Focusing on one metric at a time yields nothing, hence the need for Integrated Path Analysis.Unfortunately, Brandt’s goal of “end-to-end” analysis falls short because, well, he’s *starting* at the end by beginning his analysis when someone clicks on an ad…. Was that *single* ad impression the sole deciding factor that lead them to click and then be comfortable purchasing from said vendor?I doubt it.Chances are, they had seen other advertising for this vendor, and all of that *in total* added up to the customer’s comfort level being high enough to move forward with the purchase.

This year we figured we’d have a bit more personal involvement, and have offered to tap a tree in our yard and donate the sap to the cause. There’s something very warming about standing outside on a cold, late-winter day, tapping a tree and knowing that — after a lot of boiling (thankfully not here at our house!)

Perhaps I can better explain if I’m a little more pithy: I firmly believe that PodCamp — and events of its ilk — are excellent events (we at BackBeat Media sponsored one of the early BarCamp NYCs, and The Mac Observer and iPodObserver repeatedly are media sponsors of Portable Media Expo)…. That’s fantastic, and support all of it, including the folks that are podcasting for both business and personal reasons.The point I was making is: We at BackBeat Media talk to people every day — those outside of the blog/pod/echo-chamber — who still see podcasting as very much dominated by passionate hobbyists.

Put the same event on Saturday and Sunday (or, heaven forbid, a *holiday*), and it’s a royal pain in the ass — something which they’re likely not going to attend unless they’re absolutely forced to go…. Of course, those of us in business for ourselves know that work often extends into hobby time, and often the lines are blurred between what’s work and what’s a hobby, but we’re not the ones who need to be convinced and educated about new mediums like podcasting.

That’s Sting’s quote from The Police’s press conference happening right now…. Though they’re apparently still fighting about whether or not to let Andy and Stewart sing the backing vocals versus having a sampled track going.July 28th at Fenway Park, too…

A few months before the party, Andrew Stone told me about this idea he had to use his Videator software to create a light show for the band…. From what I understand, this is an easy thing to as a one-man or even unmanned light show, perhaps perfect for local bands to enhance their visual appeal.

or rather next to the quotes…… Here; CBS News (and in the video on the sidebar)Washington Postand, of course, there were plenty of mentions of our staffers at TMO, too:John Martellaro mentioned at InfoWorldBryan Chaffin mentioned at the SacBeeJeff Gamet mentioned on the AP wire in many, many, many places.All in all, a fantastic week!

It’s such a habit it almost rolls off the tongue without me thinking about it now, and it goes something like this: “Hey, happy new year, but I can’t talk now because I’m in a mad rush to get the last minute prep together for Macworld Expo.”… Braun and Chuck LaTournous to judge this fabulous event.Thursday, 1/11, 6pm: Mac Podcaster Meeting at the Apple Store with the likes of Adam Christianson, Andy Ihnatko, Leo Laporte, and more.

Over at TMO today is an article from me about our coverage of Steve Jobs keynote speeches over the years. So many people had asked us about exactly how we do what we do that we felt it was worth finally publishing.

In addition to being excited about all that lies before us (including the simple idea of spending a much-needed week together!), I’m a bit anxious…. I’m just a little fearful that I might get the DTs and start shaking every time I walk past a web-enabled machine on the boat!See you on the flip side…