We like to act like tough, emotionally rigid journalists here at Echo, but every now and then we expose our fragile egos and take a look at the ol’ analytics.
That’s right — we break down and, for a couple minutes, turn our hard work into a popularity contest. What stories are people reading the most?
And, truth be told, we should probably look at this information more often. While it doesn’t drive editorial decisions, it gives us a peek into the habits of our readers and tells us which buttons to push to attract eyes.
But after looking at this year’s top 10 most read stories, and seeing my poor showing, I may not look at the stats ever again. Or maybe I’ll become Echo’s “algae and Lake Superior islands correspondent,” so I can feed my need to feel wanted.
Below are Echo top 10 most viewed stories of the year, starting with the 10th most views and ending with the most viewed.
10.) Are beaches public where roads end?
That’s a good question, and one that we explored in a Special Report on the struggles throughout the Great Lakes region over who can do what where a public road stops at a lake.
9.) Meet the Great Lakes Smackdown! Terrestrial Terrors
What better way to educate people about invasive species than to tap into the March Madness? Smackdown! Terrestrial Terrors pitted those invasives that live on land against one another, and uncovered which one is the most ecologically destructive. Call it journalism, education or silly — we call it fun.
8.) Kennecott loses road decision; worries intensify over U.P. mine
The pristine Upper Peninsula is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. However, the resource rich peninsula also holds some pretty valuable minerals, and mining companies are looking to tap into that.
I heard a saying a while back -“people that live at the end of the road live there for a reason”- and this applies for many Yoopers who live there for the tranquil and undisturbed nature. But the economy is poor and the environmental concern vs. economic concern argument is heating up as this piece so wonderfully explained.
7.) Lake Erie on pace for record toxic algae crop
We love our records … record setting, record breaking. In fact, we even pay attention to dubious records it seems. Algae continues to infiltrate Lake Erie, and when veteran reporter and Echo contributor Tom Henry said it may be a record year for the toxic stuff, Echo readers responded with eyeballs and comments.
6.) Failing septic systems an increasing health concern
We live in an age of foreclosures and short sales. People can’t sell their homes and bursting, leaky septic tanks don’t make it any easier. But that’s exactly what people across the Great Lakes region are dealing with, and when we broke the news, people paid attention.
5.) Divers battle Great Lakes shipwreck pirates
Everybody loves a good pirate story. And at Echo we aim to please. This story talked about how Great Lakes shipwreck artifacts start vanishing and moving around after divers start visiting. Not exactly a Jack Sparrow saga, but good enough for fifth place on the list.
4.) VIDEO: Invasive emerald ash borer upsets Great Lakes ecosystem, economy
The emerald ash borer has truly been a menace. But, the voyeurs that we are, we love to see a villain at work. This video shows the pest doing what it does best — destroying trees. The footage was part of a Knight Center production entitled, Bad Company, which was a documentary about invasive species in the region.
3.) Satellite system warns swimmers, treatment plants of harmful algae
Algae alert! Algae alert! This story explained some very cool technology that can send images of the Great Lakes directly to people’s inboxes to warn of harmful algae. Thanks for reading (I’m looking at you, Ohio Echo fans)!
2.) Michigan natives plan artist residency on Superior’s remote Rabbit Island
Our readers clearly like stories about floating landmasses out in Lake Superior.
A man bought an island (interesting … ). He bought it off Craigslist (very interesting … ). He not only wants to conserve the island, but he wants to open it up to the creative types to come and be inspired (Eureka!)
I can see the draw, readers. And if any of you artist-readers make it to the island to practice your craft, let us know so we greedily can run a follow-up story.
1.) New flower species found only on Isle Royale
A winner by a landslide. Robert Kowal, a University of Wisconsin-Madison professor, identified a flower found only on the majestic Isle Royale as its very own species.
Kowal deserves the recognition. How long has he been studying the flower? Well, when he started, The Godfather was just released, the Watergate scandal broke and Bobby Fischer became the first American world chess champion. (1972, folks)
Kowal also deserves credit for what I think is our quote of the year. When asked about the species he’s dedicated his life to, Kowal said:
“It’s like having a baby, except this will live for all time.”