undefined | Better HN

0 pointsTeMPOraL9y ago0 comments

This still doesn't explain the graph without scale on Y axis and especially one without a clear 0 label. This is like stats 101, and not doing so implies either utter incompetence or intentional attempt to mislead the audience. There is no reason whatsoever to omit the scale and 0 label on a graph if the data actually supports the argued thesis, so most of the time lack of those elements means you're being lied to.

0 comments

daedalus_j9y ago

Given that the "gameplay"/code of the game itself also implies either utter incompetence or intentional attempts to mislead the audience, I find myself unsurprised by this. :-)

ipince9y ago

More likely, the nominal values of the y-axis are confidential, and they just want to show the % reduction in traffic. I do assume the crossing with the x-axis is actually at 0.

TeMPOraLOP9y ago

You assume. The graph itself doesn't justify that assumption. If you want to lie to someone using a graph, this is exactly the assumption you're hoping they'll make while reading it. Not labeling axis and not starting the graph at 0 are two most basic techniques from the book of Dark Patterns.

Of course this could be an innocent mistake made by Niantic. Could be. But given that PR statements in general tend to be manipulative, I'm not willing to trust that. If they didn't want to reveal their resource capacity, they could have labeled the Y-axis with percentages.

marcosdumay9y ago

They could show that by placing a 100% at the peak, and marking the axis relative to it.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse