Came across a radio poll conducted March 24/04 by the Australian Broadcasting Commission in a predominantly rural area (Riverina NSW)

Question: Which measurement to you prefer, imperial,or metric?
Answer:
.......metric....Imperial......Happy with both
........68%.........6%................26%


What a phantastic result after less than 2 generations. Just shows what happens when people learn first hand how easy metric is to work with. Give it another few years and it will be 100%

Interesting!

In the UK where we've had 2 generations of metric taught kids our results are the opposite but even more pronounced!
Nice try eric!

BTW - what you doing posting at this time? A day off work perhaps?

...However the Australian poll is interesting, I'm sure we'll all agree. Could you provide a link to the page where you found it eric?
I'm not accusing you of lying or anything but I'd like to see the full results and findings just out of interest.

There is one simple rule for determining what system people prefer. Whatever system happens to be in predominant use in a country at any given time will be the system that the people prefer. It's as simple as that.

There is one simple rule for determining what system people prefer. Whatever system happens to be in predominant use in a country at any given time will be the system that the people prefer. It's as simple as that.


Your statement is essentially right. Except for Australia and other recently metricated countries. Since it is a straw poll and was taken on a weekday, (Wednesday) in a rural area, the result is somewhat surprising. Country folk are known to be conservative, so why this exellent result? The 6% are probably made up of older people, who won't bother to change. The 26% of people, who say they are comfortable with either system mean it in the most basic sense, like saying, I am 5'9" tall and weigh 78 kg and so on. That leaves 68% of conservative Australians embracing metric with gusto. That should tell some people something if their receptors are not switched off.

68% is slightly over half. This is exactly what my statement would predict. Australia recently converted to the metric system, and uses it almost exclusively right now, so you would expect people to prefer it. But since the conversion was so recent, the majority is not as overwhelming as in countries that metricated a long time ago.

...However the Australian poll is interesting, I'm sure we'll all agree. Could you provide a link to the page where you found it eric?
I'm not accusing you of lying or anything but I'd like to see the full results and findings just out of interest.

I'm still not accusing you of lying, but I AM starting to remember the other lies you've brought up here and I'm starting to see a pattern.

Re: Poll March 25 2004, 9:17 AM

68% is slightly over half. This is exactly what my statement would predict. Australia recently converted to the metric system, and uses it almost exclusively right now, so you would expect people to prefer it. But since the conversion was so recent, the majority is not as overwhelming as in countries that metricated a long time ago.


68% is closer to to 75 than 50% if I am not mistaken. The point is not so much what they like, but that they changed to a better system without any major problems.

How does this data show that the system is "better"?

Well, considering it is obligatory to compare everything to the Nazis or Hitler... I shall!!


Hitler got voted in to the role of dictator.. and the nazis never kept secret their plans. It was all in their manifestos. At the end of the day, just because most people do one thing does not make that thing right.

...However the Australian poll is interesting, I'm sure we'll all agree. Could you provide a link to the page where you found it eric?
I'm not accusing you of lying or anything but I'd like to see the full results and findings just out of interest.

I'm on my last area of sceptitude (new word) here about the truth of all this stuff about a poll, but I AM starting to remember the other lies you've brought up here and I'm starting to see a pattern.

Come on eric, admit it, you made it up didn't you?

Re: Poll March 26 2004, 7:31 AM

How does this data show that the system is "better"?

According to your logic, come next electiont the implementing government would have been thrown out. They didn't! I wonder why, after all, according to you, most people liked the system they used?

Re: Poll March 26 2004, 11:22 AM

Well, considering it is obligatory to compare everything to the Nazis or Hitler... I shall!!


Hitler got voted in to the role of dictator.. and the nazis never kept secret their plans. It was all in their manifestos. At the end of the day, just because most people do one thing does not make that thing right.

Very good point, as I pointed out some time ago. In reverse that means a slight majority of ignorants dictates that America has to use obsolete measurements.

I thought the majority used metric. But there you go.

I think most will agree that the Australian Poll thing was just another lie.

I believe it to be one.

Read down the thread.

Can I suggest that we stop talking about a poll that never existed? It doesn't make sense for us all to argue over something that does not exist.

If we bring facts to the boards we should back them up with proof so that we can argue the case, merits etc based upon the topic in question.

Imagine if I'd suggested that the South African govt carried out a poll and found that more than 50% wanted a return to imperial measures - one can see why discussing this with no proof would prove nothing and be quite tedious for all involved.

IMHO

Note the pathetic "yank bashing" too?

And that, eric, is the correct use of the word "pathetic" - know what i mean?

<<
How does this data show that the system is "better"?

According to your logic, come next electiont the implementing government would have been thrown out. They didn't! I wonder why, after all, according to you, most people liked the system they used?
>>

What does that have to do with the question? (or the topic)

It's a classic way that he "loses the debate".

Check other threads.

Re: Poll March 31 2004, 9:49 AM

<<
How does this data show that the system is "better"?

According to your logic, come next electiont the implementing government would have been thrown out. They didn't! I wonder why, after all, according to you, most people liked the system they used?
>>

What does that have to do with the question? (or the topic)

Would you please tell me what this thread is all about?

Well, why don't you read it and you will see what it's about?

As a matter of fact, it would help if you always made it a point to read threads before responding to them.

He could start by opening his eyes.

It's pretty much a neccesary pre-requisite for normal people.

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Re: Poll April 1 2004, 7:50 AM

Well, why don't you read it and you will see what it's about?

As a matter of fact, it would help if you always made it a point to read threads before responding to them.

You would do very well to re-read your answers and acknowledge that you lost the thread after the first incorrect one.

To prove that metric is superior to imperial is like proving the car is superior to horse and cart. You have to be somehow handycapped to question the obvious.

Painfully silly April 2 2004, 4:33 AM

Chris Chamberlain alias anonymous.

Boy, that metre long thorn in your side must hurt.

I think most of us have realised that you've lost the plot by now, eric.

Your terrible attempt at a come back is both sad and out of context and in the latter case embarrasingly like someone "trying" to know metric!

But there again - you won't actually reply to this.

You'll only "read" it!

Zzzzzz

Re: Poll April 3 2004, 4:22 PM

C.Chamberlain
Zzzzzz


Now that is what I call an intelligent message, mind you, it took you ages to compose it.

To be honest I would imagine that it will have only taken you about 3 minutes, eric.

Am I right?

question asked to aussie's

3. And about METRIC weights and lengths. It's been suggested we
should change from tons to KILOGRAMS, and from yards to METRES.
Everything would then be in TENS and hundreds, like our new
decimal coins. Would you FAVOUR - or OPPOSE - our changing to
METRIC weights and lengths?

Category label Code Count Percent

FAVOUR 4 1085 64.4
OPPOSE 5 435 25.8
UNDECIDED 6 164 9.7
------- -----
Total responses 1684 100.0

URL http://assda.anu.edu.au/polls/D0327.html

This was done in D0327: Australian Gallup Poll, February 4, 1967

I find this astonishing that 64.4% WANTED to go metric (although the question is a bit weighted, why didn't they just say 'lovely decimal currency')

So not much progress in 37 years if metre's 68% is any more than fantasy.

http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=549&page=1

This I found when searching for elusive 68% of australians who like metric.

It's about boat building but there are people from all over the world, and they mostly like Imperial, even in Barcelona.

Have a read.

Imperial measurements are far superior to the "horse and cart". After all what nation sent men to the moon? And what measurements did they use? Hint it wasnt metric. I have yet to see men land on the moon in a metric built spacecraft.

Australia Metric June 1 2004, 3:06 PM


question asked to aussie's

3. And about METRIC weights and lengths. It's been suggested we
should change from tons to KILOGRAMS, and from yards to METRES.
Everything would then be in TENS and hundreds, like our new
decimal coins. Would you FAVOUR - or OPPOSE - our changing to
METRIC weights and lengths?

Category label Code Count Percent

FAVOUR 4 1085 64.4
OPPOSE 5 435 25.8
UNDECIDED 6 164 9.7
------- -----
Total responses 1684 100.0

URL http://assda.anu.edu.au/polls/D0327.html

This was done in D0327: Australian Gallup Poll, February 4, 1967

I find this astonishing that 64.4% WANTED to go metric (although the question is a bit weighted, why didn't they just say 'lovely decimal currency')

So not much progress in 37 years if metre's 68% is any more than fantasy.

metre:
Interesting figures, especially the undecided number. Should give imperialists something to think about.
Had you taken note when that poll I wrote about took place, you could have saved your last 2 paragraphs.

Real foreign polls June 1 2004, 3:16 PM


http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=549&page=1

This I found when searching for elusive 68% of australians who like metric.

It's about boat building but there are people from all over the world, and they mostly like Imperial, even in Barcelona.

Have a read.

metre:
I am sure people living in inland Australia, where the poll was taken, are hooked on building boats of all kinds. Get your polls straight man.

More Exaggeration June 2 2004, 1:34 AM


superior to the "horse and cart". After all what nation sent men to the moon? And what measurements did they use? Hint it wasnt metric. I have yet to see men land on the moon in a metric built spacecraft.

metre:
The real feat was that you achieved it in spite of cumbersome units.

"Imperial measurements are far....."
Prove it!

Re: Poll March 25 2004, 12:44 AM

Bud:
There is one simple rule for determining what system people prefer. Whatever system happens to be in predominant use in a country at any given time will be the system that the people prefer. It's as simple as that.


metre:
Yet, it tells us nothing about the quality, or absence thereof.

Exactly. It tells us NOTHING about the quality, as you just said yourself. So therefore, you cannot use the fact that the whole world switched to metric as a reason to justify us switching too. A while ago you were saying exactly that.

To metre
I was giving facts
Don't worry yourself with the concept.

LOL to that!

BTW - does anyone believe eric's poll? I mean Mr Cruple invites us to see his poll (oeerr, missus) yet Eric claims to have seen a poll but simply cannot provide a link to it.

Strange eh?

BTW Imperial is still everywhere in Australia.
The folks that do the surfing stuff buy their boards by the inch and also calibrate waves by the foot.
So much for "metric australia"!

http://www.surfpartama.com/surf.html
http://www.coolrunning.com.au/ultra/1995003.shtml
http://users.bigpond.net.au/robbins/symons/NearRockbeare.PDF
http://www.coolrunning.com.au/sixfoot/article_smith1.shtml
http://www.delm.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/SJON-5MQ3ZB?open
http://www.auswea.com.au/downloads/windfarmimpacts.pdf
http://www.austay.com/port-douglas-information.html
http://www.firstpr.com.au/slinky/
http://www.ieci.com.au/build/build_systems_list.asp
http://www.melbpc.org.au/pcupdate/9000/9006article3.htm
http://www.sturtstreetantiques.com.au/carltonware.html
http://www.bias.net/byronmappgallery/mann.htm
http://www.robertsformalhire.com/measure.php3?measure
http://www.boardscape.com.au/se/default.ehtml
http://ftp.newave.net.au/~luvboat/p86.htm
http://www.amazingcamels.com/cgi-bin/Web_store/web_store.cgi?keywords=figurine&cart_id=4488915_35889
http://www.remax.com.au/?NewsID=37
http://www.fulfillment.com.au/shopping/silverchair/
http://www.pccasegear.com/category89_1.htm
http://www.bodyboarders.com.au/theboxcomp.htm
http://www.pointlookoutbeachhouse.com.au/pics.htm
http://feraldave.com/Whichbrd.asp
http://www.surfersvillage.com/_sv0800/globalsurfnews/news2.asp?num_news=4274
http://www.surfresearch.com.au/awaveheight.html
http://www.seajuice.com/waterskate%20testemonals.html
http://www.surfersvillage.com/_sv0800/ripcurlpro/ripcurlreports.htm
http://www.surfbetter.com/html/trip5.html
http://www.baliwaves.com/stories/story15/story15.htm
http://www.surfingaustralia.com/article.asp?nid=1300

Steveh, everybody knows that when it comes to computer screens, car tyres and surfing, Australia almost exclusively uses imperial.

Outside those fields imperial is hardly ever used. Even the number of people that measure their height in imperial is on the decrease. They are still in the majority though...

Imperial measurements are far supperior to the horse and cart. At least in they're PRESENT form. Two of the worlds more influencial countries industrialized using imperial. Yes, it's true that imperial was used in the days of horses and carts, but it has changed since then, just like modes of transportation. The fact that 2 of the worlds most influencial countries in the 20th century industrialized using imperial is proof enough. Countries like France didn't become fully industrialized until after metric was adopted.

Re: Poll June 2 2004, 7:54 AM


Exactly. It tells us NOTHING about the quality, as you just said yourself. So therefore, you cannot use the fact that the whole world switched to metric as a reason to justify us switching too. A while ago you were saying exactly that.


metre:
And I shall repeat it with glee! There comes a time in every argument when one side has to realise that it is hanging on to an obsolete idea (measurement). Flat earthers, at oe time the majority hung on for donkeys ages to their weird idea, but where they right?

Proof June 3 2004, 3:31 AM


Imperial measurements are far supperior to the horse and cart. At least in they're PRESENT form. Two of the worlds more influencial countries industrialized using imperial. Yes, it's true that imperial was used in the days of horses and carts, but it has changed since then, just like modes of transportation. The fact that 2 of the worlds most influencial countries in the 20th century industrialized using imperial is proof enough. Countries like France didn't become fully industrialized until after metric was adopted.


metre:
Let me put it simply this way.
No amount of doctoring will keep a moribund patient alive.

metre madness June 2 2004, 2:18 PM


To metre
I was giving facts
Don't worry yourself with the concept.


metre:
I do seem to attract annoying gadflys.

metre:
And yet you're suprised you attract them on a BWMA website:
Not even a hint of sanity.

<<<Steveh, everybody knows that when it comes to computer screens, car tyres and surfing, Australia almost exclusively uses imperial>>>

I'm not sure *everyone* does.

In the mind-set of one unfortunate, no-one outside the US or UK (or sometimes just the US, depending on what mood he is in) understands or uses obsolete cumbersome units (that make children cry, cause witches to burn and makes women in the far-east bind their feet).

According to this lonely individual, surfers in Australia must be in constant fear of dropping off the edge of the world!

And guess what? This unfortunate still thinks that he's "on your side"!

Fortunately even the pro-imperials wouldn't be cruel enough to inflict that idea upon you!

Although they do tend to supply a lot of troll food to the old geezer.

USC doesn't seem anywhere near dead here in the US.

Moribund patient June 3 2004, 10:46 PM

Roth:
USC doesn't seem anywhere near dead here in the US.

metre:
It's your prerogative to hope for the best (worst).

Another fantastic comeback

metre:
And yet you're suprised you attract them on a BWMA website:
Not even a hint of sanity.

metre:
Now, there I do have to agree with you.

Another fantastic comeback

Here is another recent straw poll taken from the same Australian radio station.
Just an update to show the difference informed opinion makes.
Date published: 07/07/2004
While at school, which system of measurement did you learn?
Imperial Metric Both
53% 20% 27%

Which system of measurement do you think is the best of the 2?

Imperial metric neither Comfortable in both
6% 66% 26%

Please note that the online poll is not, nor is it intended to be, statistically valid. It is simply a "straw poll", a method of gaining a rough idea of community feelings on any given topic. Consequently the results should not be the subject of any serious interpretation or analysis.

metre:
Knowing imperialists limited horizons, they will make a field day of the disclaimer in the pious hope that imperial measures are still the best.

http://www.abc.net.au/riverina/vote/past.htm

Well done old man.

A post that has evidential proof to it.
Perhaps you can give us proof to all the other "facts"? Hmm?

Note how the results from your very post absolutely trashes your previous ideas about Australians and how they see measurements and what they are comfortable with.

However, we (the rest of us) knew the truth anyhow.

Hence the young surfers referring to their boards in inches and wave ride height in feet.

P.S. No need for disclaimers when you occupy the "popular" ground

I just love it. Even the producers of the poll themselves admit that the results are not valid. But since he agrees with the results, he posts it anyway.

Anyone here actually spent time in Australia?

If you have then you will know that imperial is almost non-existent there, and to argue that they still use imperial really is clutching at straws. Yes, it is sometimes used in very specific areas, but in any country there are a few obscure areas where some quirky old unit is used.

All you can say about Australia re. metric v imperial is that it is a good example of how easily the mess Britain is in can be sorted out if dealt with properly.

My otherhalf lived there for 9 months - and Australia is a lot more metric than UK but a lot less metric than some posters here would qualify.

The goverment def don't use imperial in Australia.

But:

http://www.surfpartama.com/surf.html
http://www.coolrunning.com.au/ultra/1995003.shtml
http://users.bigpond.net.au/robbins/symons/NearRockbeare.PDF
http://www.coolrunning.com.au/sixfoot/article_smith1.shtml
http://www.delm.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/SJON-5MQ3ZB?open
http://www.auswea.com.au/downloads/windfarmimpacts.pdf
http://www.austay.com/port-douglas-information.html
http://www.firstpr.com.au/slinky/
http://www.ieci.com.au/build/build_systems_list.asp
http://www.melbpc.org.au/pcupdate/9000/9006article3.htm
http://www.sturtstreetantiques.com.au/carltonware.html
http://www.bias.net/byronmappgallery/mann.htm
http://www.robertsformalhire.com/measure.php3?measure
http://www.boardscape.com.au/se/default.ehtml
http://ftp.newave.net.au/~luvboat/p86.htm
http://www.amazingcamels.com/cgi-bin/Web_store/web_store.cgi?keywords=figurine&cart_id=4488915_35889
http://www.remax.com.au/?NewsID=37
http://www.fulfillment.com.au/shopping/silverchair/
http://www.pccasegear.com/category89_1.htm
http://www.bodyboarders.com.au/theboxcomp.htm
http://www.pointlookoutbeachhouse.com.au/pics.htm
http://feraldave.com/Whichbrd.asp
http://www.surfersvillage.com/_sv0800/globalsurfnews/news2.asp?num_news=4274
http://www.surfresearch.com.au/awaveheight.html
http://www.seajuice.com/waterskate%20testemonals.html
http://www.surfersvillage.com/_sv0800/ripcurlpro/ripcurlreports.htm
http://www.surfbetter.com/html/trip5.html
http://www.baliwaves.com/stories/story15/story15.htm
http://www.surfingaustralia.com/article.asp?nid=1300

All those websites seem to be surfing related - an area where it seems for some reason (obviously US influence)feet are often used to measure waves.

In everyday conversation you won't hear any imperial in Australia.

For God's sake.
YES YOU WOULD!

"My front room was 2 foot deep in water".

"I'm over 6 feet tall".

I'll have an 8" pizza



http://www.jennissteakhouse.com/menu05.html
http://www.abc.net.au/adelaide/stories/s929454.htm
http://v-i-p.com.au/gasconveyoroven.htm



BTW - not all were surf related! Check again!
BTW2 - tell an aussie that their pride and joy (surfing) is american based!

Re: Poll July 21 2004, 8:20 AM


I just love it. Even the producers of the poll themselves admit that the results are not valid. But since he agrees with the results, he posts it anyway.


metre:
I am delighted with my prediction that imperialists have limited mental horizons, admittedly some more than others.
The fact that is says straw polls do reflect community attitudes falls on blind eyes. We can't have that imperialists whinge, it shatters our preconceived ideas.
To make life even more miserable for you cave dwellers, I shall present you with another proper poll, some other time.

Re: Poll July 21 2004, 12:31 PM


All those websites seem to be surfing related - an area where it seems for some reason (obviously US influence)feet are often used to measure waves.

In everyday conversation you won't hear any imperial in Australia.


metre:
All I know there are pockets where mixtures of old and new units are still used. Surfing and paragliding are 2 of them.

Re: Poll July 22 2004, 4:55 AM


Re: Poll July 21 2004, 8:20 AM

Bud:
I just love it. Even the producers of the poll themselves admit that the results are not valid. But since he agrees with the results, he posts it anyway.


metre:
I am delighted with my prediction that imperialists have limited mental horizons, admittedly some more than others.
The fact that is says straw polls do reflect community attitudes falls on blind eyes. To make life even more miserable for you cave dwellers, I shall present you with another proper poll, some other time.

Cat stole your tongue my friend?

eric: Cat stole your tongue my friend?

SteveH: Hate being ignored, old man?

This is a Gallup poll conducted for the Australian government six years after metrication.
That poll shows how easily people can be persuaded if governments, the press and other institutions, actively promote beneficial reform. There is every reason to presume that Brits, had they been given similar encouragement and help, would think predominantly metric now.

THe Poll:
1a. How familiar do you feel now with the new metric measurements, that is, metres, kilometres, grams, kilograms, hectares, litres and so forth -

Category labe....……………….Code.....Count..……Percent

DK/NS…………………………. 0........…7....……..0.4%
VERY FAMILIAR………………1........389....…….19.6%
FAMILIAR………………………2........892....…….44.9%
NOT AT ALL FAMILIAR………3........700....……..35.2%
Total responses.............……………………1986….100.0%

1b.Some people have suggested that the Metric Conversion Plan
should be slowed down or stopped. Do you yourself think
that the Metric Conversion Plan should proceed at the same pace as at present?
OR proceed at a slower pace? OR be stopped?

Category label...………….Code.... Count....Percent

DK/NS............... ……………0.....……34...….1.7%
PROCEED SAME PACE..….1....…...948......47.7%
PROCEED SLOWER PACE..2....…...401......20.2%
BE STOPPED.........…………3...…….605......30.4%
………………Total response.............1986....100.0%

This result discredits the assumption
of some people on this board that metrication can only be achieved by force. What it also shows is how quickly people latch on to a good thing when they understand it. And confirms once and for all that imperial has only one thing going for itself-HABIT

assda.anu.edu.au/polls/D0251.html

Poll by Aus government before metrication:

"Who thinks australia should metricate?"

Oh, sorry , no such poll was carried out!

(and guess what? did they *REALLY* think they could kill off imperial in australia by temporarily banning inch sided ruler?).

Think deeper, eric, think deeper!

Nice one! I can picture imperialists wincing away somewhere out of sight. Pity that those polls destroy so many imperial illusions.
I wonder why a substantial majority was quite happy to continue apace with conversion if they hated that stupid system so much. This proves that there a fewer ignorants out there than presumed. Actually using the simple metric system must have convinced many how cumbersome their old units were. That confirms that reason beats ignorance most of the time and spells the death knell for imperial.

metre, your poll proves two things.
1. People don't want to switch from what they are used to.
2. Given enough pressure, people will switch. Once they have switched, they won't want to switch back (for reason #1)

Neither one says anything about merit of the system.

Don't expect eric to fathom out any reasoning for that idea, Bud.

<<<Nice one! I can picture imperialists wincing away somewhere out of sight>>

If it keeps you safely locked up in your house in front of you new 15" monitor then you can have as many fantasies as you wish.

Re: Poll July 29 2004, 8:31 AM

Bud:
metre, your poll proves two things.
1. People don't want to switch from what they are used to.
2. Given enough pressure, people will switch. Once they have switched, they won't want to switch back (for reason #1)

Neither one says anything about merit of the system.

metre:
Please, it's not my poll.
How did you arrive at your No.1 conclusion?
Where did the pressure come from in No. 2?
Your summation is wild fantasy and renders people completely brainless.

His conclusions are self-evidently right.

I agree.

Three cheers for eric!

Hip hip?

Those polls must have stunned the lot of you. One imperial guy goes as far as to maintain that neither poll says anything about the merits of metrication. Using his reasoning people don't think, but tick any question willy nilly just to go through the motions. What a distorted perception of human intelligence.

<<What a distorted perception of human intelligence.>>

Here's one.
Go for a walk and carry out your own poll.

Trully dilusional!