Coronavirus, Web traffic & Other Nonsense

Wednesday Coffee

How are you today? According to a credible report by SimilarWeb total web traffic grew by 8% in 2019 to 223 billion visits per month to the top 100 websites world wide.

Amongst other curious insights, mobile traffic has grown by more than 30% since 2017, resulting in a noticeable decrease in attention span by visitors: each visitor is spending 49 seconds less on websites per visit than he did three years ago.

Another priceless tidbit is that the majority of websites visited are vice-sites: either porn or gambling!

FIDE finally confirms virus threat

With all of the hullabalou in recent weeks with major international sporting events, conferences and exhibitions being cancelled due to ‘an abundance of caution ‘ over coronavirus uncertainties, FIDE finally yesterday posted something on their official website that acknowledged the virus’ existence.  Will wonders ever cease?

Of course, you have to read between the lines of the FIDE notice to understand that FIDE is worried that circumstances beyond the Kremlin’s control may force the postponement of the Candidates Tournament slated to begin in mid March. (Two chinese nationals are qualified, and along with their delegation, may be forced to withdraw should the situation get any worse inside of China).

Then there is the question of the Extraordinary FIDE Congress to be held in UAE starting the 26th of this month.  Several hundred FIDE delegates from all over the world will be involved.

Although the UAE authorities have the situation firmly under control (there are 9 confirmed cases of coronavirus and holding) and have guaranteed the safety of the visiting delegations, there is worry that it may be difficult for some of the delegates to return home without having to undergo quarantine should the situation continue to get worse.