This discussion has been mildly interesting, but more tha a little repititious. Do I like the survey results? No. I respect Mr. Parker's defense of the methods used, but I don't feel this poll answered any questions I would have asked.
The scientific sampling technique used was valid for the stated mission of the magazine. What has come to light is that the magazine has attracted a large group of readers that they never intended to market to. Though they intend to write articles of interest to the IT managers (the buyers of products) they accidently attracted large groups of IT administrators and facilitators in the computer field. (Those knowledgable computer software/hardware folks excluded from the polling) We read IW, but we are not the target audience. Therefore our opinions are really quite irrelevant.
A second problem with the poll is that it targets the least informed audience. The professionals who know the most about the computer products work in that field. By excluding these individuals we are left with those managers who could care less about technical excellence and are most concerned with relative popularity of the products involved, or what they currently use in their own workplace. This turns a poll about the best new products into a popularity contest. The best mindshare will win.
In the end, I care most about technical excellence and the reliability of the producer. This poll was not directed to this end. Polls rarely are. Any disagreement?
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