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The Ratings System

Blog Posted:8/27/2016 7:11:00 AM

I would like to discuss PoetrySoup's Rating System. When I first came to the Soup, I began using the ratings in a similar manner to a movie or product review -- the difference being, I wouldn't rate a poem below a five: 5=Good, 6=Great and 7=Extraordinary. If the poem didn't rate at least a five, I might still comment, but I wouldn't use the ratings.

But, even this seemingly fair use of the ratings seemed to cause problems and confusion. So I ask all Soupers: How do you use the rating system (if at all), and what are your opinions of said topic?

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Teddy
Kimathi

Date: 9/2/2016 5:58:00 AM

I have a question. If we remove the ratings system, how will we place poems in contests? How will we tell the N/A?

Tom Arnone
Date: 9/4/2016 6:33:00 AM

Teddy, do you use the Soup's ratings system - and, if so, in what capacity?

Teddy Kimathi
Date: 9/3/2016 3:23:00 AM

Oh, thanks for enlightening me, Seeker! ;-)

Tom
Arnone

Date: 8/30/2016 10:24:00 PM

What I've learned. Old method: 5=Good; 6=Great; 7=Extraordinary. New method: Anything below a 5 (or a 6, or a 7) is considered the Forbidden Zone. No ratings are good ratings. "What, me worry?" -- Alfred E. Neuman ;-)

Anthony
Mark

Date: 8/29/2016 6:39:00 AM

Does a 7 automatically come with a " hug" , or is the hug generated irrespective of points awarded, there are some ladies on here I would DEFINATELY give 7 to and lots of hugs, but not sure of the etiquette involved......no seriously! 8D

Frederic
Parker

Date: 8/28/2016 9:46:00 AM

There are those who feel the need to sit in judgment, there are those who don't.When I read a poem I either find interest in it or I don't, that doesn't mean it's not an interesting poem it only means at that particular moment my interests are somewhere else.I find the need to sit in judgment or chose a rank a long drink from the cup of ego, unless it is for a contest where the very reason is to judge, where whoever enters are asking to be judged..I believe I answered your two questions

Joanna
Daniel

Date: 8/28/2016 8:14:00 AM

I use the ratings the same way you do, Tom, the difference being, I only rate a poem '7', if I like it really well and nothing less...

Tom Arnone
Date: 8/28/2016 10:04:00 AM

If the only acceptable rating is 7, then the ratings system is truly counterproductive; a anachronism; obsolete -- and, should be removed from the PoetrySoup options.

Harry
Horsman

Date: 8/27/2016 2:56:00 PM

When one as been here on soup a while nearly 6 years now, i'm afraid it is 'here we go again' now it is the 7's what's the problem, for me i just like to read someone's poem leave a comment, and sometimes i even get comments returned. Glad i'm not an intellect though the stress is just overbearing...

Anthony Mark
Date: 8/29/2016 6:20:00 AM

Rubens poem is a bit higher than a 7, that would be but an insult, 8DDD

Harry Horsman
Date: 8/27/2016 4:33:00 PM

write a poem Ruben, you're one of the best, i promise i'll give it a 7

Anthony
Mark

Date: 8/27/2016 12:54:00 PM

I thought that was just poets taking the pee....is it a serious thing?

Tom
Arnone

Date: 8/27/2016 12:40:00 PM

The blog has already begun to dematerialize (as predicted by Hari Seldon). I have lost a whole comment thread! A puzzle for you: How many Soupers can you find in the poem, Silent River Run?

Tom
Arnone

Date: 8/27/2016 10:43:00 AM

I love these responses. Keep them coming. I'm so glad we're having this discussion. I desperately needed some intelligent feedback on the infamous ratings system.... ;-)

Tom Arnone
Date: 8/27/2016 12:52:00 PM

Frank has dematerialized (I hope, safely)....

Carrie
Richards

Date: 8/27/2016 9:44:00 AM

I never use the rating system either.. Like Ruben said, most often I forget it is there....and even on my own poems, I rarely notice . For me, the feed-back is more important, than the "numbers". That tells me if I've written something worthy, or not. And I think we have to be intuitive to know how our own work rates. I'd rather leave a few complimentary words than a number on someone else's work, and no comment if I didn't like it. Never would I punch in a low number ....I feel it would be insult to injury

Carrie Richards
Date: 8/27/2016 4:22:00 PM

PS.....to amend my comment, just because I didn't like a poem, doesn't mean it wasn't a good poem in the estimation of another poet. And the opposite is also true. By leaving a high, or a low mark......it is strictly just my opinion... And who am I to judge another's work?

Robert
Lindley

Date: 8/27/2016 9:44:00 AM

SOME USE IT AS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TOOL. Others(few) as a weapon to hit those they envy, despise etc. How you rate a poem when read is purely a personal reaction. One may give a 7 because the poet's message rings clear and is very good one or the words hits a personal note, brings a memory- a pleasing emotion, etc.. Or one may truly think its a great poem because truth was well represented. There can be no one rating system devised that can encompass all-or insure perfect judgment is used when giving. Perfection in human actions can not be achieved..

Jan Allison
Date: 8/27/2016 6:37:00 PM

For once I agree with you Tommy lol it serves no real purpose:-) hugs Jan xx

My Past Blog Posts


Scare Me Good Poetry Contest Finalized! Date Posted: 10/7/2016 8:51:00 AM
Boilerplate Date Posted: 9/10/2016 11:28:00 AM
The Ratings System Date Posted: 8/27/2016 7:11:00 AM

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