I think this is a good idea.  I personally feel uncomfortable giving other writers a numerical score.  I'm new to the forum so I never had to do this, but I think I would feel pressured to give someone a good score if he or she had previously given me a high rating. 

A rating system is useful for finished products, when you are buying things and your money is on the line.  But for a writing critique I just don't find it that useful.  I don't want to discourage anyone by giving a low rating OR cheapen the high rating for the writers who really are doing an amazing job. 

If a rating system is necessary, I would prefer that it be a.) anonymous and b.) scale from 1-10.  I think it would be much more useful to the writer if it were broken down into categories (such as characterization, style, structure, plot.)  That way writers can clearly identify their strengths and weaknesses.

While I think the idea of reviews not being rated in very intelligent, I also would like to see replies to reviews unrated since the wording of the reply normally indicates how it was accepted. Perhaps a minimum word count of about 25 as well so the reviewer can get a feel for the kind of review are accepable to a particular writer. Personally I don't like reviews that just say nice things (unless the piece is genuinely fantastic, which I doubt mine ever are) --- that tells me nothing.  Even if a reviewer gives me a bad review because I gave them one, I learn something (like steer clear in future). I always try to give honest reviews with the aim to help, not discourage, but that's not always appreciated. I never give nice reviews without reading the piece properly, just to get the points (except, maybe) if I suspect someone is doing that to me). Also the chance to respond to a reply on my reviews would be helpful in avoiding bad feeling. I note that unless someone posts on the forum or puts a link on their profile it is not possible to send them e-mail.

Hey all how's it hanging?

Well....and I, as newbie know my thoughts don't mean diddley squot but it was kinda meaningless, the rating.
I would like to add that Corra's idea has merit, I know opinions are subjective but really....it's all we have to offer.
I do have difficulty being totally honest in my reviewing, I know 'Ya big woos.' I hear you shouting, so some sort of tick box (oh winceing is going on as you read, I can hear it.) system would be better than none at all. A written critique will always be the best tool we have,,,, but um you Know what I mean?

Cheer me dears


D A Reynolds

It is so relaxing to not have to be concerned about numbers when writing and reviewing.  Thought I'd just post my thoughts on the subject  after quite a long while of the change.  I feel free now to say what I please, and feel, and think about the work I am reviewing without having to quantify it.  That is surely what separates writing from accounting. 

Please let us not go back to the numbers.

I never did get to see the Bee Gee's in concert. Dam!

AdamGreenwood wrote:

I'm new to the site. I've been trying to figure out how my work gets a ranking.
I see now the reason why I can't score anyone's work.

But I thought the idea was to be able to let the best rise to the top, to be identified by readers, writers and industry pros (in theory).
How are rankings going to be determined if there are no scores.

I realize that people get their feelings hurt, and that reviews are inconsistent, but even so...seems like we need rankings.

Rankings are quantitative. Get more reviews than anybody, regardless of what the reviewer thinks of the quality of your work, and you will rise to the top. You can get more reviews by reviewing more and not saying anything nasty about the work you are reviewing.

Many members form sub-groups of kindred spirits who review each other. Once you find members who you think are helpful to you, develop a reciprocal review relationship with them.

Memphis Trace

I'm thinking that if I could sell a lot of Ebooks, I wouldn't really be concerned with my ranking on the site.
As for doing lots of reviews and making friends, that's all well and good, but the top rankings, are going to be more of a popularity contest than any objective standard of quality.

And yes, you saw books jump to the top in your five years, but that was when people could actually review and score.

Disclaimer:It's not as if scoring is going to help me, because my work isn't very polished but I still think removing the scoring is a bad idea.
It's going to take away all the credibility of the rankings.

If you get to #1 (with the scoring system removed), what will that mean? It will mean you spend eight hours a day on here, making friends, and begging people to read your work.
That'll get a publisher's attention.

AdamGreenwood wrote:

I'm thinking that if I could sell a lot of Ebooks, I wouldn't really be concerned with my ranking on the site.
As for doing lots of reviews and making friends, that's all well and good, but the top rankings, are going to be more of a popularity contest than any objective standard of quality.

And yes, you saw books jump to the top in your five years, but that was when people could actually review and score.

Disclaimer:It's not as if scoring is going to help me, because my work isn't very polished but I still think removing the scoring is a bad idea.
It's going to take away all the credibility of the rankings.

If you get to #1 (with the scoring system removed), what will that mean? It will mean you spend eight hours a day on here, making friends, and begging people to read your work.
That'll get a publisher's attention.

You're right.  What does it mean to be the number 1 book on the site?  Well I think it means a few things.

1. You are a good writer. You can doubt it if you want but ultimately, even if you were the most popular person on the site, but were a terrible writer, people wouldn't read your work.  A lot of reviewers will shy away from work that is too rough not wanting to be the bad guy and all.
2. You've done a lot of reviews. The reason you are a good writer just may be because you've put in the time to review a lot of people who in turn have reviewed you.  The reviewing process will teach you a lot about making your own craft better.  Just ask some of the long timers on this site.
3. You've made a lot of connections with writers.  Networking is important in the writing world.  Even if you plan on being an indie, it helps to have friends in the industry.
4. Your book has undergone many drafts and is probably pretty polished by now.  This means it might be ready for whatever you are readying it for.
5. When the site does run competitions such as the Strongest Start, your book will be a contender for the prize if you choose to enter it.
6. Your book and your name is very visible on a long time, well established writing based website.  Never a bad thing.

Ultimately though, it doesn't matter.  The point of the site is to hone your craft.  The only way to do that is to do lots of reviews and do lots of writing.  The rising in rankings is just a by-product of that process.  If they put the scores back, it wouldn't really change anything.  I was around before when they existed and everybody basically gave each others 5's anyway.  And if somebody didn't, feelings got hurt and there would be flaming in the forums.  Not worth it.