25 Aug
2011
25 Aug
'11
8:29 a.m.
As one who spends much time on statistical sites around the world, I can
tell you that no nation has managed to produce anything so user unfriendly.
It is even more productive to use some sites in foreign languages one
doesn't understand (thanks to Google translate). Many sites have less
information, but having less information is not much of a disadvantage when
a wealth of information is behind a needlessy complicated data wall that
prevents its ready access.
Given the interest in cutting back government statistical programs (we
surely need to cut back many things to get off the road to Greece), AFF
could be an important tool of those who do not understand the importance of
widely available data.
Yes, thank you Elaine and thank you to sites like that at U of Missouri.
On Wed, Aug 24, 2011 at 7:42 PM, Jonathan Lupton <jlupton(a)metroplan.org>wrote;wrote:
I know it’s a lost cause to expect the Census Bureau
to see reason and dump
AFF2, which sometime this fall will become their only portal for census and
ACS data. But anyone who believes a data searching and downloading product
has to require tutorials and special training, or has to be clunky,
needlessly complex, visually confusing, and counter-intuitive should visit
the BEA’s new web site, and try downloading economic data for his/her local
area. The steps are quick, the icons are clear and intuitive, and you can
get to some pretty complex stuff in a series of steps that leaves you
feeling smart. ****
** **
By comparison, speaking only for myself, I always come away from AFF2
either feeling dumb, or like a shoplifter who actually got away with
something useful, despite the risks I had to take and the danger of complete
failure.****
** **
However, I do appreciate the efforts of Elaine and others to provide tips
and data-downloading alternatives to AFF2 – thanks!****
** **
Jonathan Lupton AICP****
Research Planner****
Metroplan****
Little Rock AR****
501-372-3300****
** **
** **
_______________________________________________
ctpp-news mailing list
ctpp-news(a)chrispy.net
http://www.chrispy.net/mailman/listinfo/ctpp-news
--
--
Wendell Cox
Demographia | Wendell Cox Consultancy - St. Louis Missouri-Illinois
metropolitan region
Visiting Professor, Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers, Paris
+1.618 632 8507
www.demographia.com | www.publicpurpose.com | www.rentalcartours.net
Books & Publications
WAR ON THE DREAM: How Anti-Sprawl Policy Threatens the Quality of Life
http://www.demographia.com/wod1.pdf
7th ANNUAL DEMOGRAPHIA INTERNATIONAL HOUSING AFFORDABILITY SURVEY (
http://www.demographia.com/dhi.pdf)
THE WAL-MART REVOLUTION: How Big-Box Stores Benefit Consumers, Workers, and
the Economy
By Richard Vedder & Wendell Cox