Has MyLot ever defined how the (-) rating tool should be used? If so, where?
By ladyluna
@ladyluna (7004)
United States
November 26, 2008 12:51pm CST
Greetings fellow MyLotters,
The recent election was a real eye-openner for what I have come to term "MyLot ratings abuse". Certain members of this community destroyed other member's reputations for no better reason than they didn't agree with their political views. It was a despicable act of immaturity!
Now that the election is over, and a great many highly respected members of this community are touting reputations of 1-5 because they dared to speak their mind, we have an opportunity to take a serious look at how the ratings tools are being used. And, if the current use was the intended use.
For example: To the best of my knowledge, MyLot has not defined how the (+) or (-) tools are to be used. Does MyLot condone the use of negative rating for differences in opinion? Or, should negative rating only be used when a poster is rude, offensive, or combative?
But wait: rude, offensive or combative type discussions would most likely fit the defintion of abusive, right? So, then is it a fair conclusion that MyLot does seem to condone the use of petty, negative rating? If so, it would seem rather short-sighted to empower people to punitively affect other's reputations simply because they dare to disagree.
As such, I am urging MyLot to re-think the (-) tool. As I see it, a post is either within the guidelines, or it is reportable as abuse. One member, or a group of members, whether organized or not, should not have the power to punitively affect others. That equates to censorship by the few!
My questions to you are:
1. Perhaps I've misspoken (or mis-written as it were). Perhaps there is an explanation somewhere in the T.O.S. that I have missed that clearly outlines the parameters of rating discussions. If I have missed that, have you seen it? And, can you direct me to that explanation?
2. Do you agree that the (-) rating tool should be eliminated? Please explain your reasons.
3. Do you conversely believe that the (-) rating tool adds some intrinsic value to this community? If so, please explain what that value is?
4. Do you believe that MyLot should do away with just the (-) rating tool, or the whole ratings system? Or, should MyLot leave the ratings system unchanged?
Thanks, I really look forward to reading your positions on this issue.
_________________________________________________________________________________
P.S. Below is the only reference I see to the ratings system from the "MyLot Discussion Guidelines".
"DO: Be sure to rate users’ discussions, responses, comments, and photos for the new myLot reputation system. The myLot reputation rating is decided by myLot users."
8 people like this
11 responses
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
27 Nov 08
MyLot responded to my suggestions as to how to improve the minus rating with the remark that if my recommendation was adopted no one would hardly ever rate anyone minus (they did not want that).
To my question of why would they want to encourage passive aggressive behavior (remember the myLot admin thread to answer our questions?) with the current system as it does encourage this dysfunctional personal behavior, myLot deleted my question without comment.
So, essentially, I do not expect anything resembling social maturity from myLot when it comes to the rating system.
3 people like this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
1 Dec 08
You understand the situation exactly. It looks as if myLot wants to encourage a certain amount of rancor to boost the amount by which people post. Angry people post more than contented people. Controversy gets more adrenalin activated keyboards clacking than feel good warm and fuzzy feelings.
This is the same game many successful lawyers and politicians play, so myLot seems to know what it is doing.
That's my hypothesis and I'm sticking to it.
3 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
1 Dec 08
Hello Red,
Let me see if I'm understanding: If the rating system were to resemble a responsible critiquing system, then few would use it? Now that is interesting! Does that mean that if the system resembled a system for responsible critique that people would be more inclined to 'live and let live'? Does that mean that people would be more inclined to harmoniously adapt to contrary perspectives? Well shoot, we certainly wouldn't want to encourage that, now would we?
3 people like this
@sharra1 (6340)
• Australia
27 Nov 08
My understanding was that the rating tool was supposed to be used to mark responses that were relevant to the discussion and negative for those responses that were nothing to do with the discussion. That is not how it ended up being used.
I have found discussions that have been banned that did not violate the guidelines. I suspect that it just upset someone and they reported it as abusive when it was nothing of the sort.
It has ended up being a tool to mark down people you do not agree with and the rules say it should not be used for that so the tool is being abused and should be discarded.
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Dec 08
Hello Sharra1,
I completely agree that the intended purpose (albeit ridiculous) is not how this tool (weapon) has ended up being used. I fully support your suggestion that the tool (weapon) be discarded.
You raise an interesting question: Is the (-) rating tool a safeguard to prevent the 'punitive punishers' from reporting discussions that fail to parallel their own views as 'abusive'? Could it be that this membership suffers to alleviate the mod's from having to review all manner of frivolous reports? Hmmm, interesting!
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
3 Dec 08
Hello Sharra1,
I cannot speak to your concern about deleted discussions, I have no insight into this issue. I do know that one person is incapable of having a response removed, despite it's abusive nature. That I have experienced first hand, though not the issue of a member's whole post being deleted by a single individual.
@gewcew23 (8007)
• United States
26 Nov 08
I have a better idea than doing away with the negative rating system, just do away with the rating system all together. I have not found what the usefulness of the rating system is to begin with. Having a higher star rating does not insure you more money or your post is viewed by more people. All that little star does is make people angry or change their opinions. We my star went from 9 if you can believe that to a 6 I was pretty mad and stopped posting in politics for a time. Although my opinions never changed I have noticed that some of my conservative friends have become a little bit more domesticated, the way David Brooks of the New York Times is. Of course I came to my sense and realized that the little star by my name means nothing to me and it should not mean anything to anyone else.
So to you point about the negative rating I would not see anything wrong with dropping it by the side of the road, but my point is the rating system should by done away with completely.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
26 Nov 08
Hello Gewcew,
Prior to my shift to MyLot I was engaged in another forum. That forum also went through growing pains including consideration of assigning a Best Response ratio, and a kind of reputation designation that was formulated based on the total # of responses that the individual had posted. In the end, the dropped all that hooha, and focused on individual discussions as just that -- individual. They empowered the community to rate each discussion, and the subsequent responses, and that was that. There was no carry over from one discusion to the next. The length of time, and total # of responses ended up being defined by levels of use, which is pretty standard.
This is the only forum that I have ever participated in where the community, its subsects, and its trolls were foolishly given the power to punitively damage another member. And yes, I absolutely include trolls because I'm sure that we all know at least one member who has created a second, third, fourth, etc... identity. I have only the one, yet I know several people who have forfeited all to start fresh, after having been attacked. Surely if we know that this practice exists, then the powers that be at MyLot must know, or at least suspect it as well.
I agree that the best solution is to eliminate the ratings system altogether. Either a discussion is allowed to stay up on the board, or it's deleted as a violation. After all, this is the U.S.A.! There is a that pesky perception that we should be allowed to exercise our First Amendment right, as long as we are not abusive!!!
3 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
26 Nov 08
I have never liked the star rating IMO it is used as tool for cowards to malign another user. I have not seen many discussions started because someone had achieved an dramatic rise in their star status only for a decrease. I think we should go back to the old "pre- star" days. I have not needed a star to validate me since I was in kindergarten.
2 people like this
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
27 Nov 08
Thank you. You get a blue one!
1 person likes this
@drannhh (15219)
• United States
27 Nov 08
Maybe we should start an interest group called Lost Our Stars, or something like that and start banal discussions for no other purpose than "fitting in"---rflmao, hahhhh, that would be no fun.
The thing is, myLot is not a constitutional republic, it is a privately held enterprise whose members do not have a governing role. Maybe they feel that so-called rating system gives members a sense of empowerment or whatever. Well personally, the rating thing is something I least like about myLot, but apparently staff feels strongly in support of it, so they may as well please themselves. It doesn't seem like a fair system to me, but nobody said life was fair.
I'm sure I read somewhere in the guidelines that people are not supposed to give a minus just because they disagree with a comment, but I know that many do that anyway.
I applaud that you stood up for your beliefs even though you obviously took a hit for it. My prediction, though, is that you will have your shiny blue star back again soon, though.
2 people like this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
1 Dec 08
Hello Drannhh,
Like those before me, I value freedom of expression over the induced reputation system found here in MyLot. While I have taken somewhat of a hit, I believe that I was directly involved in that result -- making it a conscious tactic on my part. As such, my drop is not the reason why I initiated this discussion. In fact, the reason is because I am furious that respectable members, who have a solid reputation of providing well-formulated, thought-provoking contributions have been targeted and malisciously dropped down to levels so far below the quality ranking that they have deserved. In every instance that I am aware of the reason is none other than differences in political ideology.
That those 'punitive punishers' are ALLOWED to enact such malevolent retribution is the heart of the problem, as I see it anyway. I have my suspicions about why they are being allowed to impugn -- and I find any possible explanation insufficient, at best!
My prediction is that I am squarely in red territory, and will likely remain so because I will not be acquiesce! I agree 100% my friend; nobody said life was fair. I do not expect it to be fair. I do, however expect it to be just.
If it's worth saving, then it's worth trying to fix, eh?
2 people like this
@jewilim (495)
• Philippines
27 Nov 08
I think mylot did not state how we should rate other mylotters. I think they are leaving the discretion to us to decide whether we feel like giving someone a (+) or (-) rating. I think there are not guidelines on how we can rate other people. Im just not sure how our rating affects our earnings here but i think it affects our star rating. Im also not sure if our star rating has some effect on how much we are earning here but i just try to make good responses and good discussions to keep my star rating consistent and high.
For people who voilate myot rules or use some offensive words mylotters could try reporting the post by using the (!) report abuse button. In that way the discussion or post could be taken to the administrators attention and eventually just delete it from the site to avoid offending other mylotters here who would be reading the discussion. I think its ok for me if they would just leave the current rating system as it is because i dont even know if it has any effect on us.:)
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
1 Dec 08
Hello Jewilim,
You are not alone in not knowing how our reputation affects earnings. The fact of the matter is that the earings here are a very minor part of the overall experience, at least for most of the members that I know. Yet, that any part of the earings algorith might be influenced by 'punitive punishers' is deeply troubling on many levels.
That a discussion can be reported as abusive should eliminate the need for a (-) rating tool. I simply do not see how use of the (-) rating tool could be other than petty.
1 person likes this
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
27 Nov 08
"Stars?... Stars?... We don need no steenking stars!
The rating system is an abject failure.
When I was really active in myLot, most of the high ratings were for discussions about favorite colors, TV shows, or other absolutely useless garbage.
It was when you got to the really meaningful and useful discussions that the low ratings could be seen in abundance. Of course most of those discussions dealt with the real issues where the opinions voiced by the OP and the lower rated respondents were very rarely PC.
Now that I have found other things to do than live on myLot, I only answer the discussions that appear in my notifications, and then only if I feel there is something that I can contribute.
After the last couple of years, I have come to realize that the vast majority of people are complete morons... and there is no point wasting time with them.
I already knew this of course, but the time that I had spent here has verified beyond any doubt that which I already knew.
While a mind is a terrible thing to waste, I have witnessed copious amounts of wastage here.
If the things I have seen on myLot is indicative of the prevalent attitudes in our country, then America is doomed.
As for the rating system... for some odd reason, myLot admin seems very proud of it.
The reasoning behind this perceived pride escapes me however, for as near as I can tell, it serves no useful or easily definable purpose.
Getting a satisfactory explanation from myLot on this issue however, is probably going to be about as successful as having a certain politician produce a valid birth certificate.
Not even in office, and already a scandal...
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
1 Dec 08
Hello Destiny,
Like you, I have de-ranked this forum on my 'to do' list. Prior to witnessing the abuses that occurred here through election season I would search out every opportunity to interact here, including the temporary procrastination of other more important tasks.
I no longer give MyLot that rank, or priority. Each time I log back in, I am essentially authorizing the few to censor the rest. It is a default authorization, yet it absolutely reflects a granting of my permission to the MyLot 'punitive punishers' to continue on in their attempt to malevolently mold this microcosm of society into their pre-formed vision of what should, and should not be. It's too bad that those members' vision doesn't include respect for perspective other than their own! So much for diversity, eh? Oh wait! Diversity is only to be honored with respect to certain variables. Diversity of ideology is not only an abomination, it is an assault -- it must therefore never be tolerated! Pashawwwww!
There are those special few here -- the ones who make it worthwhile to continue to interract. You all know who you are -- and I thank you!!!
2 people like this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
29 Nov 08
I can't see any specific explanation for the use of the (-) tool, neither do I see any benefit in any way for its existence. There is an ! for when we think the discussion deserves to be reported and that should be enough in my opinion. I like the (+) sign. It's a sort of reward for a nice discussions that I enjoy responding, but the minus serves no purpose in my opinion. There will always be discussions that I don't appreciate, be it for the subject, the tone, or anything else that can rub me the wrong way. But that doesn't mean that the discussion itself is not of quality just that I don't care about what is discussed. If there is nothing more than that there is no reason to minus that discussion, it is my point of view only, my preferences. t might appeal to others, or even be an excellent discussion for them.If a discussion is rude or abusive, offensive in general, then, as you say it should be reported. There is the little exclamation point for that. So the minus is not needed in my opinion. It can be abused - as the plus can, but at least the plus won't affect anyone negatively. As I said I like the plus because I like to use it as a reward for discussions that I enjoy. SUre it can be abused as well, but, what harm can a plus do? :)
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
2 Dec 08
Hello Arkaf,
Thanks for stopping by!
I appreciate your statement "... neither do I see any benefit in any way for its existence." I couldn't agree more.
I understand your perceived value of the (+) tool. In fact, I've seen many websites feature an analysis tool that displays how many plusses (as well as sites that display the number of + and -) a comment has received. A transparent expose of the community's reaction to a comment can be helpful. At the least, the community would be able to see when a respondent or the original poster is being unduly targeted.
Great points, Arkaf!
2 people like this
@arkaf61 (10881)
• Canada
2 Dec 08
I belonged to a forum long time ago where we were encouraged to rate discussions but we were to live a comment as to why we were rating + or -. I think even something like that would make a difference. Probably not too many people would go around using either because it would mean more writing. And I don't see people feeling comfortable having to expose their reasons for minus rating ( I minus this discussion because I don't like the yellow dot on the poster's avatar LOL )
@Adoniah (7512)
• United States
2 Dec 08
The - rating sign is redundant since the swine thing in his comments assured us that the management was so on top of things that we would never be "abused" or "attacked" by other members. The management is all seeing and all knowing. However, in another area of his comments he did say to us, if someone felt that a discussion was totally improper racist or otherwise harmful to the comunity to use the - sign. That way if enough folks - signed this person, managment would become aware of them and step in. I downloaded all of his comments for posterity if you will remember.
Shalom~Adoniah
1 person likes this
@ladyluna (7004)
• United States
26 Nov 08
Hello Cream97,
I wholeheartedly agree! Though, if your understanding of the use of the ratings tool was universal, we wouldn't have responsible, thoughtful posters touting a reputation of #1 - #5.
If we dig a little deeper into your response we might just see the source of the problem. You've indicated that you believe that the ratings system should be used honestly and ethically. OK, so if one ideologue believes that it is ethical to destroy the reputation of someone else, who he or she honestly disagrees with, then violá the environment is ripe for 'ideological attacks.
Personally, I see it as terribly negligent to allow any one group of people to try to harm or silence another by empowering the destruction of something as irreplacable as a reputation.
'Course, that's just my personal opinion.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this issue, Cream97.
3 people like this
@cream97 (29085)
• United States
26 Nov 08
Yes, it should only be used in a positive way, not a negative way. Like getting back at another person is not the way to go. That would be considered very negative.. Rating the right way and not harshly is okay just as long as it does not attempt to damage ones reputation here at myLot.
2 people like this
@kerriannc (4279)
• Jamaica
27 Nov 08
Hi ladyluna, I was a victim of this (-) button during the election period. I have since lost fate in it. To answer your questions I don't think that persons are using these buttons in the right way. There are groups here in MYLOT and if you tends to tell one that he/she is wrong about something then you know that all friends in that group will be pressing the minus button. I am a honest and outspoken person and sometimes tends to just talk my mind and because of this I am a victim. I think that MYLOT need to delete these buttons because I see persons who are not writing any good discussions and there ratings are way up even through there are little responses to the discussions.
1 person likes this
