr and community news, they asked, with one being quite specific in seeking information on societies, green issues, culture and more.
One detailed respondent felt that this Blog should be controversial.
There were some good ideas on how to make aesthetic and navigational improvement and on how readers might proffer suggestions.
Negative Comments
And there were some negative comments, too, though not many:
“Most posts are negative”, said one. Said another, “I don’t like the facts about fuel prices and other random stuff, I find them boring, and people I have spoken to also say this!” (Pity really, as I quite like ’em! Ah well).
And about the author...
Finally, a couple of people commented on the author. “There are many theories as to who he/she is!” (yup, I know).
My favourite quote of all was, “It's wonderfully cryptically anonymous: I don't see how the author can really be (by implication) mildly put out not to be invited to a private view at the Craft Centre when he has covered his tracks so well. I am, of course, assuming that the author is male…” A special thanks to whomsoever placed this comment online. You obviously share my sense of humour.
To be continued...
Demography
Three-quarters of respondents lived in or around Rhuthun, with 10 per cent saying they were ex-pats, living away, one of whom was a regular reader in Australia. Bar one, the remainder all came from north east Wales. There are slightly fewer women reading than men. The range of respondents’ ages showed a bias towards middle age and older, with just two under 25.80 per cent of respondents said they were “just” ordinary subjects (sic). Just under 20 per cent felt they were community activists in some way, including about five per cent of whom stated they were councillors. It was interesting that nearly a third declared that they owned or ran a business in Rhuthun.Quality of the BlogTurning to the Blog itself, nearly 90 per cent of respondents felt that the Rhuthun/Ruthin Blog was either Excellent or Very Good. Two thirds of readers came to read at least three or four times a week. It’s difficult to capture the weekly or occasional readership in a survey that lasted for such a short period. 40 per cent of respondents had been viewing the Blog for about two years, 30 per cent for about a year, 20 per cent for less than a year and 10 per cent for between three and four years.Fewer than 10 per cent of those responding felt the Blog was biased. Fewer still felt that it should be more strident & less impartial.You’ll have to come back on Monday to see what respondents felt about the Free Press, the Craft Centre and spelling of the town’s name.Written Comments
We were please to receive some rather nice and often glowing written comments. Here are some of them:
“I think it's a remarkably temperate commentary upon things, given how easy it is to be intemperate; and I also like the way in which it reflects Ruthin as a sort of microcosm of Wales as a whole.”Issues
“It's a good read and well observed. I really look forward to reading it daily… although I sometimes disagree with the comments in the Blog I defend the rights of the Blogger to have an opinion.”
“I find it entertaining and useful. I often find out about things that have happened or are about to happen in town. I enjoy the "debates" and I really enjoyed the two Christmas quizzes.”
“I think you have got it about right and the ability to add comments really gets the debate going on occasions!”
“Wish Mold had a similar Blog as good as this”.
“Ruthin deserves this affectionate commentary.”
“I think it makes a valuable contribution to community debate and raises issues and opens eyes to things that affect the town.”
“Excellent and valuable blogsite Non. Well done.”
“It is very informative and thought provoking. It gives the opportunity to vent your views on topics which you may not get otherwise.”
“I really enjoy reading the Blog; as someone who is gradually getting to know the Ruthin community it is a great source of information. Please keep up the good work and if time permits, please expand!”
“You have a huge silent audience that enjoys watching every day. It is my favourite web site.”
“I can't think of anything really that I would change!”
“What you… produce is avidly read and much appreciated. Thank you.”
But, not everything was rosy. A couple of people complained about what one called “ignorant whingers” or people who respond rudely, are “just mean” and uncaring of people’s feelings and who snipe at those unable to answer back. In defensive of these people, I suppose deleting their contributions would smack of censorship (and therefore bias). Two people wondered whether everyone commenting might have some sort of pseudonym, to prevent too many confusing ‘Anonymouses’.
A few commenters felt there tended to be a focus on Tesco and retail and that the Blog was “overly concerned with shops” (that was the reason for the genesis of the Blog, folks). What about Lôn Parcwr and community news, they asked, with one being quite specific in seeking information on societies, green issues, culture and more.
One detailed respondent felt that this Blog should be controversial.
There were some good ideas on how to make aesthetic and navigational improvement and on how readers might proffer suggestions.
Negative Comments
And there were some negative comments, too, though not many:
“Most posts are negative”, said one. Said another, “I don’t like the facts about fuel prices and other random stuff, I find them boring, and people I have spoken to also say this!” (Pity really, as I quite like ’em! Ah well).
And about the author...
Finally, a couple of people commented on the author. “There are many theories as to who he/she is!” (yup, I know).
My favourite quote of all was, “It's wonderfully cryptically anonymous: I don't see how the author can really be (by implication) mildly put out not to be invited to a private view at the Craft Centre when he has covered his tracks so well. I am, of course, assuming that the author is male…” A special thanks to whomsoever placed this comment online. You obviously share my sense of humour.
To be continued...
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