The survey kicks off

I set off bright and early this morning for the city, to meet two long standing friends who had no inkling they were to be the first two people to be interviewed for my grand Ausfood survey. I have restricted it to seven main questions which may be adjusted in the future according to the reactions of the participants.  I really want to use the word surveyees ( in the same vein as the words employer and employee might be used) however the website offering answers to questions from linguists, etymologists and serious English language enthusiasts hold out for the use of participants.  Boring.  To my chagrin it appears the word surveyees does not exist. Until now.

While waiting for the tram, an older couple asked me for information about the trams stopping at this tramstop and their destinations.   I asked if they would be interested in taking part in a small survey. Quid pro quo. They agreed and we didn't get beyond the first question before a domestic breaks out in the form of who does the most supermarket shopping.  Is it Frank or is it Marie?  This is an unforeseen situation and I mentally file away a plan for dealing with questioning couples, allow them a couple of minutes to argue and then guide them on to the next question. Happily they are both strongly in favour of supporting Australian farmers but my survey is rudely interrupted by the arrival of the tram.  End of the first two surveys. At least I made it to the end of the two qualifying questions.

Later in the city over a cup of coffee I put the complete survey to my friends. This leads to another altercation, this one between the surveyor and one of the surveyees.  She lives in Canada but claims that holding an Australian passport and having currently lived the last three months in Australia makes her well qualified to take part in the survey.  I acquiesce. Peace at any price is my motto at this stage of the debate. I am  lectured by the Canadian about becoming a public nuisance - going around asking questions of complete strangers.  She may have a very valid point there but one which will not hold me back one bit.

I am well pleased with the reaction to my survey.  Even complete strangers, in the form of Frank and Marie, have an opinion on supporting Australian farmers by buying Australian produce. And frank and fearless criticism from friends can only be a good thing and make me sharpen up my ideas.  Everyone I ask will be sure to add another dimension to the overall scheme regarding this project.

It's been good fun today and there's always room for a bit of fun amongst the daily routine I say.