Why do people like polls?

[paradoxy]

Why do we like polls? Because we:

a) think we're oh so smart and wise and will influence world history with our opinions

b) think we have to be allowed to express our opinions even if they are uninformed, silly, and have nothing to do with reality?

[Flopfoot]

I like them because they are fun, they're a way of getting an "answer" to a subjective question, and they can help to generate discussion.

For example, no point posting a poll on "What does 1+1=" because that is an objective question. But if I want to know which band is better, Led Zeppelin or Dream Theater, that can't be evaluated using any widely accepted objective function. However, I can run a poll on it asking for people's opinions and then at least I can conclude that "40/55 CAF members who voted on this poll voted for Led Zeppelin" which is a fact, even if it doesn't prove which band is better.

[TraditionalCath]

Originally Posted by paradoxy

Why do we like polls? Because we:

a) think we're oh so smart and wise and will influence world history with our opinions

b) think we have to be allowed to express our opinions even if they are uninformed, silly, and have nothing to do with reality?

actually, there are alot of polls that are realistic. ones about life, the church, news, exct. so not all polls are silly.

[paradoxy]

Originally Posted by TraditionalCath

actually, there are alot of polls that are realistic. ones about life, the church, news, exct. so not all polls are silly.

English is not my first language. Sigh. I wanted to say our opinions are silly, not polls. And I wasn't serious, anyway, just learning how to post a poll. That's the point of the sandbox, right?

[Zooey]

I wanted to say our opinions are silly, not polls. And I wasn't serious, anyway, just learning how to post a poll. That's the point of the sandbox, right?

But, of course, around here, we will argue about anything. It's kind of the speciality of the house, you see.
Speaking of which, I hadn't realized that this was the kind of poll where I could have more than one opinion. In my opinion, those kinds of polls are more fun if you know that before voting. Because then I get to vote both ways.

[Forum Admin]

Multiple choice polls use "checkbox" selectors.
Each selection can be turned off and on independently.

Single choice polls use "radiobutton" selectors.
Each new selection automatically deselects a prior selection.

[Forum Admin]

Everyone is reminded that the Sandbox is for trying out forum features in a criticism-free environment.

[Pug]

Originally Posted by paradoxy

b) think we have to be allowed to express our opinions even if they are uninformed, silly, and have nothing to do with reality?

Good answer! Hey, it is often easier to get a word in edgewise at CAF than the dinner table. It is an equal opportunity posting environment.

[Convert in 99]

Hmmm...I don't know...why did YOU make a poll?

Personally, when I MAKE a poll, it helps me visualize opinions towards my topic. Also, many persons will vote on the poll who won't post on a thread. It doesn't count towards your post count, so they can do it secretly. It get's more opinions on the matter.

I VOTE on other polls for that reason. I vote to help others visualize my answer and to give them a broader perspective on the issue at hand.

[Digitonomy]

I agree.

Originally Posted by me

Haideri