# Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 3) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 29, 2026, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157 "2026-01-29T18:21:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 173
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3441 "2026-10-13T02:12:09Z")
It’s more of a pain to see results if you don’t vote. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3442 "2026-10-13T03:34:12Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > > [@Leaper](#): > > > > if the thread _is_ supposed to be for lighthearted topics > > By custom, it generally is. I’d take weightier topics elsewhere. I mean, 93% of voters disagree with that. I say feel free to include more weighty topics. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 13, 2026, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3443 "2026-10-13T13:01:07Z")
Yes i think excluding people who are interested in the answer but don’t have exactly one of the answers you are looking for is lazy. I mean, if you aren’t interested in the question at all, don’t, no need for an answer for you. But if prolly interested in the poll are excluded due to overly restrictive choices, i think it’s just a defective question. > [@Leaper](#): > > - I wonder if it would have made a difference if I’d made clear in my loyalty program poll that I was interested _specifically_ in how frequency affects whether you sign up or not. Of course it would have. See, that’s a defective poll. You didn’t ask the question you were curious about, you asked something else. I would have voted, and said that no, frequency has little impact on whether i sign up. Not zero. If the program is a physical card i have to bring back, then i need to expect to show up somewhat frequently for it to be worth carrying the card. But i am a member at a sportswear shop i go to no more than once a year, and not at the supermarket i go to every week. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3444 "2026-10-14T11:18:23Z")
Speaking as the child who kept a lot of small creepy crawlie pets, i feel like there might be some sexist bias sneaking into the setup of that question. Also, what is wrong with your daughter? She needs help getting over her irrational fears, and also, getting used to the idea that she can’t dictate what other people in the household do that doesn’t affect her. (If the fearful child is has some diagnosed psychological problem that’s under treatment, but the spider aggravates it, maybe get rid of the spider.) (I never had a pet spider. But my best friend moved to Arizona and acquired a pet tarantula, and sent me descriptions of how she cared for it.) But you’ve reminded me to find the spider that’s set up shop in our bathroom, and shoo it to safety before our cleaning lady comes. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3445 "2026-10-14T12:20:28Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > But you’ve reminded me to find the spider that’s set up shop in our bathroom… There is a good chance he went up the water spout. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3446 "2026-10-14T12:25:07Z")
If there is a spider missing in your house, just assume it is in your hair. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3447 "2026-10-14T13:20:48Z")
My barber told me yesterday (and showed me a picture) of a Northern Black Widow infestation in his house that required three visits from the exterminators. The first guy that came was only told by his dispatcher that it was ‘spiders’, so he left in a mild panic to get more equipment. He has three kids, I can’t imagine how much shoe and clothing checking they’re still doing. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3448 "2026-10-14T14:05:38Z")
I know my immediate neighbors, and speak with them when appropriate. I also socialize with some of them. Let the one child keep the spider; but actively work with the other child on dealing with their phobia. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3449 "2026-10-14T15:09:49Z")
I know most neighbours and socialize with the one we knew before moving in. For the spider, it depends: is spider-boy spiteful and enjoying hurting his sister? Spider goes. Does he love his spider, but is distressed about his sister? Spider stays. Is she feeding her phobia at all? What are their ages? I’d be inclined to keep the spider (though I’m with sister: I’m not going into its room) and help her, but there’s a lot of factors in the mix. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3450 "2026-10-14T16:15:25Z")
I struggled with the immediate neighbors question. I know almost everyone in my neighborhood, and we have a few neighborhood parties every year, where we socialize. But i still haven’t met my new next door neighbor. I voted that i socialize with the neighbors. ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3451 "2026-10-14T16:48:01Z")
I prefer pollsters to plan their polls more carefully. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3452 "2026-10-14T16:54:05Z")
I don’t understand the string poll. Or is it trying to make a point about options? ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3453 "2026-10-14T17:53:45Z")
I assume that the reason is part of the question. If you just want to know, “do you do X?”, then ask that. If you ask, “do you do X because of Y?”, i assume you care about the reason we do or don’t do X. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3454 "2026-10-14T17:56:39Z")
Re obtaining a spider, i assumed “from the web” meant finding a spider on a web in or near your house. At least, i hope that’s what you meant. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![pjd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pjd/32/3009_2.png) [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3455 "2026-10-14T17:58:51Z")
I suspect it meant the world wide variety. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3456 "2026-10-14T17:59:29Z")
I actually think it was meant as a pun. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Thumper668](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thumper668/32/20803_2.png) [@Thumper668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thumper668)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3457 "2026-10-14T18:35:24Z")
I don’t have preferences for what people choose in the polls I post. I’d like to think they will choose the one they feel is closest to true. If I include an Other option it’s because that’s a perfectly acceptable answer that I assume will be explained in a comment somewhere. If I don’t include an Other option it’s because I didn’t think one was needed. If someone doesn’t vote because none of the choices match, again I presume they will comment if they care enough about the subject. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3458 "2026-10-14T19:50:43Z")
I have never, at any point in life, not even for brief periods of time, been “with it.” Evidence: -In fourth grade, when I was asked by normal children why I used such big words, I replied: “Because that’s what you need for success in the real world.” -I have a school photograph of myself in twelfth grade wearing oversized flannel, a cowboy hat, glasses, and hoop earrings. -I used to bring my Bible to school with me, and mainly listened to Christian rock and country music. -I played trombone in like four different school bands. -When I was in college in 2001, I entered my “Rush” era. The era where I discovered Rush, probably the nerdiest band in existence. -I have always looked forward to being elderly because you can get away with never going anywhere and doing puzzles and needlepoint. So I don’t take aging as personally as some people, I guess. What coolness even is there to lose? ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3459 "2026-10-14T23:06:18Z")
I realize that the US and UK speak different varieties of English, and that words can have different meanings in those different varieties. But, to my American mind, calling something a “burger” just because of what kind of bun it’s served on is bonkers. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [October 14, 2026, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157/3460 "2026-10-14T23:15:59Z")
To me, a burger is a patty made of ground meat or ground vegetarian alternatives. If not specified, it’s probably ground beef. Whether it’s on a bun or not, or for that matter on any kind of bread, has nothing to do with it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157.md?page=172) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-3/1027157.md?page=174)