2. Information Sources for Decision-Making

Not all MetaPolls need to trigger automatic execution. Some of their most valuable applications are as sophisticated information sources that help organizations understand complex preference landscapes.

How It Works

In this model, MetaPolls generate structured preference data that decision-makers can use as an input to their process, without being bound to automatically implement it. This creates a rich information environment while preserving decision autonomy.

Effective information MetaPolls typically:

• Focus on values and priorities rather than specific actions

• Explore preference distributions rather than binary winners

• Track preference evolution over time

• Provide context for formal proposals

For example, a service provider might use a MetaPoll to understand communication expectations:

title [Service provider communication expectations]

options [

=Frequency

==Daily

==Weekly

==Monthly

==Quarterly

==Semi Annually

==Annually

=Format

==Newsletter

==Video

==Blog

==Podcast

=Detail level

==High

==Medium

==Low

=Tone

==Professional

==Casual

==Playful

==Funny

==Serious

==Ironic

]

The results don't force the provider to adopt any particular communication strategy, but they provide invaluable context about community expectations. The provider can then design an approach that balances community preferences with their own capabilities and constraints.

Other information source applications include:

• Community value exploration

• Product feature prioritization

• Performance feedback mechanisms

• Stakeholder preference mapping

• Research direction signaling