[Buge]

Yeah, I could guess based on context. I would prefer notation that's clear on its own without needing to look at context. "1/2 the price" is clear on its own.

And it still makes me feel nervous that 3x improvement = 200% increase. It seems to me like a big opportunity for misunderstanding.

[getcrunk]

Thank you so much for saying this! It has always bothered me

[BoorishBears]

1/59th the price isn't as clear.

If even a person asking how it works knew how it worked, how confusing can it be?

[Buge]

I think 1/59th the price is clearer than 59x cheaper. In 59x, what is the x for? Multiplication? What is being multiplied?

"1/59th the price of AWS" is clear because you take the price of AWS and multiply it by 1/59. Probably more clear would be "1.7% the price of AWS".

When I think there's an opportunity for misunderstanding, I point it out. I don't think I'm more likely to misunderstand something than the average person, but I am more likely to speak out if I see something potentially confusing.

I would be interested in seeing a poll where we ask people to estimate "59x cheaper than $200", vs "1/59th of $200" vs "1.7% of $200". Obviously the last one is easiest to do exactly in your head, but we can still get a fair comparison by just seeing whether people are at least in the neighborhood vs way off.

I would also like to see it with 2x, 1/2 and 50%.