17 Oct
2005
17 Oct
'05
10:32 a.m.
Ge van Geldorp wrote:
But you would have to manually edit the database and everyone would
immediately notice the change as the results are updated in real-time for
everyone to see. In that respect, although the DBA has the power to change
it as they see fit, it would be very silly to do so.
There will always be some level at which the results could be changed. If we
had a secretary, some could break into their computer and alter the results,
or they could be bribed. I think we have to accept this and draw a line at
what we consider an acceptable, reliable and trustworthy control system.
I think using the forums is the best way of removing the power of
controlling the votes from everyone.
I know you can be trusted not to alter the database, in the same way I can
be trusted not to break into the database and alter it myself.
Using the forum voting system also removes any form of human error.
Although everyone can see the vote status, it's not possible to see who
voted for a particular option. It's only evident that 'someone' has voted.
You could even go as far as setting your board preferences so that your name
is not shown as being online when you logon. This will give complete
anonymity.
Ged.
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From: Murphy, Ged (Bolton)
Another quick point to say that using the voting facility on
the board would remove the issue of giving a 'project
secretary' power in a secret vote. The software would control
that ..... And software doesn't lie or cheat :)
But the database administrator (i.e.: me) could... You're just moving the
power from the project secretary to the dba.
In the way the
phpbb forums voting works, each voter will
only ever be able to make 1 vote, even if they have multiple
usernames, as only 1 of those usernames will be in the
'developer' group.
You can even go as far as making the forum hidden from
everyone not in the developer group ..... Although I think
this is wrong, and should be read only to everyone else.
But every other developer still gets to see my vote I think? Doesn't sound
like a true secret ballot.