464 - The conundrum of polls

Some people love polls.

Some people hate polls.

Sounds like a novel. It was the best of polls, it was the worst of polls...

I personally believe that polls, when well thought out and of intelligent content, can be helpful to everyone who engages with them.

They create conversation and engagement.

Polls can be informative and enlightening.

I don't care for trivial polls that ask if I prefer apple juice over orange juice.

Who's got time for that?

There are polls that meant to cause controversy. No, thanks.

Or polls that lure personal information from you like, what's your pet's name or where did you grow up.

Beware of potential identity thieves looking at your answers for personal information. Yes, it happens.

Those are all very Facebookesque. (Is that even a word? NO, but it would make a great poll question on Facebook)

Although a poll question may be valuable, the answers only allow 30 characters.

To avoid confusion, the pollee can ask for clarification in the comments.

Basic polls ask a closed ended question that make it easy for the voter. Yes, No...done.

Those who engage are encouraged to elaborate in the comments.

Many polls provide the option of "Other", allowing all opinions to answer.

I am always amused when the same people choose "OTHER" every time, even though their viewpoint clearly matches one of the answers.

Some people need to feel as if they are unique from everyone else.

So be it. There are as many opinions on LinkedIn as every other social media.

There is a place on LinkedIn for polls. If you hate polls, feel free to pass them by.

I love polls that spark conversation from those who want to engage in a professional manner

Other people will vote on a poll but say nothing.

LinkedIn is about engagement. So, ENGAGE!

Let your opinion be heard. Someone needs to hear it because you are never the only one thinking to that answer.

We are more connected than we realize and poll results often show that.

With that, I ask the obvious question, How do you feel about polls?