We all do it...So how do you rate?

I don't usually rate any discussions anymore since the time I know that this system could be manipulated by members and serves not for its purpose. I usually just response to a discussions or make a comments to responses and I still have to rate someone a negative. And I don't agree with your criteria of rating discussions by just basing it on the number of lines. I would be wise and appropriate if we based it on the quality of response because there are posts that is long but was just saying nothing and all crap then the other way around for a short and concise response.

I read every response to a discussion and rate them positive or negative. I don't mind if the response is a one or two lines as long as it has sense and answered the posted question or gave an idea of the discussion, and with respect to the poster. There are four liners that are nonsense, rude and tend to disrespect the poster. I have seen a lot of that.

I read all of the responses regardless of their length. I rate them according to whether they follow the subject line or not. If they are degrading to the author or use phrases or wording that is insulting, I rate them with a minus. The ones that show the person put a lot of thought into the response will definitely get a plus rating.

Well I don't think that above 4 lines u mark positive or below that u mark is negative is justified. It depends upon the content of the discussion, whether it want detail respond or not. I have seen many discussion which want only short answer so i give him short respond. As far as me is consider i first read the respond and then give positive or negative, mainly i don't give negative.

according to me 3 liners should not be marked negative. may be a four liner have worst content. may be a new user, who haven't got much experience type three liners. i think only the content to be evaluated. i too think a responds need at least 4 line. but we can't demand everyone to do so. some times i start to do a discussion and middle of that i run out of words and i type 3 liners i don't think many have marked me negative. i have never marked - to any one. if i didn't like the content i don't rate him/her.