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Should talk about ratings be banned?

Started by boolean Oct 12, 2004 at 12:50 AM 45 replies 7.7k views

Original Post

Oct 12, 2004 at 12:50 AM

I have seen a number of threads over the past few months from people complaining about how the rating system does not work and frustrated that they are getting rated down for no reason (or at least no reason that is apparent to them). This results in: 1. The poster gets rated down even more (which is bad) 2. He/She gets many replies telling him/her 'tough luck', and not much more. Often the thread turns into a flame war and gets closed. So I would like to take a consensus on who thinks that talk about ratings or why you hate the rating system should be made a banned topic, much like porn and warez. A small section could be added to the FAQ to explain that if you do have a problem with the way the system works, email Dave or one of the staff with your complaint and a suggestion on how to make the system better. The way I see it, this is protecting people from starting a post about their rating, only to see it plummet even more. Thoughts?

superpig

Oct 12, 2004 at 1:15 AM

I don't think it should be banned. I think a note about it should be added to the FAQ warning people who post about it that their rating is likely to drop, and then anyone who still does it deserves it for not reading the FAQ. [grin]

Hedos

Oct 12, 2004 at 1:16 AM

I think talking about talking about ratings should be banned.

boolean

Oct 12, 2004 at 1:22 AM

Quote:
Original post by superpig
I don't think it should be banned. I think a note about it should be added to the FAQ warning people who post about it that their rating is likely to drop, and then anyone who still does it deserves it for not reading the FAQ. [grin]

But if their rating is likely to drop, would it not be a good idea to close the topic as soon as possible to avoid them getting rated down?

CGameProgrammer

Oct 12, 2004 at 1:25 AM

Quote:
But if their rating is likely to drop, would it not be a good idea to close the topic as soon as possible to avoid them getting rated down?

No, because closing the thread won't prevent people from rating them. That only makes sense if the thread is deleted completely, but deleting threads is annoying.

zer0wolf

Oct 12, 2004 at 1:26 AM

Banning and closing threads aren't exactly the same thing.

I firmly believe that anyone who starts a thread complaining about their rating really does deserve to be antagonized. I mean, they are blatantly asking for it.

I don't mean to come across as mean or anything, but really now, I haven't started any threads whenever I've been rated down.

pi_equals_3

Oct 12, 2004 at 1:27 AM

Quote:
Original post by boolean
Quote:
Original post by superpig
I don't think it should be banned. I think a note about it should be added to the FAQ warning people who post about it that their rating is likely to drop, and then anyone who still does it deserves it for not reading the FAQ. [grin]

But if their rating is likely to drop, would it not be a good idea to close the topic as soon as possible to avoid them getting rated down?

At that point we're pretty close to having the mods delete offensive or highly controversial posts to avoid negative ratings.

Most of us here didn't need to be told not to complain about ratings. The effects seem pretty obvious. I think a note in the FAQ would constitute fair warning. After a few responses, if they still don't want to delete their thread, I don't think there's any hope at all.

doogle

Oct 12, 2004 at 1:29 AM

Good thread... rating++

boolean

Oct 12, 2004 at 1:34 AM

Quote:
Original post by CGameProgrammer
No, because closing the thread won't prevent people from rating them. That only makes sense if the thread is deleted completely, but deleting threads is annoying.

At least it would make sure that the thread disappears as quickly as possible, instead of it floating around for a few days while the OP's rating goes through the floor.

[edit: Thanks Doogle [smile]]

jacksaccountongamedev

Oct 12, 2004 at 2:06 AM

The irony being that if talk of ratings was forbidden this thread would be closed and we would all be in trouble.

Seriously though, I’ve had no real problem with the rating system. I’m not a fan of the concept (encouraging individuals to judge each other and then advertising one’s popularity to the general public) but the thing is here now and I’m satisfied that it has worked out. If a person is rated down there is usually a good reason – as long as people employ a degree of maturity and rate people based upon on-topic discussion as opposed to subjects such as political views and general opinions etc it should succeeding in promoting people to be especially helpful.

What is the point to this post? Nothing really (sorry)… I’m just rambling on and expressing my interest.

Thanks,
Jackson Allan

superpig

Oct 12, 2004 at 2:56 AM

Quote:
Original post by boolean
Quote:
Original post by superpig
I don't think it should be banned. I think a note about it should be added to the FAQ warning people who post about it that their rating is likely to drop, and then anyone who still does it deserves it for not reading the FAQ. [grin]

But if their rating is likely to drop, would it not be a good idea to close the topic as soon as possible to avoid them getting rated down?

That's the point. If they read the FAQ they'll never make the thread in the first place. If they don't read the FAQ they'll be punished with a ratings hit. Self-policing. [smile]

oliii

Oct 12, 2004 at 3:27 AM

frankly, I don't give a damn about ratings. rate me down and see if I care.

I agree with the a bit of censorship, as long as it's not turning into fascism. And why GameDev does not use a profanity filter is beyond me. since this site has got kids listening. Posted pics can be a concern too.

also, a disclaimer maybe? or give access to 'adult' forums based on the date of birth in the profile? A political/BS forum with no ratings?

boolean

Oct 12, 2004 at 3:28 AM

@ Superpig: Yeh, I suppose you have a point.

oliii

Oct 12, 2004 at 3:35 AM

and about self policing, I do my best to control my irrepresible urge to curse at every sentence. But I just need someone or something to do it for me, cause as far as I'm concerned, my posts and other people's posts are as child safe as reading a story of Winnie the Pooh. :)

DarkSlayer

Oct 12, 2004 at 4:50 AM

heh ... why do we need the rating system at all ... it is pure silly ... stupid in fact.

evelyn

Oct 12, 2004 at 4:57 AM

I wasn't bothered about my rating when i first came to this site - in fact i became quite pleased when it started rising... but now i'm back to not bothered as it has been declining, even although i consider myself to be not bad in my replies and try to give as much help as i can....there's no pleasing some folk sometimes...

Red Falcon

Oct 12, 2004 at 5:02 AM

Quote:
Original post by DarkSlayer
heh ... why do we need the rating system at all ... it is pure silly ... stupid in fact.

well... its in the one way kinda useless... with that i agree. ANYONE can modify your rating, so if i have a bad day everyone COULD get a bad rating from me (NO i would never do that, but you get the point)

BUT in the other way, it can be handy to determine how well a player helps and/or how frienfly he is. if used correctly you can trust the advice from high rating ones.

Note: however, since you can create a new account easy you can screw the entire rating system up ;)

superpig

Oct 12, 2004 at 6:04 AM

Quote:
Original post by Red Falcon
Note: however, since you can create a new account easy you can screw the entire rating system up ;)

No, because banned accounts don't have an effect on ratings.

Red Falcon

Oct 12, 2004 at 6:20 AM

Quote:
Original post by superpig
Quote:
Original post by Red Falcon
Note: however, since you can create a new account easy you can screw the entire rating system up ;)
No, because banned accounts don't have an effect on ratings.

ah thats 1 thing :) but what about having multiple accounts? i can make a lot of hotnail accounts and start rating... of course thats a real lot of work, but if i hate someone it can be done right? it may be a stupid question, i know. the goal is nowhere near the time you need but as i sayd, im just wondering ;)

boolean

Oct 12, 2004 at 6:30 AM

Please remember that this thread is discussing wether talking about ratings should warrant a closed thread. Do not turn this into a debate as to wether the rating system works or not, as it has already been argued to death (If it gets too out of hand, I will get a mod to close this thread. I believe we have already reached an idea that could work)

Quote:
Original post by jack_1313
The irony being that if talk of ratings was forbidden this thread would be closed and we would all be in trouble.

Yes, I do realise the irony of this thread [lol].

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