Below are observations I’ve noted, some my own, some from others, about the kinds of psychological changes that occur in webmasters. These changes don’t apply to everyone equally, of course. Webmasters come in all shapes and sizes, and each looks at their role in a unique way, with unique ambitions and plans. The list is by no means exhaustive, or ordered, either.
Generally Applicable Statistical Awareness
A spike and then nothing – nothing, and then a spike. After enough time in the game, webmasters start to realize that sales aren’t the only things that follow trends and long term averages. In the same way that video game scores illuminate the psychology of reward, traffic and conversion stats tend to humble and wisen a person, over a long enough timeline. For a webmaster who’s been in it long enough, emotional peaks and valleys no longer run parallel with sales. It’s a strange and maturing feeling, to take the luck out of luck. (more…)
