The Feltron Reports are a very interesting way of attempting to encapsule an entire year’s worth of information into charts and graphs.

2007 Report: The presentation is definitely visually appealing, but not always easily read or interpreted.  I felt some information was easier to comprehend than others, and often desired additional metadata to understand the material but none such was available.  For example, the shopping section lists “Meteorites purchased.”  Are these actual meteorites? I knew you could pay to name a star, but meteorites?  I’m a little confused.  I also didn’t see the purpose in switching from alternating between using numerical digits or writing out the word.  Is it just to create interesting visual diversity?  Lastly, maybe I just have bad eyes, but I really had to concentrate or zoom to read subheadings.

2010-2011 Biennial report:  I thought showed some improvements from 2009.  There was more metadata, and the tables and graphs were easier to read.  They seemed to better convey information rather than primarily for visual stimulation.  It makes it easier for the viewer to understand the information given.  I liked that it also seemed to have a sort of “table of content” in the beginning providing some information on the report as well as organized charts/graphs.  The information in my opinion flowed much more logically than the 2007 report.

I commend Mr. Felton’s dedication and attention to detail.  Personally, I think it would drive me crazy to have to record and monitor every aspect of my life.  If he didn’t have OCD before, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did now!  What I think we should take from the Feltron Report is that there are endless ways to present information, and through practice, trial, and error, these methods are improved.   In addition, the reports show the benefit of being able to compare data from different periods.