A poll about changing the rating system!

[Ryan]

Wow ... this so intense!

[rssllue]

We need more drama!

[Ryan]

I agree! But nobody ever votes for it

[rssllue]

Such a shame.

[Gravy]

Super weirdos

[rssllue]

Drama Queen.

[Gravy]

I still think having seven separate designations (as in the half stars) is preferable to five.

[rssllue]

Agreed. You're pretty wise.

[Mike_Lang]

I'd like to see something more than the basic 4-star system that's in place. As a new member used to 5-star systems I had to rethink several of the ratings when importing my "already reads" to my bookshelves (I only really frequent 2 other sites with any kind of regularity so it's not like I went through some massive ordeal or anything, it was just a mild inconvenience).

At the bottom end of the scale I don't have any issues with combining the 1-star and 2-star categories of a 5-star system into just plain 1-star ratings here using the 4-star system (I know, I'm on the verge of confusing myself at this point but I'm going somewhere with this so stick with me), it's when it comes to having formerly rated 3-star books (5-star system) converted to 2-star books (4-star system) that I feel the need to rethink the ratings. I've become so conditioned to think that 3 stars is about average - nothing special but not bad - that I have a hard time letting some of my old ratings stand and end up upgrading them which in turn kind of makes me feel like I'm doing a disservice to my higher rated books (and, yes, I'm fully aware that I'm probably overthinking the whole thing).

Anyway, after reading through the thread I voted for the half point system.

[Ramona]

I prefer a 5 point system. It is more common and I was surprised that this forum used a 4 point system. Personally, I use a 100 point system in the spreadsheets I keep for the books I have read. I really like to split hairs. :geek:

I never thought of using a spreadsheet... Sounds like it would really help. I'll have to check into the idea!! Without expecting a long answer, did it take you long to set up the system? I'm a detail perseon and it seems like breaking it down into spreadsheet specifics would make the review process even easier than it is now.

[Redlegs]

I prefer a 5 point system. It is more common and I was surprised that this forum used a 4 point system. Personally, I use a 100 point system in the spreadsheets I keep for the books I have read. I really like to split hairs. :geek:

I never thought of using a spreadsheet... Sounds like it would really help. I'll have to check into the idea!! Without expecting a long answer, did it take you long to set up the system? I'm a detail perseon and it seems like breaking it down into spreadsheet specifics would make the review process even easier than it is now.

My spreadsheets have developed over a few years and cover all sorts of things. But it can be very simple. Just use an Excel spreadsheet (or similar), list the books you read (title and author), have a column for a score (using whatever points system suits you) and perhaps a 'comments' column so you can add a few words about what you thought of the book. As I finish a book, I add it to the bottom of the list, and then 'sort' on the score column, so the books are sorted in order of preference. I adopted a 100 point system so I could differentiate between books more finely - a book with 86 points means I liked it just a little better than one with 85 points. Once you have a meaningful list, it's about making a judgement about where another book fits on your list - I liked book X a bit more than book Y but not quite as much as book Z. It works for me.

[TrishaAnn92]

I still think having seven separate designations (as in the half stars) is preferable to five.

I do as well.

[anonanemone]

I prefer a 5 point system. It is more common and I was surprised that this forum used a 4 point system. Personally, I use a 100 point system in the spreadsheets I keep for the books I have read. I really like to split hairs. :geek:

I never thought of using a spreadsheet... Sounds like it would really help. I'll have to check into the idea!! Without expecting a long answer, did it take you long to set up the system? I'm a detail perseon and it seems like breaking it down into spreadsheet specifics would make the review process even easier than it is now.

My spreadsheets have developed over a few years and cover all sorts of things. But it can be very simple. Just use an Excel spreadsheet (or similar), list the books you read (title and author), have a column for a score (using whatever points system suits you) and perhaps a 'comments' column so you can add a few words about what you thought of the book. As I finish a book, I add it to the bottom of the list, and then 'sort' on the score column, so the books are sorted in order of preference. I adopted a 100 point system so I could differentiate between books more finely - a book with 86 points means I liked it just a little better than one with 85 points. Once you have a meaningful list, it's about making a judgement about where another book fits on your list - I liked book X a bit more than book Y but not quite as much as book Z. It works for me.

Ok. It's really kind of awesome that you set up a 100 point system and track in your own spreadsheet! Do you use tabs for different genres? I have a hard time comparing books that aren't at all alike. On the other hand depending on how you weigh the scores, maybe it doesn't matter. I am also interested in if you score different aspects of the book to build the final score.

Just think you have more granularity with a 1/2 star system...

-- 18 Nov 2015, 22:18 --

Can we add a 100 point system to the poll?

[rssllue]

I vote for 33 1/3!

[Gravy]

I vote for 33 1/3!

I vote for 9 and 3/4