If you rate a thread...

[Jami]

What sorts of things make it a "good" or "excellent" thread in your mind? And what would make you rate it "bad" or "terrible"? I sometimes see a one-star rating on threads which are just chit-chat and I can't for the life of me understand what could have offended someone. I admit I tend to rate the threads most directly related to homeschooling or classical education the highest, or self-education, that sort of thing, since I really enjoy that element of this forum. Though I love the lighter small-talk too. (Ahem, AI and such. ;))

What makes a thread "excellent" or "terrible" for you?

Jami

[Tracey in TX]

Didn't even know one could rate the thread? How is it done? I've seen the stars, but thought it might be rated according to views and responses.

[j.griff]

For me, it is usually the overall content that causes me to rate a thread. I like the deep discussions. :)
I think, though, that some rate threads just based on their like/dislike of the OP, and their interpretation of the OP's "intent" in starting the thread. But, that's JMO

[j.griff]

When you open a thread, at the top is the star thingy, if you click on it while viewing a thread you can "rate" it. HTH

[beansprouts]

I have been curious what the rating system means to others. Is one star poor while 5 stars are excellent? What about all the threads that go unrated - are they simply not of sufficient interest to be rated? I have been wondering how to interpret this.

[nancypants]

Well, if my perception is that a thread is started purely to spark a hot debate, I will rate it negatively. I could be wrong of course... maybe those who post those types of posts do it really out of a deep love for their fellow man. :D But I rate based on my perception. Generally speaking that is the only reason I rate negatively... and I actually rate negatively even those with whom I probably agree on the actual issues if I feel they were being tactless or rude.

I usually rate positively if a post is either really fun, funny or entertaining or is very thoughtful and thought provoking without seeming to specifically demonize any one POV. I also try to rate positively those posts that are very helpful or if it's a personal type of post that I think others would want to read even if the post title might not convey that... Oh and I also rate positively those posts that someone seemingly rated negatively just because they don't like the person... and I find it quite obvious that such is the case when a post is completely innocent and has a one star rating. I like to ruin that for the meany and give it five stars even if it's just a rambling type of post that otherwise wouldn't garner much in the way of opinions. I'm a rebel like that. :tongue_smilie:

There you go... my post rating manifesto.

[j.griff]

The overall rating of the thread is an average of all of the rating "votes".
If you click on the star while viewing a thread, you can see what the individual votes mean.
But, if one person gives one star, and another gives 5 stars, and those are the only votes the thread will be rated 3 stars.

[j.griff]

LOL, I almost posted that I give 5 stars to the 1 star rated threads too, LOL, but then I thought that might "provoke" more nay-sayers to negatively rate it to "balance" it out or something. :p
Oh well, I'm outed now. :D

[mcconnellboys]

I think it sort of tends to be like the rep thing. Some like to use it as an anonymous power play....

[Tammyla]

I don't rate a thread unless someone gave them one poor little old star. Like others I'll rate it 5 out of sympathy.

[Plaid Dad]

Well, if my perception is that a thread is started purely to spark a hot debate, I will rate it negatively.

:iagree:

If a thread was started as a platform for a particular poster to bash other people's beliefs, I give it a low rating. I also give a thread a low rating if it generates more heat than light. Often those are the same threads. :glare:

High ratings go to threads that are substantive and civil, particularly if the topic is a controversial one. I also rate threads highly that contain lots of good information for classical homeschoolers. ;)

[Kanga]

I usually rate positively if a post is either really fun, funny or entertaining or is very thoughtful and thought provoking without seeming to specifically demonize any one POV. I also try to rate positively those posts that are very helpful or if it's a personal type of post that I think others would want to read even if the post title might not convey that... Oh and I also rate positively those posts that someone seemingly rated negatively just because they don't like the person... and I find it quite obvious that such is the case when a post is completely innocent and has a one star rating. I like to ruin that for the meany and give it five stars even if it's just a rambling type of post that otherwise wouldn't garner much in the way of opinions. I'm a rebel like that.

Ditto! I have given positive ratings for the above reasons. I have never given negative ratings, because IMHO I don't want to highlight a negative thread even if it is with only one star.

[gardenschooler]

I will rate a thread 'excellent' if I think it's something everyone should read, and might miss. Usually if it's some great info or something. The threads I really like are the ones where people talk about what has worked for them, what sat on the shelf unused, and what they're all time favorites are. I find those very helpful.

Sometimes there are threads on the high school board that are almost like taking a class in the subject. :D I learn SO MUCH from those kinds of threads, so I don't want anyone to accidentally pass it by. Threads are more noticeable with the stars.

I don't know why people rate threads with one star, unless they're just one long argument. I don't bother doing that, as it still calls attention to it.

I also don't rate my own threads, and I don't think most other people do, either. Not that I start very many threads at all, but I had one get some stars. I was kind of happy to see that someone thought it was a thread worth talking about. :)