The American Community Survey–the new version of the U.S. Census–arrived in our mailbox yesterday. In most households, this likely goes unheralded, but it’s caused quite the stir around here.
Apparently, the decennial “long form” has been replaced with a perpetual survey that targets a handful of random households every month. Most of the surveys ask a few basic population questions, but we were among the one in six selected to fill out a lengthy booklet about everything from my dress size to how often we clean the bathroom. I’m suprised they didn’t ask for the details surrounding the conception of my firstborn.
I am–of course–exaggerating, but only slightly. As a marketing nerd, I find this type of research–both the tool itself and the thought of what it might belie–quite interesting. My near-libertarian husband, on the other hand, finds it nothing short of a complete invasion of his privacy.
My one source of frustration stems not from sharing exactly how many rooms are in my house, or what my annual income is, or whether or not I accept any sort of state aid. I am only annoyed that I have to provide this information YET AGAIN.
I filed the appropriate paperwork after purchasing my home, I pay income tax, and I would certainly already be part of at least one database should I qualify for some sort of assistance. Surely in this day and age, there’s an easy way to store, sort and retrieve the information collected through these and the myriad of other government documentation procedures.
Instead, though, we’ll just take the estimated 38 minutes to fill out a survey and make it a bit easier for the folks in Washington. Or, if Bryan has anything to say about it, we won’t. At a fine of $100 per unanswered question, though, I hope none of you are counting on Christmas presents from the Smiths.
Smith Family Weblog 
Posted by Doug Smith on December 2, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Tell us more about this conception . . . .
Posted by smithfamilyweblog on December 2, 2008 at 2:31 pm
I actually have photos!
Posted by Katie on December 2, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Oh dear God.
Posted by karyl on December 2, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Is this some kind of scam?? How can they insist that you complete this – I am with Bryan – a complete invasion of privacy!
Posted by Lori on December 3, 2008 at 10:33 am
You should talk to Chuck who’s doing some research work at Ancestory.com, which relies greatly on the census information gathered in the past 150 years. I did some poking around and was amazed at the translation of the spelling of my family names. In those days everything was handwritten. At least they are not asking you if you can read or write, if you have a bathroom in your house or if you made it beyond the 5th grade.
Posted by smithfamilyweblog on December 3, 2008 at 10:40 am
Actually, Lori, they are asking all of those questions! Specifically, do you have plumbing/running water, how much schooling did you complete, what is your current job title/major responsibilities, etc.
One of Bryan’s main concerns stems from the questions on ancestry. Apparently, they used census data to round up Japanese Americans for internment during WWII. Crazy.
I am starting to see his point. And, we think the fine may be $100 total, not per question, though an incorrect answer is fined $500. It’s so confusing.
I should also note that a running joke on the Smith side is, “We’re trying to have a baby,” to which Doug likes to respond, “Do you have photos?”
Posted by Jessica S. on December 3, 2008 at 2:33 pm
You don’t really have to pay a fine do you??? That is crazy!
Also, pictures are nice, but video would be better…little hint for #3.