Call for IT Survey Participants

[Michael Gargiullo]

On Thu, 2004-03-25 at 16:17, Don Levey wrote:
> fedora-list-bounces at redhat.com wrote:
> > On 03/25/2004 03:51 PM, Don Levey wrote:
> >
> >> So what you're saying is that it's OK to skew the survey in favour of
> >> MS products, to stand on principle.  Additionally, phrasing your
> >> question as you do suggests that only someone who runs MS Office
> >> would even try to open the file.
> >>
> >> -Don
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> > I think really he's just trying to point out two simple facts:
> >
> > 1) There is an inherent bias expressed in the use of a MS format for a
> > survey about MS vs. Linux. It may be small, but it's there. And it's
> > kind of funny.
> 
> Well, using OpenOffice format would also be inherently biased - even more
> so.
> OO can open Excel - can Excel open OO?  The only way to deal with such a
> bias
> (given the current assumptions) would be to use a format not tied to ANY
> product or platform.  Failing that, the next best way would be to use a
> format
> openable by the most applications.  In this case, XLS could qualify.
> 
> > 2) Asking people to do it in a spreadsheet is dumb anyway. A web form
> > is a much smarter way to handle this. You'd get more people to
> > participate, have an easier way to collect personal info from them,
> > and get responses with fewer mistakes.
> >
> I agree - and this is where the original assumptions (attached file or form)
> must be challenged.  This would indeed make it platform and product
> independant.
> 
> 
> > It's not such a big deal.
> 
> I apologise for reacting as I did.  I've been dealing with people who
> do some... interesting... things when trying hard to make a point at the
> expense of practicality.  My frustration must have spilled over to here.
>  -Don
> 

I apologize as well...  I understand your frustration, I do.