Poll: should "other" always be an answer in polls

[notruenonsequitur]

I have noticed that there are several polls where my opinion is not an option. I think adding "other" as an option would be a good way to fix that.

 

[ArcWinter]

Yes, because everyone has unique opinions and ideas.

 

[Et3rnalLegend64]

No doubt inspired by the "what is the best game ever" thread. Other is nice when the choices seem too obviously black and white, but it's not always necessary.

 

[GundamSentinel]

Exactly. For people who think that anything they don't know doesn't exist (or just anyone), "other" option is always a good idea, if only just to be on the safe side. If you want people to just pick from the given options, please make it clear in topic name and description.

 

[Kinguendo]

"Always"? No. Sometimes sure, but not always.

For example, if it is a simple yes or no answer then you cannot have an "other" option if you want the truth. Its how you get politicians to stop lying.

 

[orangebandguy]

There are a few polls with the 'other' option.

One will pop up soon no doubt.

 

[Trivun]

No real need in cases where there is a direct question that has a specific 'Yes/No' style answer. For example, a poll asking "Are you male or female?" has very little need for an 'Other' option. But in cases where there is reasonable grounds for it, then yes, there should be an 'Other' option on polls.

 

[Hobo Joe]

Not always, no. It depends if it fits the type of poll; for example 'Favourite Game' polls should always have an 'Other' option as your poll will never be extensive enough for that.

 

[TheSeventhLoneWolf]

I have a pretty balanced arguement for it. Other for generating discussion in the thread as they specify their 'other' choice. (Hopefully.) But on a downside, people just tick that because they're lazy and then not comment at all.

Without the Other option, not everyone will be catered for. And if it's a VS question, more people are likely to pick 'other'. (Though VS questions are not endorsed here, according to the posting guidelines.)

So anyway, on the brief.

Other is handy for discussion, though it is also a dumping ground for people who want to answer the poll and leave without commenting.

 

[Jharry5]

'Other' shouldn't always be an option. To be honest, it depends on the question as others have said...

 

[archyoda77]

other. cause this thread is all about it.

 

[President Moocow]

I put other on this thread. It's not ALWAYS necessary.

 

[Croaker42]

I believe it depends on how well thought out your particular poll/question is. If it is a situation or question that leaves few variables then not really.

No real need in cases where there is a direct question that has a specific 'Yes/No' style answer. For example, a poll asking "Are you male or female?" has very little need for an 'Other' option. But in cases where there is reasonable grounds for it, then yes, there should be an 'Other' option on polls.

/this

I am in complete agreement.
However we are on the internet. Even with a well thought out question/poll people will jump all over any minute detail you may have left out causing your thread to snowball into a 'well I would have' line of responses that has nothing to do with the information you are trying to derive. Of course you will always have to fear the ones that choose to respond without reading your entire thought. (I?m sure they won't find me way down here.)

 

[Simalacrum]

depends on what the poll is asking of the person - if the question is a black/white, yes or no type of answer, then its pretty pointless to include an "other" option.

Other than that, yeah it should do.