The only significant point in yesterday’s post headlined “Ron Paul supporters show yet again why online polls suck” has received rousing albeit largely unintentional support from … Ron Paul supporters.
The point was obvious: You can’t draw any significant conclusions from a sample of public opinion when the individuals offering their views nominate themselves to participate in the sampling. Yesterday’s post cited as an example the swamping of an online poll by Paul’s legions after a recent Republican debate. That’s why online polls suck.
Interestingly, that post drew some two dozen written comments, a not insignificant volume for this blog.
While a few of the writers acknowledged my point, most were more intent on criticizing my dismissal of Paul’s chances and extolling the candidate’s many virtues.
Reading the string, you might be tempted to conclude that a significant portion of the Buzzblog/Network World audience is ready to pull the lever for Paul.
And, or course, such a conclusion would be really dumb.
All the string shows is that Ron Paul’s supporters, whatever their numbers, are determined to be heard online. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. (Update: No. 1 search on Technorati as I type? … Ron Paul.)
As for Paul’s chances of becoming president? Let’s put it this way: If it happens, I promise to print out that string of comments — no matter how long it gets — and eat every word.
Welcome regulars and passersby. Here are a few more recent Buzzblog items. And, if you’d like to receive Buzzblog via e-mail newsletter, here’s where to sign up.
Vinnie the IT pro vs. Verizon customer service.
Why phone-record thieves laugh at the law.
Santa’s unimaginable data disaster to mean empty stockings on Christmas.
Gates on education: Knowledge is good.
Average Joe asks Bill Gates a priceless question.
BSA, software giants target little guys most often.
Can the geek press handle a Microsoft sex scandal?
Hacking for better grades gets 4 preppies bounced from elite school in Mass.
This year’s “25 Geekiest 25th Anniversaries.”
When the patient is a Googler and the doctor is a pompous jerk.
Cell phone jamming on the rise.
