Poll Responses at 19 votes:

Are you an "elitist", and, if so, how do you use the word? (poll id 32)

• 3 (16%) - Yes, better than / entitled to special treatment or exceptions to rules.
• 4 (21%) - Yes, but not by the first definition.
• 11 (58%) - No.
• 1 (5%) - Other.

"Elitists": 37%

Non-"Elitists": 58%

How do you think most people perceive groups that describe themselves as "elitists"? (poll id 33)

• 11 (58%) - Likely to make a bad impression regardless of presentation.
• 6 (32%) - There is a way of presenting it.
• 1 (5%) - It's unlikely to make a bad impression regardless.
• 1 (5%) - Other.

Do you feel inhibited about participating in a group that is described as as "elitist"? (poll id 36)

• 5 (26%) - I will participate fully, but only if I can be anonymous.
• 1 (5%) - I will participate partially.
• 4 (21%) - I will consider quitting or not participating in the first place.
• 0 (0%) - I will participate fully, without anonymity but I hope certain people don't find out.
• 8 (42%) - I will participate fully, without anonymity and I don't care who knows it.
• 1 (5%) - Other.

Inhibited: 26% - 52% (Some of these may prefer anonymous posting regardless.)

Uninhibited: 42%

If LessWrong had a method that you thought was good to ensure you can still experience flow* in discussions while also maintaining quality on the blog, would you welcome beginners who are interested in becoming more rational and refrain from using the word "elitist" to describe LessWrong? (poll id 35)

• 15 (79%) - Yes.
• 2 (11%) - No.
• 2 (11%) - Other.

Conclusion:

Most people taking the poll don't identify as "elitists" and think it is likely to make a bad impression to call ourselves "elitists". About 21% of people feel strongly enough about this that they would consider quitting or not joining in the first place. Up to 52% feel inhibited about participating in a group that is described as "elitist". An overwhelming majority (79%) would welcome beginners to the site and refrain from using the word elitist to describe the site if there were a good way to ensure that they still experience flow in discussions and maintain quality on the blog (or some combination of those).

See Also:

Kindly's criticism of my poll.