Jim writes
I think that it is unfair and a little reckless to diss the Bee Informed
gang without first asking what sort of statistical analysis they are using.

and continues:
A funny story:  a good friend and researcher who reported to me was honored
with a highly prestigious award, and was asked to give an after-lunch talk


Where is the part where you evaluate the analysis? You started off well and ended irreverently, but somehow the sandwich has no meat in it.

Meanwhile, in reading through their methodology, I find this:

> In summary, the vision of the Bee Informed Partnership is to help all beekeepers maintain healthier bees and reduce winter losses. This initiative will help beekeepers improve their colony management practices by providing access to reliable and immediate information that reflects the collective experience, expertise, and practices of their fellow beekeepers. Changes in management practices best suited to a beekeeper’s geography, colony count, philosophy, and purpose will be accelerated by using technology as a catalyst. These changes will happen immediately as reports are released in early 2012. 

Vanengelsdorp, et al. The Bee Informed Partnership: Using Beekeeper's Real-World Experience to Solve Beekeepers' Real-World Problems. American Entomologist, 58(2), 116-118. Chicago	

So, would it be inappropriate to ask what immediate changes took place and how did they bring about a reduction in losses?

PLB

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