POTM - Rating system

[RazorBlade]

Hi all!

I was just wondering if it would be better to have a rating system (I use cichlid-forum's rating system as an example).

That way, we can rate photos against each other, and even know our own photo's 'performance'. I sometimes find it a real hard choice to choose only ONE photo out of so many good ones. And if my own photo is there, I don't even vote! :cheesy:

[Tony7683]

Well, I dunno hows theirs works as far as when you can see the results, but the best part about our contest is that it is NOT biased in any way shape or form. It is the cleanest fairest contest I've been a part of, and I think the list of winners and the diversity of their photos tells you we are on the right track with what he have. The ratings system would be great if everyone was a photo expert and knew exactly what to look for and would be unbiased to every photo. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as I know at least I myself am no expert and would be biased towards the fish I own over others if I were to vote for all and "compare" them. Our contest makes you really look at the photos and what they convey, and really places a high value on the one vote you cast. I think the feedback you're looking for can be found also in the discussion threads after the contest. If your photo was in it, and you wanted everyone to comment on it, that's direct feedback, not a number, therefore much better advice. Don't you agree? :)

Tony

[benny]

And if my own photo is there, I don't even vote! :cheesy:

This is an interesting point.

What do you guys think? Should the participants be allowed to vote? At this point, there is no restriction, but as we know, some don't vote when their picture is in the running.

Cheers,

[Nicholo]

I thought that was an interesting point too, Benny. I've voted in the contests, even though I've had submissions. Interestingly, I've never voted for mine, b/c I've never believed mine was the best. It seems there is little enough voting going on already, so I'd be inclined to not put any restrictions on it.

Guys, I actually really like the CF system. The reason we dont use something similar is because I can not produce that, and to hire someone to do so takes serious $$$ which I dont have right now to put into the site.

As far as voting, we have no way of restricting people from voting for their (or another) photo. The current system has no way to track it. I agree that it's pretty basic and could use some modifications, and I have been looking around, and nothing is available, short of what I already installed (no seeing bids till auction is over).

The only other option available is MULTIPLE bids, which allows users to pick more than one option (i select how many). But it's not a weighed system (1st, 2nd, 3rd) it's a straight point system so if someone picks 2 pics they get equal votes.

[JerseyJay]

I disagree.

I don't like Cichlid-Forum Contest technique. There are people who are giving you 1s or similar just to drive your entry down. The funny thing is that actually one of the morons came out and said that he did such awful thing in the past and now is afraid of others putting his pictures down.

I like what we have now. Either you are the best or you not. Time to go back to the drawing board and practice.

I always say: "Repetition is a mother of success".

[Nicholo]

Hey Jay -- Yeah, I saw that thread where the kid said that. It was pretty lame. But if there is sufficient participation (as in the C-F contests), I think it is important to have at least a 1st, 2nd, 3rd rating to hand out. I mean, it's the same reason they do it in things like MVP voting in the major sports -- if a voter takes a shine to an oddball candidate, at least the more deserving candidate will get 2nd place points. But like Ed said, if it can't be done, it can't be done.

[jasno999]

I don't know. IT is a toss up in my mind. I think a weightd system would be more fair and it would be more realistic. I understand it is nto easy to do and the current system works for you all right now. I think if you can do it you should but for now the current system is ok.