It was close. In the end, there were actually more “yes” votes than “no” votes with “not bothered” holding the balance of power.
Below are a couple of charts. The first one shows the distribution of votes and the second shows the country distribution as entered by respondents.
Under the charts you’ll find all the comments that were supplied.
In light of the close result, I won’t be implementing the change. Thanks to all who took part in the survey.
Comments
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Why on earth??? Completely unnecessary!
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To elaborate, I probably won’t be using the feature–for various reasons, putting an American flag next to my name just doesn’t feel quite “me,” if you catch my drift–but I’m not actually opposed to the change if others seem to like it.
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Please no England flags, we’ve got them everywhere, on every lamppost as the “Patriot brigades” keep covering Epping (Bell Hotel) in the damn things. Yes the protests are still happening. I’m half Scottish and can’t see what’s so great about Chinese flags celebrating a Roman Soldier born in what is now Turkey, of Greek parentage, adopted as a saint by Crusaders in 1400s and supplanting the homegrown Saint Edmund.
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“I like 15 squared’s international community where people are equal, wherever they come from or are living. When people disclose those things voluntarily it’s usually in the context of vocabulary in the crossword, and it does add some extra little thrill to learn something new either about the commenter, or the word. It’s more personal and interactive.
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Óne of the problems with this is there are many expats living in many countries. Do you identify where you were born, what citizenship you have, or where you are living?
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I don’t like identifying with flags at any time. I don’t like the nationalism, and some of us don’t identify with our nation’s flags. “
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I like the idea.
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I don’t see the point. Posters can already make it clear of they want to.
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Personally, I think it will make the page messier and the headings more crowded. And it could create more opportunity for disagreement, even on a largely civilised site. If you have had hordes beating at your door requesting this, fair enough, but if it’s just one person, can’t we stick with ‘if it ain’t broke …’
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If you’d asked me a year ago, I might have thought it quite a fun idea, but the immigrant haters have recently and regrettably turned the Union flag into something rather toxic.
“The context of FifteenSquared is wordplay. Pictures may be distracting and do not add much information. If it’s important to some posters, they already can (and do) refer to their location as part of their username. This need not be national.
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Imagine the politicisation – how many Ukrainian flags would be flying ‘in suppot’, or Israeli, or European Union?”
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This is unnecessary. Please don’t do it.
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One flag only
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No
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I think I’ve seen enough flags recently. Especially English ones!
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Too much unnecessary nationalistic identification these days
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Perhaps there is some confusion here between nationality and country of residence? My nationality, British, isn’t even listed. And why are England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales listed? These are not self-governing states, but constituent parts of the United Kingdom. What is the purpose of having a country designation? If it is to indicate where the posting in question is being made, what has nationality to do with it? If it is to provide an excuse for unfamiliarity with the meanings of some of the words used in the crossword because they are British, will that put a stop to the frequent complaints of that nature which appear from some commentators? I very much doubt it, although I do wish that comments of that sort could be banned, given that the crosswords in question are British.
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Could be a bit contentious…
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I’m really not fussed either way about this, as long as it’s voluntary. I don’t want to be forced to scroll through a drop-down menu each time I want to make a comment.
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The site works perfectly well without any extra bells and whistles.
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Please no! I don’t think any possible benefits outweigh the possible downsides. 15squared is generally very civil. Nationality on social media is part of the rage and ranting. Please save us from that. I have seen it destroy other forums. Eternal vigilance 🙂
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The flags add bit of color to the page, that’s nice.
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I don’t like patriotism and flags just invite division. Plus you judge even if you don’t mean to. If people feel a strong need they can add their flag in their avatar.
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Too much emphasis on flags in our world.
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I think it would be fun to see how global this community is.
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no
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I like this idea very much.
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Because it’s optional, I strongly support the proposal.
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Flags are poisoning political discourse all over the world. No more flags please.
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In favour as long as it’s optional
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thanks for the maintaining blog and keep up the good work!
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I think if nationality is relevant to problems with a clue people usually mention it. I wouldn’t like this site to get too political e.g. people on opposite sides in a war – and there are plenty going on atm – might get into a slanging match.
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Include St Piran’s flag please.
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What on earth is the relevance of our country to comments on a crossword? None.
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I would have thought location was more appropriate than nationality. I would have answered Wales to location.
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I think it adds nothing to the person’s comments, and only opens a new route for potential insults.
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I’m only 60:40 against. I like the current state, that this group is defined by its love of crosswords and doesn’t need categorising by nation. Nationalism can be very divisive, though I believe our community would rise above such pettiness. Not sure there are many positives to be gained though, most will be UK or one of its nations. Would I be able to identify as Yorkshire? I know it’s not a country, although it is God’s own country, but it does have its own flag
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Wasn’t clear from the examples if Cymru/Wales would be an option. I’m happy if it is, not if it isn’t.