Gallup Poll Panel

[Geek_Girl]

About 2 months ago I participated in a Gallup poll phone survey that was pretty much directed at my views about the current president. They asked some basic questions about income level and race. After telling the Gallup representative our household income was over 70k, he chimed up and said, "Well, would you like to be part regular Gallup poll panel." I said, "sure that would be great."

After a few weeks they sent an extensive questioner addressed to me personally that asked about religion, political affiliation, income etc.. The questioner also asked that if other members of my household would like to become a panel member to fill out the demographic information as well. My husband also filled out the questioner. When asked about religion I put other Wiccan, my husband put Christian. For political affiliation my husband put independent I of course put Democrat.

Since filling out the questioner It seems I have been eliminated from the panel. Every survey that comes to the house now is addressed to him and any time they want to do a phone survey they specifically ask for him.

Several years ago, I worked for a marketing research company. I know from experience, that these type of companies primarily targeted a certain demographic. That's exactly what I think Gallup and other polls are doing with Bush's approval ratings. They are hand picking a certain demographic. Initially I probably hit the demographic they were looking for, white, southern and making a certain income level. After giving them further demographical information ie political affiliation and religion. They are no longer interested in my views.