Do we REALLY need an ability to rate a thread?

The ability to rate a thread on ECCIE, especially review threads, seems to be an effort in futility. One person may rate a specific review as 5-stars, and then some yahoo will come along with an axe to grind against that provider and will rate it 1-star. As a result, that provider or the person who wrote the review will apparently enlist the help of WKs or friends to come artificially boost the rating back up, and vice-versa. The rating system provides NO useful benefit, and just serves to cause friction on the boards.

The VBulletin system can easily be altered to remove the ability to rate threads and might go a long way to removing these pissing contests.

Opinions?

I know of very few people who notice the ratings, or really care.

There is no major award for a five-star thread.

Huck

Exactly my point. Why have them then?

They're like dewclaws on a dog...eminently worthless.

Just like reviews..IDIOTS look at them... Google a number..its safer.. Anyone mad at somebody for YEARS can ruin a girl..(we dont care cause of course the longevity ya know) xxo annie

Roger, not sure why you are getting so upset about something you admit isn't very important. There are far bigger issues about the board I would suspect.

And if you think this would stop Hatfield & McCoy feuds on here just because people can't rate threads, then you don't know human nature very well (or you underestimate the hostility of some posters here).

I know of very few people who notice the ratings, or really care.

There is no major award for a five-star thread.

Huck Originally Posted by urhuckleberry

Does that mean there is a minor award for a 5 Star thread?

When do I get mine? I was hoping it would be something along the lines of the one Ralphie's dad got.....


Am I going to be disappointed now?

Disappointingly submitted,

OldSarge

lol Oh sarge....I would so love to have that lamp as well! I have a nice picture window in the front room for it!

I never cared for the star system. I have noticed that some ladies use it to rate their own threads, which can be mildly irritating for some but I just get a chuckle out of it. Good for them....at least SOMEONE thought their thread was 5 stars!

What I don't care for is the system being used on reviews....what girl has the right to rate another girls review with 1 star?? I mean, really??? Is there a way to only allow men to star rate the reviews?

Also, I had noticed, the coffee shop in the OK forums is a wonderful thread! Everyone loves it! Even several ladies and gents from out of state comes in to visit. But...1 person decided to act like a fool and give it a 1 star rating. Everyone else starting giving it 5 stars to pull it up because we couldn't beleive someone actually gave it 1 star! WTH??? So after 20 votes, it is still at a 4.02 star. Makes me wonder exactly how these things are averaged. I have seen the same thing done on reviews....1 competing lady will throw a 1 star on it, then several come to the aid of the innocent victims who received the rating (both hobbiest and provider) and yet it still remains as a low rating because although 10 voted for 5 stars, the 1 star still drags it down.

I think it's a rather rude system. Toss it!

Its a good thing there is not a "Dislike" button or tab on here.That might make a war break out...Lol! That would be sad.

I keep forgetting that option to rate threads is there. I personally hate when my reviews are rated, by male or female. If a guy is going to read it.. hes going to read it. No need to draw attention. And i get a big laugh as well. I see some of mine get a high star rating and then you KNOW its the haters bringing it down.. I personally think a guy is going to pay attention to detail in the ROS rather than some stupid stars.
As far as the threads go... i feel the same as a review. If the title draws my attention, im going to read it.. Dont much care about stars and normally dont pay attention.

I am curious tho.. how does one tell if its a hobbyist or a provider that is ranking them?

Lacy, I have noticed that you have not been one to fall for the war of the stars, and I applaud you for that. Looking back at the OK forum, I can see a few really great threads you had started that someone gave one star to...??? It is utter nonsense. I only cast a vote if the thread is amazing or I will bump up the rating on reviews....reguardless of who the review is on or who posted it. I just really don't think any review needs to be graded like that.

As far as being able to tell who voted, with it be a lady or gentleman and the such, no... I do not believe there is any way to tell other then a hunch. Sometimes if you have a beef with a lady, and all of a sudden your posts and reviews end up with a one star, you can pretty much tell.

I agree. I honestly have yet to find a thread even worthy of stars... except coffeeshop. I mean that is an epic thread.. VERY worthy of 5. And a couple of threads that were VERY informative. But reviews.. it cracks me up when i see stars. I know there are a few ladies that you know they deserve 5 stars.. but the gentleman can simple see the name and BAM they are going to read it.. like i i said, i dont think they pay attention to stars on reviews. IMHO i think they just look "HEY LOOK AT ME IM IN NEED OF ATTENTION" kind of thing.. I have asked a couple gentlemen not to star my reviews, because of that reason. Guys who are not interested... simply wont read. But when someone throws stars on it.. i laugh and we have inside bets how long til haters start knocking it down.. its actually pretty funny.
Like i said. Guys will see names in the title.. and THAT is what makes them decide to read it.. not those darn stars.

Wow, look at me, not even knowing there was a star rating system or that anyone paid attention to it.