Local politial polling
Arthur Sterngold
mayor in a small city (33,000 pop) in a mostly rural area of Central PA.
He is a young, reform-minded candidate who runs against an unpopular
incumbent mayor in the primary, and then against a popular but rather
passive candidate in the general election (this is most likely scenario).
The advertising agency which is handling the campaign advertising has
recommended that my candidate put all his $$ into media ads (surprise),
and I think I was brought on board mainly to provide a check on the ad
agency (which originally was supposed to handle the advertising and
polling). Fortunately, Central PA is an area where non-media forms of
political promotion still predominate (e.g., yard signs, door-to-door
canvassing). I would greatly appreciate any references, info or advice
on politial polling and campaign strategy for local campaigns in small
cities (in largely rural areas). Also, I would appreciate any "how to"
info on political polling and local campaign strategy in general. Finally,
if anyone has any good info I can use to resist the ad agency's advice to
devote the entire budget to media advertising, I would appreciate that, too.
Thanks.
*******************************************************************
* Dr. Arthur Sterngold, Director ster...@lycoming.edu *
* Institute for Management Studies VOICE1: 717-321-4169 *
* Box 35, Lycoming College VOICE2: 717-546-5689 *
* 700 College Place FAX: 717-321-4090 *
* Williamsport, PA 17701 *
*******************************************************************
EA...@cunyvm.cuny.edu
commercial discussion list. Do we all share in any profits?
Jerold Pearson
It seems to me that many in this group do research in the commercial
marketplace. It also seems to me that the very purpose and unique
value of this group is the (surprisingly) generous sharing of
information, expertise, and opinions. I do not think that this
sharing should be limited only to those writing papers or working in
the not-for-profit sector. Do you also want credit as co-author
with someone writing a paper whom you may have helped by sharing
your knowledge?
(In other words, "lighten up," "chill out," "relax, amigo.")
I think we all benefit, and the profession of opinion research
benefits, when any of us is better able to do his or her job
by incorporating the experience of others.
I have no idea who the original poster is polling for, or what that
candidate is all about. But I think that as professionals, we
should all be glad he is taking the task seriously enough to seek
advice he feels he needs. Uninformed research design or
inappropriate methodology -- indeed, inferior or shoddy research of
any kind -- for any client reflects badly on the entire profession.
This response is not intended as a flame, and I apologize for the
sanctimonious tone. I, myself, will now lighten up, chill out, and
sign off.
Jerold Pearson
Director of Opinion Research
Stanford University, Office of Development
ct....@forsythe.stanford.edu
Michael A. Schoenfield
>Re: local polling in PA. and maschoen's reply: I was not aware that this is a
>commercial discussion list. Do we all share in any profits?
I don't understand this response? Someone posted a message requesting
assistance. I offered assistance, what is the problem. I didn't say that I
was soliciting business (it is too simple a problem to charge anyone for).
I have experience in doing just this type of project and offered my
experience. Where is the commercial discussion?
I suspect that someone read something into a message, making an invalid
assumption. I would recommend a statement by Flex Unger in the Odd Cople,
"to assume is to make an a__ of you and me."
I really enjoy helping fellow campaigners and I resent any suggestion that I
might be using the interNET to make a commercial profit!!!!!
Mike S.
=======================================================
Michael A. Schoenfield masc...@students.wisc.edu
Michael A. Schoenfield & Associates (608) 238-6121 Voice
University of Wisconsin - Madison
2637 Mason St.
Madison, WI 53705-3709
EA...@cunyvm.cuny.edu
organization--they're in the Yellow Pages.
EA...@cunyvm.cuny.edu
address....
Chak-Tong . Chau
Hi, Michael and fellows:
I agree with your philosophy 100%. It would be a real tradgedy if we
fellow researchers (especially in academic) think in such a "calculating"
way. Helping each others is what today's education is all about. Keep up
the good work!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Chak-Tong Chau, Ph.D., *
* Assistant Professor, Accounting & Information System *
* College of Business, U. of Texas at San Antonio *
* Tel: (210) 691-5239 [Voice] (210) 691-4308 [FAX] *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Michael A. Schoenfield
>Then don't list your business name along with your (public) university
>address....
For Your Information --
They are both public names. I don't hear the same response given to the
people on this list from the N.Y. Times (which I enjoy tremendiously), ABC,
Gallup, Roper, etc. Michael A. Schoenfield & Associates happens (if it is
any of your business) to be a non-for profit consulting firm assisting low
income populations in obtaining public funding, issue research and
development (including, but not limited to, public opinion research), and
political campaign management.
If I want funding for a project, I will state so up front -- which is the
ethical method of obtaining business. I don't hear any university people
wanting funding before responding to queries. Why do you think I would be
any different. I took the first flame to be someone out of touch with
reality, now I'm starting to get angry. I DON'T QUESTION YOUR PARTICIPATION
ON THIS LISTSERV, WHY WOULD YOU QUESTION MINE!!!!! (I meant to shout). And
what is even more aggraveting is that this discussion has continued and who
ever wrote the positng I am responding to dosn't even have the guts to
appologize.
Victor Perton
If you want to harass someone, please reply to them directly. I am sick
of reading diatribes aimed at the author of one letter.
Let's get back to issues and contributions to learning rather than an
inane discussion of the merit of one posting.
Yours
Victor Perton
Lloyd Jorstad
In defense of Mr. Schoenfield
The allegations that he is quilty of using the Net for commercial
purposes are absurd. He simply did what a responsible member of the list
should do - he responded in a helpful informative manner and offered
further assistance if required. He did not solicit funds and quite
frankly the project is too small to bother invoicing anyway.
The Net is a very powerful tool, used properly it has the power to
improve our communities and personal environments. Unfortunately too
many individuals use it as a toy to amuse themselves. They indulge in
mindless drivvel and use it as their personal forum. The exchange of
ideas are minimalized as mindless complaints are expressed without
thought and reflection.
Mr. Schoenfield's actions and use of the Net are appropriate. It was
responsible of him to include his full name and credentials (inclusing
his business name) this allows us the opportunity to gage his credibility
and explore more options if we personnaly so choose to. Other
individuals who remain anonymous do not give other members of the Net as
much credibility as Mr. Schoenfield has.
G. Lloyd Jorstad
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada