Comments on: New poll: Should Lib Dem Voice cover opinion polls?

By: Joe Otten

Joe Otten — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:59:51 +0000

No. Signal is dwarfed by noise in the latest poll. If they must be covered, do a round up once per quarter based on a moving average.

By: Tristan Mills

Tristan Mills — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 09:38:58 +0000

If the details of polls are posted they should be all polls from reputable companies and not just be the headlines.

We should if possible publish more of the information. Look at the recent poll which showed Cameron as incredibly unpopular – the choices offered did not include one obvious option casting doubt onto the headline result.

By: James S.

James S. — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 21:52:57 +0000

Success depends on and demands using every tool at your disposal at some point; the pure subjectivity of polls requires that it is properly sectioned and compartmentalised to clarify the boundary between the nitty-gritty policy talk and the speculative opining of any loud-mouths who choose to open up on here at LDVoice.

By: Hywel Morgan

Hywel Morgan — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:56:23 +0000

For PB.com readers minor fluctuations in polls can be significant if they affect the longer term markets (eg seat spreads)

Mind you if I want polling data I go to UKpollingreport.co.uk. More than enough there to keep people happy

By: Elizabeth Patterson

Elizabeth Patterson — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:50:38 +0000

No. I read LD Voice as our own party vox pop; to read and exchange views on our own party policies.
It is communication at a more effective and personal level than the letters page of LD News.
There are many areas of LD policy that need to be kicked around a bit.

I also read PB eagerly for the polls, but they are a different thing, just a snapshot of trends and not really significant unless you are a punter.
There are some six or more polls a month and if you clutter up the site with ths you will dilute the discussion forum element.
Elizabeth Patterson

By: Rob Fenwick

Rob Fenwick — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 15:39:06 +0000

Face it, you are a political anorak.

You can be a political anorak and still think polls are the most pointless thing since the Spice Girls’ reunion tour…

By: Matt Wardman

Matt Wardman — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 14:09:07 +0000

Love the quote Stuart. Semi-guilty.

I have a poll about whether LDV should have polls about whether LDV should cover polls…

More seriously, would your effort not be better spent on policy or reporting.

Why not syndicate the UKPollingReport feed – either just the headlines or the content too.

Use the right plugin, and you could syndicate it *and* allow comments here. Courtesy would indicate asking Anthony if you are going to allow comments on a syndicated feed.

Matt

By: Stuart

Stuart — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:07:28 +0000

Of course we should. If you are reading this then you are choosing to look at Liberal Democrat Voice. Face it, you are a political anorak. Let’s not be embarrassed about this.

By: Bridget Fox

Bridget Fox — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:21:30 +0000

Maybe have a ‘Polls’ section in addition to ‘News’ & ‘Opinion’ so those interested can get down dirty, and those not can, er, not.

By: welshproudliberal

welshproudliberal — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:10:16 +0000

Why does it tell me to stuff the ballot box elsewhere when I try and vote?

By: Julian H

Julian H — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:08:51 +0000

Yes, whilst being realistic and avoiding a reactionary, sensationalist Fleet Street-esque approach.

In defence of politicalbetting.com, Smithson may use slightly sensational headlines but mainly as questions in order to stimulate debate (“ie. “More Problems for Dave?”), rather than stating directly that a slight fluctuation is more telling than it is. He also looks at polling trends over time, and the methodological robustness of each pollster.

By: Rob Blackie

Rob Blackie — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 10:35:52 +0000

Absolutely yes – almost everyone who reads Lib Dem Voice will discuss them anyway so why not a party discussion?