I've never used a ratings system before with my reviews, but I'm going to experiment with starting one, because I wonder if I could make my reviews more helpful with some sort of succinct and consistent system or shorthand to accompany what I know are often verbose reviews. Here's an idea:
- BUY- run right out and buy this fantastic book. Five stars, top rating.
- BACKLIST- wait for the paperback- worth owning but don't rush. Four stars. Good but not great.
- BORROW- it's worth reading, but I wouldn't shell out for it. Two to three stars. Average. Okay. Meh.
- BURY- No stars. Did not like at all.
What do you think? Would a system like this help you or are my reviews clear enough without the ratings? Do you use a ratings system on your blog? What do you use? How does it work out for you?
I do like rating systems because it gives me a better idea of exactly how much the reviewer liked the book. Your idea is funny! I like it.
ReplyDeleteI use a rating system, I always did but I changed from a 5 star to a 10 star because I felt it gave me more range.
I like it! Great idea.
ReplyDeleteI don't use a rating system on my blog, but I do on Library Thing. Sometimes I go back and wonder what I was thinking when I gave it the rating I did.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's just me, but I prefer seeing a rating (subjective as it may be) when I read someone's review.
ReplyDeleteI use 1-5 star rating (including .5). I like your idea. Have Fun
Your reviews are always wonderful and leave me with a good idea of whether or not I would like the book. Even so, I love the ratings system!
ReplyDeleteIt's entirely up to you on the rating.
ReplyDeleteI use a 10 star system because it gives me much more discretion. I am much more strict than other bloggers though, in that most of the stuff I read gets 7 stars. I have to close the book and say "That was awesome!" for it to get 9 or 10 stars.
In any case, here's the link to my star rating system in case you're interested.
http://bethsbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/2008_01_01_archive.html
I love rating systems! It's one of the first things I look for in a review. It's a quick and easy way to tell what you thought of the book, and if I want to read more.
ReplyDeleteRatings are not perfect but they are helpgul, I think. Sometimes I want to go back and change a rating or two after more reflection, but I rarely do. I like your proposed ratings :)
ReplyDeleteI don't use a rating system, but I've been giving it more and more thought.
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea!
i don't use a rating on my blog. I have to on, biut I find it diccult and keep fooling with those 5 stars. Actually, since you can give half stars, on LT you have 10 ratings to use.
ReplyDeleteIf I had one, I might consider three.
Buy...
Maybe Buy...
Don't Buy....
But I will do without one for now.
wow...I need to re-read before hitting "publish". so many typos...lol
ReplyDeleteI meant to say I do use the rating system on Library Thing with the 5stars or the 10 ratings....
Clear now? lol
I don't use a rating system on my blog (but, like others have mentioned, I do on LT)
ReplyDeleteYour reviews are clear - no doubt as to where you stand when I read one.
However, your new system will tell me at a glance which books I should be adding to my wish list. And I'm a sucker for alliteration!
Try it and see if YOU like it.
Funny enough, I've recently put up a poll about what people prefer in the way of rating reviews. I've been using five stars but I notice a lot of people don't use any rating at all. So I'm torn myself.
ReplyDeleteYour reviews are clear enough without a rating but I do like the one you've suggested here. You could try it for a while-or put up a poll about it. Pop over and vote if you have a chance, I'd sure appreciate it. And my original post about my own rating system is there with the poll if it interests you.
I don't use a ratings system and I really don't pay a lot of attention to them. I do enter ratings on Shelfari and those other book sties though. Your reviews are very clear- a person has a good feeling of whether you liked the book or not and whether it would be a good one to read for themselves. However a lot of people do like rating systems so it's worth a shot.
ReplyDeleteI love the "B" theme with the rating systems! I've been wanting to start using one, but I'm waiting for some clever inspiration.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great idea.
I like your new rating system but have to agree that your reviews are clear where you stand on your feelings/thoughts. I have been thinking about adding a rating system as well as I do think it gives a better idea of a reviewers perspective on a book. I just find it hard to rate a book so have not done it yet. I do rate books on Goodreads as I have to so I'm experimenting.
ReplyDeleteI use a 5 rating system, but with halves like LT, so its more like a 10 star. I like the range that the 10 points gives me. I'm really picky with the 5 points, it means only one thing, that I'll read the book more than once. At the other end of the spectrum, the half rating, means..."it was published..that must mean something!)
ReplyDeleteI love your buy, borrow, etc idea..inspired!
I don't employ a rating system on my blog, but I like the idea and think I might give it a test run.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I love the rating system and think it would be very helpful to have. I may try to do something like this in the future. I am glad you are doing this.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing other people's rating systems...and this is a very creative one! Love it! I use just a typical five star system on my blog for lack of imagination :)
ReplyDelete