View Single Post
Old 12-21-2010, 02:09 PM  
2MuchMark
Videochat Solutions
 
2MuchMark's Avatar
 
Industry Role:
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Canada
Posts: 48,922
I think a little clarification here would be a good idea before people start making some wild assumptions.

As someone mentioned earlier, the only way to test which stats program is the most accurate is with a control. For most of us, comparing AWStats to GA on our own sites is useless because the data is interpreted by each program in different ways. It's like comparing apples to oranges.

I would trust GA over AWStats any day. First, because its Google. Next, because Google has a very strong interest in make sure the results they provide to you are as accurate as possible. More accuracy for you means more accuracy for Google, means better returns on Google searches, Adwords and Adsense. Just because Google gives you the tools to track your stats for free doesn't mean Google doesn't profit from this, and the only way they profit is by accurate data.

The only way to properly compare the two for accuracy would be to setup a highly "controlled" (ie: Free from all unwanted Internet traffic) server, and then have it surfed from a couple of hundred different KNOWN locations, a fixed number of times. Only once you know all of the controls can you properly compared any stats program to any other.

Personally, I love GA because the data it presents to me is more useful and seems more accurate. Especially useful is the Goal program.

If you run GA and you don't like the results you see compared to AWStats, dig deeper before you trash it.
__________________

Custom Coding | Videochat Solutions | Age Verification | IT Help & Support
www.2Much.net
2MuchMark is online now   Share thread on Digg Share thread on Twitter Share thread on Reddit Share thread on Facebook Reply With Quote