Stats Update: Through Four Weeks, Let's Take a Peek

That's right stats fans, it's time for a statistical update on Challenge IX.  Well, technically, it's past time as we used to do these every two weeks.  I've decided to do these updates on a monthly rather than bi-weekly basis.  Why? - after extensive research and several secret conclaves with medical experts, it Has been determined that this group just didn't have the constitution to bear bi-weekly stats updates and the only merciful thing to do was reduce them to monthly.  There were just too many cases of fainting, vapors and even (shudder) pearl clutching that continuing with bi-weekly reporting would be irresponsible and potentially deemed a stats-crime against humanity.

Frankly, YOU JUST CAN'T HANDLE THE STATS.

I know you all are terrible disappointed but this course of action is for your own good.  You can trust me, I'm a financial services professional.

This update covers the first four weeks of the challenge and includes the results of the Recon and Sports bonus rounds, both of which saw record participation levels.

So without further ado, here's the stats snapshot table:

AHPC IX: Stats Summary		Weeks:
		4
Total Points		25,425
% of Target		33%
# of Submissions		325
Participation Rate		92%
Avg Pts per Submitter		322
Avg Pts per Submission		78
Projected Points		79,428
Proj % of Target		103%
Figures Painted
28MM
Inf		1991.5
Cav / Art		225.5
Vehicles		43
15MM
Inf		1355
Cav / Art		160.5
Vehicles		181
6MM
Inf		618
Cav / Art		23
Vehicles		149
Terrain "Cubes"		45
Points Distriution
28mm		51%
15mm		19%
6mm		2%
Terrain		4%
Bonus Round "bonus" Pts		18%
Other		6%
Total		100%

The above chart is stunning in all it's tabular glory.  The pure beauty of the numerals isn't marred by the inclusion of tawdry charts and other low-brow graphics to try and make the numerical truths comprehensible to the mathematical luddites of the world.  Lets us not stoop to the level of Trump-like simplicity and obfuscation - you are all better than that.

Simply put, we are off to a grand start and on on-pace to hit close to 80,000 points this year.  I think breaking Challenge VII's points record of 83,200 is very doable.  To be honest, after  peeking at the first few submission of week 5, the term "doable" could be changed to "likely"!

Equally encouraging is the record setting level of participation from the participants with 79 out of our band of 86 making at least one submission and an eye-popping level of participation in the first 2 bonus rounds.  89 entries were submitted on the first two bonus rounds.  We typically average around 25-30 per round.

Very impressive work indeed.

Now we need to have a moment of silence for the 7 lost souls who have yet to submit a single entry.  Thet shall not be named publicly as the shame may be unbearable.  Let us all pray that the Vallejo gods bring these reprobates back to their painting workbenches so that they can rejoin the community of Challengeanistas.  Can I get an Amen for that!

So how does Challenge IX compare to last year?  Pretty damn good but with one huge change in trend.....

Comparison to Challenge VIII, through week 4
		IX	VIII	+/- Var
Total Points		25,425	18,716	6,709
Projected Points		79,428	70,917	8,511
Participants		86	80	6
Particiation Rate		92%	84%	8%
Submissions		325	279	46
Avg Points per Submisison		78	79	-1
Score Distribitiuon
28mm		51%	61%	-10%
15mm		19%	7%	12%
6mm		2%	6%	-4%
Terrain		4%	4%	0%
Bonus Round "bonus" Pts		18%	12%	6%
Other		6%	10%	-4%
Total		100%	100%	0%

There is a huge upswing in the amount of 15mm figures being painted - more than double what was being painted last year!  Also the increased level of bonus round participation has lead to a significant uptick in bonus round points.

But does 15mm's gain come at the loss for the 28mm world?

Figures Painted through Week 4		IX	VIII	+/- Var
28MM
Inf		1991.5	1,891	101
Cav / Art		225.5	128	98
Vehicles		43	51	-8
15MM
Inf		1355	404	951
Cav / Art		160.5	25	136
Vehicles		181	70	111
6MM
Inf		618	1,483	-865
Cav / Art		23	52	-29
Vehicles		149	187	-38
Terrain "Cubes"		45	33.75	11.25

Not really - the actual number of 28mm figures painted is roughly ahead of last year, but the 15mm world is 3x last year.  It seems that 15mm is now the "cool" scale, especially for those fashion forward gamers focusing on 15mm Napoleonics.  Truly, there is no more majestic site than the visage of a 15mm Napoleonic gamer prowling along side a gaming table, dice in hand.  Throw in some 15mm Napoleonic Naval miniatures and you've got someone who takes your breath away....

Ummm, lets get back to the stats.  6mm also saw a significant reduction in figures painted - I blame Lee - he needs to add another ancient army project to get these figures up to snuff.  Come on Lee - the 6mm world is counting on you!

I'll be back with another stats update after week 8.  Maybe, if you're nice, I'll throw in a graph or chart with pretty colors for those of you who struggle with the stunning clarity of the tables.

Maybe....