In Udacity’s Psychology course, the second lesson discusses the ethics of psychological experiments and how important it is to make sure everyone involved understands they are taking part in a test. I’m sure my readers understood my previous post was an experiment but I’m not as sure about Sundae.

Prior to offering treats to Sundae as an incentive to get my readers reading additional posts, I discussed it with Sundae. I’m afraid she only heard treats before accepting. Sundae will certainly benefit from her acceptance. Today, four days after I posted my article, my numbers have returned to normal and I’m ready announce the results. Don’t worry, the reward phase isn’t over but I found the results interesting and Sundae wanted a reckoning.

Before I continue, a bit of very good news. My post on Pepper discussed her issues and the tribulations of her previous life. Things are looking up for Pepper, once Pepper’s health issues have been taken care of, my Mother-in-law will be adopting her. I can’t think of a better home.

To ensure that Pepper got sufficient attention while recuperating from her heartworm treatment, my Mother-in-law told all her friends that Pepper would get additional scratches for every treat that Sundae got. That gives you an idea what Pepper’s future looks like, well loved.

Site Activity

That message found its way to several Facebook pages, causing a big spike of readers. I can’t help finding the velocity of the message incredible. On the day it was posted on Facebook, my readers doubled and doubled again on the next day. Even more amazing, it doubled again on the third day. On day four my readership dropped back to normal.

Three days of exposure. In other words, to stay fresh on Facebook I would have to write a new post every three days. It goes without saying those posts have to be interesting and compelling. No wonder news services drag out all the interesting news until we’re all thoroughly sick of it.

Now for the numbers. Over the last four days, Sundae earned 43 treats and I ended up with four new subscribers. As a technique it was very successful. Unfortunately I believe it would be equally hard to repeat this technique with the same results. Sundae did suggest repeating it once a month, just in case.

Sundae (All treats are mine), Pepper (Just one more scratch) and I want to thank you for taking part in this experiment. To my new subscribers and, of course, all my old subscribers, thank you for joining me on this quest. I’ll do my best to make it entertaining.

Thanks!!!!

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