I’ve just seen Tim’s post “Boycott the Total Politics poll of weblogs”
Just to advise that I had already opted out before Tim had posted it or knew of his intentions.
For anyone overly-suspicious this was the first time I knew of such a proposal from any individual or group.
While not disagreeing with much of what Tim says, I have several of my own reasons which I may explain in due course.
While this poll is current, I will repeat my view that other polls/rankings, despite the declared best of intentions, can easily be skewed and top positions maintained by ‘Daley Dozens’, ‘Weekly Wankfests’ and judicious link swapping with or without the use of purpose made widgets.
Long explanations of methodology cannot disguise the fact that people will always devise ways to influence the position of their own blog or those of their friends – and that those pollsters have, as far as I’m aware, done nothing to resolve the (sometimes) deliberate manipulation.
So, no begging for votes from me.
Unfortunately you’ll all probably be propositioned for votes over the next couple of months. And you’ll all probably agree to give ten different blogs your number one vote.
Have fun.