Why categorize by the total DLs instead of Unique DLs?

[LittleBaron]

The sudden change in Total vs. Unique DL numbers got me wondering...

 

Is there a reason why the 'important' download number for mods is the 'total' number, and not the 'unique' number... it seems like the unique number is what people searching for 'good' mods would really be interested in... the number of PEOPLE that downloaded a mod, rather than the number of times that a mod was downloaded regardless of how many repeats that includes.

 

 

EDIT: Really? This doesn't mean a lick spit to anyone? Ok. :rolleyes:

[IcyDeadPe0ple]

I understand that unique downloads means unique IP or unique accounts.

 

However, how does this work for mods with various files?

 

For example, if someone downloads the original mod once, then later DLs a new version of my mod, and then a separate optional file, do those count as three unique downloads (adding to unique DL tally for each file), or three total downloads and only one unique DL for the first file?

 

If this is not the case, I really wonder why end users keep downloading the same file multiple times?

Edited December 8, 2012 by IcyDeadPe0ple

[Grimoa]

For example, if someone downloads the original mod once, then later DLs a new version of my mod, and then a separate optional file, do those count as three unique downloads (adding to unique DL tally for each file)

 

I believe so, but I do not know for certain. (Would be interessted in it though.)

I have a mod that got a few updates during the last months (more features^^) and I kept the old files as "old versions". When I add up all unique downloads across all versions I get the number that's displayed as total unique download number.

So either each version is downloaded by a new, seperate group of people and noone ever came back to update (comments suggest otherwise) or it counts as a new unique download.

 

Edit: downloading the same file multiple times can have different reasons. Download failed, general user confusion between 20 tabs in the browser, forgot I'm already running that mod... (all that happend to me)

Some people delete everything and start new when they get to many CTD. (Didn't happen to me. Plus you don't need to delete NMM's archive to reinstall Skyrim. But I think some people do.)

 

And to be on topic: Yes, I pay more attention to unique downloads aswell.

Edited December 8, 2012 by Grimoa