Smokin-It User Forum!

General Discussions => Anything Goes!! => Topic started by: LarryD on January 05, 2017, 09:55:17 PM

Title: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 05, 2017, 09:55:17 PM
I decided to burn a little time and I created this Google Map (https://goo.gl/iFgTi1) that shows visually where a lot of the forum members are located.  It's clear that there is a certain part of the country that just doesn't appear to like BBQ.  :)

If you want your location added, let me know.  If you want your location removed let me know that, too.  However, if that's the case you may wish to also edit your profile and taglines as that is public to the world.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: DivotMaker on January 05, 2017, 09:57:36 PM
That's very cool, Larry!  And, you have too much time on your hands.... ;) ... ;D   If you chart the full 2,621 members, you might fill in some of the blanks!
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 05, 2017, 10:05:28 PM
That's very cool, Larry!  And, you have too much time on your hands.... ;) ... ;D   If you chart the full 2,621 members, you might fill in some of the blanks!

Thanks!  Right now this is the Admins, Hero Members, and Full Members who opted to make the information available.  It looked like there were quite a few folks who registered and then disappeared.  I wouldn't mind mapping more, but I'm going to want to automate it.  I'd have to talk to the technical administrator for the forums so that we could export the data from the forum database and then I could clean it up and import it.  It's actually pretty easy to do.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Airchair on January 06, 2017, 09:15:05 AM
Pretty neat stuff there Larry. I wouldn't mind being thrown on the map. Also, I noticed no point on the map where all this started. Can you mark Steve's place with a star??

Court
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: BedouinBob on January 06, 2017, 11:16:00 AM
Hey Larry, the Colorado location is awfully close to the People's Republic of Boulder......  :o  Since I am in Colorado Springs, you can add one there......  ;)
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 06, 2017, 11:50:23 AM
Pretty neat stuff there Larry. I wouldn't mind being thrown on the map. Also, I noticed no point on the map where all this started. Can you mark Steve's place with a star??

Done and Done... great suggestion!

LarryD
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: ibbones on January 06, 2017, 12:24:01 PM
That's pretty cool.  Add me as well   Zip 77904
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: prudentsmoker on January 06, 2017, 01:54:10 PM
Wichita, KS 67217
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 06, 2017, 02:45:36 PM
All requested changes made to this point...  thanks for participating everyone! 

LarryD
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Glock_21 on January 06, 2017, 08:52:19 PM

You can move me north on the map.  Perry Oklahoma, 73077.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: SmokedGouda on January 06, 2017, 08:54:55 PM
Nice work! 08840
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Limey on January 06, 2017, 10:06:28 PM
Hey Larry,
Very nice work but you missed the Keys-southernmost part of the USA! Limey at 33050.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 06, 2017, 10:50:26 PM
Very nice work but you missed the Keys-southernmost part of the USA! Limey at 33050.

Thank you!  There's actually a story on this one...  for some reason when I put Florida Keys, FL in the search on Google Maps it drops a pin just south of where the Oklahoma pan-handle begins so I deliberately skipped it!  The zip code allowed me to properly place it.

Everyone - all requested updates made to this point.  For those of you that just listed a state (or a region of a state such as East Texas), the pin gets placed in one central location in the state.  Updating the map is super easy, so please keep them coming.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Durangosmoker on January 07, 2017, 01:20:15 PM
In addition to my main location in the Hudson Valley, which you have marked, I also have a #1 at my cabin in Durango (81301).
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: barelfly on January 07, 2017, 02:08:23 PM
87144

have to get NM on the map! My dad isn't a member on the forum, but is new to fam with his #2 my mom got him for Christmas. so, I know there are two of us in NM!!
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: drains on January 07, 2017, 07:01:01 PM
Great idea! I'm at 75904
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: jcboxlot on January 07, 2017, 08:01:10 PM
Neat! and a lot of room to grow.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 07, 2017, 08:16:13 PM
All requested updates made to this point...
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: old sarge on January 07, 2017, 09:39:18 PM
Larry - you can add 85635. And thanks.  Great idea.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: SconnieQ on January 08, 2017, 12:26:17 AM
That's very cool. 8)
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: swthorpe on January 08, 2017, 12:22:31 PM
Well done, Larry!   When this is more complete, Steve could use this at the shows he attends to sell the SI smokers.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: SuperDave on January 08, 2017, 07:27:33 PM
Ogden, Utah 84414
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 08, 2017, 10:13:05 PM
* Requested updates have been applied
* All of the Jr. Members have been added which brings the number of data points to 194
* The map now shows a break-down by model
* I'm adding new people as they introduce themselves

Keep feeding me any corrections and I'll get them made...
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: RSBackyardQ on January 10, 2017, 02:58:42 AM
Nice Larry. Thanks for the work. It's cool to see where our fellow Smokin-it smokers are.  8)
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Limey on January 10, 2017, 04:39:24 PM
Larry, I also have a place, and another SI3, in Saratoga Springs, upstate NY, zip 12866.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: TmanEater on January 10, 2017, 10:37:01 PM
Pretty cool idea Larry! This is actually useful and cool to see the distribution. I wonder if the flags can be replaced with numbers for counts of units in that city/location. I know of at least 3 SI owners in my area because I convinced them to buy.

You should ping Ben (BHamel) who's the IT guy for the forum. I've coordinated with him in the past to get forum updates to auto-resize images during upload/post. I couldn't much harm of having him get you just a data dump export report from the customer database with city, state, and SI model # ordered. As long as all other information was excluded it shouldn't be considered personal/private information. Perhaps it would provide to much "competitive" sales information such numbers of customers and most popular units sold. But, with enough determination someone could probably already perform some statistical data analysis from these forum posts and infer estimates for approximately how many units per year are being made/sold.

I still think it'd be cool to see a "snapshot in time graph" like you started here with the geographic distribution of confirmed units.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: coyote on January 11, 2017, 02:20:58 AM
Muscle Shoals, ala 35674
 Thanks #2
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 11, 2017, 09:14:09 AM
Pretty cool idea Larry! This is actually useful and cool to see the distribution. I wonder if the flags can be replaced with numbers for counts of units in that city/location. I know of at least 3 SI owners in my area because I convinced them to buy.

It looks like I've pretty well tapped the current capabilities.  In edit mode there is a count next to each smoker model in the legend.  It's a shame that doesn't show.  You'll have to convince the others to go ahead and join the forums!

Quote
You should ping Ben (BHamel) who's the IT guy for the forum. I've coordinated with him in the past to get forum updates to auto-resize images during upload/post. I couldn't much harm of having him get you just a data dump export report from the customer database with city, state, and SI model # ordered. As long as all other information was excluded it shouldn't be considered personal/private information. Perhaps it would provide to much "competitive" sales information such numbers of customers and most popular units sold. But, with enough determination someone could probably already perform some statistical data analysis from these forum posts and infer estimates for approximately how many units per year are being made/sold.

One of the things I've learned in doing this is that less than 10% of the forum members have ever been active enough to get past the 'Newbie' tag.  I can only imagine how busy this place would be if we could increase the participation rate by even 5%.

I figure at this point I'll keep it updated as new people join and do updates as they're requested.  I suspect word of this will get back to Ben and Steve... if there turns out to be interest on their part then I'd certainly talk to them about options.  It's great eye-candy, but I don't know how much business value it would provide.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: DivotMaker on January 11, 2017, 10:46:31 PM
There might be a way we can automate this, through the forum control panel.  I'll get with Ben.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Moscowbni on January 25, 2017, 06:18:24 AM
I just noticed this topic.  Great idea.  Can you place a pin for my location?
Kuwait!
City, Salwa

Cheers,
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 25, 2017, 09:19:48 AM
I just noticed this topic.  Great idea.  Can you place a pin for my location? Kuwait! City, Salwa

Got it!
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Moscowbni on January 26, 2017, 12:11:08 PM
Thanks.  It's hilarious.  I'm all alone out here!
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Rich B on January 26, 2017, 01:10:50 PM
What fun!  My #1 smoker is 48092 and #3 is 48419   (Gotta have one at the cottage of course!!)
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Durangosmoker on January 27, 2017, 12:38:01 PM
still none in Maine, though, unless I'm reading this map wrong. I wonder why?
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: ARmike on January 29, 2017, 11:59:53 AM
Well, i want added too.  Smoking baby backs and riblets, which we refer to as meat candy after cutting them up into chunks.  Meat candies go the fastest at Razorback tailgaiting.
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on January 29, 2017, 06:36:37 PM
All requested changes made to this point...
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: jimrh on August 25, 2017, 12:02:12 PM
You can add me when you have time.  Jimrh from waterloo Iowa.  #1
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on August 25, 2017, 09:14:08 PM
Done...

You can add me when you have time.  Jimrh from waterloo Iowa.  #1
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Smokin Q on August 28, 2017, 07:44:37 AM
I am a newbie, but plan on being an active member. Miller in Auburn, AL 36830

Thanks
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on August 28, 2017, 07:56:51 PM
Done...

I am a newbie, but plan on being an active member. Miller in Auburn, AL 36830

Thanks
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: polarlys on August 28, 2017, 10:24:55 PM
New-B here.   Just got my 3d delivered and I'm not home yet to try it out.   
Somerset, New Jersey here.

ThanX
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: efciv on August 28, 2017, 11:10:17 PM
Add me when you can. Ed, Calimesa, CA #2. Thanks.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on August 29, 2017, 02:35:14 PM
All new requests processed to this point...
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: NVW-SSV on August 30, 2017, 10:10:44 AM
Please add me in,  28625

-JsM
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on August 30, 2017, 06:59:24 PM
Done...

Please add me in,  28625
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: BillH on September 02, 2017, 10:08:38 AM
Please add me. I'm at 47203.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on September 04, 2017, 10:22:12 AM
Done...

Please add me. I'm at 47203.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: t-motheviking on September 18, 2017, 01:17:55 PM
I better help represent the Scandinavian prairie folk!  Morris, MN 56267 when you get bored
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on September 19, 2017, 03:13:41 PM
Done...

I better help represent the Scandinavian prairie folk!  Morris, MN 56267 when you get bored
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: shrews824 on September 20, 2017, 09:45:16 AM
Would you mind adding me please when you have a minute?  Hardinsburg, KY  40143.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on September 20, 2017, 11:18:33 AM
Done...

Would you mind adding me please when you have a minute?  Hardinsburg, KY  40143.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: shrews824 on September 20, 2017, 01:12:24 PM
Done...

Would you mind adding me please when you have a minute?  Hardinsburg, KY  40143.  Thanks.

Awesome.  Thanks so much.
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: SuperDave on December 07, 2017, 05:28:33 PM
Larry,
Couple of things:
1) The link in your signature isn't working anymore for me.

2) Can you add a legend that summarizes how many of each unit are out there?
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on December 07, 2017, 07:24:05 PM
Quote
1) The link in your signature isn't working anymore for me.

Very odd... it's still working for me even in incognito mode.  I wonder if there is something on your end that blocks the shortened URL?  Here's the full link:  https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1S0GcCgXCpQFFyoel_faV5DEjQmw&ll=33.851310806144454%2C-97.20495668749999&z=4

Quote
2) Can you add a legend that summarizes how many of each unit are out there?

Unfortunately, I haven't found any way to get it to show that information on the shared page.  I can see it when I'm logged in to edit the page.  I'll attach a screenshot here for a point-in-time list.  This is just forum members and not even all of them.

Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: TheLoga on December 08, 2017, 01:22:16 AM
5D in 90401
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: TX Gent on December 08, 2017, 08:11:03 AM
TX Gent 76036  #1
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on December 08, 2017, 09:12:09 AM
TheLoga and TX Gent added....
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: SuperDave on December 08, 2017, 10:01:44 AM
Thanks for the counts Larry.  That is kind of the spread that I expected but seeing the numbers is really cool. 

Using your signature link kept asking me to log into Google.  The long link you just put in your response works fine. 
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: TexasSMK on December 20, 2017, 08:28:03 PM
Very cool, I would be happy to put another PIN on the map.  Havre de Grace, MD
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on December 21, 2017, 01:07:40 PM
Very cool, I would be happy to put another PIN on the map.  Havre de Grace, MD

Done...
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: Walt on December 21, 2017, 09:13:07 PM
Larry my #2 is @ 70460
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on December 21, 2017, 09:38:17 PM
Larry my #2 is @ 70460

Done...
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: DivotMaker on February 02, 2018, 08:01:05 PM
Larry, the map is looking awesome!!  Very cool to see SI is virtually every corner of the country, and even in the Caribbean!  Great job!!
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: LarryD on February 02, 2018, 11:47:07 PM
Larry, the map is looking awesome!!  Very cool to see SI is virtually every corner of the country, and even in the Caribbean!  Great job!!

Thanks!  You have to zoom out to the world view to see that there are also dots in Kuwait and Bonaire...
Title: Re: Where Are We From -- Google Map
Post by: DivotMaker on February 03, 2018, 06:43:02 PM
Saw Bonaire, but missed Kuwait!  Fantastic!!!