We see popularity polls for things like browsers and operating systems every once in a while. It's rarer, but iirc we've also polled for computer architecture. This is great and all, but Slashdot's site admins have access to the ground truth for its readership and I'd love to see how that compares to what the polls say.
For example, I think there are a lot of idealists out there. In an OS poll, I expect GNU/Linux/BSD to be over-represented and the reality to contain a lot more Windows. For browsers, I predict the polls underrepresent Chrome.
The issue in inspecting logs is that while I regularly use 4 or 5 different browsers on 3 different OSs, I only peruse/. from one particular machine and one particular browser.
Other problem with logs - some browsers lie. Vivaldi identifies as Chrome. Opera mobile can identify as a desktop version (Useful if you have a tablet and don't want to see some website's crippled mobile page.) And there are now phones that run Linux, or Chromebooks that run Android apps. Logs are probably complete nonsense.
If the public poll is anywhere close to the truth, then that absolutely proves that we are truly a very narrow, self-selecting subset of outliers and nerds (most likely both). I don't that even Doctor Strange could find a reality where everyone on the planet is using Firefox 2:1 over Chrome.
"Spock, did you see the looks on their faces?"
"Yes, Captain, a sort of vacant contentment."
Slashdot logs hold the truth. Editors please share (Score:5, Insightful)
We see popularity polls for things like browsers and operating systems every once in a while. It's rarer, but iirc we've also polled for computer architecture. This is great and all, but Slashdot's site admins have access to the ground truth for its readership and I'd love to see how that compares to what the polls say.
For example, I think there are a lot of idealists out there. In an OS poll, I expect GNU/Linux/BSD to be over-represented and the reality to contain a lot more Windows. For browsers, I predict the polls underrepresent Chrome.
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The issue in inspecting logs is that while I regularly use 4 or 5 different browsers on 3 different OSs, I only peruse /. from one particular machine and one particular browser.
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I’m using lynx on GNU/Hurd, you insensitive clod!
Re: Slashdot logs hold the truth. Editors please s (Score:2)
Nope. Linux really is that much in use nowadays.
But thanks for STILL assisting the MS PR department in holding us back!
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Nope. The MS PR department doesn't care enough about us to 'hold us back.'
But thanks for STILL keeping that flame ablaze, at least in your own heart.
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Re: Slashdot logs hold the truth. Editors please s (Score:2)
I use Firefox or Netsurf when I'm on ./ /. because it doesn't work.
othertimes when I just want to read something simple I use Links. but never for
Me too on this - please share a base data dump (Score:2)
...without sharing any PII, of course.
If the public poll is anywhere close to the truth, then that absolutely proves that we are truly a very narrow, self-selecting subset of outliers and nerds (most likely both). I don't that even Doctor Strange could find a reality where everyone on the planet is using Firefox 2:1 over Chrome.