'Lessons of the Chewbacca Incident'; and Digg

Michael Heilemann, of Binary Bonsai, analyzes the traffic from a bunch of high-profile websites that linked to his piece on the history of the Chewbacca character in Star Wars. (via Daring Fireball)

What I learned from the data, that was particularly interesting, was that while Reddit, Stumbleupon, and other social bookmarking sites appeared among the data, Digg was nowhere to be found.

The other lesson I gleaned from this whole thing is that while the geekdom of the subject has quite a bit to do with the high number of unique visitors, it also reminds us that well written, and lengthy content, can and does, do well.

Chewbacca and Han Solo (unknown credit/promotional pic)

a Tidbit that Titillated my Neurel Net.

Wow, following the word around the net this past month has required some adjustment.

There was a certain radio pundit who made a ridiculous accusation about Michael J. Fox this past month, and without realizing he had done so  had also basically made an attack on all sufferers of Parkinson’s Disease. Fox appeared in a recent Clair McHaskill (D-MO) Senate campaign ad,  touting the need for stem cell research, which prompted this certain individual to mock him.

If you haven’t heard about this click here to learn more about the circumstances. Suffice to say, just about everyone, including the pundit’s own conservative base has come out and challenged his absurd opinion.

A short message on TWiT.tv from Leo Laporte has sent many hearts including my own, into cardiac flutters.
The message, cited below, with the most interesting part cast in bold, immediately generated nearly 500 passionate responses with many more on other sites that also cover themes regarding podcasting such as this article at Digg.com.

“It’s about 80 degrees out - in all likelihood the last nice day of summer in Northern California - so all the TWiTs decided to play hookey. At the same time. Unfortunately that means there will be no show tonight.

It’s my turn to play hookey next week. I’m off on a Geek Cruise next Friday, and will be gone through November 4, so there will be no TWiT next week either.

I’ll decide what happens to TWiT, the show, when I come back, but at this point it looks like it’s on life support and the heart monitor is flatlining.

Meanwhile, enjoy our first This WEEK in LAW with Denise Howell, and thanks for listening. I’ll put it up on the TWiT feed in place of TWiT later tonight.”

                        —Leo Laporte from Twit.tv

On the same day he made the announcement above, he also provided this interesting blurb in his blog. Perhaps another portent of things that will come to pass?