Ratings in the photo gallery

[Estefania]

After visiting the photo gallery a few minutes ago, I'm kind of disappointed, Somebody posted a photograph for the first time it seems, and somebody gave this photo a rating of 2/5. True, technically the photograph is not very good... but really, 2/5? I wonder if the person who gave that rating has even got the courage to post their own photo in the gallery! And if they do, they should know better that getting a bad rating is not really going to encourage anybody to improve... it will encourage them to stop posting their photographs very likely.

So, sure, rate pics according to your taste, that's ok. But let's be honest, are you expecting us to look like Cindy Crawford?

[Hanna]

I think maybe that it was a mistake/typo.
I thought this gal looked pretty good.
But I agree with you, I think a no vote would be better/kinder than 1-2 star vote.

[DonnaT]

Note that a user may disable the permission to rate a photo, under album properties.

[Davita]

First, this discuss probably should be moved elsewhere -- just sayin....

Rating anyone however any of us decide to do it, is a two edged sword. Yes, it can be detrimental to one's ego and can impair their efforts to improve. And the opposite can be equally harmful if we give an artificially inflated rating such that the person thinks she is good enough to pass in public, goes out and gets ridiculed.

Maybe we should just do away with the rating system or maybe if one rates, one is required to explain their rating. Both would require a programming change. Now let's say we keep the ratings and add the requirement for an explanation, then we get into arguments within the gallery over each other's explanations. I have a third option, maybe the poster can have an option to not allow ratings. I don't care to be rated so myself, I would probably select the option so that I couldn't be rated. Others who want the feedback good bad or otherwise could leave the option available for ratings.

[Estefania]

Donna, thanks for pointing that out, I had not noticed that option. Changing my default to no ratings as I also don't really care about them. One public comment is worth 50 anonymous ratings anyway!

[Hanna]

We still have the option to PM a person, if we have anything to say at all.

[SilverLady(SO)]

Maybe we should just do away with the rating system or maybe if one rates, one is required to explain their rating. Both would require a programming change. Now let's say we keep the ratings and add the requirement for an explanation, then we get into arguments within the gallery over each other's explanations.

While it is possible for me to disable the rating system from the gallery, that would affect every single photo - past and present. There is no way to re-program the software to 'require' an explanation for a rating, and even if there was a way to do so I will never agree to it.

However, I will not disable the rating system just because someone did not approve the low rating that one member gave to another member. That 'rating member' gave a rating they thought was in keeping with their thoughts on the photo, which is their right; they do not need the approval of anyone else for their rating.

Members do not and should not have to justify their ratings to anyone, which is akin to censorship and something that only a liberal/socialist/progressive would ever think is just and warranted, and for anyone to seriously suggest that is ridiculous. That would do nothing but start the slippery slope of double-standards, and I despise those with a passion.

If a particular member wants, they can easily disable the ratings feature for their individual gallery. Not everyone uses that feature, but it is their right to do so.


- SL

[Anne Bonny]

Haven't looked at my ratings most are just being polite I suppose... I always figure...here is someone who is doing their best...hard enough for some to do that. I may comment and make a suggestion or to state I like what they have done but it is not in me to throw things at someone I guess I am too sensitive to criticize. Some may honestly want an objective rating as a measure to try to improve their look though...

[Stephanie M]

My 2 cents. I posted a pic once and someone rated it a 3. The way I looked at it was, at least it wasn't a 1.

For me, I know I'm not exactly a beauty queen so low ratings don't bother me. I know a lot of you girls have put lots of time and effort into your pics so you have it down pretty well and you deserve the high ratings.

I'm kind of learning and I appreciate the suggestions on my makeup picture (different from the low rated one) which everyone was so kind on and rated it higher than I would have thought. I kind of suspect most people will rate pics a little higher just to be supportive. Which is nice and I appreciate it, and the critiques are stated very kindly.

So my view is most people are very kind here and if 1 person rates too low then I don't see it as a big deal since the majority here are kind.

This site is full of nice people and I don't see much bickering. I joined another site when I joined here and over there in the CD section there is a couple of people who constantly criticize CDs. Not very supportive if you ask me. Here we seem to mix better the TGs and CDs are more respectful towards each other and seem to understand that if we view this differently it's not offensive it's just another viewpoint and we understand each other's views more.

[Emily]

I truly believe that if you've got nothing nice to say, then say nothing at all.

However, everyone is entitled to their opinions - but if I were to rate anyone 3 or below, I would at least offer up an explanation.

I imagine it takes a lot of self confidence to post a pic up in the gallery, so that's gotta be at least 3 stars right off the bat, no?

[PhylissH]

I have never really paid much attention to the ratings on my photos, as opinions very so widely, as they come from complete strangers. A comment from a friend as much more influence on how I might dress or chance my look. I dress in what makes me feel good, and when I feel good about myself others options have little meaning. I think most Gals know if the PRESENT well enough to go out in the general public, face it most us don't "pass". It took me years of going to Trans Friendly places before I found a look that worked for me and gained the conference to go OUT.