Ed. Regarding genuine (i.e. non-commercial) polls I suggest you a) explain those standardized answer options that need to be explained, and b) exclude those that aren't feasible anyway.
Allow me to use today's Have Your Say poll on tackling multiple usernames as an example: I am puzzled as to why we should email you with ideas (option no. 5) when there are so many advantages to posting an idea in Suggestions. An advantage from your point of view would be that a post in Suggs generates responses from other ABers as well, which very often brings about an evolvement of the original idea, a honing. This advantage is so obvious that if it's not allowed it really needs to be explained why it isn't.
An option such as the fourth one in this poll (get to the core of the problem and ban IP's) should not be included at all unless it's something that you would genuinely consider doing. Is it? I don't know a lot about computers but it's my understanding it's considered unwise. From Wikipedia:
On an Internet forum or Web site an IP ban is often used as a last resort to prevent a disruptive member from access, though a warning and/or account ban may be used first. Dynamic allocation of IP addresses can complicate incoming IP blocking, rendering it difficult to block a specific user without blocking a larger number of IP addresses, thereby risking collateral damage caused by ISPs sharing IP addresses of multiple internet users.
Sounds complicated from a legal aspect. Can be done but unless it's something you would actually consider it's not right to include it in the poll.
Lastly, I would like to suggest that you, Ed, consider the very fine line between editing and historical negationism.
Fellow ABers keep your replies immaculate or this entire post will be pulled. Personally I think that would be a shame.
That lot took some reading I can tell you. Is the italic bit implying that several of us users may share the same IP address despite not even being from the same house? So for example I could have the same address as say someone from hundreds of miles away?
...and hi vibrasphere, I'm not ignoring you but your question isn't really a question as much as a statement is it, and you're entitled to make that statement as far as I'm concerned. If it were a question I'd answer it No. Read the post.
What a well thought out brilliant Question..!!Swedeheart..
I think the ED should come on here friday and make a statement to clear the air a bit.Otherwise this is going to drag on and on.(corbys question).otherwise us peasants might drag you to the wait for it (:O)