There has been much discussion about whether or not the people who leave ratings of less than 10 are "mean". I was of that mindset, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it defeats the purpose of the rating system if we always feel obligated out of "niceness" to leave a "10". I would rather receive an honest assessment of my work.
But, I also know there are some who leave poor ratings just because they don't like the content of the material. Those ratings are a reflection of their beliefs, not a reflection on the merit of the writing or the photo. I would hope that all of us on Gather would rate writing and photography on the merit of the work rather than on our own opinions or beliefs about the subject matter. I have read some really good articles that I don't agree with, but because the writing was good, I gave those articles or poems a "10".
I also know there are some who just pass through and leave bad ratings without ever commenting. I think this is pretty "chicken". If you want to leave a bad rating for some reason, then be brave enough to let the contributer know it was you.
Now, here is my final opinion on this matter: Give praise where you think it is worthy (not always because the writing or photo is necessarily good, but even because it touched your heart in some way), and if you feel you need to give a rating of less than 10, tell the contributer WHY! I think we all have a lot to learn from each other, and some constructive criticism given in a kind and encouraging tone is good for all of us. If you have a piece you don't care to have rated, you can choose that option.
Having said all of this, I know it will be hard for me to leave anything less than a "10", because I hate to take the chance of hurting people's feelings. But as for me, I want to truly know what people think, so please give me praise where it is due, and constructive criticism or advice where needed. I would appreciate that very much.
Please let me know what you think about all of this.
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Comments: 64
Now I do have a group I hang out with that all kid around with each other all the time. But we are friends and everyone knows we arent insulting, just picking at each other.
that is the question of the year,lol...
I rarely notice ratings on my own or anyone else's articles though ... just don't consider that they matter
About Gather...the ratings are seriously flawed on here. One through ten is waaaay too big a range. I think most of the time people rate 10 just to be nice. I've seen lots of poor articles with tens. The ratings should be ignored, or done away with. they are totally worthless, in my opinion. comments are good, and perhaps not being able to rate without leaving a comment would work best. Like Heather W. I rarely pay attention to the ratings. They are stupid, to be blunt. :-)
That is my thought on the rating system. Why offend someone just because you do not agree with what they have posted.
BUT I HAVE A QUESTION:
Are ratings just supposed to be an indicator that may make other people view or pass? Seems to me, it really doesn't matter about ratings when everything is rated the same, a 10 or near 10. I rely on content or idea to determine whether I read or view something.
I do agree: it is mean and meaningless to go through and give someone a low score just because you disagree. That's what I like about Gather. I like reading what people write if they come at it from a different perspective than me. I like seeing photos through someone else's eyes. It is about expanding my own world.
I have been so caught up in appreciating what others are writing and photographing that I have neglected to add quality content of my own. BUT you guys are motivating me! I promise to get in gear.
If an image interests me enough to rate it, they always receive a 10.
If a person's article holds no weight with me or I am not interested in it, I just pass it over...without leaving any rating or comment. However, WHEN I rate something, I ALWAYS leave a comment. I agree with you that the low db's with no comments are "chicken" (and I think you put it mildly with that one).
I do make a point of looking at stuff with low ratings though - and if I can, I'll give a 10, to even things out a little!
Those drive-by one folks are at every site. In fact, it could be the same ones at each site, who knows.
Here, I think if you're wanting serious critiques, then one or more of the groups to which you belong should be a serious writer's group. Even then, you probably want to include a sentence in your writing that you're looking for honest ratings and feedback.
but hey,welcome to the wonderful world of gather
this is what most people do on here if they dont like something
if i gave a 10 for the merit of some peoples work,alot of them i visit wouldnt be a 10
thats why i give 10's
of the article, i'll just pass...and leave
with no rating... but i love giving 10s just because
of the effort they put in to write the article...
blessings to all of you...
But, I also know there are some who leave poor ratings just because they don't like the content of the material.
~
I also know there are some who just pass through and leave bad ratings without ever commenting. I think this is pretty "chicken". If you want to leave a bad rating for some reason, then be brave enough to let the contributer know it was you.
Boy! Do I know what you mean
I mostly concentrate on Politics and since coming to Gather, it seems I have attracted an anonomous coward who consistantly gives my work a rating of 1
Now I wouldn't mind so much, receiving a rating of 1 if, IF I were told the reason and rationale for it.
Bravely put. I think it's in order to leave an 8 or a 9 when you feel something is very good, but not quite 100 percent. Should be more of it, in fact. You're quite right -- all 10s does diminish the value of the rating system, even though it's initially nice to get them. Let's be honest!
If it's an aspiring writer website/article (and not a contest) I will NOT leave a rating, but will provide detailed comments as nicely and honestly as I can. I won't lie, but I also won't confuse the issue with a rating.
The exception to the former is for contests. Some only allow tens to count, but, in generally, when rating an entry, I will be honest on my assessment. For those that only allow tens, I will rate it only if it is a ten; else I'll leave no rating. Again, I always leave a comment, as honest and nice as I can.
Leaving a 10 is my own little way of protesting those meanies who go around and hit people with 1's for no reason at all.
Sherine, as a Christmas present to you, I will be leaving a Christmas greeting on all of your photos and articles. I hope this will help you reach 3000 and make the cash option.
I wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season with lots of love, happiness and family time.