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It's not at all uncommon for the weekly poll to have many a user complain none of the answers are suitable - but this week's poll[^] is also an good illustration of how poll results can, by appropriate selection of answers, allow for false implications.
There is no way, in any manner, for anyone answering to express that they don't give a rat's ass about the topic (i.e., apple's chip change plan). One can look at the result and give results by percentage of what "programmers think about the change" - but that his implicit in it's meaning that "programmers" means most - or even all - programmers. So - if 90% couldn't care less - that most important piece of information giving true context to the poll - is omitted.
Now - in defense of the pollster, perhaps they use apple products and can't imagine anyone does not, so consider this post a specific example of a common ploy in polling (and who's paying for the poll).
| Ravings en masse^ |
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| "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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W∴ Balboos, GHB wrote: There is no way, in any manner, for anyone answering to express that they don't give a rat's ass about the topic
This doesn't need an option because it is automatically implied on the basis that everone is a user of CP, and none of us care about Apple.
If you fall out of that category then just close your account, we don't need that kind of negativity here.
(remembered to set as "joke" because people are sensitive)
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This is similar to earlier days when we used to get fat books called telephone directories. Some people preferred their numbers to be unlisted in those directories.
So, a poll of the those listed in the telephone directory, automatically excluded the unlisted ones.
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How about "Doesn't fuss me", which is just another way of saying "I don't give rat's ass"? 
I think the only option that's missing is "I'm not an Apple developer".
Or they should make it clear in the question that this only applies to Apple developers.
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The "I am not an apple developer" would have validated the poll, significantly.
The clarification option is weaker - and for our internal purposes it's fine. As a general pattern for poll taking, one should not have assorted version of "Yes" and no "No" option - because the clarification you suggested will not show directly in the data if it's used to make a point - and could be omitted.
But, you, at least, see my point. Not just this poll - but how polls are used to skew data.
| Ravings en masse^ |
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| "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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But if you do not give a rat's behind, why would you answer the poll ?
"If we don't change direction, we'll end up where we're going"
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I agree. I'd assume that only those that answered the poll have any interest in Apple (development). I don't, so I didn't.
"One man's wage rise is another man's price increase." - Harold Wilson
"Fireproof doesn't mean the fire will never come. It means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it." - Michael Simmons
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." - James D. Miles
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That's the point I made - I didn't answer the poll - but I did comment on it.
I was noting, using this as an example, that a poll with a restricted set of options can give (or be used to give) false impressions.
| Ravings en masse^ |
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| "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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So, if a straw-poll is not relevant to you, and your concerns, you are compelled to complain about it ?
It figures.
«One day it will have to be officially admitted that what we have christened reality is an even greater illusion than the world of dreams.» Salvador Dali
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"it figures" ? Apparently figuring is something you don't put much figuring into.
The relevance to me is not the subject - the possible misuse of data by, in the public forums of the world, skillfully crafted surveys to convey develop and convey false conclusions
However - your usual penchant to discredit my posts will predominate over 'figuring'.
| Ravings en masse^ |
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| "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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I agree. Yet another survey I can't answer. :yawn:
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Quote: is also an good illustration of how poll results can, by appropriate selection of answers, allow for false implications.
I always loved the skit from Yes Prime Minister, it shows how easily you can manipulate the questions to get the desired result. YouTube[^]
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I wouldn't say I couldn't care less about Apple.
I care approximately in the same way as I care about mosquitos.
Mildly irritating and should be avoided. (Or was that the users?)
Wrong is evil and must be defeated. - Jeff Ello
Never stop dreaming - Freddie Kruger
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Been all the weekend (not all of it, only a few hours) trying to figure out why changing a piece of code from display: none to display: block made the page to move left...
Checking the CSS, disabled code fragments to try to understand it...
The most strange was that in my laptop the behavior was different than in my external displays...
And suddenly I've understood the reason...
The ![Elephant | [mastadon]](https://codeproject.freetls.fastly.net/script/Forums/Images/elephant.gif) ing vertical bar was appearing and disappearing depending on the length of the content... (yes, I know this happens, usually  )
Added this in my body CSS: overflow-y:scroll;
OK, this can be considered solved...
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Bang bang, the mighty fall 
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What is CSS?
Cryptic Screen Settings 
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I've never seen, or heard of, a technology that's worse than CSS.
It's so bad I think we need to invent a new word to describe it.
Maybe CSS is just CSS and that says it all.
I'd rather develop a VB application with an Access database and Crystal Reports than type one cursed line of CSS that doesn't do what I intended anyway.
height: 100%; (CSS laughs at you, it doesn't do height unless EVERYTHING gets a height and then it'll mess up because you have some margin's or something!)
width: 50px; (CSS laughs at you again, maybe it does width, but only if all variables are exactly right.)
You want to stick something to the bottom of the page? HA HA HA YOU MORTAL FOOL! You'd best rewrite your entire HTML so you can apply exactly the required CSS to each element and ONLY that, for an extra div or an extra height property will damn you to heck!
Developing CSS is like playing D&D with a 20-sided die that only has 1's on it, but you don't notice so it seems as if you roll a critical miss every single time.
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Where is the "applause" emoji when you need it?
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Sander Rossel wrote: It's so bad I think we need to invent a new word to describe it.
Maybe CSS is just CSS and that says it all.
So if there's somebody you REALLY hate, the ultimate insult would be "You lousy piece of CSS"? 
Anything that is unrelated to elephants is irrelephant
Anonymous
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The problem with quotes on the internet is that you can never tell if they're genuine
Winston Churchill, 1944
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Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.
Mark Twain
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CSS is awesome ! coffee mug[^]
"They have a consciousness, they have a life, they have a soul! Damn you! Let the rabbits wear glasses! Save our brothers! Can I get an amen?"
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Ah yes, thanks, the good old days, remember them well.
Cycle completing.
If you can keep your head while those about you are losing theirs, perhaps you don't understand the situation.
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