Polls

Intelligent UK friendship, dating and matchmaking for graduates of all eras

This is a list of our member poll results. Each poll has been run over different period between a week to six weeks and reflect member opinions at a particular point in time. For more background information please contact us via the help system. Polls are shown with the most recent at the top.
Ivory Towers Poll Do you believe climate change is caused by humans and requires urgent action? We should take some measured steps to mitigate climate change. 40.5% Yes, we need to take major action now for the future of our planet. 35.1% I am sceptical of the evidence or about the campaigners. 18.9% I don't know enough about it to have strong view. 5.4%	Ivory Towers Poll What would make you most likely to write to another member? A good photograph 37.5% Short, witty essays 28.1% The fact he/she wrote to me! 25.0% Thoughtful essays which go a bit deeper 9.4%
Ivory Towers Poll What kind of relationship are you looking for? A long term relationship 44.6% Marriage 26.8% Not sure, open to possibilities 26.8% Something short and sweet 1.8%	Ivory Towers Poll Is there still a place for handwritten love letters? Yes, proper handwritten love letters are special and romantic 68.3% Love emails are more realistic 17.1% Prefer chat, texts or tweets 9.8% Love letters are old fashioned or rather embarrassing 4.9%
Ivory Towers Poll Do you feel it's OK to date more than one person at a time? It's fine to date more than one person if it's just for the first couple of dates. 45.7% Dating more than one person at a time is fine, until you decide to "commit.". 24.7% I wouldn't date more than one person at a time, even at the very early stages. 23.5% I'm not really sure what is OK! 6.2%	Ivory Towers Poll Do you take holidays in July or August? I tend to go at other times of the year. 48.5% Yes, I like to take a couple of weeks off in high summer. 33.3% I get about a week off. 15.2% I might take a long weekend. 3.0%
Ivory Towers Poll With whom do you tend to go on holiday? I go with one or two friends 50.0% It's a good time to spend with family members 33.3% I like to go with a large crowd of people. 16.7% I will often go on my own. 0.0%	Ivory Towers Poll Are men with beards more attractive? No - clean shaven is much more attractive 59.6% Yes, if well groomed 21.2% A touch of stubble gets it about right 15.4% The hairier the better 3.8%
Ivory Towers Poll Would you tell other people that you are on a dating site? I would tell a few close friends, or other single people who might benefit. 37.5% Why ever not? 27.1% Never, it's my business and I would want to keep it private 18.8% If I met someone special, I might explain how it happened 12.5% Not sure, I'm nervous of what people might say or think. 4.2%	Ivory Towers Poll Which of these is truest for you? I am more likely to contact somebody with a poor photo than no photo 42.6% I would only contact somebody on IT who had a good photo? 39.3% I am more likely to contact somebody without a photo than a poor photo. 18.0%
Ivory Towers Poll Would you ever be tempted to lie or "fudge" on your profile, and if so what about? No, I would not lie on my profile about anything. 73.6% Yes about my age 8.3% Yes - about some other issue 8.3% Yes, about my weight 6.9% Yes, about my height 2.8%	Ivory Towers Poll What for you is the most important factor in choosing a dating site? The overall quality of the people on the site 55.6% Whether I see somebody I would like to meet 19.4% How safe I feel using the site and interacting with its members 16.7% The recommendation of friends who have used the site before 8.3%
Ivory Towers Poll Are you looking forward to 2009? Yes, fresh start, fresh hopes! 58.8% More worried/sceptical than hopeful. 23.5% Not sure, haven't really woken up to it yet. 17.6%	Ivory Towers Poll Which of these type of films would you pick for a date? A witty Woody Allen film 37.7% James Bond movie 34.0% Prefer not to go to the cinema 15.1% A Romcom 13.2%
Ivory Towers Poll Are you feeling the credit crunch? Nothing seems to have changed for me...yet. 55.3% Its had an impact on a few of my friends 27.7% I am directly affected or expect to be very soon. 17.0%	Ivory Towers Poll Which would be your favourite romantic weekend away? Walking in Scotland or the Lake District 33.8% Paris, of course. 29.2% A comfortable cottage or hotel in the Cotswolds 24.6% A beach in the Meditteranean 12.3%
Ivory Towers Poll Which would you find the most appealing cheap date? Go for a walk 38.2% Visit a free art gallery or museum 33.6% Picnic in the Park 23.6% Sorry - I want an expensive dinner for two! 4.5%	Ivory Towers Poll What, in general, do you find more attractive in the opposite sex? It's irrelevant 50.0% Dark hair and dark complexion 25.8% Blonde hair, fair complexion 17.7% Redheads 6.5%
Ivory Towers Poll Which of these is the best question to ask on a date? What do you like to do at weekends? 45.7% None of the above 21.9% If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? 12.4% What makes you happy/sad/angry? 10.5% If you suddenly received a million pounds, what would you do with it? 9.5%	Ivory Towers Poll What most attracts you to somebody on a first meeting? Good figure and general style 45.4% Nice smile and eye contact 26.3% Good conversation 17.7% Listening skills 10.6%
Ivory Towers Poll In your experience, do relationships work if the woman makes the first move? Yes, they can and they do. 62.4% In theory they should, but in practice, I'm not sure. 23.5% It's better for the man to take the initiative.. 14.1%	Ivory Towers Poll Which of the following most gets in the way of finding a partner? Not enough people looking for committed relationships 43.6% My high expectations. 38.6% Career and work pressures 17.8%
Ivory Towers Poll Are you following the US Presidential primary elections? I'm riveted - following it every step of the way. 54.1% Yes - it's an important contest with major implications for the world. 34.2% Why is there is so much news about the internal politics of another country. 11.7%	Ivory Towers Poll Which of these special dates do you most enjoy or look forward to? Bonfire Night 52.5% Christmas Day 17.8% None of the Above 17.8% New Year's Eve 8.0% Valentine's Day 4.0%
Ivory Towers Poll What would be (or has been) the greatest obstacle to a lasting relationship? Different views about marriage and children 44.2% Disagreements about money and how to spend it 26.3% Different standards of tidiness and general hygiene 21.1% Different views on politics/religion 8.4%	Ivory Towers Poll How many times have you fallen in love after the age of 23? Once or twice 55.5% Never truly been in love 19.4% I fall in love occasionally 19.4% I fall in love all the time 5.8%
Ivory Towers Poll Would you go for a relationship with a 15 year plus age difference? I would be open to that - other issues are more important. 34.7% I would be put off by a large age gap. 30.9% Younger yes - older no! 22.4% Older yes - younger no! 12.0%	Ivory Towers Poll Are you on a Social Networking site? I have signed up to one or two, and log on occasionally 28.6% I log on daily 27.1% I have no intention of joining a social networking site. 25.7% I am thinking about joining one. 18.6%
Ivory Towers Poll How will the smoking ban in pubs, bars and restaurants affect you? I am much more likely to go to pubs or bars now 59.1% It won't make any difference to me 27.3% I am less likely to go to pubs or bars 13.6%	Ivory Towers Poll At which kind of event do you find it easiest to meet people? Wine tasting 35.8% Informal get together at a pub 29.5% Speed dating 17.9% I wouldn't go to a singles event if you paid me! 16.8%
Ivory Towers Poll On average, how long do you tend to communicate online before setting up a date? I prefer to set up a date as soon as possible, why wait? 79.2% It varies depending on the circumstances 9.6% About a month, having built up a good correspondence first. 8.1% Longer than a month 3.1%	Ivory Towers Poll Do you believe in love at first sight? No, real love doesn't happen like that. 60.8% Yes - I really do. 24.4% Maybe, but I am sceptical. 14.8%
Ivory Towers Poll Do you believe that the Welfare State is a Ponzi Scheme? What is a "ponzi" scheme? 89.1% It provides necessary protection for the vulnerable and unfortunate in society. 6.8% Yes, it's financially unsustainable and forces people into dependence on the State. 3.5% I am undecided 0.6%	Ivory Towers Poll How far might you relocate for love? I would go anywhere on the planet, for the right person 43.6% I wouldn't move more than about 50 miles from where I am now. 21.8% I would move to most places in the UK - barring wet and rocky outcrops. 17.5% I would move to anywhere in the developed world. 17.1%
Ivory Towers Poll How far do you think most profiles on Ivory Towers correspond to reality? It’s impossible to tell. 37.1% Most people make themselves look and sound better than they really are. 30.6% In general people give a fair and reasonable impression of themselves. 22.6% Most people are too modest or apologetic about themselves in their profile 9.7%	Ivory Towers Poll Out of the following, which is your favourite romantic couple? Darcy and Elizabeth from Pride and Prejudice 36.6% Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester 26.9% Not interested, I just want the real thing for myself. 23.1% Anthony and Cleopatra 6.7% Rick and Ilsa from Casablanca 6.7%
Ivory Towers Poll Would you consider a serious relationship with a smoker? No - smoke is unpleasant and dangerous to health - a real turnoff 64.5% If I liked the person, and thought I might persuade them to give up, I might. 17.1% I don't smoke, but I don't need to dictate the habits of my partner 10.9% As a smoker, I could hardly object. 7.6%	Ivory Towers Poll How often do you go out shopping for new clothes? Around every four to six months. 40.5% As often as I can - at least once a month, if not more. 35.3% For special occasions or yearly. 14.7% Never - if I can help it, if I do, it's under protest. 9.5%
Ivory Towers Poll What, for you, is the key element for a successful long term relationship? Shared intellectual interests or sense of humour 46.7% Mutual physical attraction - or the X factor 21.7% Shared moral or spiritual values 16.4% Similar social background and life experience 15.1%	Ivory Towers Poll Do you feel safe when using an internet dating site? No different to meeting new people in other ways - there is always a risk, one needs to be careful 44.6% Its probably a little more risky than other ways of meeting people. 20.8% Depends on which website, I would trust some and not others 19.8% Yes, in general, the internet is a very safe way of meeting new people. 12.9% Not at all safe; I or close friends of mine have had some difficult experiences. 2.0%
Ivory Towers Poll What do you feel about the national obsession with the World Cup I am quite interested, I keep up with the important games and the news. 42.2% Will be relieved when its over and life gets back to normal. 24.4% What World Cup? 20.0% I love it, I watch all the games and I am flying the flag! 13.3%	Ivory Towers Poll How in general have you ended past relationships? Face to face 56.9% Depended very much on the circumstances 27.5% By letter or email 9.8% By telephone 5.9%
Ivory Towers Poll Do you enjoy the single life? Its hard, I really want somebody special in my life. 35.8% I enjoy the advantages of being single, but I think I would also enjoy married life. 33.5% I rather enjoy being single, it would take somebody rather special to make me change my mind. 30.6%	Ivory Towers Poll Can you keep a secret? Secrets are safe with me. 46.7% I am pretty discreet, but might confide in a best friend or two. 44.0% Telling me a secret is like sending out a press release 5.3% I don't believe in secrets - so prefer not to have them or hear them 4.0%
Ivory Towers Poll Which of the following would you be most interested in dating? Journalist/broadcaster 25.4% Doctor/nurse/vet 19.3% Lawyer/banker 18.2% Irrelevant/none of the the above 18.2% Teacher/lecturer 14.9% Business executive 3.9%	Ivory Towers Poll What interests you most in somebody else's profile? The photograph - naturally. 42.0% The essays - how they express themselves. 40.9% Location and/or age. 10.2% A specific attribute like height, smoker, politics. 6.8%
Ivory Towers Poll What for you has been the most successful way of meeting new people in the last six months? Internet dating, personal columns, dating agencies. 42.0% Fellow workers or students 24.6% Through friends and their parties...or weddings 21.7% Flatmates, housemates, neighbours. 7.2% Holidays 4.3%	Ivory Towers Poll What should the Government do about indoor smoking in pubs, clubs and restaurants? Gone for the full ban for the sake of health, clean air and the view of the majority. 63.9% Insist on non smoking areas, especially where food is concerned, but leave the rest alone. 30.6% Let private establishments make their own decisions about smoking policy. 5.6%
Ivory Towers Poll Who should be the next Conservative Leader? David Cameron 50.0% It's of no interest to me or none of the above 35.3% David Davis 8.8% Liam Fox 5.9%	Ivory Towers Poll Do you believe that there should be a right to an assisted death? Assistance should be legal only in special cases where there are proper safeguards 45.5% A right to die, however strictly defined, would bring intolerable pressure on too many people. 27.3% It should now be possible to receive the means or the help to end onel's life. 18.2% No, life is a gift, and we should live through whatever it brings. 9.1%
Ivory Towers Poll Would you date a Tory? Only if in all other respects, it felt right 33.9% Definitely not. 30.5% It wouldn't matter in the least. 22.4% I prefer Tories. 13.2%	Ivory Towers Poll How do you feel about the changes in the licensing laws? The changes won't make much difference, solutions to binge drinking lie elsewhere. 43.5% Binge drinking is already a major problem which is now going to become a great deal worse. 39.1% It is an overdue and inevitable step, which will mean more sensible social drinking. 17.4%
Ivory Towers Poll Are you in favour of Identity Cards in the UK? They would be an attack on civil liberty, counterproductive and/or far too expensive. 61.2% We should give them a try, provided the costs are reasonable and controlled.. 20.9% Yes, we need a system that will begin to tackle crime, illegal immigration and benefit fraud. 17.9%	Ivory Towers Poll So the French have voted "non" and the Dutch "nee". What's your response? It's just a blip, there will need to be a European system which people can agree on. 41.4% It's wonderful, a real blow for freedom against overmighty bureaucrats and politicians 37.9% It's sad; protectionism, and national interest have won over cooperation and global responsibility. 20.7%
Ivory Towers Poll If you had the time to learn something new, what would it be Piloting a plane - or something more dangerous 44.8% Painting or photography 20.7% Singing or playing an instrument 17.2% Learn a new language 17.2%	Ivory Towers Poll What's the level of your interest in the coming General Election? I am following developments on a regular basis.. 47.1% I keep an eye on things, just. 41.2% I am actively involved. 5.9% I reach for the off switch any time the Election is mentioned.. 5.9%
Ivory Towers Poll How do you like your evenings in? Whiling away the time with a book, internet or my hobby. 52.9% gourmet food with classical music 23.5% TV dinner with your favourite soap/football match 17.6% I don't do evenings in, if I can help it. 5.9%	Ivory Towers Poll Hunting with dogs has been banned - what's your view? At last a cruel, barbaric practice has been ended. 41.3% I wouldn't hunt, but I wouldn't stop those who do. 21.7% A urban/class based attack on an important countryside tradition. 19.6% I have little respect for either side, let's think about more important matters. 17.4%
Ivory Towers Poll If you had to stop living in the UK, where would you most like to live? France, Italy or Spain 30.8% Australia/New Zealand/South Africa 29.2% USA or Canada 21.5% None of the above, some special place 15.4% Thailand, Bali, India 3.1%	Ivory Towers Poll What is the worst aspect of the Christmas period? Commercialisation, tackiness, fake goodwill. 48.9% Enough of this negativity - I love Christmas! 25.5% Not being part of a couple or a family 21.3% The rush to send cards and buy of presents 4.3%
Ivory Towers Poll Boris Johnson has been sacked by the Tories because of his personal life, was that right? No, politicians should be judged on their politics, not their personal lives. . 37.0% Boris Johnson has said or done enough stupid things recently to get fired. 28.3% No, we need dynamic thinking individuals in politics, Boris should stay. 19.6% Yes, somebody who cannot be trusted in personal life matters, cannot be trusted in public office. 15.2%	Ivory Towers Poll Now the Christmas lights are on, when are you going to do your Christmas Shopping Beginning of December 58.8% Christmas Eve 29.4% I did it ages ago 5.9% I don't do Christmas 5.9%
Ivory Towers Poll President of the USA - who would you vote for? John Kerry 46.8% Homer Simpson 21.3% I abstain 21.3% George Bush 10.6%	Ivory Towers Poll Has the time come for same sex marriages? Gay people should enjoy the same rights to marriage and family as straight people. 37.0% Gay people should have the right to some form of civil partnerships - but not marriage 27.8% Its time we moved away from marriage as an institution altogether. 18.5% No, we should uphold traditional concepts of marriage. 16.7%
Ivory Towers Poll What's your view on Fox Hunting? It's a cruel and bloody activity and should be banned. 0.0% Fox Hunting is a valuable part of British life, more people should try it. 0.0% It should be allowed to continue subject to safeguards and licenses. 0.0% I wouldn't do it myself, but I would want others to make their own choices. 0.0%	Ivory Towers Poll Which of these dates would you prefer? A relaxed drink or meal at a quiet pub 58.0% a ten mile hike in glorious countryside 16.0% I like surprises 16.0% A night at the opera 8.6% Clubbing it 1.2%
Ivory Towers Poll Should parents be allowed by law to smack their children? The government shouldn't get involved in what is basically a family issue. 51.1% No, its cruel and wrong and should be outlawed. 24.4% Yes, so long as there is no harm, eg cuts and bruises. 24.4%	Ivory Towers Poll Smoking may soon be banned in public places, including pubs and restaurants - would you in favour? Bring it on - for the sake of everybody's health and well being. 45.0% Let's have more restrictions, including compulsory non smoking zones, but not a complete ban. 37.5% Keep out the nanny state, and let the establishments decide their own policy. 17.5%
Ivory Towers Poll Naomi Campbell has won her appeal about the exposure of her drug addiction. Is that right? Not sure, we need a carefully balanced law to sort this out properly. 48.8% Yes, everybody, celeb or individual, has a right to privacy on private matters. 27.9% She had a right to privacy, but in this case, it was negated, because she lied about her addiction. 14.0% No, people who are in the public eye by choice are fair game for this kind of scrutiny. 9.3%	Ivory Towers Poll A new book claims that too many university places are causing a graduate glut. What's your view? Correct, too many graduates will devalue degrees, and lower graduate salaries. 45.3% Everybody should have the opportunity to study, regardless of earning potential. 41.3% The more graduates the better, we need a far more skilled and educated workforce. 9.3% Being a graduate can often lead to more limited opportunities than for non graduates. 4.0%
Ivory Towers Poll Religious education policy is back on the agenda - what's your view? Religion should stay as part of the main curriculum, and include teaching about different faiths 61.7% Religious education should be kept out of schools, and left to the religious groups and parents 15.0% Children should be kept free of any religious indoctrination. 15.0% In this decadent age, religious teaching needs to be strengthened in schools. 5.0% Religious teaching at school should be an option for children - but not compulsory. 3.3%	Ivory Towers Poll What best describes your view on University funding? Funding should come substantially from general taxation- not the students. 53.0% Expanding student numbers is a step in the wrong direction. 30.3% In favour, students who benefit from an education, should do more to pay for it. 12.1% None of the above 4.5%
Ivory Towers Poll What best describes your view on University funding? In favour, students who benefit from an education, should do more to pay for it. 0.0% Funding should come substantially from general taxation- not the students. 0.0% Expanding student numbers is a step in the wrong direction. 0.0% None of the above 0.0%	Ivory Towers Poll What best describes your view on University funding? In favour, students who benefit from an education, should do more to pay for it. 0.0% Funding should come substantially from general taxation- not the students. 0.0% Expanding student numbers is a step in the wrong direction. 0.0% None of the above 0.0%
Ivory Towers Poll What type of New Year Resolution do you have in mind? All of the above 46.2% Make a real effort to meet that special somebody 15.4% Get my career sorted out or learn something new 11.5% Get slim, get healthy or get fitter 11.5% Been there, done that, didn't work 11.5% Make an effort to do more for others 3.8%	Ivory Towers Poll Which of these hot favourites will you voting for in the BBC's Big Read Pride and Prejudice 45.5% none of the above 18.2% Lord of the Rings 14.5% Great Expectations 10.9% Rebecca 5.5% Harry Potter (any of them) 3.6% Why spend so much time reading? 1.8%
Ivory Towers Poll Would you tell other people that you are a member of Ivory Towers? I might tell some close friends, or pass the message on to other single people. 64.7% I like to spread the word - it widens the net. 19.6% Never, its my business, and I intend to keep it that way. 5.9% If I met that special person, I might explain how it happened. 4.9% Not sure, I am nervous of what people might say or think 4.9%	Ivory Towers Poll Who do you blame for the apparent suicide of Dr Kelly,the weapons scientist The Government - mainly 36.2% Dr Kelly got himself into an impossible situation. 24.1% We will never really know - despite all the coverage 19.0% The BBC and the Government should share the blame. 13.8% Nobody really, it was just an unfortunate run of events. 3.4% The BBC - mainly 3.4%
Ivory Towers Poll With no sign of Weapons of Mass Destruction, is Tony on his way out? Only, if they can find an adequate replacement 39.0% No, the decision to invade Iraq was justified for other reasons, basically he did the right thing. 34.1% Yes, who can possibly trust him now? 22.0% Who cares? Why waste time on any of them? 4.9%	Ivory Towers Poll Is marriage an institution still worth defending? It strengthens commitment, stability and even happiness 54.3% It's outmoded and unnecessary - and it imprisons people 23.5% Not sure, but I would like to get married and find out 18.5% I'd settle for a short term relationship 3.7%
Ivory Towers Poll When should we swap sterling for euro? When the tests are met 100.0% It should happen as soon as possible. 0.0% Leave it for a few years 0.0% Not now, not ever. 0.0% It just doesn't matter 0.0%	Ivory Towers Poll Big Brother is back - for the fourth time. What is your attitude to reality TV? Wouldn't even turn it on 54.8% I check in from time to time, so I can keep with the office gossip 35.6% Can't turn it off 6.8% Still applying to become a housemate 2.7%

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