On online offline survey

[JoolzB]

What percentage of people you know would you estimate actually support the current use of scams. I'm struggling to think of people that do and yet the surveys always result in a pro-scam result.

I'd estimate 90% against altho I do tend to ignore people who support them.

[puggit]

The surveys are worded so that they can be spun to indicate blanket support for scameras.

Question: 'Safety' cameras have been proven to reduce accidents outside schools - do you support the use of safety cameras?

How would anyone with a heart answer that?

[justinp1]

An interesting question. If you look up the dictionary definition of 'brainwashing' it is earily similar to what is going on.

Do not underestimate the propaganda machine taking effect over time, little by little.

Over 20 years, by the time of the war Nazi Germany had the support by the majority of the populace. It doesnt make the system *right* though.

[JoolzB]

justinp1 said:

If you look up the dictionary definition of 'brainwashing' it is earily similar to what is going on.

I'm not sure about brainwashing, obviously some people will believe it but the majority of people that I know just seem to think that it's Blair earning himself some overtime. I'd reckon that olduns are more likely to be pro camera and they're prob the people who get surveyed during the week or those on the rock'n roll who have cars carving up their bus.

[autismuk]

I don't personally know anyone who is actively in favour of Speed Cameras, and many people who can't abide them. Many of my family and friends, including me, have a "conviction" by the scams, almost entirely for 46 in a 40 stuff.

Pro scamera comments seem to come almost exclusively from non motorists and vested interests. By "pro" I mean the "they're wonderful and perfect" mentality, not the "they do have some uses" views shared by some here.

In terms of the "surveys", I recommend "Yes Minister" as perhaps the classic example. One also recalls one survey that claimed 75% of the public in favour of them also showed that a similar number wouldn't report anyone seen trashing them.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the rise in crime among teenagers?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think there is lack of discipline and vigorous training in our Comprehensive Schools?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think young people welcome some structure and leadership in their lives?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do they respond to a challenge?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Might you be in favour of reintroducing National Service?
Bernard Woolley: Er, I might be.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Yes or no?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Of course, after all you've said you can't say no to that. On the other hand, the surveys can reach opposite conclusions.

Sir Humphrey Appleby: Mr. Woolley, are you worried about the danger of war?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Are you unhappy about the growth of armaments?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think there's a danger in giving young people guns and teaching them how to kill?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Do you think it's wrong to force people to take arms against their will?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
Sir Humphrey Appleby: Would you oppose the reintroduction of conscription?
Bernard Woolley: Yes.
[does a double-take]
Sir Humphrey Appleby: There you are, Bernard. The perfectly balanced sample.