ContextMiner is a framework to collect, analyze, and present the contextual information along with the data. It is based on an idea that while describing or archiving an object, contextual information helps to make sense of that object or to preserve it better. This website provides tools to collect data, metadata, and contextual information off the Web by automated crawls.
2. So what does it do?
This website provides tools to collect data, metadata, and contextual information off the Web by automated crawls. At present, ContextMiner supports automated crawls from blogs, YouTube, Flickr, Twitter, and open Web. It also collects inlinks information for YouTube videos from the Web. Additional sources will continue to be added.
3. Can you give me an example usage?
Let's say you are interested in what people are posting and saying about the recent outbreak of H1N1 virus. With ContextMiner, you can setup a campaign, say "H1N1 outbreak". Within this campaign, you can add queries that you want ContextMiner to keep running on sources such as blogs, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr. In this case, queries could be 'swine flu', 'H1N1 virus', etc. ContextMiner will keep running these queries periodically (as per your preference) on various sources indicated before, extract and store data for you in a structured format. You may also want ContextMiner to monitor certain specific webpages. Once you provide these queries and URLs, ContextMiner continues monitoring them without any intervention from your side. Later you can come back to ContextMiner to see what your campaign has collected. You can filter or search into your collection, and even export it for further analysis with other tools of your choice.
4. How do I get started with ContextMiner?
5. Can I try out ContextMiner without signing up?
Sure. Find out how to test drive at the login page. Just remember, the test drive login only gives you read-only access, and you won't be able to create a new campaign or change an existing one.
Nothing! Seriously, it's free! ContextMiner has been developed as a part of a research project at UNC Chapel Hill, and offered under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License. All we expect in return is that you cite and/or acknowledge us.
7. Can I get my collected data out of ContextMiner?
8. Can I get support?
Yes. We are happy to assist you in using ContextMiner, as well as in any other project where you see ContextMiner fit. We are always excited to hear from you about how you use ContextMiner. So feel free to contact us!
9. What if I want different data/processes/interfaces offered by ContextMiner?
We understand that one size may not fit all. ContextMiner allows you to export all your entered and collected data in structured format, which can be plugged into other tools (including Microsoft Excel). But if you still want to change some of its processes, or the way the data is stored or presented, contact us to initiate a discussion. Did we mention we are always eager to hear from you?!
10. Where is ContextMiner hosted?