Monday, January 10, 2011

Help with new rating system!



Hello folks!
I've been meaning to update my rating system, and I wanted to see if you guys had any input.

I used to review books this way:
5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1

I had a hard time assigning numbers to books, so I went with a grade format:
A+ (5 star)
A (4-4.5)
B+ (3.5)
B (3)
C (2-2.5)
F

And now I'm wondering...should I stick with the grade format or go back to numbers?
The reason I went with the grades was just to try something different, but the graphics I used are starting to look a little old, lol.
One of my goodreads friends even suggested using the Harry Potter grades (Outstanding, Exceeds Expectations, Acceptable, Poor, Dreadful, Troll) :)

I'm also trying to change graphics, and I'd like to know: should I use "half" ratings (like 3 1/2 stars) or just stick with full ratings?

Any input would be appreciated!

17 shout-outs!:

Ricki said...

As a reviewer myself, I hate half scores. 1-5 offers a good, solid range of reviews but the halves tend to muddle things a bit - at least in my mind.

Blueicegal ♥ said...

I love the harry potter rating but it's not something I can imagine you using long term, going with the star rating could be the safest option.

Enna Isilee said...

I really dislike using "grades" because the different grades mean different things to different people. Wow. Does that make any sense?

For instance, a "C" is a TERRIBLE grade for me. I would DIE if I EVER got a C. But lots of people think a C is perfectly fine.

I like a standard 1-5 rating (and yes, I do like half-ratings) but you could spice it up with something personal, like I do with my flowers.

Just my thoughts.

La Coccinelle said...

I personally like half ratings. If you have a graphic that lends itself to that, that would probably be the way to go. (I'm not crazy on grade ratings. They can mean different things to different people.)

Just So Jess said...

The Harry Potter grading scale would be cool.
But I do like the grades rating. I like half ratings too. Sometimes there are just things that make a book not a three but not quite a four either; so 3.5 it is.

A Canadian Girl said...

I use the half ratings but I think using the Harry Potter ratings would be cool too.

Ashley @ Book Labyrinth said...

I tend to like the star ratings that Goodreads uses, except I am a big fan of half ratings... to me there is a huge difference between a 3 and a 4 book, so I tend to use 3.5 a LOT when I think something is in between.

Fi-chan said...

I don't really use rating system, because I kind of suck at rating books. But I'm very tempted to use the Harry Potter ratings. D:

Ariel Wilson said...

I personally like the letter grades myself. Easier to fit in a book and for readers to relate to.

StefanieEmmy said...

I like half ratings but if you would let me decide between simple numbers and Harry Potter I'd def. vote for HP! :D

Darlyn said...

I go with numbers. Even though I hate half scores but I think I have to use them when I think it suppose to be better than just good, but not that better. So I need the half scores.And I agree with Enna with alphabet grade. It's just I don't want to read C grade on a book. Harry potter grade sounds good, but I don't know, numbers seem efficient and reliable. Just my 2 cents.

Jessica said...

Do what ever you're more comfortable with/find easier to work with.

Though I must admit-the HP ratings would be very original.

Cindy said...

I must agree with most, a 1-5 rating is probably the best way to go :)

Jen said...

I like the Harry Potter grades. :) I use a 5-1 rating system, and use images.

Jane said...

I think that as far as ratings go, it all depends on what you feel is comfortable for you. I also agree with Enna about how different grades mean different things to different people, but I feel the same could apply to number ratings.

Personally, I have a hard time rating books, simply because each book is good/bad in its own way, and with a rating system books get thrown into the same group together even if I like one book much better than the other. After all, there are a lot of 5 star/A+ books out there, but there are some A+ books that are WAY BEYOND the expectations of an A+ book, if that makes sense.

But that is just the way I do it. Like I said before, it all depends on what you feel comfortable doing.

Jane
janestoryblog.blogspot.com

Katie said...

I agree with Jane, it should be what you're more comfortable with. There is also nothing wrong with changing them ever once in a while. I always write reviews before I posted them. So for a few weeks I tried out reviewing books in different ways to decide which one fit the best, then I just went back and changed all the ratings of those waiting to be posted. Personally I like yours, and I like the harry potter idea :)

Anonymous said...

I really like the grades system, especially because you're the only one who uses it, but I agree with the posts before, use the rating you're comfortable with

 
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