2010 US Census - Efficiency in Action

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

I'm curious, how many surveys have you guys been mailed? I'm trying to figure out if I'm an exception or the rule. I've received three surveys. I filled out the first one I received well over a month ago and mailed it back the same day. Since then I've got three warning letters of encouragement and two more surveys. I'm glad so many people are given temporary jobs to boost the illusion of jobs being created, because image is every bit as important as reality. However, this 2010 Census seems to be operating on the giant wasteful cluster-fuck philosophy of the too much is better than not enough business plan. I can't recall being so bombarded and in 2000 or 1990. Seems to be an overreach this time around.

[Bench]

I've only received two surveys. 

[Andyzipp]

Everyone is supposed to receive two surveys, regardless of participation.  The estimate is $55 (iirc) for each in person census that is selected, so the double survey is supposed to (somehow) save money.

[94CougarGrad]

I got one, filled it out and mailed it back, and got the second one. I threw the second one away since I'd already mailed one it. Was I supposed to fill 'em BOTH out?

[Bench]

I got one, filled it out and mailed it back, and got the second one. I threw the second one away since I'd already mailed one it. Was I supposed to fill 'em BOTH out?

No, just one.

[94CougarGrad]

That's what I thought. I figured they didn't get my first one in time and the second one was a "c'moooon, we're seeeerious" reminder.

[Andyzipp]

That's what I thought. I figured they didn't get my first one in time and the second one was a "c'moooon, we're seeeerious" reminder.

Nope.  EVERYONE gets 2.  It's part of the plan.

[Fredia]

just got one mailed it in. seems to be enough. maybe i am the exception to the rule

[hostros7]

i got two and (i think) two or three reminder letters

[BUWebguy]

We only got one, as well. Returned it and haven't heard anything else -- no follow-ups, no letters, nothing.

[chandler44]

We never received the first one.

[JaneDoe]

We never received the first one.

Then you don't exist.

[VirtualBob]

It's an apartment number problem.  405a works; 405b works; but 405i seems to have a problem.

[Col. Sphinx Drummond]

Okay, I realize after further review that the last reminder I received was actually an advance notice of my inclusion in a second survey; the American Community Survey. Which when received, I had mistaken for the third US Census Bureau Survey. Supposedly my address, not me, was chosen at random for the additional survey. Also, they say I have to complete the American Community Survey as required by law and it is being handled by the Department of Commerce Economics and Statistic Administration.

[BudGirl]

I've gotten the survey twice.  I filled them both out but only remember mailing one of the back.  If they got them both, good for them.

[drew corleone]

I only recall getting it once, but then again I only check the mail sporadically, and I'm pretty sure the USPS either returned a recent batch or threw some of it away.

Anyway, I did get a reminder to fill out the census both before and after receiving the actual survey.

[MRaup]

I only recall getting it once, but then again I only check the mail sporadically, and I'm pretty sure the USPS either returned a recent batch or threw some of it away.

Anyway, I did get a reminder to fill out the census both before and after receiving the actual survey.

There was a vaguely threatening note in our mailbox yesterday saying some guy from the census was looking to talk to one of us.

I'm suddenly glad I'm not home until after normal door-to-door-douchebaggery hours are over.

[Billy Zabka]

There was a vaguely threatening note in our mailbox yesterday saying some guy from the census was looking to talk to one of us.

I'm suddenly glad I'm not home until after normal door-to-door-douchebaggery hours are over.

Normal door-to-door douchebaggery hours are 5-9 PM (when the most people are home), how late do you work?

[Andyzipp]

Normal door-to-door douchebaggery hours are 5-9 PM (when the most people are home), how late do you drink?

FIFY

[Bench]

There was a vaguely threatening note in our mailbox yesterday saying some guy from the census was looking to talk to one of us.

I'm suddenly glad I'm not home until after normal door-to-door-douchebaggery hours are over.

A nice older woman volunteering for the census knocked on my door yesterday, looking for the folks who live in my garage apartment.  I guess they didn't send in their form.  She asked if I knew whether they were at home, did they have a dog, and were they living their on April 1.

There was absolutely nothing threatening about this lady.

[MRaup]

Normal door-to-door douchebaggery hours are 5-9 PM (when the most people are home), how late do you work?

I usually don't get home from work until 8pm or so.

[chuck]

This Sunday the Republic of Panama is conducting its own census. They cannot simply mail the census form out because there is no postal service. The dogs here don't know what they're missing. Anyway, the national government has enlisted over 100,000 volunteers to spread out all over the country and literally go door to door to have each household fill out the form. I'll get back to the form in a second.

The entire country will be closed on Sunday. Literally. People will not be permitted to leave their homes until they are counted. If you are out on any roadway you must be able to produce the paperwork indicating that you have completed the census or you will be fined. Everything will be closed or non-functioning. No buses, no stores. Even the churches will not be allowed to open if you can believe that.

Many Panamanians are urban or at least live in reasonably concentrated towns of 20,000-50,000 but there are lots and lots of people whose dwelling is incredibly remote. Many people live in simple, cinder block houses that are far from any road. If they're prosperous they may have a horse but most of these people simply walk from the end of the nearest road. None has electricity of course. A census taker may have to walk down a dirt path for an hour to get to a single home site.

The form is, from what I understand, 12 pages long. I've included a link to a fairly sloppy translation but you'll get the general idea.

http://www.boqueteguide.com/picture_library/census.pdf

I'm really looking forward to Sunday. I expect total chaos and lots of very agitated people when they realize that they are nowhere near counting everyone by 7pm Sunday evening.

[Limey]

I'm really looking forward to Sunday. I expect total chaos and lots of very agitated people when they realize that they are nowhere near counting everyone by 7pm Sunday evening.

Stock up on beer and steaks, and [Evil Twin] dance with the chaos [/Evil Twin].

[MusicMan]

If you are out on any roadway you must be able to produce the paperwork indicating that you have completed the census or you will be fined.

Great.  Arizona just figured out their next bill.

[strosrays]

I didn't fill mine out or mail it in, and I am currently dodging the census lady, like one might a bill collector.  No particular reason.  She has left several plaintive notes on the mailbox ("It should only take ten minutes" "The information I get from you is private")  I cannot believe it is that important that my household gets counted.  What seems to be the main enticement on the television commercials -- 'Get counted so your community can receive more pork barrel money' -- doesn't really excite or motivate me, for some reason.

Actually, I think the Panamanian system makes as much sense.

[JimR]

try as i might, i cannot fathom the aversion to filling out that form. the data/questions are innocuous and non-intrusive. it seems like being onery just for oneriness' sake, and i do not understand it.

[chuck]

Actually, I think the Panamanian system makes as much sense.

Of what material is your roof made?

a) Tin
b) Palm fronds
c) Plastic tarp
d) Currently roofless

From what source do you receive your water?

Fuck, lady, I turn on the tap and the shit comes running out, I mean, how the hell does it work at your house?

How many fruit-bearing trees are currently on your property?

a) 75-150
b) 151-300
c) 301-500
d) Unchanged since last census

I got to go to Rio Hato to buy some spackling. You have to buy it in those really small plastic cans because it molds like hell down here once it's open.

[strosrays]

try as i might, i cannot fathom the aversion to filling out that form. the data/questions are innocuous and non-intrusive. it seems like being onery just for oneriness' sake, and i do not understand it.

I am trying to create the impression we are hiding something.  Not that we're illegal, but that we're not 100% kosher, either.  I am curious what happens after that.

It is sort of like poking a stick in an ant bed, to see how fast and by which avenues of egress they come out.

[JimR]

I am trying to create the impression we are hiding something.  Not that we're illegal, but that we're not 100% kosher, either.  I am curious what happens after that.

It is sort of like poking a stick in an ant bed, to see how fast and by which avenues of egress they come out.

well, ok. i guess.

[chuck]

I am trying to create the impression we are hiding something.  Not that we're illegal, but that we're not 100% kosher, either.

And you feel like you must take some specific action (or inaction) to accomplish that?

[Bench]

Not that we're illegal, but that we're not 100% kosher, either. 

A bacon cheeseburger is a much more enjoyable way to go about that.

[Limey]

I got to go to Rio Hato to buy some spackling. You have to buy it in those really small plastic cans because it molds like hell down here once it's open.

One thing I noticed about things about "proper" Mexico - beer is sold only in singles.  If there are six thirsty gringos in the grocery store, a separate beer cart is required.

[chuck]

One thing I noticed about things about "proper" Mexico - beer is sold only in singles.  If there are six thirsty gringos in the grocery store, a separate beer cart is required.

Oh, you can buy beer by the case here, don't worry.

[chuck]

Empadronado!

That was a lot briefer than I'd feared. Though they literally did ask me where my water comes from. I told them it comes from the griferia, the faucet, and they scowled at that answer. You have water in the bathtub? they asked suspiciously. Why, yes, I do. They then lingered a bit on the question of whether or not I am hiding a sewing machine. I flatly denied owning or possessing a sewing machine and I eventually persuaded the pair to accept this unlikely reality.

They slap a pink sticker on the side of each house that's been counted or where an attempt was made. The people that worked the other side of my street decided that the stained wood next to the front door would be an outstanding place for the sticker and when I saw that I rushed out of my house in a panic and was relieved to see that my pair had the good sense to have placed the sticker on a plaster wall. I am now free to leave the house and have on my person a white get out of jail free card that reads "Mientras el canal ampliamos, en el 2010 nos contamos." I'm going to go see what a day with no traffic looks like.

[JaneDoe]

Empadronado!

That was a lot briefer than I'd feared. Though they literally did ask me where my water comes from. I told them it comes from the griferia, the faucet, and they scowled at that answer. You have water in the bathtub? they asked suspiciously. Why, yes, I do. They then lingered a bit on the question of whether or not I am hiding a sewing machine. I flatly denied owning or possessing a sewing machine and I eventually persuaded the pair to accept this unlikely reality.

They slap a pink sticker on the side of each house that's been counted or where an attempt was made. The people that worked the other side of my street decided that the stained wood next to the front door would be an outstanding place for the sticker and when I saw that I rushed out of my house in a panic and was relieved to see that my pair had the good sense to have placed the sticker on a plaster wall. I am now free to leave the house and have on my person a white get out of jail free card that reads "Mientras el canal ampliamos, en el 2010 nos contamos." I'm going to go see what a day with no traffic looks like.

So where are you hiding your stash of 25 sewing machines?

[BudGirl]

If you need a sewing machine, let me know.  I have one I don't use.

[austro]

So where are you hiding your stash of 25 sewing machines?

I wonder if they care about the serger he has hidden in the closet.

[chuck]

If you need a sewing machine, let me know.  I have one I don't use.

You know, I wish I had a nickel for every time I've thought to myself Damn it, I could really use a sewing machine right now, and I thank you for your kind offer but I would have to rework the census form and I shudder to think of what that might entail. I mean, they might just discover that in addition to the one microwave I have in plain sight I have a toaster oven, a hot plate and an electric sandwich press hidden under a kitchen counter. An electric sandwich press! There's not even a check-box for that.

[Alkie]

An electric sandwich press! There's not even a check-box for that.

...yet.   Just wait a few more years until more chalkies invade and make this standard practice.

[strosrays]

This Sunday the Republic of Panama is conducting its own census. They cannot simply mail the census form out because there is no postal service. The dogs here don't know what they're missing. Anyway, the national government has enlisted over 100,000 volunteers to spread out all over the country and literally go door to door to have each household fill out the form. I'll get back to the form in a second.

The entire country will be closed on Sunday. Literally. People will not be permitted to leave their homes until they are counted. If you are out on any roadway you must be able to produce the paperwork indicating that you have completed the census or you will be fined. Everything will be closed or non-functioning. No buses, no stores. Even the churches will not be allowed to open if you can believe that.

Many Panamanians are urban or at least live in reasonably concentrated towns of 20,000-50,000 but there are lots and lots of people whose dwelling is incredibly remote. Many people live in simple, cinder block houses that are far from any road. If they're prosperous they may have a horse but most of these people simply walk from the end of the nearest road. None has electricity of course. A census taker may have to walk down a dirt path for an hour to get to a single home site.

The form is, from what I understand, 12 pages long. I've included a link to a fairly sloppy translation but you'll get the general idea.

http://www.boqueteguide.com/picture_library/census.pdf

I'm really looking forward to Sunday. I expect total chaos and lots of very agitated people when they realize that they are nowhere near counting everyone by 7pm Sunday evening.

I dunno.  Seems like they went for thoroughness with the census count down there.  Actually, the procedures used do not seem much different than those being employed by door-to-door census takers here in the U.S., in my experience.

I like it that the Panamanian workers just tagged the residential gates and ran.  That's what I would do.  'Fuck counting these rich gringos, it's Cerveza Panama time!'

[chuck]

I dunno.  Seems like they went for thoroughness with the census count down there.  Actually, the procedures used do not seem much different than those being employed by door-to-door census takers here in the U.S., in my experience.

I like it that the Panamanian workers just tagged the residential gates and ran.  That's what I would do.  'Fuck counting these rich gringos, it's Cerveza Panama time!'

Funny, yeah, I'd read that too. They were pretty thorough in my area. Although I was very surprised to learn that the total count came to just over 3MM when that's been the presumed population for ten years.

[Limey]

Funny, yeah, I'd read that too. They were pretty thorough in my area. Although I was very surprised to learn that the total count came to just over 3MM when that's been the presumed population for ten years.

They were good men, and thorough?