Exactly. This is basic psychology.
Just like trying to look for reasons for low sales, and wanting to hear that others are also having bad times. We want to feel like we are not alone, and that everyone is hurting. So we see the 20-30 other “bad sales” replies (out of 17,000+) and interpret them as “everyone”, or “most”, so it fits with how we want to feel. It’s statistically insignificant and no better than 0. The others of course know that the forum exists, but choose not to post. I’m sure many read a lot, however.
When we have a really good sales month we don’t feel the need to go searching for reasons other than “I am doing the right thing”. Many also feel it unnecessary to report good sales because it can feel like boasting or showing off.
How many of the top 100 AJ authors do you see posting here regularly? Or about their sales at all?
They don’t want all eyes on them looking for the recipe for success, resulting in an endless stream of copycat tracks. The very top of course don’t have a choice, because their results are so public and easily accessed. And we all know how that turns out in terms of imitation. 