To my friends and acquaintances, I have a special request for another member...

United States
January 4, 2009 3:47pm CST
This might seem a bit odd, to request such a personal favor, but every once in a while it is necessary to reach out to help others. This request is about the star rating system, and as you know it is a part of the system that is rather ambiguous, for every positive we really don't know how many negatives can tear us down or for every negative we really don't know how many positives will build us back up. For me I don't usually put a lot of stock into rating people and I know that requesting a deliberate adjustment for another member is not always fair but it seems that some have taken a personal attack on the person's star and I have taken offense to that attack as a bias and bigotry and I know that all discrimination of others is unfair. So if you are reading this I would like you to consider building up the star ratings of those being violated through the abuse of this prejudice used to tear people down instead of building bridges of unity and finding that light of unison that exposes the darkness and puts transparency as a shield against the forces of evil that have gouged at and pulled upon our spirits to push us into false beliefs that have torn apart countries and families. Please rate the individual that you see being punished by the bigots with a + and raise their star on behalf and for all those who are victims of abuse. If you are the victim of abuse of this nature please make a mention that you would like your star rating to be increased so that your friends and loved ones can show their support for your needs. I really would like to see the star rating of my one friend in particular increased. Please take an interest in the health and welfare of your friends and mine also. Thank You, Sincerely, Gary
9 people like this
14 responses
@murderistic (2278)
• United States
4 Jan 09
I think it's very cruel for people to rate every response they see from a person that they don't like or agree with as negative. I never rate a response as negative unless it is very poorly written or filled with hatred.
8 people like this
• United States
4 Jan 09
Thank You for your contribution, :)
2 people like this
4 Jan 09
You get a positive from me, both of you.
@singlemommy (2955)
• United States
4 Jan 09
I always give every post a positive response unless I think the topic is cruel or could be hurtful to someone. It is a shame that some people give negatives just because they want to.
5 people like this
• United States
4 Jan 09
You are great, thank you and keep an eye out for you know who...
2 people like this
@Daffodil20 (1754)
• India
6 Jan 09
This is a good point that you have raised. I'll certainly give more notice now and will try to do the needful for all positive minds. Abuse of any feature allowed here should not be encouraged. You are so right in putting forth this aspect.
• United States
7 Jan 09
Thanks Daffodil20, Yes the perspective changes when you see that you can make one small change for others and it can improve their outlook... :) It seems silly but it does mean a lot... Happy MyLotting, :)
2 people like this
• India
6 Jan 09
Though I almost never give a -ive to anyone. If I am not convinced and find it in a bad taste then I simply ignore marking. Gary, you just now got a +ive rating from me.
3 people like this
5 Jan 09
Many people think that your star is a way to punish you. If you make a comment, post or reply they don't understand or is against what they believe they will punish you harshly. My star went from an 8 to a 1 from one post.
4 people like this
• United States
5 Jan 09
Yep I saw that and I think that their is clearly a group of people working behind the scenes to cause mayhem in our world. I would so like to expose them for who and what they really are.
4 people like this
• United States
5 Jan 09
I was hoping that we could get to that, my goodness how revealing that will be, there has been a lot of work done on that one book alone and it is very interesting.
2 people like this
5 Jan 09
I have started a post on revelations to see if anyone wants to truly understand the symbolism, hopefully my star will not disappear.
4 people like this
@bunnybon7 (50975)
• Holiday, Florida
5 Jan 09
i had no idea thats what was going wrong with my star. i've never rated anyone. guess i'll start doing the plus rate.
4 people like this
• United States
5 Jan 09
Thank you Bunnybon... I don't ever go for the negative symbol because I feel we all need a little positive help, if I don't like what I read or if I don't like the point of view or opinion obviously I'm not inclined or compelled to rate the person with a positive. I just don't rate people and that is as positive as I can be for them...
4 people like this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
7 Jan 09
I do the same thing. If I can rate positively, I do. For the most part if I can't, then I just step back from rating at all. eh, there is enough negativity in life, why introduce more just for the heck of it?
1 person likes this
@wheel416 (1019)
• Canada
5 Jan 09
Hi Gary, I saw you post this discussion yesterday and I refrained from commenting because I thought perhaps I was just having a bad day. However, I woke up this morning and feel the same way and so now I'm posting my response. I have to respectfully disagree with you on this point and on this discussion entirely. I absolutely agree with you that it is wrong for someone to negatively rate a discussion or a response simply because one does not agree with the posters point of view. I also believe, that this posting, and this discussion you started is equally as wrong. In my opinion if it is wrong to artificially decrease a star rating because you disagree with someone's opinion, it is just as wrong to ask others to artificially increase a star rating. It is just another side to the same issue. Would you care to comment or explain your reasoning behind posting this discussion and why artificially increasing a person's rank is any different from rating someone negatively? Your response as always, is greatly appreciated.
• United States
6 Jan 09
Keep in mind the power of positive thinking or positive affirmation... You know I post in a lot of forums not just here in MyLot, I know the owners and creators of the other forums and they do watch what their participants are involved in. The rating system is not unique to MyLot but if others can find a better use for the rating system or if they see the value in it then maybe the members of MyLot will also be able to understand this power and right as a gift that we can share with each other. I think the best thing that could ever be suggested is that the rating system be made transparent. We all have the right to know who is accusing us and we have the right to be accused to our face. Why should accusations be made behind our backs where we can not defend ourselves? I agree with you 100% on the point that you made on that issue. I disagree that this is inverted abuse... No this is as I wrote above, getting people to exercise their right to vote, because that is what that rating symbol is it is a vote. Just don't vote negatively and especially because an opposing point of view was given. I see your points and have addressed them, I respect your right to either disagree or agree. I thank you for sharing.
2 people like this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
5 Jan 09
I do not see this as 'artifically raising' anything. I see it as a way to combat the people who negatively rate folks they have just decided they 'don't like' or people who just mass negative rate ANYBODY who disagrees with their point of view. After all, anybody who has been negatively rated unfairly (for petty reasons) has had their status 'artifically sunk'. I've said it before that anybody who behaves like that is immature and petty, and I'm surprised that more of them are not ashamed of themselves. Probably because this site affords them anonymity so nobody knows who is doing it. I also do not see anything wrong with the discussion itself, perhaps the title but the intent I totally agree with.
2 people like this
@wheel416 (1019)
• Canada
5 Jan 09
For sure, I understand the sentiment behind it but I honestly think it's just the same thing wrapped in a different package. And for what it's worth I couldn't agree with you more about the Internet and the anonymity it affords people. It seems to me that some think that because they're hiding behind a computer screen they should be free to say whatever they would like. I personally, would not post anything on the net that I could not or would not say in person, nor will I put anything in writing that I wouldn't be willing to stand behind tomorrow if someone should ask me about it. Thanks for taking the time to respond to my posting and to share your opinion. Happy Mylotting!
2 people like this
@stephcjh (38473)
• United States
5 Jan 09
I sure will try to do what I can. I try not to worry to much about the star rating here. It is not very accurate since members say that other members are trolls who patrol Mylot and rate us negatively at random.
1 person likes this
• United States
5 Jan 09
I've seen this topic pop up before and I thought like you but I see it differently now and I'm taking another look at how I participate. You know it might only be a little thing but I believe that we should be able to make a difference, one person one heart at a time we can reach the minds of all people who actually care to share... You have just touched my heart, Thank you, Peace and Blessings, Sincerely, Gary
1 person likes this
@bethyboo (399)
• United States
5 Jan 09
It is really sad that people will just hit the negative because they don't agree with that person. We are all different and we will all have different opinions. I will always give someone a positive as long as they aren't being mean and hateful. Thanks for bringing this topic up. It is an excellent discussion.
3 people like this
• United States
6 Jan 09
Thank you Bethy and Mommy boo's I ain't scared... That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!
1 person likes this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
5 Jan 09
Nice name, I am also a 'boo'
2 people like this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
5 Jan 09
Hi there . I rarely rate anybody negatively, and I certainly do not do it because someone has a different opinion. I don't know why some people are so petty but for every inspiring decent person, there are 50 who are not so much lol. Not sure there's much we can do about it except continue to do our best to focus on the positives, right?
2 people like this
• United States
6 Jan 09
You nailed it right in with one shot and sent that message home. The power of positive thinking and sending that power to others. Yes, I saw that but I have been guilty myself of not paying closer attention to this detail. Now you know what we do when we find a troll? You have to look carefully because you don't want to make a mistake, but when a troll is found there is one thing you never should do... Remember this, it will save your life... Never feed a troll sugar! I have not fed any trolls sugar and unless the troll repents I will not cast any more pearls in their presence. Thanks for the wonderful comments... Both of you... :)
3 people like this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Jan 09
Thanks Wheel and thanks G! Yes - my avatar is my daughter . One of these days I will post myself too lol. I don't feed gremlins after midnight (they tend to reproduce and then wreak havoc) so I'll take seriously the idea of not feeding trolls sugar either. It is so easy to just get down in the dumps and have negativity breed more negativity, so I try what I can to combat that. I have bad days like we all do but I still try.
1 person likes this
@wheel416 (1019)
• Canada
5 Jan 09
You're absolutely correct! The only person's behavior that we can change is our own, and as you rightly pointed out there are unfortunately many more not so nice people who are willing to express their opinions, or at least express that opinion louder then some.... The best advice I ever heard once... Was to take what you like, and to leave the rest. BTW that picture you have as your avatar, (I'm assuming, she may perhaps be your daughter) she is beautiful and adorable. I love the little ringlets in her hair she looks just like my sister did when she was a baby. Take care, and happy Mylotting!
3 people like this
@rosdimy (3926)
• Malaysia
5 Jan 09
Even though a discussion with solicitation for positive ratings may not be allowed I am responding to it because I can understand your sentiments. I too have twice seen a drop in my ratings after giving an opposite viewpoint related to my religion. It was a disappointment because the people I responded to were supposed to be strong adherents to their religion. They were supposed to be peaceful and open minded. I believe a member is still under heavy attack because even though the postings made are many there is no star attached to the nickname. This person lost the star after a long debate. I am against negatively rating a discussion just because the opinion or explanation offered does not concur with our viewpoint. all the best, rosdimy
2 people like this
• United States
5 Jan 09
Hi Rosdimy, I'll be sending a friends request in a moment... Look, it is not against the rules to post about a subject while it is against the rules to post explicitly to request people increase your own rating for the purpose of only raising your own star. This post is offered in the spirit of teaching and requesting help for others in good faith that people will cooperate positively and understand with the idea of growing and healing the psyche of not only our community in MyLot but also all around the world. You are so correct about rating discussions that do not concur with our own viewpoint. That is no reason to think negatively about a person we enter into these discussions to share our view point and win over hearts and minds to a better today and tomorrow. This is a serious matter for the future of all of us. Thanks for sharing, and yes you know you have my positive rating for your contribution. Peace and Blessings, Sincerely, Gary
2 people like this
5 Jan 09
Yes I too have a friend whose star disappeared altogether, I posted a few comments on the symbolic of Moses journey and the exodus and went from an 8 to a 1. N mater how many positives I give him it is never enough, i believe there are several people who like wolves follow us and lay in Wait for us to give us negative marks. I have disagreed with many, but never gave them a neg to hurt them.
2 people like this
@neuronic (242)
• Japan
5 Jan 09
So on behalf of someone else, you want us to rate positive because you suspect abuse. I think you can solve this very easily by contacting mylot admins. They can ban the person or even IP range if what your telling is consistent with the truth.
1 person likes this
• United States
6 Jan 09
What I am telling is true, but due to a lack of transparency in the system we are not privileged to know who the culprits are that are abusing us and the system. So this was a solution to that problem that I am offering and promoting.
1 person likes this
@neuronic (242)
• Japan
7 Jan 09
I believe it is impossible to have this fixed without talking to moderators and constructors of this page. Only they can block access to certain IP address and ban or disable groups that are causing the problem. I think your proposal is not good, because it doesn't give the real picture about someone's rating. If the admins on this page are to figure out that what your telling is true, they can always replenish the previous state of your rating if they have logs enabled.
1 person likes this
@neuronic (242)
• Japan
7 Jan 09
I agree that we should make this place better. And we will. Look at my star, is it red or blue? No. What does that tell you? Well, exactly the thing your saying here. But let's face it, helping intentionally by rating positive will not be the right way to solve this problem. I already addressed you about the, in my humble opinion, appropriate way to handle the situation. We have similar goals, just like many people here, but we have to make this right, and not by doing the same thing as our "opponents" do.
1 person likes this
@hildas (3031)
7 Jan 09
I always rate everything good anyway. I have never rated badly to anyone. I think we should all rate all the good replies we see on Mylot as they tell us do do so in the rules. Mylot is bound to see negative ratings for nothing on here and I am sure they have there own ways of dealing with people who abuse it. I hate to see negative ratings on others discussions. That is mean. If you do not like a person, just stay away from them and ignore them. It does no one good giving bad ratings all the time. Good idea you have here also. I will look out for - ratings and change them to help also.
• United States
7 Jan 09
Thank You Hildas, Very kind of you, Have a great time on MyLot... :) Peace and Blessings, Sincerely, Gary
@messageme (2821)
• United States
7 Jan 09
I always give people positives if they deserve it. I don't think I have rated hardly any negatives. I think maybe two and that is it. But I don't give you a negative unless you really deserve it and you are being nothing but rude!
1 person likes this
• United States
7 Jan 09
That is the thing of it all this is a forum for discussion we are supposed to have open discourse and express our points of views or opinions in a written form. If our point of view is not appreciated people get offended and they get rude about what they perceive as an attack when it was only an opinion expressed and as an opposite point of view that others didn't like so they try to cause trouble by exerting undue pressure as though they have authority over what other people think. At the same time there are other people who are abusive both emotionally and physically and there is a particular behavior that can expose those people who are convoluted. I would like to use stronger terminology but I think you understand. If you would like an example one could be provided. My point all centers around our personal freedoms and the type of person that would take away our inalienable rights. We have worked too hard to set ourselves free and it has cost way too many lives for this principle to be derailed. People have accused some of my friends falsely the only rebuttal was filled with derision instead of or along with providing proof that their position had any merit. I still haven't given them negative ratings but I did collect their writings saving a snap shot if their or our discussions would ever be deleted I can always go back to my notes. Like I said to another person I think it would have to be more than just being rude, if someone made threats of harm then it would be beyond just rating them negatively, I would have to report what I see to the administration to take action that is appropriate for the situation. I can handle a good discourse, and I don't always have to get the last word in... If I have nothing more to add then I move on. You'll get a treat if you say something sweet. :)
@sunil_008 (1269)
• India
5 Jan 09
i think you are so right while all these things.so lets make this place a better one.
2 people like this
• United States
6 Jan 09
Thank you for thinking that I am so right with all of these things that I have posted not just on this post but all of my posts, well most of them... ;)