I really hate the rating feature.  I hate it when people say, "Oh that's beautiful....perfect lighting, great POV, nice," etc., and then give poor ratings.  If they can't just say what they think, then they should not even comment. I don't mind constructive criticisms, but that rating feature is always bogus.  So I always shut it off with the uncheck the box, but it comes on sometimes, regardless of unchecking it. Would it not be better if we could just check an option so they are always turned off (or on)?  The checkbox is by default always checked, when I think it should be the other way around.  I'm going to just delete them from now on, but that rating system should be easier to shut off.

 I repeat, the ratings feature is worthless without the verbiage to explain why the image deserves a poor rating.  There should be a way to remove this feature if a member wishes.

Thanks for the suggestion, we'll get it added to the list. :)

Also, please remember that alot times the ratings feature may be confusing to some members..they might think the #1 is the highest instead of the lowest.

Yeah, I find ratings completely useless these days so have switched them off on my images and really don't bother leaving ratings when I comment.
Tony.

Quote -  I really hate the rating feature.  I hate it when people say, "Oh that's beautiful....perfect lighting, great POV, nice," etc., and then give poor ratings.  If they can't just say what they think, then they should not even comment. I don't mind constructive criticisms, but that rating feature is always bogus.  So I always shut it off with the uncheck the box, but it comes on sometimes, regardless of unchecking it. Would it not be better if we could just check an option so they are always turned off (or on)?  The checkbox is by default always checked, when I think it should be the other way around.  I'm going to just delete them from now on, but that rating system should be easier to shut off.

Sometimes I think people just look and forget why there is ratings and comments here, as there are on other places I once visited. Folks don't take the time to really look and say "why" this is this or that is that. I agree remove it.  Inspiration is built on ratings but I think sometimes that can be misleading.