Statistics, Sources and Damn Lies

[zhaneel69]

So, a coworker (who I actually like) sent out the following link today:

Statistics Show Social Media Is Bigger Than You ThinkThe point of the article is to use startling facts to get people who aren't involved in the Social Networking space to realize its potential. I suspect it is half 'ra-ra go Social Networking' and half 'if you are a 50+ y/o

Comments

[fallen42]

I hate when people misuse numbers :(.

[rbus]

i shall never quote stats in an entry if there is a chance you you might read. unless they are true and i have a solid source. or at least, maybe 23% of the time i won't.

this is why *real* researchers go back to original source documents, and as many of them as possible.

as a researcher, believe nothing. especially that which bolsters your own point of view.

[zhaneel69]

I mind less people quoting from a single source in a passing LJ entry. But this was geared as fact, selling a book, and designed to be used to make a point, and so it got my ire up.

[rbus]

a little p.t. barnum is good for the soul. but if my boss comes to me with that book i'm gonna print your rebuttal and refuse to take action.