Comments on: TT: Ratings

By: Wendi B. ~ Wendi's Book Corner

Wendi B. ~ Wendi's Book Corner — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:34:48 +0000

I find that I really struggle with the rating system on sites sometimes. As you say, a 3 star would mean that I like it, and that it was an average book. So what makes it a four or five star? Plus, the rating system will be a little different for each person. I value the comments more than the number of stars or letters a book gets! Thanks for stopping by and participating in Thingers last week! I've got the post up for this week. ~ Wendi

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 01:48:11 +0000

I don't include a rating system on my blog either, although I've thought about it. I just think ratings are so subjective. I do rate books as I read them on Shelfari, but that's about it. Yvonne’s last blog post..Tuesday Thingers

By: Nan Hawthorne

Nan Hawthorne — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 00:22:01 +0000

I am not so ready to praise rating systems. I am not even sure I would rely on review content. In my experience as a writer and a reader I find reviews and ratings at best contradictory and worse downright inaccurate. My own book has been both criticized for too much dialogue and for having marvellous and involving dialogue. The ratings depend on these generally too subjective opinions.

I just read a review of Cornwell’s Azincourt the other day. The reviewer stated that the author did not show how cold and miserable the day was for those in the battle. I wondered if he was reading a different book.. as thee scene very definitely did describe it.

So if I had to depend on ratings and reviews, I probably would not read some quite lovely books.

No rating system on my blog.

Nan Hawthorne
“An Involuntary King; A Tale of Anglo Saxon England”
http://allsheread.blogspot.com

By: caite

caite — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:53:20 +0000

hmmm...I commented here before but it seems to have gotten lost. My error no doubt. I forget what I said, except I know that I shared you dislike of the Amazon ratings. I give a lot more attention to the ratings and reviews on Library Thing. caite’s last blog post..I give 5 Stars to Tuesday Thinger!!

By: Lana

Lana — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:34:58 +0000

I like to use ratings, though I take others' ratings with a grain of salt. I have peculiar tastes, I think. But I definitely agree about Amazon ratings. I'm afraid of posting anywhere on Amazon for fear of being dragged into a literary alley somewhere and mugged for spare stars. Lana’s last blog post..Tuesday Thingers - Ratings

By: Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks)

Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:45:05 +0000

We have very similar approaches, with no ratings on the blog, but including them on LibraryThing. I know you've read it, Meghan; anyone else who wants to read my full answer can find it here. Dawn (sheIsTooFondOfBooks)’s last blog post..Tuesday Thingers: How Important are Ratings?

By: Kathy

Kathy — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:59:31 +0000

I’ve thought about using a rating system, too, but decided against it. To me, 3 stars means it’s average.

By: lenore

lenore — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:59:23 +0000

I agree with the amazon rating system for sure. 3 stars is good in my book but people act like it's saying the book was crap. lenore’s last blog post..Win a Triple Shot Bettys Prize Pack!