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by beebeepka 1080 days ago
Steam survey doesn't represent reality, imho. When was the last time you were asked to participate? On how many machines, assuming you have more than one.

I am sure Valve collects way more than they let on. Linux gaming is at a good place. However, I really wish AMD would release their CPU and GPU control software for Linux. Running newer AMF cards is painful because the stock BIOS settings are anything but sane. Gotta burn power to win benchmarks...
4 comments
striking 1080 days ago
The field of statistics is kind of based on the idea that you can take a sample and it might represent a population. Maybe you have a more specific complaint about the Steam Survey methodology in mind that I'm not picking up on?
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beebeepka 1080 days ago
> might represent a population

So, you do agree that it's not hard data? Not sure what made you think I am "complaining" about the survey. Just pointing out it does not represent the full picture. It's supposedly random and voluntary.

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striking 1080 days ago
When considering whether or not the survey reflects reality, I invite you to look at other survey methodologies and the error bars that are possible with as many as, say, 1500 randomly sampled survey participants. The voluntary nature might skew the data a little bit, but not so much that it completely invalidates the trends shown. Sure, not the whole picture, but probably quite close.
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beebeepka 1080 days ago
Maybe you are right. I cannot tell because I have no way of verifying the results.

Would you personally use the survey for actual real world research? Not talking about phoronix articles and blogs. Say, you are a marketing guy and the company you work for asks you to make predictions.

Personally I would not. And that is the essence of what I said.

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Shorel 1080 days ago
He probably wants to imply there are PC gamers who don't use steam at all.

That's probably true. Now the question is, how many PC gamers use Steam and how many don't.

And this is one big important piece of data I don't have.

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duped 1080 days ago
I get asked about every six months.
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ThatMedicIsASpy 1080 days ago
The survey is a random sample every month. I think a fresh steam installation also triggers the question if you want to participate in it right then.
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beebeepka 1080 days ago
A fresh install does not trigger it. I know because I made a number of changes, including Linux and Windows installatios, to several machines recently and was not asked once
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Dalewyn 1080 days ago
>When was the last time you were asked to participate?

Recent enough I still remember being mildly annoyed as I went to opt out. Again.

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