Star Ratings in Galleries

[pburness]

Originally Posted by AndyStevens

Reinardina, you can leave comments without ratings but not ratings without comments (as I recently discovered several unrated comments on my gallery). Again though, I think it just comes down to time to trawl through...

Which is where Flickr's groups has an advantage, you only trawl through the images in the particular groups you are interested in....

Phil

[AndyStevens]

That would save some time... I do like to look at as many images as poss from all groups - but time constraints mean I generally flick landscape, people/portrait and wildlife - generally just landscape though.

I think the star rating system is fine apart from the phrasing; As Donoreo suggests , I agree '* Below Average' and so on up to 5* Excellent POTD material.

The star rating, in my opinion should be abled without any need to comment as a way for quick response, so that those with little time to spare can simply show appreciation rating and move on to the next thing they wish need to do.

Given the low numbers who stop to comment on POTD, or indeed cast a vote in the Weekend competition, I assume it is an aspect of available time, rather than any general sense in apathy towards taking part.

[Reinardina]

You don't have to leave a 'proper' message; I noticed aRitsos just left his signature (aR) when he commented on one of my pictures. I suppose one letter or synbol would be enough to be able to leave a rating. Haven't tried it, so don't know if it 'counts' as a comment, but a Smily (Smiley?) might be nice, or a 'thumbs up' as encouragement?

Smiley symbols do not seem to work on their own Reinardina, I just tried on some I like in your gallery

[Reinardina]

Hi Andy,

Pity the Smileys don't work on their own, it seemed such a nice idea.

Thank you for taking the time to have a look at my photographs and even more thanks for leaving feedback (and ratings.)

Reinardina

(Wreathed in smiles for getting flattering feedback!)

[Cathus]

I'm surprised they still have a star rating. It's probably generally considered bad form to leave a low scoring, so it's not really a true reflection of rating of a shot.

I don't know if it's still the same but the galleries used to feature a top rated feature where they would show up in order of the highest ratings marked on the pic. I think the top few were on the front page of the website.

There was some controversy with the odd member or two creating lots of alter-ego memberships then going round everyone's gallery & giving them 1 stars this reducing their average, while at the same time giving their own shots lots of 5 stars from their other memberships in an effort to get their own shots to the top of the rankings.

[aRitsos]

Everything counts.

Although I’m not familiar with other photo-sites, my free time is limited, the star system that I propose is the following :
1* : It doesn’t work for me. Explain …
2* : Very good work. Explain …
3* : Superb. Explain ???
Comments depend on the inspiration received from the photograph.

About comments : Since my first approach, I tried to write my thoughts that I receive from a photograph. Although it’s not easy to write in another language and to use a dictionary is not enough I try to write, comment, etc. because this is the way that I feel photography. I just try to express thoughts, not beliefs, and I comment on the work of my best friend, my friends and other members either active ones or just present.

Recently I received a catalogue from Sotheby’s. It is written in each photograph code… photographer … title … silver print … dimensions … and literature !!! Finally the start value is given.

Everything matters, because in photography someone is writing and someone is reading. And we just express thoughts as a hint for a healthy dialogue. Photoradar works for me. I receive the information easily, I see very nice photographs, the forum is great, I have a nice break from stressful life and we go further together.

What have I achieved ? You know that. αR

[Reinardina]

aRitsos: "Everything matters, because in photography someone is writing and someone is reading. And we just express thoughts as a hint for a healthy dialogue. Photoradar works for me. I receive the information easily, I see very nice photographs, the forum is great, I have a nice break from stressful life and we go further together".

My feelings exactly! As a relatively inexperienced amateur photographer, my 'reading and writing skills' are still underdeveloped, but improving.

PhotoRadar, both the photographs and forums (I don't use Flick'r), has certainly helped me move forward, but I only 'judge' photographs subconsciously/subjectively. They either 'do' something, or they don't. I don't think this will ever change, even if I finally master the technical side of photography. (If ever.)

I'm ranting! I'm sorry.

Everyone is of course right about the fact, that it is laborious and time consuming to comment on/rate or even look properly at pictures. The only ones that get regulalry looked at in detail, are, I suppose, the POTD's.

And yes, the wording of the 1 and 2 star ratings should be less harsh in order to encourage, rather than kill off someone's pleasure in photography.

[Forseti]

Well we're now well into the second page of comments as regards the 'Star Rating' system and, quite surprisingly, or maybe not, not a single comment from any of the PR *team*. Even a we're taking note comment would suffice.