CFMenuCal: “True” Random vs. Evenly Distributed

Today I read Ben Nadel's post about the difference between random numbers and even distribution; which wasn't something I was unaware of, but was something that I hadn't given much consideration. Being the total geek that I am, I have a bias to support "random" numbers rather than even distribution - even though (as Ben points out) "if we were randomly selecting values between 1 and 10, it is possible (but unlikely) to randomly select 5 ten thousand times in a row;" - because I enjoy telling people they are wrong. (Sad but true. There's just something satisfying about telling people that the string 5555555 can be considered random.)

A while ago my wife asked me why it worked this way (because some meals would show up 3 times in a month, while others not at all), and that's when I explained that random numbers are not necessarily evenly distributed. She understood and then asked, in that innocent way that makes me wonder why I didn't think of it, why I used random numbers instead of even distribution.

So I have decided to put the feelers out and see what the opinions of my potential users are. There have been a handful of people who have expressed interest in the project, and if you wouldn't mind leaving a comment or sending me an email with your preference (random or evenly distributed?), it would be greatly appreciated.

Posted in CFMenuCal | ColdFusion | My projects