an idea for the mylot discussion box

It seems that the star ratings is getting a lot of negative reactions from the users. Supposedly, those who give profound discussions will benefit greatly from it. However, the opposite is happening if indeed comments such as resenting one's politics and articulateness take place. It is good to be receiving views from highly politicized persons because, these are the persons who are aware of what's going around us. Also, it should be better to receive messages from the articulate ones because, theirs are easier to read and understand aside from learning much from them. I have some trouble of thinking, finding ways to put this to an end other than dropping the star system, if rage is what it generates. I doubt it either if, just allowing the system to go on, will tire this bunch of ill meaning ones who got into mylot and more dangerously, they are getting into the nerves of its clientele. This bunch must be thinking that what they are doing is much fun. Moreso because, it arouses so much criticisms from the highly affected ones. Oh, these people who lack the attention they crave for, they have the capability to create so much havoc almost everywhere and anywhere. Personally, I didn't give much attention to the star system until a lot of the mylot clientele posted one discussion after another involving it. I, for one didn't move any better, higher than a 3 star rating must be worked on yet until now. Before, it never bothered me at all since I believe that I am giving the best that I can each time I get involved in a discussion. I know I will not be able to find everybody's approval, but it is just fine considering that I find spending time here is worth my while.

I agree with you but it is again just a personal opinion and so is the rating. Ratings should be considered not for justice but as acceptance among the people. Where do you stand among people?? Are you thinking inline with them?? Even i was dejected today when i saw a drop in my ratings. But then it is just reputation and there is no hard and fast rule to rate according to the quality of the post. It is a personal opinion and there is no requirement to get an explanation for that. Report abuse is something more serious than negative raing so it needs some explanation. I don't know how you angry people would take this explanation. But for those who are rating us negative please consider the plea mentioned by mylot which says negative rating should not be given if a reponse opposes a discussion. It should only be given when people dont respond properly. Here it means quality and doesn't mean agree or disagree with the discussion. I hope you people will take this in positive sense.

well thats a plus absolutely. I agree if the negative ratings fairy had to justify its actions there would be far less activity in this department, blessed be

You might have lost your ratings due to a glich on myLot. I got an alert saying that the problem with star ratings has now been rectified. However I like your idea re the negative button. I too believe that members should have to explain why it is that they gave a negative rating. Great topic!

I would like that to implmented because then they are not making the decision to destroy our reputation it would fall upon myLot to decide whether it was a petty or a legitimate negative. I think it could help myLot administration in getting rid of troublemakers

I think thats a brilliant idea! I know on some other forums they've implemented something a little like that already. One review site I used to visit implemented the same thing for their reviews, but you had to do it whether your review was good or bad. Simply typing "nice site" didn't cut it, nor did "your site sucks" You had to explain why you liked the site or didnt like it. I think MyLot could definitely benefit from something like this and protect us from those few that like to try and spoil it for the rest of us who work so hard to give good quality responses and discussions.

I notice that MyLot have said that the ratings system wasn't working properly and that they have fixed it. Personally, I don't worry very much at all about ratings points. I don't think they figure in the earnings algorithm and I never use them to decide whether or not I should respond or whether a response is good or not. People join MyLot regularly and some 'newbies' who have no rating yet make excellent discussions and responses. I would advise not being too anxious about rating stars. They are somewhat interesting but seem to me to be not a very good guide to anything.

Last week I was dropped from a 10 to an 8. I dont know what I did wrong but if a system was put in place like you said it would really help the situation. Personally I have only given a negative twice since I joined myLot and I would have no problem explaining it.

You make a good point at your suggestion, atleast people would know how important a rating should be give. May it be postive(+) or even negative (-), I think they should give some of their reasons and basis on why do they have to rate a certain respondent. And some here applies the "strength in numbers" method, maybe some members are are conniving to take down ratings of some of our good fellow mylotians.. I do also had my ratings slump from blue to red just recently, and I think this envious people should be the ones who should suffer their inconsiderate actions. I do sometimes hope that it's just a glitch, but it's been almost a day since it happened to me.

After reading the message from Mylot today, they confirm what I've been thinking and saying, that they take account of members giving negative ratings and will penalise them if they are unjustified. While it can cause disapointment at loosing a star, 93/100 is still a good rating, and you only require to increase by two to get your 10 back. Incidentally where do you find the percentage rating, I've not been able to see mine?

I still like the idea of having a negative box, and would hope that most members would use it responsibly, and I would hope that MyLot would have some way of checking the use of tags. I don't know how many moderators there are on MyLot, but if the site is set up correctly then should get messages about negative ratings, and take a quick look at a sample of them to see if they have been given correctly. Most of the ones I give negative ratings to have only a few words, but don't necessarily warrant being reported. I'm sure I read somewhere that Mylot probably won't act on 1 or 2 abuse reports for a particular discussion. Your star rating is now back to a 9

What you're suggesting sounds like a good idea...as it seems like it is really easy for us to be rated negative for the most whimsical reasons. Is that one way myLot pays us, for our "popularity?" I think we should know who is rating us negatively, and they should give a reason. If most the negative ratings is due to someone who just dosn't agree with us, or who is just being malicious, that's not fair at all to our brightest and best "Mylotians". I'm sure there are posts which deserve a negative rating..if they are downright ugly and racist or involve really gross content. But other than that, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and that opinion should be respected, as well as the subject matter that people are giving their opinions on. It seems that whatever we post, we could offend someone without even meaning to, no matter how "Positive" the post. This site is fun most the time, but every morning I expect that to happen to me now..good thing I don't depend on this site to pay my bills! I'm sorry you lost rating points..I'll try and help you get back up there.

You lost 4 ratings points overnight? Egads! Someone was busy at work, huh? I am happy with my rating, but I've decided that since it doesn't really affect anything as far as Mylot pay is concerned (correct me if I'm wrong) then I won't let fear of pi@@ing someone off stop me from answering honestly. I like your idea of putting in a reason for a negative rating and I hope Mylot considers that option.

I think the same.If one presses the negative button it may mean that your response is bad.But that doesn't mean that your creditability is gone.This is something the mylot staff shold think of.

I think that's a grand idea and anyone who gives a negative for a stupid reason other than to be mean should also have an automatic negative against them. That way people know that if they are going to give one just for the hell of it then they are going to get one back. And why the heck did mylot start the whole star thing anyway? What's it prove? It's too easy to bring someone down on their rating just because you don't like them or agree with them, it's pointless to me to even have the star.

Very great idea.

Very great idea.

yes good that you have pointed it out.the suggestion to give a reason is also correct. but if you see that this is not a manual work ,a software will be doing this sort of things .So anybody will still be able to give any reason against anybody and still get through it . there can be a check that if the negative rating is not genuine then the sender gets that negative rating. "use their sword to attack them". that's what i will call this strategy.

This is an interesting piece of news for me who has just joined MyLot the other day (or rather, night). Yes, I think this is unfair. In fact, it does not only hurt the people who take their "star ratings" seriously; these "negativists" also hurt themselves, by allowing themselves to be eaten away by this negative attitude. A positive attitude always allows growth - which I feel is the spirit behind MyLot - in a supportive, open and honest atmosphere. No, I am not for pushing the + button all the time, it is not honest. Personally, I enjoy the exchange and the variety of insights, and if I do get ratings I take them as feedback for improvement - which, of course, I can take or leave. I agree that with pushing the negative button some reason or feedback must be forthcoming. I like to think that we are all after constructive criticism. Thanks for raising this.

that's a great idea... I can see how the negative button can be subject to abuse by people who are just being vindicative.