My thought process was, if Python and/or Ruby is on the to learn list, they would look at both, but go with one of them.

Unless of course you already know Python and want to learn Ruby next (or the other way around).

True that; but wouldn't you be better off learning a language that is a lot more different?

It depends on the purpose of learning said language. Are you learning to broaden your horizons to explore new paradigms and such? Or are you learning a language because you're part (or planning to be part) of X group who happens to be developing in Y and you just need to be productive/marketable?

I know Ruby and want to get into Python.

I see. There definitely seems to be a connection between coming to Ruby and coming to Python, so this is a fair argument for their association.

I think that them being listed together does however muddle the value of the poll because you cannot tell how many Python and how many Ruby votes there are.

But again, I understand the logic behind their their association as I was someone who was first drawn to Ruby and then later to Python because of its proximity - I have since stuck with Python...

Ruby and Python are definitely different languages. May want to check with the creators on this one.