unexpected results

Since Mitt Romney asked the question, here are the countries that have a higher GDP per capita than the US (plus a few that are close.)

Monaco 186,175

Liechtenstein 134,392

Luxembourg 108,706

Bermuda 101,346

Norway 78,674

Qatar 2009 69,754

Switzerland 65,003

British Virgin Islands 57,626

Denmark 2009 56,687

Cayman Islands 54,827

United Arab Emirates 54,138

San Marino 2009 54,104

Ireland 49,115

Netherlands 47,889

Australia 47,615

Austria 45,563

United States 44,872 

Finland 44,688

Belgium 44,254

Sweden 43,903

Andorra 43,770

France 41,226

Germany 40,528

Japan 39,864

Canada 39,795

Source: United Nations Statistics Division

Today I announced on my Facebook account that I will be deleting my account from the service at a date in the near future. I’m not doing this as part of any larger statement or campaign; I’m simply no longer interested in maintaining my account.

Since everything on the internet requires a list, I’m including mine:

1. I Don’t Use It.  The most important reason for me to quit using Facebook is that I simply don’t use it.  When it first came out, Facebook was a nice way to keep tabs on my friends without having to do much.  Now, the information stream is overloaded.  Sure Facebook has tried to improve the process, but it’s also working to keep eyeballs on the screen for as long as possible.  I don’t have the energy for that.
2. I Do Use Complementary Technology.  The other social networks I use are more suited to my personality and lifestyle. 
   • Twitter represents more of a public converstation or a snapshot of the world as it is now; it’s a good way to snag a quick update without a long-term commitment to what’s been going on.
   • Google+ is more streamlined than Facebook, and it allows me to better control more long-term postings.  Plus, it has a nerdier/tech bent to it, which is more of what I’m looking for.  Also, it integrates with all the technology I’m already using.
   • Tumblr (this site) is for my long-form communications.  I’m not always the best at writing updates, but it is the most flexible platform I have.
3. I Don’t Like It.  In much the same way that AOL build a walled “internet” for the computer illiterates, Facebook works too hard to control how you interact with it.  Given the size and scope, it seems to be attracting a “lowest common denominator” aspect that I find off-putting.
4. It’s Only Going to Get Worse.  For years now, FB has made headlines regarding its bad privacy policy changes, arrogant CEO, and other forms of negative press.  With the prospect of an IPO a big possibility and the peverse incentive of FB to act in the short-term interests of its investors instead of being responsible to its customers likely, the situation will only get worse with time.
5. I Need a Fresh Start.  Facebook has a “notch-in-the-headboard” vibe to it; there is so much emphasis on acquiring more and more friends.  Of the 228 “friends” I have on FB, I think I’ve spoken to about a dozen of them in the last year.  Maybe it’s just because I’m anti-social, but it is all the more reason to pare down my list of contacts.

In a nutshell, I need to simplify my online presence.  Given the relative strengths of the other sites, something had to go.  Facebook just happened to be it.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.

“In Flanders Fields”, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae

The problem with statistics and polling in politics is that people put too much faith in small samples.