[CW] ARRL survey.

[Marshall Emm]

>>they often have selections on their
polls like this, for example, this recent poll:
<<

Which had TWO unrelated responses! Question is whether you prefer full size or 
handheld  rig for FM Mobile and the possible responses were (a) full size, (b) 
handheld, (c) both!  [their exclamation point!), (d) don't do FM in in the car, 
and (e) don't do FM at all.  

Just because they do it often doesn't mean it makes any sense.  And the current 
survey is done right!

In contrast, the current poll is "Do you participate in nets?" and the 
possibilitys are HF, VHF, both, and no.  Perfectly straightforward.

But we should always keep in mind the disclaimer that is right there with the 
results: "... not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those ARRLWeb 
users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to 
represent the opinions of the amateur community as a whole, or of the ARRL."

They're saying the poll doesn't mean anything, so one could argue that the 
structure of the poll doesn't mean anything either.  But my question would be-- 
why bother doing them?  A person only a tad more cynical than myself might 
thing it is the ARRL trying to make it look like they value member's opinions, 
or giving themselves something to point at when they are (so frequently) accuse 
of not caring.  More likely, they have a web manager who thinks the polls are 
an attractive feature of the web site, and is tasked with coming up with a new 
one every couple of days.  IOW a poll for the sake of having a poll, period.

I remember being amused when our City Council first opened its web site. There 
was a blurb on the "community bulletin board" on their cabel channel which 
listed the "features" of the new web site, including "Text, graphics, and 
interactive forms for you to complete."  What fun!







73
Marshall Emm
N1FN/VK5FN
n1fn at MorseX.com
Morse Express and Oak Hills Research
"Everything for the Morse Enthusiast"
http://www.MorseX.com
http://www.ohr.com
(303)752-3382
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