Thursday, July 30, 2009

New Ratings System

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?

20 comments:

Icedream said...

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.
I 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.

Jess said...

I like it! Great idea.

bermudaonion said...

I 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.

(Diane) Bibliophile By the Sea said...

Maybe it's just me, but I prefer seeing a rating (subjective as it may be) when I read someone's review.

I use 1-5 star rating (including .5). I like your idea. Have Fun

Library Cat said...

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!

Beth (BBRB) said...

It's entirely up to you on the rating.

I 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

Melissa said...

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.

Anonymous said...

Ratings 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 :)

Serena said...

I don't use a rating system, but I've been giving it more and more thought.

I really like your idea!

caite said...

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.

If I had one, I might consider three.
Buy...
Maybe Buy...
Don't Buy....

But I will do without one for now.

caite said...

wow...I need to re-read before hitting "publish". so many typos...lol

I meant to say I do use the rating system on Library Thing with the 5stars or the 10 ratings....
Clear now? lol

Dawn @ sheIsTooFondOfBooks said...

I don't use a rating system on my blog (but, like others have mentioned, I do on LT)

Your 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.

Sandra said...

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.
Your 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.

Darlene said...

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.

Elena said...

I love the "B" theme with the rating systems! I've been wanting to start using one, but I'm waiting for some clever inspiration.

It's a great idea.

Bonnie said...

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.

Kelly said...

I 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!)

I love your buy, borrow, etc idea..inspired!

Bryan R. Terry said...

I don't employ a rating system on my blog, but I like the idea and think I might give it a test run.

Zibilee said...

Personally, 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.

Wendy said...

I 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 :)