I have recently received a news-letter from another site that uses a rating system similiar to the one here to rate images and they have tried to explain  the purpose and the use of the rating system.

This here is a copy that has been edited more to content of this sight but it is suggested that a posting similar to this be sent out to all users so that images are being evaluated and rated properly and not based on favoritism, popularity or neptism.

the letter follows:

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The rating system was put into the gallery to allow members to give feedback about artistic quality to the gallery artists in a quick manner when they may not want to leave a specific comment. It is a fairly simple system, but one that is often misunderstood, both by those who leave ratings and by artists who receive them. The ratings proceed from one through to five (Terrible, Bad, Average, Good, Excellent). Many people feel that they must leave a “five” on every image that they like, but this really makes ratings meaningless.

An average image should be rated as a “three” effort. And that means the majority of images on this site. This doesn’t imply that there is anything wrong with the image, and artists who get a “three” should not assume they are being insulted. If there are no technical mistakes and the lighting is adequate, then this would be an average effort. If an image has a lot of figure poke-through, poor texture use, lighting that unintentionally obscures portions of the image or bad posing, these are all mistakes that might cause a member to give a “two” rating (implying poor technical quality) or even a “one” if the mistakes are bad enough.

“Four” should be given for a superior effort. Perhaps the textures, lighting, composition and post-work effort is particularly impressive. Such images are above the norm, and this would be indicated with a “four-star” quality. “Five” would imply a near perfect image and should be a very rare rating selection. Again, this isn’t an insult to artists. No artist produces perfect images with every effort. Only particularly impressive pieces deserve this highest of accolades, and members should keep this in mind. **While it is nice to get comments that illustrate the reasons for ratings, it is not required or necessary. **

Additionally, while imagination should be considered when deciding on a rating, whether you like the subject matter should not. Giving a “one” rating to a male nude scene simply because you don’t like male characters is inappropriate. Similarly giving a “five" rating to images just because your friend posted or you like the subject matter is equally inappropriate. If you must express your opinion about the content, please leave a comment not a rating.

Viewers, please take these things into consideration when you rate an image. And artists, please don't jump down people's throats when they give you a rating that is less than a 5. If you put your work in our galleries, you are asking for other people to form opinions about it. Don't fault them for having an opinion that may be different than yours!

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Again I did not write this but I firmly agree with it's intentions and purpose.

 

 I Hope that this matter will be looked at and considered otherwsie you might as well do away with the rating system altogether!

 

 because right now it is being misused and is very broken!

 

Chris