When I started https://www.oilshell.org/ I added Google Analytics because it was easy, and because it was something I'd seen a lot of other people do.
After actually using the web interface, I found it almost useless for getting feedback about my site.
So I switched it off and haven't missed it at all. Instead I simply analyze my own logs with a Python program. (There a bunch of lightweight alternative services that I could have considered, but my scheme works and is customizable)
I was lazy about this and should have done it much earlier, so I encourage others to do the same.
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It should also save energy because your user's phone doesn't have to make a connection to another server. The original hit to http://www.oilshell.org/ has all that's necessary for logging. (no cookies in this case, but there could be if you want)
Google analytics were so prevalent that the NSA used the cookies to track (or attempt to track) the entire population:
If you simply don't include the analytics, then your users won't be subject to such threats. (this threat may be mitigated by now, but who knows if there's a similar one. If you don't need it, the easiest way is to not use the service)
After actually using the web interface, I found it almost useless for getting feedback about my site.
So I switched it off and haven't missed it at all. Instead I simply analyze my own logs with a Python program. (There a bunch of lightweight alternative services that I could have considered, but my scheme works and is customizable)
I was lazy about this and should have done it much earlier, so I encourage others to do the same.
-----
It should also save energy because your user's phone doesn't have to make a connection to another server. The original hit to http://www.oilshell.org/ has all that's necessary for logging. (no cookies in this case, but there could be if you want)
Google analytics were so prevalent that the NSA used the cookies to track (or attempt to track) the entire population:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-switch/wp/2013/12/10...
If you simply don't include the analytics, then your users won't be subject to such threats. (this threat may be mitigated by now, but who knows if there's a similar one. If you don't need it, the easiest way is to not use the service)