659256 Tue Oct 13 17:31:50 -0700 2009 6 59 CHOW Feedback 0 5101024 I participate on another message board that allows posters to create polls with up to 5 voting options, and readers can vote and view results, and also comment on the poll the same as with regular threads. I think that would be a cool feature here, for example "Which of these Chicago restaurants should I not miss on my trip?" or "Which is better - Five Guys or Backyard Burgers?" Tue Oct 13 17:31:50 -0700 2009 81820 starbucksbrew 1 5101180 i second the motion. terrific idea! Tue Oct 13 18:43:37 -0700 2009 5101024 103920 goodhealthgourmet 1 5101816 I vote no on polls. Wed Oct 14 05:05:40 -0700 2009 5101024 10027 Chris VR 2 5106545 That's a little ironic. LOL Thu Oct 15 16:18:13 -0700 2009 5101816 81820 starbucksbrew 3 5106617 Well. more proving a point, I think. Chowhound is a discussion site, and polls are sort of the anthesis of discussion. My "no" doesn't give you a chance to understand why I feel that way, or to discuss the various aspects of the issue. I also think Chowhound has tried really hard not to create a herd/crowd mentality, and although it still happens, it's not a prevalent as it could be (although with the new "star" ratings on Restaurant pages, it's a step in that direction.) I understand that poll threads have discussion fields, but I just don't think the wide variety of opinions we have here could be given justice with a poll at the top of a thread. I know on such boards, many people don't bother to read the discussions, they just see the bar graphs and think that there's a definitive answer there. I like the fact that on this site, we use words to convey our opinions, not stars, numbers, bar graphs, thumbs or other faceless statistical measures. It's something that's always been a competitive differentiator, and I'd hate to see Chowhound turn into just another site where people can get a quick answer without really engaging with the community. Thu Oct 15 16:43:58 -0700 2009 5106545 10027 Chris VR 4 5117661 Completely agree with Chris VR. Tue Oct 20 12:00:08 -0700 2009 5106617 36312 HillJ 4 5117928 I respect your opinion, and thanks for sharing your thoughts in such detail. Tue Oct 20 13:27:46 -0700 2009 5106617 81820 starbucksbrew