Strange occurrence re: Arbitron

[linazelle]

I got a postcard from Arbitron saying that I'd been selected to provide feedback on my listening habits. I called and gave the telephone person the code from the card. She said she would be sending me forms to complete and small token for volunteering to provide feedback.

As I was hanging up, she asked: "Are there any people of African American or Hispanic descent in your family?" I answered "Yes." (I immediately regretted answering because it was none of her damned business.)

Anyhewww...that was a week and a half ago.

I have not gotten the followup mailing.

Am I being paranoid to suspect that racism is involved?

[Kutjara]

1. Yep.

"Them blacks and Hispanics don't buy enough of our stuff, so we don't give a shit what they think."

[linazelle]

2. They're sadly mistaken if that's what they think. I threw the

postcard away but I may try to find a contact number and ask some questions about why the info they promised never arrived.

[Kutjara]

3. Bigots always are.

They live by the stereotype, which is why they are so resistant to the reality that's staring them in the face.

Let us know what you find out. I'm guessing they'll come up with some, 'oh we only send feedback forms to a cross-section of the people we contact.' Yeah...right.

[samdogmom]

4. As a former media buyer for an ad agency, I say no overt racism!

You represent a definite market segment advertisers are seeking. Give Arbitron time--a week and a half isn't quite long enough for the next step. If they accepted you via the phone, you'll be getting your packet! Sometimes they gather all of their "targets" before they do the mailing--it may be a few weeks before you get your forms to complete.

[linazelle]

5. Ok. That's comforting. I'll keep checking the mailbox. Thanks. nt

[aquart]

6. Yeah, I'll agree.

I suspect they are desperately interested in what puts you in a happy, money-spending mood. Huge demo.

[mwooldri]

7. Absolutely no explicit racism involved.

However they do want to know their demographics by race. They want to know how many % of such-and-such listen to what-have-you. Like my instincts tell me that Rush Limbaugh listeners are mainly white, mainly over 50 and mainly male.

Arbitron will send you the mailing. If you got the card, you will get the mailing. I've participated, apparently my sources tell me that not enough males 25-45 (of any race) fill out and return their books apparently.

Mark.

[Gloria]

8. I'm a Nielsen family this week. I was contacted months ago

then got a card, then the envelope with the materials. They ask about household demographics and race in their survey booklet. I think it's just for sampling purposes and I don't think Abritron is asking to be racist. They are trying to get a cross section of the listening audience, most likely. And, it may take a long time to get the actual survey materials, if they're anything like Nielsen....