Mar 23, 2003 10:01 AM
1661 Views
(Updated Mar 23, 2003 10:02 AM)
I know I'm sort of a ''new kid on the block'' but I think I've been here long enough to comment on this topic. I have read quite a few reviews, some good, some not so good, BUT, my concern is not whether a person writes a good review or bad review, it's what I feel the person has whole-heartedly stated, or put into their review. When I'm reading a review, I think of how much that person may have studied the topic to write from the heart about his/her likes or dislikes regarding the topic in mention.
It is very hard for me to flatly rate someone with a ''Not Recommended'' rating, reason being, every one is entitled to his/her opinion of a topic. I cannot disagree with someone because they like something that I do not like, or because they do not like something that I do like. I feel everyone is entitled to write according to their own personal experiences and feelings, as long as it is not a defamation of others, or vulgar language, mockable slurs, anything demeaning to others.
If a review is clean, precise, grammatically correct, from the heart, then I'm cool with that, and I think the person deserves either a ''HR'' ''R'' or ''SR'' rating, within reason, of course.
Everyone is due respect. We are all members for one or another reason. My reason is to enjoy, and to read the feelings of others toward a particular topic.
Highly Recommended ratings are what we all hope to accomplish, for whatever the reason may be. Honestly, I feel very good when I receive a high rating, it means, someone is reading my writings and they like it. It means that I am doing a good job as a member of the Mouthshut site, and others are enjoying my work as a member. Comments are always a welcome. Some comments can be a bit ''pouty'' at times, but they are always a sign of some form of respect for the writer, be it in a negative light or positive light. Someone has found the time (if but a second), to hit those keys to comment on your review, and I think that is noteworthy.
Recommended ratings still feel good. At least at this point, you are getting closer to writing what people love to read and rate as very good writing. A ''Recommended'' rating always give me the courage I need to do better or try harder to accomplish the feat of writing what the readers and raters want more of. I take my reviews serious, and my comments and ratings as well. For some people, writing is a past-time, for me, it is a step closer to a dream, the dream of publishing my book of poetry. If I can get people with whom I know very little about, to critic my writing on enjoyable sites such as Mouthshut, then I feel confident that one day, I will read rants and raves about my book and be able to say, at least someone is paying attention.
Somewhat Recommended ratings are a bit of a let down, but it does not mean ''quit.'' It simply means, keep trying. I remember the first time I received a ''Somewhat Recommended'' rating. I almost fell out of my chair. I vowed never to visit the site again, because people are too cruel and know nothing about me to give me a ''Somewhat Recommended'' rating. I thought, ''How dare they point a finger!'' Then it hit me, and I asked myself questions, ''What is the matter with you Jan?'' ''Why are you acting this childish?'' And my answer was, ''This is what I can expect if I publish my poetry work. This is what it is all about, an honest rating for an honest opinion.'' Ever since, I've enjoyed whatever rating I receive, be it high to low, it gives me the energy, courage, and determination to do better. Thanks guys.
Not Recommended, now this is the ultimate test of endurance. I don't think I have received a ''Not Recommended'' yet, but hey, there is a first time for everything, only this time, I'll take it in stride and keep trying to do better. I have, however, read some ''Not Recommended'' ratings and I was more than curious to find out why they were rated as such. No comments. But I still think everyone deserves a fair chance for their efforts.
All-in-all, I feel that the rating system on Mouthshut gives us all a chance to rate as we feel warranted. It is that choice of rating selections that make Mouthshut a winner, and an enjoyable place to hangout and explore, read, write, rate, and comment.
Always a pleasure.
