"DUing" polls - why is this a good thing?

[MethuenProgressive]

With the all Freepers Freeping and the DUers DUing (and others other-ing), doesn't this practice just validate the notion that online polls are meaningless? And if therefore they are actually meaningless - why DU them at all?

[eleny]

1. Because I enjoy it

[williesgirl]

2. Because lopsided freeped polls have a psychological effect on some

people. If we stop, that doesn't mean they will.

[bigwillq]

3. I like DUing polls.

And I will continue to do so because it makes me happy! :) :P ;)

[Lars39]

Because it just might give someone some hope,

and help them speak out.

[niyad]

4. apart from enjoying it (especially the ones that don't imbed cookies)

if we didn't, then only the freepers would be represented. whether anyone seriously pays attention to them or not, it's a matter of putting our own energy and views out there, and that IS a good thing.

[longship]

5. It's fun. It doesn't cost anything.

And best of all, I like winning.
:-)

[Flubadubya]

6. I don't have a problem with it when it involves national issues/politicians...

but I can't see doing it when it involves local issues and/or local politicians.

There was one recently where we were asked to weigh in on how someone in a local race did in a debate that 99.999% of us did not even hear or know anything about. It's kind of like going to the polls on election day not knowing anything about the issues or the candidates and just making choices willy-nilly. Doesn't make any sense. :dunce:

[ToeBot]

7. 'cause it generates hits for lazy webmasters, which is the only reason...

these worthless polls exist.

[porphyrian]

8. It promotes the website hosting the poll.

Advertisers pay the owners of the website for ad space based on the number of "hits" a site gets. They also pay for information such as what the referring website is, or what website you were at before you went to the poll.

If you don't want to promote the people hosting the poll, don't do it.

[stillcool]

9. perception...

9/10 of the law of politics. We aren't Madison Ave...but what they hey.

[Generic Other]

10. Are you saying we shouldn't be allowed to participate in a poll?

Does being a DUer mean I can't have an opinion? I only vote once. Unlike freepers.

[MethuenProgressive]

11. If there was a poll about your state rep...

... wouldn't you care more about what locals had to say? Or rather - shouldn't you?

[Generic Other]

12. I don't usually vote in other folks' local polls

although I guess my opinion is as valid as anyone else's...

[MethuenProgressive]

13. OK - then you're not "DUing" polls

My question is about the custom here, and elsewhere, where somebody finds an online poll and posts looking for people to bomb it.

[cigsandcoffee]

14. To give "bandwagon" people the impression...

...that there is overwhelming popular support for left/Democratic positions.

Ever notice how a team winning the Superbowl has a lot more fans than when they didn't make the playoffs?

[SpreadItAround]

15. Because if we don't...

...all people will read is the nonsensical ramblings of wingnuts like this over at http://www.theworstpresidentever.org:

"President Bush is one of the best presidents we've had. He has a plan and does it. He follows through with his decisions and actually has a backbone. I am proud to be an American especially with his leadership. May God richly bless him and his family and this nation UNDER GOD!"