Part of me loves those little ranking stars... Part of me hates them passionately. Of course I like them when I get lots of them; but not when I only get one or two. Maybe that's a message? People aren't liking what I have to say? Or maybe I'm just not saying it in a way that's clear enough? Either way... I'm not liking the ranking thing.
I've never really liked rankings. They're nice when you are ranked in the top; but depressing when you aren't. I put a lot into my blogs, and when I get little or no votes... and the votes I do get are low... It makes me wonder why I'm still writing. I like to write. I write to free my mind. I think a lot. About a lot of different things. I'm afraid if I didn't write, my head might explode and then all my unorganized thoughts would be out in the open for all to enjoy and discuss and put down. I don't care if people put down what I have to say. It's not going to change my opinion. Sometimes it even helps. Sometimes I write blogs or respond to blogs when I myself am still forming opinions. Your responses help greatly. But why rankings? I understand for those going for the scholarship. But when someone is putting it all out there and they are getting a ranking for their thoughts; it's potentially setting them up to get slapped in their face. Not to mention they might be going out on a limb and saying something that they truly feel is important. Then someone high and mighty comes a long and judges them with a stupid little star ranking. Sort of reminds me of religion...
Stupid Little Stars
By ashmoney - Posted on March 14th, 2008
Nobody uses the ranking system. Except me apparently. I love the ranking system. It means people can keep good, well-written blogs at the front page and on the sidebar so they don't get lost the second they're knocked off the 'recent posts' list.
Yeah, I understand why they are here and their purpose. The blogs that deserve the recognition get their recognition. In general I just don't like ranking systems.
I have a rubric for rating, as well.
One star blogs are those with horrible grammar, spelling, and punctuation. It doesn't matter to me what you (and I don't mean YOU, specifically, ashmoney) are saying if you don't care enough to proofread. I will also give one star to a blog that has no factual basis whatsoever, is too short, or that isn't in keeping with the mission of the site. If you write exactly 200 words on anything that could be examined more closely with a little research, and if you offer no new perspective on it, I will be perturbed about wasting my time on it.
Two stars are for the blogs that make good points, but aren't backed by enough evidence. They offer SOME evidence, though. A blog that is well-written, but doesn't say much will also get two stars. But it has to be grammatically perfect.
Three star blogs take a solid stance, argue it concisely with good spelling, grammar, and punctuation, and offer plenty of evidence. It doesn't matter if I agree with them or not, as long as they provide solid, unbiased evidence, or at least acknowledge the bias of their source or opinion. If it is a story about their own experience, it is important that the blog be exceptionally well-written and that it acknowledges the existence of other opinions, even if just asking for alternate opinions.
Four star blogs do all that the three star blogs do, but they also offer a unique perspective.
Five star blogs do all that the four star blogs do, but the writing must also knock my socks off, whether in artistry or organization.
I doubt everyone has those standards, but there it is. Not everyone is arbitrarily judging you on your opinion.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
Well thanks, I think you judge fairly. At least you support why you rate the way you do... I think some people just rank to be jerks. That's my opinion though.
I agree with that last bit. X-(
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/ediblewoman
lol, yeah i guess you have a point. no one likes to be judged & when they're judged personally, they take it to the heart. this blog makes a lot of sense and should put a lot of things in perspective, not only about blogs, but about life.
"everything i'm not made me everything i am"
-kanye west