Can we rate answers?

Hi PlbMak,

I'm glad you brought this up. We are developing on a tool that will allow users to rate posts, inessence to both thank other users for their suggestions and to separate the wheat from the chaff. We aren't too far along in the production process, though. We're still determining the best way to proceed, but if you have any suggestions, or sites that are using this technology well, we're open to hearing them. For the time being a simple response saying "that's an excellent answer" is a good start.

Thanks,
-Chris

Good answer Chris.

Good answer, for sure; but probably not such a good idea (from the get-go). Think of it this way... "Rate not, lest ye be rated." This is why most if not all public board rate features don't work (as those here will remember...), or do not ultimately "do no harm."

A better answer is: "Don't rate, just compliment." Why, one could even cut and paste and...post...a compliment (a thread!)...either personal or public. (What better kind of rating would you like to have...in your HDD?)

Now here's a good idea...for those who don't want to wade through posts they have no admiration for: A Hide and Unhide (optionally with make-/unmake-permanent button) in each message box (hover could describe briefly how to use them) will essentially accomplish Drac's purpose...and with no chance of angst epidemics. Much more civil...when one thinks or feels a bit more about it. And...there are precedents...that are tried and tested...on other boards.

Has anyone seen any rank (pun intended) system that works on any board? Post a link if you have, please.

Final, philosophical, point: Board posts are not forever!

I like the idea of submitting a "positive" note if one thinks a response to a question or statement goes beyond the normal "atta boy" standard reply. The purpose of these responses should be to teach, to inform and to answer a question with real, applicable information. I think most of us would like to see a response of "nice response!" to our answers to questions or comments. However, it can get nasty if someone disagrees passionately with someone's reply and starts a public debate, like in a Roman Coliseum event.

Thanks, Cardioseventh. Mind you, I am not opposed to a (unique) system that permits one to conveniently add one's (and ultimately a whole groups's) assessment about others' posts: if it could be done in a way that overcomes the (intrinsic) problems associated with the tendency for such systems to become competitive--where feelings and misunderstandings (and group dynamics) begin to supplant objectivity (and civility)--where, eventually, forum Moderation must to be brought to bear to keep a board focused on its original purpose--where such (distraction of and intervention by) Moderation so often results in the increase of restrictions (&or the flight of participants) to a point which dimishes the original utility of the board. It is with just these things in mind that, after posting yesterday, I spent much of the night trying to devise the rudiments of just such a system--it's a lot harder than it seems, but I think it can be done; at least so long as one keeps in mind that any possible system will have inheritant limitations--that it's mastering and decreasing the limitations, not enhancing the rating system itself, that is the key.... In addition to charting how a system might work, I now see a need to develop a documented requirements list, with which any system should comply--I believe this might be the missing element in other ranking systems--including those which never seem to improve, even with repeated tweakings. I hope to post, first, that requirements list after a few days; but I would also hope that others might post their ideas (in response on this thread) as to their view of specific requirements which a rating system on these boards should have...in order to obtain a concensus in one place.... Then, if these ideas can be incorporated into a rating system (proposal) we could present to Chris (etal), perhaps CR4's systems experts will be able to use it to program the first rating system that actually works as intended, and has broad appeal and participation. Perhaps even a model for other boards? Thanks again for the compliment....below.

CowAnon

Good luck in attempting to create a reasonable methodology out of this complex question, CowAnon.

Part of the difficulty will be allowing a review process that works on a consistently positive level. Currently we have the ability to respond to a posting by inserting a helpful correction or alternative suggestion to it; and, in some cases (unfortunately) to jibe or sneer at it. It is in these latter responses that the danger to the rating system exists, in my opinion.

One of the useful services of a pre-ordained system, where the rater gets only to apply a certain number of stars, or a number from one to five, or a face somewhere between happy or unhappy (as I used to use in my elementary school classes when I asked the kids to rate the curricula), is that it makes its point without additional commentary.

In a professional milieu like CR4, where there are postings by people who, for example, are trying...but without the educational background to catch the fundamental error that an engineer might spot; or postings by an engineer that an engineering expert in a certain field might find faulty, it's difficult to imagine what good a rating system might do. The opportunity always is here for (thankfully) inserting a pleasant correction in a response blog.

CR4 is an ultimately democratic space, allowing for both positive and negative feedback to any posting via a response. My own personal preference would be along the lines of an available paste-able star rating for encouragement/discouragement/personal review commentary, similar to the currently available happy face family that can be inserted into the conversation as a levity assistance.

Something like:

"Thanks for this current effort, CowAnon !"

Mark

Mark

Same here. Thanks vermin.

Just a sec, now...

Am I to understand that you gave my rating of

a rating?

Mark

CowAnon had a point. I didn't even know were to get the stars from. Just C and P'd. I could have given more. Vermin knows. I thanked him already.

You probably have seen this but here goes. Eng-Tips.com has a star system. Take a look at it.

Urban Dictionary is a sort of WikiDictionary which has an impersonal rating system that floats the best definitions to the top. Here's a screenshot of two submissions for the definition of 'A':

-e

Nice! Lot's of fun! Thanks.

Whole lotsa tracking cookies, too. Thanks all the same.

How about a monthly vote for most helpful (or whatever) poster -one member/one nomination . If that is technically possible you might be able to help out these people.The winner could have a 'did well in class' sticker appended to their avatar for a month. The recent election format in Scotland was a fiasco. CR4 could even trial and sell the results/method to the UK Government !

Sounds good to me, but those people need more help then enough!

need more help then enough

= more help than most ?

Stay off those carrots !

Are blast me, thass the oll Narfolk aarcsent cummen thru boy. I've juss got ta goo doon humbase! I think arl go Jargon. Thass like runnen but slower.

Ay reckuns ye be more pirate 'n' Narfuk be sound it.

Hehehehe. If you can find any examples of Nelson's correspondance, you can tell he's from Norfolk!

That is an excellent answer.

Praise in public, correct in private.

We all have the ability to send private email to posted respondents.

Except perhaps to those anonymous 'guests...'

"Do right and fear no man- don't write and fear no woman."- sir thomas Dewar, inventor of the vacuum flask(thermos bottle)

milo

The old (original) CR4 forum had a moderation system. And a "moderate the moderators" system whereby if we amassed enough "points", we were invited to do some anonymous checking of moderators opinions (10 posts only).

The points were awarded (by the moderators) for posts which:

a) Were a technical advance relative to the question

b) Funny in a technical way (so Kris's puns would not score here!)

c) a couple of other categories I can't remember

Points were deducted for horrendously off-topic (gulp) and/or abusive/offensive postings.

A person's points were displayed after their name (like the eBay rating), and reset a) after doing your modding duty or b) after a set period of time.

Given the massive expansion in postings since those days, perhaps that can be amended to give all logged-in users the ability to rate posts and the mod the mods feature would self check this to look out for the personal vendettas/favouritism that we seem to be worrying about. The Admins (Chris et al) can have some sort of god-status that allows them to intervene should it be necessary.

I used to enjoy the mod the mods task - I found threads I wouldn't otherwise have seen!

This needs a bit (lot) more thought, I'll post if I do any.

Good idea, I like the fleabay system! (yes, yes, I can be found there.)