On Thu, 2004-03-25 at 16:17, Don Levey wrote: > fedora-list-bounces@xxxxxxxxxx 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.
