Poll Types: Blind vs. Open - Article Vote/Poll Thread

[Marc]

On Tuesday, 1 June 2004, a Poll thread will be started in this forum. The Poll will have each submission as an 'option' to vote on. The Poll will be open for 3 weeks and will then be closed. The submittor of the article with the most votes will be sent this month's US$150.

There are 2 ways for me to post this poll.

The first is to make it a standard 'Blind' poll. That is, when someone votes, their vote is added but their user name is not linked. The software will indicate whether someone voted on the poll or not, but it will not record what the users vote was. If I do a blind poll, the following people will be the 'Checks and Balances' that no numbers are changed, however technically I or any one of them can (have the access privilages to) change the numbers.

Administrators:
Atul Khandekar
Claes Gefvenberg
Howard Atkins

SuperModerators:
Al Dyer
CarolX
E Wall
Kevin Mader
Lucinda
Randy

A second way I can post this poll is to make it an 'Open' poll where when one votes their vote is tied to the name. Any registered user can then click on the poll and see who voted and for which article. This type of poll eliminates any potential accusation the the poll is rigged or that an admin or supermoderator has changed any of the numbers.

I prefer to post an 'Open' Poll to prevent any accusation of tampering, however I also realize the downside. No one wants to be involved in a popularity contest, among other 'negative' aspects.

Your comments are welcome in this thread with regard to which type of poll is used.

[Howard Atkins]

As one of those mentioned as 'Checks and Balances' I appreciate the dilemma that Marc has.
Whilst I understand and agree with the need for transparency in the poll especially in regards to comments that have appeared elswhere on the net as to the integrity of this subject I agree with

Originally Posted by Marc

I prefer to post an 'Open' Poll to prevent any accusation of tampering, however I also realize the downside. No one wants to be involved in a popularity contest, among other 'negative' aspects.

The community of ther cove exists and I am convinced that the votes will be solely on the merits of the articles the open poll could cause some situations where by voters might not vote to prevent any appeared slight to another article.

There are several articles (at the present time), I suggest that the candidates are asked to agree to the form of the poll.

[D.Scott]

It really doesn't matter to me which way you conduct the poll. I have found everything else about the Cove works fine for my information and use so I have no doubt the decision you make will be fine. I see nothing wrong with trusting the people you designate as Administrators and Moderators so if they have access to change the results, I see no problem. I also see no problem with anyone knowing which article I voted for. I don't see a problem with the popularity portion either because after all, we are voting on which article we personally liked the most - not which is necessarilly the most technically correct.

As usual, I am left sitting firmly on the fence and will support whatever Marc comes up with.

Dave

[RCBeyette]

If it's the blind poll, we run the risk of accusations towards the Moderators and Administrators and statements of them fixing the results. If it's the open poll, we run the risk of people crying out about popularity contests. Almost seems like a no win and I don't even your position, Marc.

You could always add two additional options for voters....

• I like many/all articles equally and am unable to select just one winner.
• I do not think any of the articles posted are up to the title of "Winner".

The reason I suggest that is simple. We have our Federal election on June 28 and I am still undecided. Do I select the devil I know versus the devil I don't? A comment was made recently that there should be another option on the ballot...."I don't think any of the candidate are worthy of being of our leader and that is my vote." The intent of this statement was to send a message to Ottawa, saying that we are tired of politicians and their power struggles.

Should either of these two options score the most points, I still think that the individual who scored the highest out of the submissions should win, but it does send a message regarding the caliber of the articles...that they're great and keep up the great work or that we need to really think more about what we're writing about.

Of course, some people may choose not to vote at all. Apathy can also send a strong message.

[Al Dyer]

While there is a myriad of positive and negative aspects to each, which could be argued forever, I would like to see an “open” poll. The reasoning being that if people have the wherewithal to put their name to a vote, the vote will have true value to the author and the Cove as a whole.



I like RC’s idea about including the additional vote options, whichever polling method is selected.



Al…

[Craig H.]

Marc:

Although I have read the articles, it would be nice to have a link to each "candidate" within the poll thread itself. You likely have already thought of this, though.

As far as format, it does not matter to me. It is going to be hard to make a choice from what I have seen so far.

Craig

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Originally Posted by Al Dyer

While there is a myriad of positive and negative aspects to each, which could be argued forever, I would like to see an “open” poll. The reasoning being that if people have the wherewithal to put their name to a vote, the vote will have true value to the author and the Cove as a whole.

I couldn't agree more, Al. Open poll, please.

Another thing: How about multiple choices? I feel that several submissions deserve recognition and would like to be able to express that in the poll. The winner, of course, would still be the one with the highst score.

/Claes

[Tom W]

Having popped in to the Cove on and off now for several years I would like to add these comments to this post.

The integrity of the Cove members has always remained high in my opinion. I think this is a great example of this high integrity in action. Having an open poll, one that everyone can see the results and who voted, would bring out the best in all of the regulars that contribute on an on-going basis to the site. I would be more than happy to vote my opinion in this contest, not for a friend or a buddy but for the best composition.

Most of the users on this site have always treated me and from what I read everyone else with professional respect and a genuine desire to help one another. Marc you have done a great job as well as all of the help you get from users to keep this site a high integrity, helpful resource for those of us that need help from time to time.

This is just another example of your continued support of the quality world and your desire to further the field.