[Elecraft] CW Testing

[dave]

Ron,

Agreed!!

After taking a quick look at the 'survey', I can see the 
headline now:

--------------------
ARRL Decides to Support Petition to Cease CW Testing

In a recent ARRL web survey, fewer than 20% of voting hams 
considered retaining CW testing important.  Consequently, 
the ARRL feels obligated to support the petition currently 
before the FCC calling for cessation of CW testing.
---------------------

Note that what they say in the body of the article (<20% as 
most important) is, in fact, a true statement - at least at 
the time of this writing.  It is what they *don't* say that 
is important.  Note also how we use a few 'weasel words' to 
slightly distort the results.

This is standard procedure for lots of pollsters.  Ask a 
series of questions and then publish a conclusion from only 
part of the survey.  That the conclusion supports the 
desired outcome is all that matters.

I guess these guys are taking lessons from CNN and The New 
York Times on how to take biased surveys then publish false 
'results'.

I wonder how many viewers/readers have ever taken the time 
to search through the news outlet's web sites and find the 
questions actually asked on some of their surveys?  It makes 
for interesting reading.  You read the questions and the 
published results and there is a disconnect between them. 
Looks like the ARRL is preparing to pull the same stunt.

73 de dave
ab9ca


Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> Instead of voting I sent this message to the President of the ARRL, Jim
> Haynie (w5jbp@arrl.org):
> 
> What an ABSURD "survey" on the ARRL Web site this month!!!
>