March 14, 2006

There's always an option 3

The commissar is fehtootzed over a required census survey form, and is going all "ScuuutLAHND mooost be FREEE" over it. He cites only two options, both familiar to non-Randians who live lives of meek and supine subjegation to The Man.

Trotsky, buddy, there's always option #3: lie like crap. We fancy pants political scientists call it "preference falsification" when individuals, for a variety of different reasons or causes, do not reveal their actual preferences in a survey. I like to figure out what are the control questions, and give contradictory answers---this really screws with the data something fierce. If enough people will just do that, these types of surveys will be about as reliable (or useful) as public opinion polls. There's other ways they can get this information without bothering you to get it for them.

Posted by Steve at March 14, 2006 10:15 AM | TrackBack
Comments

Good choice. I think I will do that.

Technically, the penalties also apply to lying on the form. But it seems safe enough.

Posted by: The Commissar at March 14, 2006 11:21 AM

They say you have to fill it out, there's nothing about having to do it sober.

Posted by: Steve the LLamabutcher at March 14, 2006 12:03 PM

Steve,

I updated with your recommendation and linked back.

"ScuuutLAHND mooost be FREEE!!!!!!"

Posted by: The Commissar at March 14, 2006 01:38 PM

I dunnah kin brood Scuuts!

Posted by: MCPO Airdale at March 14, 2006 07:28 PM