Wow these polls are so completely worthless and devoid of any intellectual content is there any reasons to have them here at degreeinfo? Age, sex, nationality are topics worthy of detailed discussions but are silly as poll topics in a group of under 1500 people. The one exception was Tom's religion poll that generated a nice discussion.
I think that as long as non DL polls are left in the off topics discussion list, then they are fine. We all have the option to not read a particular discussion. I choose not to read most discussions that aren't discussing a topic of interest to me. By using the same option, if polls are of no interest to you, then don't read them. I have found that we get to know more about each other via the poll topics. I enjoy that. I understand that some people are more private and don't want to reveal very much about themselves. If that is the case, then don't participate. Go onto something that is interesting to you. So I like the polls, so keep them clint
If the above statement is true, then the poll titled Should Polls Be Banned would also be worthless. In the "Off Topic" forum the polls have generated a variety of responses, each having merit to those who responded. DegreeInfo probably has some lurkers who are: 1. Religiously oriented 2. Neither male nor female 3. Nazi 4. Around 40 years of age 5. Anglo-Saxon 6. Anti-Ban on the poll issue 7. Anti-Degree Mill All the above and still seeking a DL degree!
Sometimes, it is good to have a break from intellectual content and a mild diversion often helps people concentrate better. The polls are clearly labled as such and those not wishing to view them can "click" right on by.
Dave: Polls help put us in a lighter mood. What we have seen here is that some posters go for other poster’s jugular vein in other to make their points. Some posters have continually demonstrated that they are angry people. Polls help deviate us from “jugular” to “jocular”. The polls should therefore stay.
I agree. Even when they are meant seriously, they are usually so badly thought out as to leave us with a false set of alternatives. But they are kind of entertaining and they do serve to stimulate discussion, if only to complain about how stupid the poll is. So my suggestion is to ban polls in the main forum but allow them in the off-topic forum. That way we have a win-win. I would also like to suggest that these kind of meta-discussions, which are not about DL but rather are about Degreeinfo, are more appropriate on the off-topic forum too. Personally, I would like to see a little more differentiation between the forums. If Degreeinfo is to become a valuable information source and a forum for creative DL thinking, it shouldn't devolve into being a chatroom. The main forum should maintain some seriousness of purpose and professionalism. But socializing and wider ranging discussion that's more dominated by personalities does have a place. That's probably next door. Think of Degreeinfo as if one were attending an professional conference. The main forum could be kind of like the presentations and formal discussion, while the off-topic forum can be the social gathering afterwards, where we all stand around laughing with drinks in hand.
Re: Re: Should Polls Be Banned? 1. Religiously oriented..................MAYBE 2. Neither male nor female...........NOT 3. Nazi..........................................NOT 4. Around 40 years of age............NOT 5. Anglo-Saxon.............................YES 6. Anti-Ban on the poll issue.........NOT 7. Anti-Degree Mill.........................YES 2 1/2 out of 7 kicks me out of the mainstream Bill
This just in from Cardinal Law: "Yes, I think Poles should be banned. Especially those annoying ones in Rome."
Actually, everything out of Cardinal Law's mouth lately has been "I can't recall", since he's being deposed under oath. Bruce
