It's probably only a matter of perspective. But you can keep that one -- I don't want it. Here's perspective I use:

When I do something different or try something new, there are only two things that can happen --

1) It *succeeds* in bringing more traffic than least- productive method on my "KEEP Doin' This Stuff" list. So I excitedly add it to that list. Otherwise ...

2) It does not bring more traffic and I stop doing it ... which *succeeds* in freeing me up to do next item (# 8,463) I'm excited about on my "TRY Doin' This Stuff" list. Plus I've succeeded in learning something that helps me to make better choices in future.

It's probably only a matter of perspective. But studies indicate that one of those perspectives leads to more fulfillment, more happiness, more success, even more money.

If it is merely a matter of perspective, then it is something you can choose and, by continuing to choose, make into a habit.

So, if I may, I suggest perspective that leads to more fulfillment, more happiness, more success, even more money.

Another often overlooked method of tracking is visitor communication. There are a variety of ways to achieve this goal. One effective method is by installation of visitor-feedback scripts at your site. You can find a variety of free resources of this kind. ( For starters, check The Javascript Source at: http://javascript.internet.com/ ) Also, don't forget that visitor feedback is not just important as people surf your page, but when they use it as well. For example, if you sell a product, a simple feedback form at end of checkout process can provide insight as to effectiveness of your checkout system. (i.e. Is it confusing? Is it a detriment to purchase?)

Finally, good old fashioned e-mail can be a great tracking tool as well. When someone corresponds with you through your site or business, take time to ask them a very quick question. For example, from time to time when we welcome a new subscriber to our e-zine, we often write a personal thank you back, and just ask them how they found out about us. Sometimes we'll even ask what feature about our e-zine was of interest to them. Of course, you can't abuse this practice as you could end up annoying visitors/clients.... not good. But if you are brief and genuine with people, my experience is that they are usually more than willing to help and often even like getting involved. People generally like to have their opinions heard, especially if they think it may make a difference... and in a properly run business, it will.

Tracking is more than numbers and geography. It is about knowing your current user-base and using those facts and figures to grow and expand that base . As webspace and e-commerce competition intensifies, in-depth tracking is another handy tool you may want to consider to keep yourself ahead of pack.