Misrepresented Charting is Intentional

The following article is to assist in: a) Understanding the intentional practice of misrepresented charting; b) To pick-up when shown misrepresentations; and, c) Provide examples of the "behind-the-scenes" practices. I would like you to both consider this presentation to equip you in determining anomalies, and make informed decisions.

Based on observations across years and readings, I provide six examples in how and when you are shown misrepresentations. Read on in interest + first consider these facts:

Fact 1: It takes planned effort, practice, and structured thinking to dynamically change charts. If charts are changed to enhance and give the impression that performance is much better [or about to be], it is a highly unlikely coincidence. And, anyone that delivers and presents charts that exaggerate performance achievements, is doing so knowingly and willingly.

Fact 2:If you are presented to, and feel something looks odd, follow your instincts: It is highly likely these feelings are correct and take caution...

Fact 3: Inconsistencies are unlikely to be a coincidence: To change any software dynamics (axis; font sizes; colors; shading; graphics;etc.) it takes effort to open the software menu, and click-through the numerous options.

Example 1: Same Year-on-Year (YoY) revenues (zero growth) across three years

Example 2: Same growth value, however manipulating Y-Axis & stretching vertically

Example 3 - Table: In the left-hand-side table, product_2 is performing in single-digit growth, and in the right-hand-side table a value transfer [+ / - $300k from product 1 to product 2] misrepresents double-digit growth across all products...

Example 4: Cumulative Growth vs, Monthly Growth. The left chart gives the impression of revenue growing through cumulative chart. The right chart is the true performance nature of Month-on-Month (MoM) growth which is flat.

Example 5: Cumulative Growth vs, Monthly Declines by products. The left chart again gives the impression of revenue growing through cumulative charting. The right chart reveals sales are declining in different products and at different months. Performance Month-on-Month (MoM) is declining.

Example 6: Exaggerating growth...

BTW: Although data may be received from somewhere else in an organization, chart preparers need to check the quality and validity of such data beforehand with plenty of simple tests that assist verification.

I welcome you to share your thoughts, and thank you.

Chris Lira

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