How do YOU deal out your bones?

[Lush]

If it's possible, I would like to open a little discussion on the subject of member ratings. I would like to know how and why YOU rate people the way you do, whether YOU bother with it at all (why or why not), and whether YOU do it often or not. I would like this to be a civil discussion, pretty please, so if you're tempted to name names, or point fingers, please don't do it here. I am just curious about the psychology behind rating, not about your personal opinions of individual members of this forum. Basically, if you want to post "I HATE YOU & I RATED YOU A 1!!!" in regards to someone, please restrain yourself.

[Ithaeliel]

AAAGGH LUSH I HATE YOU AND IF I HAD THE CHOICE I WOULD RATE YOU A MINUS 2!!!

Just kidding smilies/wink.gif smilies/biggrin.gif I don't dislike ya either.

I don't rate people often. In fact I usually choose not to rate them at all, since I might later feel that I regret rating them so poorly or so high because of the changes people make for better or worse. I don't think the rating under your name really matters anyway, because if someone rates you one bone for some stupid reason (like if you hinted a sarcastic comment at them) then like you're gonna care. Of course, it lets you know how well you're doing at this forum and whether you should change the way you're going.

[Morima]

I don't rate often either. (Why do we have tha rating, anyway? BW?) I have been rated once - a three bones, so I guess I've said something stupid somewhere... smilies/rolleyes.gif but I rate up when someone comes up with really good arguments, and I rate down if people are nasty to/flaming/provoking anyone.

[Elenna]

Well, I rarely ever rate anyone. But I do try to rate the people who post really intelligent things regularly (rarer than it sounds) a five. And I give people ones and twos who post "hee hee, I don't know a thing about LOTR. I just came here because I saw the movie and I am sooo in love with Orlando Bloom." Those people deserve low ratings.

[Elrian]

I usually don't make a habit of doing ratings unless someone is extremely irritating or has posted wisely. As some of you have noticed in the past, people come in and join and get rated 5 bones and it's obvious they do not deserve such a rating. I've felt that the rating thing should be for people who have over the 500 posts and can tell who the good and bad posters are instead of 5 bones for drooling over Lijah or Orli, or being a wiseguy.
You asked why they are on here to begin with. The message board came with that feature. And the ratings are not worth worrying about, you can also turn them off in your profile.

[Galadrie1]

I don't rate people at all, and I don't allow people to rate me. I find the ratings stupid and pointless, and it's just another way for feelings to be hurt.

[Nevfeniel]

I don't rate that often either, but when I do, I usually give them a low rate if they are rude and/or inconsiderate, etc; and I rate people high for being polite and/or nice to other members, and I also rate people highly if they make meaningful posts that aren't off-topic.

[Lush]

Personally, I've never rated anyone below a 5, because the people that annoy me I just ignore. A couple of times, I have rated someone a 5 to try to negate unfair low ratings done by someone else.

[burrahobbit]

I don't rate people very often, but when I do it is either a 1 or a 5. I only rate people that make a strong impression on me. If I notice that I am liking a person's posts (they don't even have to be on topic, I dig a good sense of humor) I'll give them a 5. On the other hand, if I notice that I am disliking everything that I see from somebody then I give them a 1. Annoying signatures can also earn a 1.

For example, I've given Lush a 5, even though a lot of the time she doesn't have anything amazing to say on topic. Mostly I just said that so that I can say "I boned Lush," which I think is the funniest thing ever.

I've given out one bone 9 times, and five bones 18 times.

[*Varda*]

I only ever rate people a 4 or 5 and then only if they deserve it. I don't really see the point in rating people 1, you might as well not bother. And it does get annoying when someone new who only writes one line posts gets rated 5 for doing nothing.

Still, I don't get too bothered about whether I get rated or not, I rarely if ever actually bother to look at it.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Shame on you, burrahobbit! smilies/wink.gif Poor Lush. Abused by a monkey lover.

Anyways, I rate like burra does - seldom, but almost always a 1 or a 5. If someone is in between I don't feel the need to do anything. But when someone is exceptional (or exceptionlly annoying) I rate them.

[Lush]

For example, I've given Lush a 5, even though a lot of the time she doesn't have anything amazing to say on topic. Mostly I just said that so that I can say "I boned Lush," which I think is the funniest thing ever.

Burra, you should send out a memo to all my male friends (I'll give your their addresses) titled something along the lines of: "How I Achieved Something That You Losers Never Will."
Ok, now that I am done rolling around on the floor in hysterics (I knew this thread would start trouble; I knew it, I knew it), let me just point out that...nevermind. I don't really have a clever comeback. I can't be clever with a man (monkey lover or not) who draws me a birthday cake on my birthday. smilies/smile.gif
As for the subject of boning, er, RATING, my pet peeve is when people get rated a 1 for having a different opinion. While rating is everyone's personal right, I don't think it's very cool to rate someone down because you disagree with them on something. Now, if that person is childish and annoying in the process of disagreeing with you, that I can understand. But rating someone a 1 just because "I think Legolas was blond and he doesn't" is silly.

[Eärendil]

I don´t rate very often, but if I do, then it´s mostly a 1 or 5. 1 if I think the person´s annoying etc., and 5 if I think the person gives good arguments in a discussion or post really good/deep, meaningful postings.

[Amanaduial the archer]

I only really rate ppl if Ive had alot to do with them and have seen alot of their posts...or if theyve done something in the RP boards and then not carried it on-that reeeeeeeeeeeally annoys me! I very rarely do tho, and it seems ppl dont like rating me either...*sob*

Ive only ever rated one person 1 bone and that was cos he posted *inappropriate* site addresses on the board. Ive rated about 4 or 5 ppl 5 bones. My most common rating is 4

[Daniel Telcontar]

I also seldom rate, and I only rate 5. If someone annoys me I don't rate them, I just ignore. (even though it is tempting!) I rate 5 if I am in a discussion with someone, and they are good at it. If they post arguments that prove they know what they are talking about, I rate them because I think they deserve it.

[Lothiriel Silmarien]

I actually rated about...28 people I guess. I never rated anyone below a 4. If I like what someone had to say, and if they made an impact on me, like burrahobbit said, then I rated them. Or if they were just very polite, friendly, etc. Someone else said that too. Burrahobbit, I can't believe you would say something like that! Wait...yes I can smilies/wink.gif

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

I rate people either a one or a five. Hee-hee. I have never rated a two, three, or four.

[ July 27, 2002: Message edited by: Gimli Son Of Gloin ]

[Talking Hawk]

I find the ratings pretty pointless myself...at least when someone decided to give me a four instead of a five. Hehe! ^^; Anywho, I don't do ratings myself very often. I only give out fives, and only to those I like or am friends with. I don't like giving anything less than a five because I don't want anyone's feelings to get hurt, or their egos to be bruised. If I don't like someone, I just don't bother going to their info pages (where you give them bones, etc.). Also, going back to the five thing, I feel the same way Galadrie1 does - I worry that if I rate them any less than a five, I may regret doing so later. So, I just hand out the fives to those I like...

I'm not going to name any names, but there's an individual that I think is a cool guy - however, I haven't felt the need to give him his five bones as (currently) fifty-seven other people already have. I figure he already knows he's a people person. =) Adios.

[Gorothlammothiel]

I myself have only rated one person on here as I thought they deserved a 5 for holding a deep and incredibily thought provoking discussion (although I realise there is more than one person capable of such on here). It seems I have been rated 5 times though.

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

I have a three. I guess no one likes me.

[NazgulNumberTen]

well i have a ...3.38!!!
ok so nobody like me ethier but HAHAHA
i BEAT YOU GIMLI!!!!
ps i boned- er rated 7 people. all 5's. for their sake, and mine, they shall remain anatomous.

[ July 28, 2002: Message edited by: NazgulNumberTen ]

[Ithaeliel]

I have a 3.72... those must have been the bad days smilies/biggrin.gif

[*Varda*]

I'm rated a 3.83 ... oh well I don't rate people that often. I don't really see the point in rating to be perfectly honest unless the person has made an intelligent post.

[Lush]

Hah, whenever I get into a serious discussion concerning the literature, I always get rated down. Since I am usually civil during the discussions, I figure that whoever rates me down does it because he/she doesn't agree with me. Then I go off for a couple of weeks and do nothing but joke around, and sure enough, my rating bounces back up (unless I'm joking about religion or Frodo's sexuality smilies/eek.gif ). Coincidence? I think not.

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

WHenever there is a discussion about Harry Pothead- erm, Potter, I get rated down.

[Ithaeliel]

Hmm. I know it wasn't me. I've only rated 3 people.

I don't really pay attention to how it changes or not. It really doesn't matter to me. I post the way I post, and I don't post offensively 92% of the time, so as long as I've got a 3.5 or higher, I am okay.

[Nevfeniel]

Out of 22 ratings, I have a weighted "score" of 3.88, which rounds to a 4. Well, I guess I must have done something right.
Not that my rating matters to me, of course. . .

[ July 28, 2002: Message edited by: Nevfeniel ]

[burrahobbit]

With 18 votes I've got 4.30. Which just goes to show you, I am awesome. Could be awesomer, though, and I'm working on that. I'm up from a couple days ago.

[*Varda*]

Mmm I probably get rated down when I get involved in a Harry Potter thread...at least the last one seems to have died. smilies/smile.gif

Back on topic - have you ever noticed in some people's signatures it says Please rate me? Does anyone ever rate because of this or does it just seem desperate?

[Halbereth Diagona]

I only got a 3.12 sob....no-one likes me.
Well, it was actually when I had a barney with someone not to name names, and those people rated me low. I think that's a really spiteful thing to do, I've had an argument with you so I'm going to rate you low.
I don't rate often, except for when I feel that someone has made a good point, or if they are being imagainative in their roleplaying, because I admire good imagination.

[The Barrow-Wight]

Curious, I looked in my profile and saw that I have 57 votes that average to 4.54. That's quite an upswing, considering I was rated FOUR BONES just a few months ago.

I have voted 15 times, 10 of which were 5's, two 3's, and three 1's. I had forgotten about the 3's, but guess I was saying those people were very average. I don't think it was a compliment smilies/wink.gif

[Lush]

When it says "please rate me" in people's signatures, I don't do it, unless they have been around for a while and I have a good opinion of them. If someone is asking to be rated, what's the point of rating them down if you don't like them? They'll only be disappointed, and I don't like to disappoint anyone if I don't have to. And, if you don't know them, what's the point of rating them up? They may be the same person who will annoy you to the point of twitching sometime next week.

[Halbereth Diagona]

If it says 'Please rate me' in ppl's sigs, it looks really sadly desperate. I mean, rating isn't exactly important.

[Tarthang]

I don't rate anyone. Mostly because I don't see any point in the rating system. If you feel someone made an excellent post in response to a thread, I feel it is much better to send them a private message telling them such, opposed to using an anonymous rating system. And I strongly agree with Halbereth's statement about those asking to be rated. Although if the ratings were applicable in some sort of tangible way, then I might be motivated to actually rate someone, and would understand people asking to be rated in return.
And to attempt to answer Lush's querry about what the ratings are for, I don't know. I figured BW may have provided an answer, but so far hasn't.

[Rose Cotton]

I don't rate anyone unless I really like them. And then I always will rate them 5 bones. There has been one exeption to this but I'm not going to name names.

[NazgulNumberTen]

i bet it's me.

[The Barrow-Wight]

You don't require an answer from me, Tarthang. I didn't invent the idea of ratings, and I see no reason to squash them altogether.

The reasons are all of those given above and all of those given (soon) below.

[Lush]

Well, for me, rating is a chance to show to someone who is either very intelligent or funny or cute, or a combination of the three, how much I like them.
For others, it is also a chance to show someone how much they hate them. I have yet to be so completely annoyed by anyone that I resort to rating them a 1.

[NazgulNumberTen]

my rating just dropped to 3.17. how, you poeple must really hate me.
now it's 3.08, WHY DO YOU ALL HATE ME SO MUCH?!

[ July 29, 2002: Message edited by: NazgulNumberTen ]

[Arie]

Well-i don't really rate much-since i don't know the prupose to it-i haven't been rated yet

[Lothiriel Silmarien]

Hey Arie! I would have welcomes you to the Downs, but you were here before I was! You probably haven't been rated because your not on much. Or are you. I don't know, but I haven't really seen you around.

I never rate anybody lower than a 4. If I like them, their posts, what they say, etc. I vote them. If I don't like what you say and if your mean, or whatever I just don't vote you. I don't want to give anybody a low score.

[NazgulNumberTen]

noe my rating is 2.94
WHY DO YOU ALL HATE ME????
smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif
huh?! is it my view on harry potter? well excuse me for having an opinion.

[ July 29, 2002: Message edited by: NazgulNumberTen ]

[Maédhros]

I have never rated anyone and I never will. I remember a few weeks ago my rating was a 1.82 ouch. Does that means that my posts were bad or annoying. I can live with the second and not with the first.

[dragongirlG]

My judgment on ratings is that if someone is very, very intelligent and I admire how eloquent they are, I rate them higher. I'm not going to rate someone lower because I don't like his/her opinion. If someone can argue very well, I will rate them high.

If I rate someone low, then it would be because he/she is posting pointless messages with no meaning. I wouldn't do this because I don't understand what they are saying or because I don't like what they are saying, but because the argument is unjustified or the poster is insistent on arguing something that isn't reasonably justified. This would have to be if I were totally, completely annoyed with someone, and I had thought it out carefully before. I don't rate on impulse.

[Child of the 7th Age]

I was on vacation and didn't see this thread till now. I generally rate a "5", or don't rate at all. I have yet to find someone who infuriates me enough to dole out a "1", although it could happen.

When I first started on the boards, I gave out a few "4s" but no longer do that. A "4" doesn't really say anything about how you feel; it's kind of wishy-washy!

Do people rate only for "conventional" posts in the book, movie, etc. forums, or do you also rate for RPGs? When I was here at first, I tended only to rate in the "conventional" forums. Now, I will defintely give a high rating for a great character in an RPG which shows a lot of thought. This is probably because I've done more posting in an RPG lately, and can see how much work is involved if you take the thing seriously.

Also, has anyone ever assigned someone a rating on the basis of something you've read by them in the fanfiction section? I haven't, but I could imagine doing that if I found something that really rang bells in my head.

sharon, the 7th age hobbit

[Telchar]

I rate! and Im proud to say that I use the full spectrum. I see alot of people saying: 'I usually either rate 1 or 5' hmmm my opinion to this is: This is the real world - I dont belive in pure evil or stupidity - neither in true uncompromised exelence (With Mithadan as a possible exception smilies/wink.gif )
I try to judge people - some I have judge poorly (I must admit) some I have judged rightly. Here are some of the things that will earn a bones from me:

A Do you make sence in your posts?
B Do you at least try to make sence in your posts?
C Do your posts show that you have done any research on the topic?
D Do your posts have annything to contribute to The Downs? (relevance)
E Do you humor me/are your sarcastic comments well placed?
F Are you helpfull to others, at least to some degree
G Do you have a great storage of knowledge on the life of JRR Tolkien and his works?
H Do you try to give and take from The Downs? (good) .... or are you only here to see your own words on a webpage without concern of their relevance? (Bad)

[Lothiriel Silmarien]

That's a good way to rate people. Nice list, I'll follow that.

[Ithaeliel]

That is a great system, Telchar. It really shows what rating a person deserves accurately. I'd have to say that if they got a 'yes' to 5 or more, I would rate them a five. If they got four, I'd rate them a four, and so on and so forth. If I ever decide to rate anyone, I'll keep this in mind. Thanks.

[the phantom]

I don't like to give out bad ratings, because maybe the person is having a bad day, or made a mistake or something. I hate to give them a rating because one or two comments didn't make sense or were dumb. For all I know, the other 100 posts they have made are excellent. The only way I could justly decide an exact rating is to read every single post by a person, and I don't have that kind of time. Also, I wouldn't want someone to read only one or two of my worst posts and give me a bad rating.
If someone impresses me with something, I give them a 5, and that's all the rating I do.

[burrahobbit]

That is a good point, the phantom, and why I only rate people either way after they have made some sort of impression on me. I usually don't pay much attention to who I am reading, so if I actually notice somebody it's a pretty big deal. Either they are really good or really bad, and deserve to be rated as such.

[Tigerlily Gamgee]

I rated people at first, but I only rated those who I thought deserved a five - so I never rated any lower than that. If I thought someone deserved lower I just didn't rate them at all. I guess I have trouble being mean (well, not mean, per-say, but just judgemental - I guess I'm too nice sometimes...).
I have given up on rating though, because a person's rating on this board really does not affect my opnion of them at all. That is why I took my rating off, I just think that it shouldn't matter (and this isn't because I was getting rated poorly, it's just because I didn't see a need for it anymore).

[NazgulNumberTen]

im at an all time low-2.75
WHY?! smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

I haven't displayed my rating since it shot up to 4 for no obvious reason and further analysis revealed that I was seeing one person's opinion (hardly unanimous). Not displaying my own rating, I don't really feel entitled publicly to rate others, so I don't use the bones. That's not to say that they're a bad idea, just not my cup of tea.

[Gimli Son Of Gloin]

Hee-Hee, Naz, I got 3.18, I beat you.

telchar, I'm gonna apply myself to your system.

A- No
B- Not really
C- Research?
D- Let's just say I'm comic relief
E- I humor, but they ain';t well placed
F- Helpful? My dad says I'm destructive
G- No
H- Bad

[Melephelwen]

In my early days of wightiness I rated a 2 and three 4's. Now I only rate 5's. If you don't deserve a 5 you're not rated by me. I rate people that make an impression on me.
--- And people seems to like me for it!! j/k smilies/tongue.gif

[Neferchoirwen]

I rated once, but I guess I rated the wrong way. It didn't make sense to me, but I wanted to rate, so I did it the wrong way. Don't remember how, and who, but this thread really brought a lot of things out of the dark.

I'll try to rate more often.

And for the few people who rated me, thank you for your appreciation!
smilies/biggrin.gif smilies/wink.gif

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

I rate 1's if someone does something such as use the forum to promote their own site as opposed to the Downs. Don't laugh, it's happened. I was disappointed to find there was no zero. Otherwise I rate 5's.

Whenever someone begs me to rate them, or complains about their rating, I restrain myself from rating them. I really try not to make decisions when I'm annoyed, I'm not likely to be nice or fair...

I was down-rated once (deservedly) when I was a little sharp with Cimmerian. What I think is funny is I was down-rated when I out of town for a month. Now that's arbitrary. smilies/biggrin.gif

-Maril

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Here's food for thought: I've only rated about ten people, and most of those 5s (one 1). I've only be rated by about ten people, basically all fives, and only one 1. Coincidence? Put it on Ripley's?

-Maril

[Alkanoonion]

I rate 1's if someone does something such as use the forum to promote their own site as opposed to the Downs

I always promote my page (members pic) in my signature but I also promote the Barrow Downs (Vote). smilies/wink.gif

[ September 04, 2002: Message edited by: Alkanoonion ]

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Allow me to clarify - I'm referring to a particularly rude character who started leaving "the Downs sucks! Come to My site!" messages. No kidding. Really, a 1 was waaaay too high. But I couldn't think of way to fire a poison dart...

-Maril

[The Squatter of Amon Rûdh]

I'm referring to a particularly rude character who started leaving "the Downs sucks! Come to My site!" messages

If you mean that refugee from the Plaza, some of us went there to track him down. Lo and behold, they had just deleted some of his posts and were considering banning him altogether for spamming and trolling. I expect that the idea in posting here was to provoke some Downers into making anti-social posts on the other board to punish them for erasing his dross. Even a rating of one was more attention than he deserved.

[Lothiriel Silmarien]

I rate 1's if someone does something such as use the forum to promote their own site as opposed to the Downs

I have my page in my signature, but it's a LotR page so I thought it was alright. And it's a small homepage, not something big like the Downs. It's just something to look at.

I'm referring to a particularly rude character who started leaving "the Downs sucks! Come to My site!" messages

Ok, phew! That's not me then. But if there's a problem with me having my page in my sig, then please let me know. (I don't mean that in a bratty way, sorry if it sounded like it)

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Oh no, Long before that Plaza crew. I ignored those guys. This character actually had something to say about the LotR, knew his stuff even.

-Maril

[lindil]

well for one I am shocked that BW has a 4. something, [and I am not being a rear-kissing mod] I mean we would not be here w/out him, and I have never seen him post anything stupid which is more than I can say for a few 5's smilies/wink.gif

I also tend for 1 and's 5's.
and you have to really offend me to get a one from me because I am lazy and don't want to take the time to wait for reloading.

I did a 4 once which I regret greatly.

And a couple of times I have rated high to boost someone I would have otherwise not botherd to rate.

I do wish we could re-rate! I mean people are not static [at we shouldn't be. And itend to wait to see someone around for a goodwhile before rating.

Any options in that regared, like 'allow rerating'?

Like others I have sometimes voted high to balance out a perceived discrepancy.

[ April 05, 2003: Message edited by: lindil ]

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Oh, I'm not surprised BW has four bones. The mods et al have to do things people don't like. Just one of the fun parts of the job. Enjoy!

I wonder how many times Ron's asked himself.. I wanted to create an LotR site.. it would be fun, I said.. how much trouble could it be I thought..

-Maril

[Daisy Sandybanks]

Well, I have never rated anyone before. Why? Because I just never get around to doing it. I don't like judging people through numbers and such, I can think what I want of them in my own mind.
Actually, right now I have two ratings (bones), but for some reason they don't show up when I post something.

You know what, I have realized that I don't care how people rate me. So far (as I said above) all I have are two bones, and to me I actually consider that great! Any rating in my mind is a fantasic and pleasing gesture weather its a one bone, or a five bone rating, I don't care.

[ September 16, 2002: Message edited by: Daisy Sandybanks ]

[Brinniel]

I've only rated two people before and I gave them both a 5. I haven't rated anyone a 1, though I have seen some that deserve it. I suppose that I'm just too nice. :rolleyes: Anyways, I think I'll try rating people more often for now on.

Right now, my rating is 4.35, but only 2 people have rated me. Honestly, I don't think ratings matter. So many people have different opinions of others, and just because you got one or two low ratings, it doesn't mean you're a horrible person. Though, if 10+ people have given you low ratings, you might want start watching what you post.

[Phoenix Solitude]

I have never rated anyone and no-one has rated me. I think ratings are simply another way to be spiteful and hurtful and I do not wish to be a part of that. Truly, I think the ratings should be got rid of. I'd never plead to be rated, and I think that if you admire someone's work you should PM them to say it, rather than rate them, because then they don't know who admires their work.
Call me a blockheaded old fashioned faery brain but that's my view.

[burrahobbit]

I do both.

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

Heh. Phoenix, don't tempt me into rating you. smilies/wink.gif

-Maril

[Rosseiliantiel]

Nobody likes me smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif smilies/frown.gif
I'm a 2.16
smilies/evil.gif But I don't care smilies/evil.gif
smilies/frown.gif much smilies/frown.gif

I only rate people when I have a really strong view towards them, so I really only rate people 5s or 1s.

[Elenna]

I'm a 3.49. Sorry to anyone who I angered, causing them to rate me poorly.

And I've noticed that whenever I make a comment about some RPG thread not being creative or whatever, my rating drops a lot.

I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do!

[Eol]

Actually it seems that you get marked down whenever when someone thinks that productive critism is to be taken personal.

Elenna, do not be upset when people get mad at you. That is part of the moderator's job. 50 percent of the time people hate and 60 percent people still do not like you. It is kinda like becoming the president of the United States, you get the bum rap whether you deserve it or not.

Just continue to do your job. As far as being a mod goes, you are very easy on people. It is fine that you are since the majority of people here are under the age of 18.

Ok back on topic here: I personally do not care for the bones. It is a easy way to dis on someone or compliment them on whatever. I am not too specific of why I give people bones, if they have a really cool sig, I will give them a five, I have yet to give bad bones.

[Turambar]

I was wondering what "weighted" average means -- how is it weighted ? (Hopefully this isn't answered already, or I'll instantly get some "one bone" ratings just for not reading the thread before posting.)

[Eol]

They average it by add up the the number of votes then divide by the number of voters and you get your weighed average.

[Turambar]

Wouldn't that be simply an average, not a weighted average ? In any case since the ratings are whole numbers(1, 2 ,3, 4, and 5), I'm not sure how I got 4 votes with a simple average of 4.83. Must be Mordor math.

I know this is trivial, but now I'm curious about it. smilies/biggrin.gif

[ September 16, 2002: Message edited by: Turambar ]

[Phoenix Solitude]

I honestly couldn't care less if anyone rated me. Rating is not a thing I care about! Rate me if you want but don't expect me to give a reaction.

[Elenna]

All math is Mordor math, my friend.

And I just ended up turning my ratings off - I don't need that sort of stress.

If any of you have a problem with me or what I post, please send me a pm. Rating isn't really specific, and it's hard to fix or explain something if you don't know what's wrong.

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

You know, I've wondered about the rating option and whether or not there is a point to it. I think that it reduces the number of complaints to the BW by giving people a relatively harmless and immediate way to vent. Or compliment. Otherwise it's pointless. Although I like the feature where I can track down where someone has last posted. Certain people are always fun, and you can find some lively threads just following their trail. smilies/smile.gif

-Maril

[HerenIstarion]

I don't rate at all (I confess I rated twice, yet it was for the sake of seing how does the option work)
Neither I do allow ratings of myself. If anyone is displeased with me he/she's free to PM me and explain and expect the satisfaction (choose your weapon and come to the barrier, mylord! smilies/smile.gif)

[Bêthberry]

Turambar,

*curtsies admiringly to your imaginative, clever sig*

Bb http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies/ups/icis/ices_blume.gif

[Phoenix Solitude]

There. 2 People have rated me now, and I have 2 bones. 2.20. I cannot think what I have done to upset anyone but if that's the way they feel, then fine!

[Turambar]

Phoenix -- when you posted: "I honestly couldn't care less if anyone rated me. Rating is not a thing I care about! Rate me if you want but don't expect me to give a reaction." -- I suspect someone took up the gauntlet and "boned" you. Wasn't me, though.

Bethberry -- this is the correct version, which Rimbaud will probably appreciate. Btw, great smiley !

[ September 18, 2002: Message edited by: Turambar ]

[Rimbaud]

Indeed, I rhyme therefore iamb. Or to get to the 'root' of the matter, cogito ergo spud (I think, therefore I yam). smilies/biggrin.gif

Dipso ergo sum,

Rimbaud

smilies/tongue.gif

[Turambar]

Beautiful ! smilies/biggrin.gif You're a lot more fun than your namesake, R. smilies/smile.gif

[Bêthberry]

Drink to me only with thy wit.

or,

Had we but world enough and time,
This drinking, gentlemen, were no crime. smilies/wink.gif

Bb

[Rimbaud]

Thanks, Turambar.

Bethberry:
We would sit down and drink which way
To walk, and pass our long love's day;

[ September 18, 2002: Message edited by: Rimbaud ]

[Turambar]

But at my back I always hear
"Last call, gents", hurrying near;
And yonder all before us lie
Deserts of vast sobriety . . .

[Rimbaud]

Thy fine wine shall no more be drunk;
Nor, at thy marble bar, shall sound
My orders endless; barkeeps shall hence!
Deny preserved abstinence,

[ September 18, 2002: Message edited by: Rimbaud ]

[Turambar]

http://www.plauder-smilies.de/happy/roflmao.gif

[Bêthberry]

... Then worms shall try
That long preserved tequil-aty;

[Turambar]

Tequila Tea ! I had that once . . .

[Rimbaud]

Much hilarity!

Before we add injury to insult, we had best cease and desist our foul degradations...

A very enjoyable romp through such bawdy balladry. A marvel, indeed.

[Turambar]

Now therefore, while the pasty hue
Sits on thy skin like day old brew,
And while thy willing soul devours
Pretzels, at various Happy Hours,

[Turambar]

I posted before your caveat, R. I'm feeling guilty myself. We'll let Bb get in one more shot and then desist. It's actually a great poem.

[Bêthberry]

Gentleman,

I further your wishes:

Now let us desist us while we may
and so, like wise bards of sobriety
Rather at enough our wit devour
And save the rest for 'nother hour.

'Tis been great fun, Turambar and Rimbaud. My compliments and admiration.

*curtsies*
Bethberry

[Marileangorifurnimaluim]

*Maril laughs and claps in delight, giggling like a happy child.*

Bravo! Bravo!

[Lush]

Turambar, Bethberry & Rimbaud-my life is now almost complete. All I have left to do in this world is take advantage of one unsuspecting senior boy, and then I am set, for you have taken care of the rest. smilies/wink.gif

Now...if all threads could be mucked up in such a genius way...

[Melephelwen]

To jump before Bethberry's, Turambar's and Rimbaud's er... thing, I sometimes feel sorry when people turn their ratings off, (Don't get me wrong, it's not really my business!) because sometimes I "find" somebody, whom I wish to rate 5 and then I find it's turned off. It would be (at least feel) rather stupid to send a PM just to say "I like your posts, I think you are intelligent and you're my greatest hero/ine" and probably also a bit annoying for the receiver, if I didn't put anything else in the PM. smilies/smile.gif

[Turambar]

I don't really know you Melephelwen, but I love your icon. smilies/smile.gif

[Merri]

Hm . . . it's been said before, but I try to rate whoever posts intelligently and intelligibly a five. Whoever writes like this "Yo man, 'sup? I luv Tolkien cuz of da hottie, Ollie (Whatever it is you call him)" or whose posts are completely incoherent/pointless because of bad grammar or other reasons I give a low rating.

But then again, I hardly ever rate at all. So . . . *shrug*

[EDIT]: Poetry? Here's a bit of more serious poetry, off the top of my head. I borrowed the last two lines from Tolkien. Hope he doesn't mind smilies/smile.gif

At five o'clock, darkness falls,
At autumn my dreams arise,
Wither shall I go?
To Rivendell- or Mordor?
Who can say?
The road goes ever on,
And I will go there and back again

[ January 12, 2003: Message edited by: Merri ]

[Diamond18]

Well, I very rarely rate. But so far I have given out nothing but 5's, because I only bother to rate when I feel strongly (as others here do). When I strongly detest a poster, it is usually someone who ends up leaving soon, anyway. So why have that person's name in my profile section long after their annoyances have ceased and they have gone?

The 2, 3, and 4 ratings are just to shady for my taste. If I don't feel strongly enough to give out a 5, I don't bother.

So, my reasons for giving out 5's vary. I have given them to people whom I respect, marvel at, and especially people whose sharp and/or wacky wit makes me laugh. I only consider someone "witty" if he/she is also intelligent and can make good points as well as send me into laughing fits. That's my general rule when I actually get around to rating. I've given out a couple ratings just because I was feeling particularily good natured that moment. Or...erm...they flattered my silly ego so nicely...but that was only a couple times, honest!

So I usually don't rate people until I've gotten to know them and their posts. I didn't even turn on my rating until I'd been here for a couple months, because I didn't want people to rate me on first impressions. I think that method has worked out well, as I have gotten 15 votes with a weighted average of 5.00. I think if I'd turned it on as soon as I joined it would have been much lower.

PS... I also agree with Melephelwen's post of September 19th. If I just sent someone a PM with nothing more to say than "You're the greatest" they'd probably think I was just brown-nosing (especially if he/she is a mod in any of the forums).

[ January 12, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

[Gorwingel]

I never rate anyone, but the only two people who have rated me have given me a 5, so I guess that is good.

[The Saucepan Man]

This rating system does seem to be a teeny bit illogical.

Someone can join with a friend and rate each other 5. Then, if no-one rates either of them again, they stay a 5 for the duration.

But, if someone consistently posts intelligent and/or witty and/or thought-provoking comments, but some people disagree with them, they're rating will fluctuate.

Wouldn't it be better to have a system that builds up ratings over time, so that consistently good posters will get more highly rated over time, while the "one-off"ers will never get a rating?

Or have I misunderstood how it works? And is it that important anyway? smilies/wink.gif

[dragoneyes]

I don't like givinging people low ratings. If I don't like someone, I tend to ignore them, especially if they annoy me (or I yell at the computer, but that doesn't really help). I wouldn't particularly care if someone gave me a 1, I'd be a bit miffed as to why, but as I would never get an answer (because they didn't want to confront me) I would soon stop caring about it.

[ElentariGreenleaf]

Tell me about it! I voted for my friends 5, she voted for me four. I'm sure people have it in for me. I've been four since I joined, and all of a sudden, hen I start to post more I get 5 more votes and my vote weight goes down to 3.27! AAAAAAAAAAAH!!!! smilies/evil.gif

[ElentariGreenleaf]

dragon eyes happens to be the friend from my last post! HI!

[Merri]

Is there any way to see who rated you and what they rated you, or can you just see the average score?

[Mintyztwin]

Ratings? Riiiiiight . . . I usually forget smilies/frown.gif I'm talented like that . . . I think it's a good idea, but could be misused. (See above posts.) On the other hand, what can't? (Be misused, I mean.)


Edit: smilies/eek.gif Wow, I'm rated 5 bones! When did that happen? (I'm so observant.) Personally, I would rate myself a "3". I'm vaugely amusing, but I can't spell, and I'm usually wrong in my assumptions. (Suddenly, my rating plunges into the abyss . . .)

[ January 22, 2003: Message edited by: Mintyztwin ]

[Diamond18]

Oh, I wouldn't think that would happen. Humility is usually well received on the Downs. How many votes did you receive? (It'll say so in your profile).

[Amanaduial the archer]

I have 26 votes then. And I have absolutely no idea who from.

I dont tend to give out ratings very much, unless I have seen very many of a persons posts and like/admire them, or just plain find them funny (this is not every time I find someone funny.); the other time I give out ratings is when people quit RPs, especially ones they started, in which case I rate them verrry low.

[Beren87]

The only time I rate people is in the Quiz and Quotes room, when they answer one of mine that I deemed particularly difficult. Anyone who spams, or refuses to read the rules and just posts another topic I rate lower.

[hobbitlass]

I had no idea that those things
<----- were bones! Ha-Ha, good to know.
I have rated a couple people because of the their well roundedness. Insightful in the books section and funny in the mayhem section even if I agree with them or not.
I myself got rated after many, many posts. I didn't think much of them but when I got rated I felt it was deserved. Not so much as how high I was rated but that I was on long enough for others to get an idea of what I'm about.
Of course, I was tickled pink when it did happen. So for those who post 'rate me, rate me', hang in there. People will rate and be honest about it rather than just because you want them to.
*********************************************
LOL I checked out my profile and I have two votes. Thanks to you both. smilies/biggrin.gif

[ January 29, 2003: Message edited by: hobbitlass ]

[Beren87]

Your welcome smilies/tongue.gif

Yes, anyone who I find amusing I rate too.

[hobbitlass]

You, Beren87, rated me?! Wow, praise from the praise-worthy. *blush*

[Hirilaelin]

Well, I must have done something REALLY stupid or offensive, because I only have a 3.42. *sighs* But, oh well, that's the way the cookie (or should I say bone) crumbles. I am hoping that in time, as I become a more experienced 'Downer, my rating will improve. (I have rated a few people, but I don't usually, unless something blisteringly brilliant, or stunningly stupid is said. The rating are confusing.)

~Hirilaelin, Sorceress of the Misted Waters

[Beren87]

Don't feel bad, a rating of 3.42 isn't that bad at all. Until last week I had a rating of 2.

[Turambar]

Still no expanation of "weighted" average, but I'll take a guess -- it's based on the post-count of the person who rated you? smilies/eek.gif

[Helkahothion]

9 votes and an average of 4.23. That means I'm not a annoying man. I guess you don't know me well.

I rate good for people I like. I like people when they post good. I don't rate much so I guess I only rate people I know.

Greetings,

Anuion
________
PLYMOUTH PRONTO SPECIFICATIONS (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Plymouth_Pronto)

[Beren87]

Thaks to whoever has rated me in the past few days. I went from 24 votes and a rating of 2.3 to 27 votes and a rating of 2.73! Glad to see you don't allll hate me. smilies/cool.gif

[Hirilaelin]

Well, I finally turned my rating option off a while ago, after I got sick of it. Got to be a bother because I never got above three, so people would look in my profile and see that other people had rated me poorly. The ratings can create false images for people, especially if you just look at someone who is brand new, and they only have a two or something. People sometimes don't take everything into account.

Anyways, I figure that you don't really need ratings anyway, just respect, even if it's unspoken. I would rather have that any day.

[Amanaduial the archer]

You have that Hiri, certainly from this member. smilies/smile.gif

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I've been told to ask here: who rated me? please tell me if you hear this as i want to say thanks!

[Hirilaelin]

Thank you Amanaduial. smilies/smile.gif You have my respect as well.

[ March 15, 2003: Message edited by: Hirilaelin ]

[dragoneyes]

R E S P E C T, find out what it means to me... sorry, all this talk about respect got me singing. People have to say some pretty stupid things before they lose my respect, especially when if anyone should lose my respect, it's me.

[Hirilaelin]

Well, I said some pretty stupid things when I was a newbie, such as "RATE ME PLEASE!!!" with a big smilely. Not so intelligent. I guess it's no wonder that people rated me low. But the ratings are just annoying to me, I don't know why.

[Ithaeliel]

Hirilaelin. Aman and Dragoneyes all have my utmost respect and admiration. You're great people.

I was rated poorly a while ago, and it brought my bones down pretty far. But you know, it can be a good thing if a person rates you sensibly, because it shows that you need to work on making relevant contributions. It doesn't tell you how, but it's sort of a wake-up call. "Be a better member... today!"

[Gorwingel]

Well I have rated a *few* people, but I gave them all fives because I am such a nice person I could never imagine giving anyone anything lower. Though I did turn off my personal rating because it did go down a little lower than I would like, but Oh well.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Hirilaelin. Aman and Dragoneyes all have my utmost respect and admiration. You're great people And you are a sweet angel, Ithaeliel. smilies/smile.gif

I was rated one bone once, and that brought my rating alot, just because a member was in a strop with me. Ah, the maturity...

[ March 16, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[Hirilaelin]

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hirilaelin. Aman and Dragoneyes all have my utmost respect and admiration. You're great people
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And you are a sweet angel, Ithaeliel.

Indeed you are! You deserve some alecake, methinks...

[Bill Ferny]

Oh!

I thought those little bones were how many kills I had.

[HerenIstarion]

Or how many ponies have you sold, maybe? smilies/wink.gif

[Ithaeliel]

---------------------------------------
And you are a sweet angel, Ithaeliel.


---------------------------------------------

Indeed you are! You deserve some alecake, methinks...



Awww, thank you smilies/biggrin.gif! I don't exactly know what alecake is, but I'll give it a try *crunch* Hmm, not bad... smilies/wink.gif

[Hirilaelin]

A Short History of Alecake:

Once upon a time, in a chat room nearby, a girl asked Wight-Bot for some ale. As she was drinking her excellent 1420, a idea struck her. What if you could have ale, and cake all at the same time? Alecake was born, and is now awarded to certain admirable individuals worthy of this hobbit delacasy. Usually made in times of celebration, this cake has a light texture, and tastes like sweet ale. Yummy!

[Lush]

Well, I'm certainly glad to see all this affection being passed around (*tsk tsk* at Bill Ferny; Make love, not kills, Bill). It must be spring.

[Beren87]

I have a rating of a little less than 3, ok, and the scores are weighted by the number of posts of the rater, right? And 30 people have rated me. So I've talked to people, and most of them have rated me high. So, I come to the conclusion that it would have to be someone with a large amount of posts giving me a low rating to keep me down.

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I've only actually ever rated one person, but I think I currently have a five... *raises eyebrows* what I've thus far done to deserve that, I'm not sure... but smilies/smile.gif I'm not complaining.

If I give a rating (the one I gave was a four) it's going to be a one, or a four or five. Two and three seem like pointless numbers, to me, they just seem like they're expressing the blah-ness of someone. If someone's blah their posts will probably be blah enough without rating them that way.

I'm holding out on ones for people with remarkably bad grammar (and spelling and attitude, but mostly grammar). Fours and fives are for people who know what they're talking about, or really care to know what they're talking about.

[Niluial]

How Do I rate?

Hmmm well I am new here and I haven’t rated anyone yet! I would say I would rate people by the following;

Juicy 5 = People who respect the thought that other people have opinions, people who are helpful, people who make excellent points and some other rare reasons.

Nice 4 = People who are well mannered, well spoken and respect other peoples opinions.

Stupid 3 = Wont use this rating

Stupid 2 = Wont use this rating

Wonderful 1= people who disrespect others (especially people who disrespect Tolkien), people who say mean things to other people just to look cool and many other reasons.

I don’t think I am going to rate allot! On the rare occasion I think I will rate. The problem is when you rate you can’t take back that rate like in five weeks time. So say I love that person today and I respect that person and I give them a juicy five, then in three weeks time they change and I hate them then I cant just give them a 1 and visa versa.

[Diamond18]

scores are weighted by the number of posts of the rater, right?

Wait, I thought that the "weighted" score worked this way:

Say 5 people rate you. They rate you 4, 4, 4, 4, and 5. By averaging out the numbers you get 4.2. So, you would have 4 even bones displayed, and a weighted rating of 4.2.

So basically I thought that the weighted score was simply a more exact number, and the bones are an estimate.

But I'm probably wrong. Carry on.

[Eressië Ailin]

Well, it couldn't possibly be the average. Because after 2 people had rated me, my weighted average was 4.8. Now how did they come up with that?

[Beren87]

Exactly.

And thanks for rating me everyone! I'm now at a 4! For the first time since I've joined (over a year and a half ago)

[dragoneyes]

How many more people rated you? I'm sure there were floods of ratings after everyone saw your tale of woe.

[Beren87]

Heh. Not really more than usual, for a while now I've been getting at least once a day. And a lot of the newcomers have been PMing me asking me questions, and when I answer or help them out they tend to rate me.

It wasn't a tale of woe, merely a pleade for help. smilies/wink.gif

[Diamond18]

You're welcome, then. I thought I'd throw my "weight" around and put that massive post total of mine to good work. smilies/wink.gif

[Silmarien]

I've only got one rating and that's a one but I can't think what I did to deserve it. smilies/frown.gif If someones got a problem I wish they'd tell me. Then I'll know what to fix. Oh well I think I'll just generally try to raise my standards.

[Amanaduial the archer]

What tale of woe was that Beren?

I hate people who rate ones without reason. Someone has done that to me before. Lovely lad; gone now, thank Eru.

[Beren87]

I assume she meant my March 21st post on this thread. smilies/wink.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

and the scores are weighted by the number of posts of the rater, right? Really?!

[Hirilaelin]

Well, *takes deep breath* I've turned my rating thingy-ma-bobber back on. Hopefully, since I'm not such a newbie, I'll make more intelligent posts and actually have a good rating! Cross your fingers...

<~:*Hirilaelin*:~>

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

I've given out quite a few 4s and 5s, and one 1, but no 2s or 3s. We don't need those. smilies/wink.gif

[Beren87]

GaladrieloftheOlden, I just wanted to mention something.


It's spelled Massachusetts. smilies/wink.gif

[ March 31, 2003: Message edited by: Beren87 ]

[tifo_gcs]

I like the fact that it is possible for one to turn off the rating. Rating should be optional, because it's got to be really annoying if you have a low rating. On the other hand, if I had a really low rating, I'd probably try to change something in my posts, like be a bit more attentive to what I'm saying and if I'm stepping on anyones toes because of it. Currently, only one person has rated me, and that happens to be a five. I take that as a compliment because I've only been involved in a few serious threads, and while my debating skills have been dulled because I'm no longer in school, I interpret it as meaning that I have made an impression on someone in here, which is not easy given the amount of new people and material that greet me when I turn on my computer and log on.

In turn, I've only rated one or two people and I try to do that as fairly as possible. What matters the most to me is that the person contributes. It doesn't matter if it is in Middle Earth Mayhem or The Books, what matters is that the person can bring something relevant into the present thread. But I don't plan on rating a lot of people right away. I'm still new.

[lord of dor-lomin]

Well, my rating doesn't mean a lot right now. I've replied to several threads in the books and made a few appearances in ME Mayhem, novices, and the movies. Despite that, only one person has rated me, and that was my buddy.

When that "Why are the Vanyar higher than the Noldor?" thread was going, I thought I was finally going to get some more votes (either 1s, because they thought I was wrong and being stubborn, or 5s, because they agreed and thought my arguements were good. But, no dice.

If that wasn't enough, on the "Luthien and Galadriel" thread, I made a vague statement that hinted that Feanor was more powerful than both Luthien and Galadriel. I can't believe nobody rated me for that. No Feanor fans gave me 5s, and none of the obsessed Galadriel junkies gave me a 1.

Not that I want a 1 (I'd much rather have a 5), but it seems that I'm being ignored.

[dragoneyes]

I have to say that I don't rate people as soon I see one post of theirs that I like/dislike. I wait to see what their general posts are like and if they are consistent in their whatever I was going to rate them for.

[Amanaduial the archer]

Ok, who was it?! Who just rated me nastily?! Come on, own up?!Someone just brought my rating right down! Who was it?!!!!!

[Hirilaelin]

I have a four, I have a four! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Ithaeliel]

Amanaduial, it was not me! I had the same thing happen a week back, though... welcome to the club! smilies/smile.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

Thanks Ithaeliel!

But whoever it is...I will find you...I will hunt you down...and I will

rate

you

low.

Be afraid.

[dragoneyes]

Believe me Aman, it was not me and I would rate you again if I could, but alas, I can't.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

GaladrieloftheOlden, I just wanted to mention something.

It's spelled Massachusetts.

Why thank you, Beren. smilies/wink.gif Maybe I should change the 'user location' to "Massachusetts, which I now know how to spell, thanks to Beren 87". smilies/tongue.gif If it fits into the amount of characters allowed in there, I think I will. smilies/biggrin.gif I have to say that I don't rate people as soon I see one post of theirs that I like/dislike. I usually don't, but recently I saw a really rude post and immediately gave the person a one. It seems like they've got better, though, so I'm not sure whether I should have or not. But that post just made me want to boil, so I guess I had to. And, now that you think of it, I just remembered a few posts I've seen today, all by one person, which certainly don't fit any higher than a one rating... I don't mean to be hasty (hoom, hoom...), and usually if I do rate people, I rate them well, but sometimes I have to give somebody a bad rating. Still, I like the idea that you can turn off the rating thing because I was seriously considering it at one oint, when my rating just barely reached a 3. So far, I've been rated 16 times and I'm just barely making it to 4. I hope the luck holds! smilies/wink.gif
Just one more thing- I obviously won't say who I've been rating, but I've rated 1 person with a 1, 0 people with a 2, 0 people with a 3, 3 people with a 4, and 18 people with a 5. You can tell what my tendencies are, can't you? smilies/tongue.gif

[ April 03, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

[Gwaihir the Windlord]

Lol, I think I've only ever rated a few people. And I didn't give them very good ones. I only tend to rate posts when I don't like them...

[BethoHOG]

Wow, no one has ever rated me. smilies/tongue.gif Oh well, I'm completely satisfied with no ratings. smilies/smile.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

Ive been rated too many times...not always well it would seem...

Whoever it was...remember my warning...

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

WOW! My rating is bouncing up and down with lightning speed. smilies/eek.gif It's always at 4, but it's been going up and down within the decimal point range, and quite fast, may I add. I hope it slows down soon- hopefully at a high enough point smilies/wink.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Ainaserkewen]

I rate people based on the replies they give in my threads. Like if someone puts thought into something they write, they're good, but if they're in there to make fun, or be stupid(I can't stand stupid people) I rate them, to let them know they're stupid.
If someone does a good job, they deserve to be told somehow.
Thank you.

[The Evenstar]

Yes, I don't often rate people. I need to think a lot about it before I do, because, as others have said, people do change!
When I do vote, I vote because of the way the person has responded to my post, how intelligent they are and I also vote great personalities! But I've been thinking: What is the actual point of rating other users? Juts a thought, I think it's a good idea, but I'm not sure what it's for!

[Luinalatawen]

I also give fives to those who really put a lot of thought into their posts. I tend to give ones to people who are clearly ONLY interested in Legolas (particularly the Orlando Bloom Legolas) and people who have posts all over the place that I keep running into that don't really have any substance to them. Chronic non-thinking-and-fluff-posters.

[Bill Ferny]

Ever since reading this thread, I’ve made a conscious effort to start rating people that I enjoy reading. The following list are people I’ve rated (with fives, of course):

lindil, Rosseiliantiel, The Saucepan Man, Gorwingel, Maeglin, Dain, Birdland, Marileangorifurnimaluim, Mister Underhill, Lush, Morima, Lyra Greenleaf, The Squatter of Amon Rûdh, Eol, the phantom, Eärendil, doug*platypus, Silmarien, Rimbaud, Melephelwen, Turambar, hobbitlass, Elenna, propagandalf, Lothiriel Silmarien, Diamond18, Tar-Palantir, Ithaeliel, Rose Cotton, Alkanoonion, dragoneyes.

Those that I view “recent posts” from this list are:
Squatter of Amon Rûdh, Lush, lindil, Tar-Palantir, dragoneyes, Birdland, Maril, doug*platypus, and Diamond18.

I view recent posts by Bethberry, as well, but she won’t let us rate her. I think we disagree with each other concerning just about everything, but her posts are always a delight to read.

I copied and pasted the above list from “my profile” and I notice the absence of Rumil. How could this happen? I’ll have to hunt down a thread that you’ve posted in.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Wow, thank you. That means a lot as you are VERY educated! What was it for? (Just wondering) I'm in a lot of illustrious company there...

Well, back to the point. I only rate people who are either really nice, really talented RPGers or really interesting and educational. I've only ever rated 5s, because I think there's no reason to make an effort for anyone I don't like! And I wouldn't want to hit anyone's confidence. I also only rate after long thought. I try not to be too hasty in these matters!

[dragoneyes]

Well I have no idea what I've done to deserve that but thankyou very much! I'm going to check my own recent posts now, I never remember what I've posted.

[Bill Ferny]

I apparently forgot to rate Sharon (Child of the 7th Age), as well. There’s really no excuse for that. If I had but an ounce of Sharon’s knowledge about Tolkien, then I would be… well… I’d have a lot more knowledge about Tolkien.

I would also like to thank everyone who has posted regularly in the revised Silm section and the Shire and Rohan RPGs. Your efforts have given me quite a few hours of fascinating reading.

Lyra, as someone else has pointed out:

Durelin and Lyra: You're the best 'evil' writers on the 'Downs me thinks. I get shivers every time I read your posts.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Should I be worried people think I'm really good at being evil...?

[Rumil]

Awwww, Bill I never knew you cared!

smilies/smile.gif

hadn't really got the hang of rating people until rating the pony abductor himself (5 naturally). Now I can rate, stalk and view recent posts, hooray!

(I was harbouring a dark suspicion that Bill had rated me down once, but now I repent!)

I guess my occasional Christian baiting posts have earnt me my odd down-boning. I know its a bad habit, next to give up after Southlinch.

[ May 03, 2003: Message edited by: Rumil ]

[Silmarien]

Thanks so much Bill Ferny. That gave me a real boost in self esteem. It's really lovely to be appreciated and sometimes it helps to lift you out of a rut. Thanks again.
Silmarien smilies/smile.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

Is it bizarre to be in love with Paul McCartney 40 years ago?
No.

[Niluial]

Should I be worried people think I'm really good at being evil...?

Naa... dont worry! smilies/wink.gif

P.S. Just between me and you.. the evil ones get respect (and some of the good ones!) smilies/wink.gif

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Niluial ]

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Fellow Beatlemaniac, perhaps Aman?

[Amanaduial the archer]

Ehm...*fumbles quickly to turn of Eleanor Rigby* Oh, what can I say- they rule. However, I dont fancy any of them. But hey, its not weird to be in love with the memory of a guy *Christian Slater, Christian Slater...*

Ooh, Im feeling happy- have just been on a rating spree.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Amanaduial the archer ]

[Niluial]

A rating spree? How does one get that one right?

[Helkahothion]

thats simply not possible. Beatles really rock. But about memories: I think that you should not linger in the past. Some of the past heroes can still be goodlooking *Sean Connery, Sean Connery, Sean Connery*

[Hirilaelin]

What was that all about, Helka?

FEEL THE WRATH OF MY WRIGHTOUS WRATING!!!! smilies/biggrin.gif

[Helkahothion]

Just expressing my love for the ancient heroes of present time.

I don't mind ratings. They worked out fine for me. As long as they are fair.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

By coincidence I am listening to the dulcet tones of Sean Connery right now. And I have to admit I rated Helka 5. smilies/eek.gif smilies/rolleyes.gif smilies/eek.gif (Just kidding)

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Lyra Greenleaf ]

[Bill Ferny]

I guess my occasional Christian baiting posts have earnt me my odd down-boning.

Hmmm. That would be unchrisitian to down-bone for that. I look at it like this: if nobody baited me, on whatever, I wouldn’t have any fun being argumentative.

Should I be worried people think I'm really good at being evil...?

Only if you were actually evil. Consider it creativity.

Thanks so much Bill Ferny. That gave me a real boost in self esteem.

I’m getting uncomfortable. I think I preferred it when you all were throwing apples at me.

At any rate, this is the only forum with which I’ve ever really taken an active interest. I think it’s because of the diversity on the forum (cheers to BW for that), and the interesting and creative people that post.

[ May 04, 2003: Message edited by: Bill Ferny ]

[Helkahothion]

And I have to admit I rated Helka 5.

I'm guilty of doing that to Lyra. Don't worry. smilies/smile.gif

[Amanaduial the archer]

*singsong*

Helka fancies Connery, Helka fancies Connery...

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Wow, I just checked, I've rated 35 people, and 29 of them got 5s smilies/eek.gif smilies/smile.gif

~Menelien

[Beren87]

I've rate 36 people, 3 of which I gave a 5. Two of those are moderators too, so only one non-Mod has ever gotten a 5 from me.

Strangly, I've been giving out a lot of 2s lately.

[Helkahothion]

Helka fancies Connery, Helka fancies Connery...

Well, atleast I don't fancy a guy who is getting eaten by worms.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

I've rated 20 people- all 5s! There are a lot of very nice pople around here...and Helka!

[Lalaith]

Hmm, I suspect the Barrow-Downs of following the Golden Rule. My own ratings exactly mirror those I have given others.

[Helkahothion]

There are a lot of very nice pople around here...and Helka!

What the hell does that supposed to mean? smilies/mad.gif

[Diamond18]

Heavens, Beren! Do you really find us all that dismal? I don't like giving out low bones because sometimes I figure it's just my cranky mood that makes me dislike a person's post, and I'll regret being so nasty later.

And then, of course, who wants to look at the names of people they don't like in their profile? Well, besides you, obviously. smilies/tongue.gif As you pet a white cat...

PS: Helka, that means you're special. They broke the mold when they made you. And then they murdered the moldmaker.

[ May 08, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Wow, my rating is still bouncing in the decimal point range. It won't go any higher than 3.83, though smilies/rolleyes.gif

~Menelien

[Beren87]

Heavens, Beren! Do you really find us all that dismal?

No no! Not at all. I generally only rate people whom I find to be ignorant or constantly off topic. I've been on a bit of a rating frenzy today, rating those that I've meant to do for quite some time. I'm up to 6 5s now.

I think I'm a little more stingent on giving out 5s than most people too, I consider it quite an honor to be rated a 5. It's a badge of pride, showing that you are truly a valuable poster.

Diamond, you get a 5 btw. smilies/tongue.gif

HCIsland was the third person by the way, lindil and Aiwendil were the two Mods.

[Helkahothion]

PS: Helka, that means you're special. They broke the mold when they made you. And then they murdered the moldmaker.

Someone is asking for some @ss woopin.

Do you mean special like that guy that walks down the street and says BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP all the time or special as in that I am a nice guy but other than others?

[Lossentilien]

Lol. I wonder if people will answer...maybe they just mean you're one of a kind.

I just rate people I really like. I can't think of anyone who annoys me enough to rate them badly. Actually, nevermind. There are two. But I'm not naming names. smilies/biggrin.gif

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

The nly person I ever gave a one was being really insulting on a thread she had started when somebody told her (nicely) that it would probably be moved, but it was nice. smilies/mad.gif And the only person I ever gave a two was being indulting to me.

~Menelien

[Helkahothion]

And the only person I ever gave a two was being indulting to me

Who was it? I will personaly break his kneecaps with a piece of metal smilies/mad.gif smilies/mad.gif smilies/mad.gif

[The Saucepan Man]

I don't really see any point in rating anyone anything other than a 1 or a 5. Either I really like someone's posts and rate them a 5, or someone really annoys me and I rate them a 1. Anything in between doesn't really move me enough to bother rating.

I have rated 22 people: 21 5's and one 1.

Some of my early 5's were for pretty trivial reasons, like for people who helped me out when I was new to the site. But, generally they have been borne out since.

Like GaladrieloftheOlden, the 1 rating was a person who had just joined, started a thread and then got abusive when told politely that it might be moved. I don't think that they have posted since. Generally, though, when I am tempted to rate someone with a 1, I hold back in case the post that has annoyed me is a "one off". And, usually, it is.

Does anyone know for sure whether it's true that ratings are weighted more heavily the higher the rater's number of posts? It certainly makes sense, because my weighted average would otherwise have been mathematically impossible at times. If true, it's rather annoying as, if I had known, I would have waited a bit before rating people so that it counted for more.

Edit: I was just going to rate someone else with a 1 and found that they had switched their rating off. How disappointing. smilies/evil.gif

[ May 09, 2003: Message edited by: The Saucepan Man ]

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Helka, that means you're special. They broke the mold when they made you. And then they murdered the moldmaker.


Sums it up perfectly. Thanks Diamond!

[Helkahothion]

Oh wait now I see it. They killed the mold maker. They did not do it because he made me. Sorry I'm a bit slow at times. smilies/biggrin.gif But anyway, thanks Diamond.

[Diamond18]

Sorry that you took it the wrong way, Helka. I was just elaborating on the way "breaking" a mold sounds kind of violent. One of those old sayings that invite twisted little minds like mine to joke about it. smilies/tongue.gif

[Helkahothion]

"You should not draw a snake with feet if you can't afford shoes for them" It's an old chinese saying. Think about what it means.

[Amanaduial the archer]

*Frowns*

Thought for the day. Scuse me while I sleep so my already sleep-deprived mind can have a chance of working that out.

[Beren87]

Sorry that you took it the wrong way, Helka. I was just elaborating on the way "breaking" a mold sounds kind of violent.

Wait..so they didn't kill the mold maker for making Helka?

[Helkahothion]

so they didn't kill the mold maker for making Helka?

WOW for the first time Beren has no answer.

That's really rare. You know hardly everything. But anyway, no, they killed him for making a bad mold, because it broke you see. I figured that out later.

[Beren87]

That's really rare. You know hardly everything. But anyway, no, they killed him for making a bad mold, because it broke you see. I figured that out later.

Heh..good job on that one Helka. smilies/wink.gif

[The Only Real Estel]

I won't bother to look WAY back to see how this 'fight' got started, but I'm pretty sure this is the kind of thing that Lush was trying so hard to prevent in her opening post. smilies/cool.gif

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Helka you are so cute! If he knows "hardly everything" is that good or bad? (I'm not getting at your English which is 10 times better than my French which I have studied for seven long years, by the way smilies/smile.gif )

[Beren87]

I won't bother to look WAY back to see how this 'fight' got started, but I'm pretty sure this is the kind of thing that Lush was trying so hard to prevent in her opening post.

Friendly banter actually.

[ May 13, 2003: Message edited by: Beren87 ]

[Tarien Ithil]

I haven't voted anyone yet but I think I should vote *Lush* for thinking up such interesting and popular topics! smilies/smile.gif

Love this thread and many more too!

Tarien Ithil

[Amanaduial the archer]

Not really a vote.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

I find it very annoying that you can't change ratings, because very often people are rated on first impressions, and then they change. There are quite a few people I'd like to give an extra star and a few I'd like to take one away from. Also, I must have recently said something that somebody didn't like, as I have been bombarded with rating-saggers...

~Menelien

[ May 25, 2003: Message edited by: GaladrieloftheOlden ]

[Iarwain]

I will give someone either 5 or 1, depending on whether I think they deserve a higher or lower rating.

[ May 26, 2003: Message edited by: Iarwain ]

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

I have recently discovered that there is such a thing as a legitimate reason to rate someone a 4. I have rated one person a 4 and I think it fits them perfectly. About ninety percent of the time they're right on and I'd like to give them a five. But sometimes, they aren't. Those are "I'd like to rate you down a bit" days. But I've decided, for the person I have in mind 4 is the perfect rating.

Sophia

[Beren87]

I'm now at 50 ratings, so thanks to everyone who's rated me over the years!

I think a lot of the ratings have been more on how much you personally like the person than how much they actually contribute to the forum. That explains why some people have high ratings when they don't actually do too much.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Agh... I guess people don't like me then. My rating is steadily moving down and it's on the breaking point of going down to a three again... and only 3 days ago it was about .45 higher... I think I've said something people didn't like... *ponders*

~Menelien

[Helkahothion]

I never vote latey. DOn't intent to judge people. My opinions about folks are always changing. (mostly positive) so I have stopped giving ratings a while ago, since you can't change them anymore. I now only rate friends. Well, if I am not too lasy to click my way trough the whole process.

Suilad,

Anuion

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Really, I'm just wondering, people who do give ratings, what kind of things do you rate badly for? Because, as far as I can see, I haven't been extremely rude to anybody recently, or too off topic or anything, and low ratings have just finally pushed me down to a three...

~Menelien

[Sophia the Thunder Mistress]

lol... I haven't given you a bad rating, Menelien, but I have given a few occasionally. One time it was for *extremely* poor grammar (repeatedly, I'm not so mean to do it to a poor newbie who hasn't figured out the standards yet, but once you know, really!), and another time it was for irritating and meaningless posts in a whole range of unrelated topics.

[Helkahothion]

Just fivened GOTO Tarien and Sophia. smilies/biggrin.gif

You don't know why people rate you low GOTO?

Smileys? smilies/rolleyes.gif

[Tarien Ithil]

Helka, you know what?? That was very sweet of you!!
I'm going to vote you a nice five bones right now! (lucky you, Helka! Be grateful! smilies/biggrin.gif)

[Amanaduial the archer]

I think its quite nice if it remains anonimous. Then theres no risk of sucking up or deceit.

I don't tend to rate people any more- it carries quite alot of weight when I do, because of the number of posts I've made, and in one rash moment I could propel someone who didn't deserve it right up, just on one post, or bring someone right down just because they posted in the wrong format in one of the RPG rooms or something. Plus, on a my more pessimistic slant, its kind of unlikely that they will return the rating.

[Lyra Greenleaf]

Is that how it works then? The more posts you've made the more your rating is worth? That sounds REALLY complicated! What's wrong with simple averages?

[Helkahothion]

I never knew that. I'm really glad to have you as a friend Aman smilies/biggrin.gif

So, my ratings I gave back when I was a wight, where worth less than my votes as a ghost prince of Cardolan right now?

Suilad,

Anuion

[Amanaduial the archer]

the scores are weighted by the number of posts of the rater...

If you have more posts, your ratings have more weight on the person you are ratings score

There you go.

I don't know why its like that. Maybe its in case someone came on and rated everyone badly just randomly-hardly fair, but it happens. Their ratings therefore count for less than someone who has been on the site for nigh over a year, has over 1000 posts and thinks carefully before awarding a rating, due to long term analysis.

[GaladrieloftheOlden]

Wowee... *bouncebounce* My rating is still doing that, and doesn't show signs of stopping anytime soon... *bouncebounce* It just hopped right back up to 3.92 from 3.47... now I feel loved smilies/biggrin.gif
I tend to give people good ratings or none at all, except in a few rare cases, as I know how frustrating it is to find your rating coming steadily down smilies/frown.gif Alright, Helka, I took the comment on the smilies, no more! smilies/biggrin.gif Oops...

~Menelien

[Tarien Ithil]

Well, GOTO!

I hope your rating goes even higher 'cos I'm going to rate you a juicy FIVE right now!! smilies/biggrin.gif

(don't you feel loved??) smilies/wink.gif

[Lossentilien]

I usually rate people who have interesting or funny posts.
For example, read this (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=17&t=000651)
Or just for people who're just plain nice/crazy.