Math question related to percentage of online winners

[offTopic]

I've frequently seen the statement to the effect of: "My online records show that 35-40% of the players show a profit."

While my own records concur with this statement, I'm wondering what it really means?

Surely it can't be correct to extrapolate my one-table view of the world into, "35-40% of all players currently in action online win." can it?

I'm not a mathematician (obviously) but this idea does not make intuitive sense to me, and, in fact, I wonder if there are _any_ valid conclusions that may be drawn based on one's collection of hand histories vis a vis the percentage of winners online. (Note, I'm not looking to include players that have busted out and never returned.)

Any thoughts?

[zooey]

The 35-40% is entirely due to sample size and standard deviation, and almost nothing to do with poker skill or its lack.

http://www.twoplustwo.com/forums/sho...;Number=218031

Best,

zooey

[758219]

There are anywhere from 0-99% winners. The easier the table the more. When the game gets tough and isn't at least a 15-30 game there is 0-10% winners.The rake at higher limits is lower and makes is possible for some players to be winners, while in between one needs to use good table selection for not to lose.