Feedback required: File ratings

[Dark0ne]

I'm currently considering changing the file rating system to try and add a preventative layer to the folks who just give a 1 to any and all highly rated files. I will not be moderating file ratings (i.e. searching for folks who rate files lowly all the time and banning them, etc.) since it's a time consuming task which, basically, I don't want to be doing.

 

My idea was to check that the user has (a) downloaded the file and (b) had a long enough time to use it (4 hours? 12 hours? 24 hours? 2 days?). Obviously there are a couple of issues with this:

1. There will be less file ratings since people will forget to return after the time frame to rate the file
   
2. People who download the files from mirrors/other sites then view the file at TESS will not be able to rate the file
   
3. It's obviously still not fool proof
   

What are people's thoughts on this? Any ideas on other preventative measures that are reasonable?

[Abramul]

Maybe have an 'Ask me to rate this file' option that would cause a popup similar to the new PM one.

 

Might be worthwhile to only allow very low ratings if the rater has posted a comment giving reasons for such a rating.

 

The ideal solution would be to have someone with the authority to remove an account's ability to rate files.

[Povuholo]

I like Lhammonds suggestion: A comment (which appears as a post in the thread) has to be left in order for someone to rate the file. The post in the thread could then say something like:

 

This user has given the mod a 7.

 

'I really liked this mod!'

[Switch]

I like Lhammonds suggestion: A comment (which appears as a post in the thread) has to be left in order for someone to rate the file. The post in the thread could then say something like:

 

This user has given the mod a 7.

 

'I really liked this mod!'

Hmm yeah that would probably be the best way to do it. That way if an eedjit has rated the mod it'll be clear for all to see.

 

This user has given the mod a 1.

 

.

 

It may make people look twice when a file has been rated poorly. The only problem is in the event of:

 

This user has given the mod a 1.

 

YOU MUTHA[EXPLETIVES/IDIOT FLAMES GALORE]

 

If I or any other moderator saw this we'd remove it as it would infringe the rules... but then once it's removed there's no record of who rated the file with a 1.

[Povuholo]

If I or any other moderator saw this we'd remove it as it would infringe the rules... but then once it's removed there's no record of who rated the file with a 1.

What if... somehow... Dark0ne made it possible to remove the rating together with the post?

[Switch]

If I or any other moderator saw this we'd remove it as it would infringe the rules... but then once it's removed there's no record of who rated the file with a 1.

What if... somehow... Dark0ne made it possible to remove the rating together with the post?

I... don't think that's possible, but then I speak as a person with only an amateur's knowledge of PHP/SQL/JavaScript. Maybe not impossible, but definitely extremely difficult I would think.

[b3w4r3]

I agree with the above suggestion of only allowing voting for people that leave comments. Leaving a comment helps to qualify the frame of mind of the voter, and determine if they have any valid complaints, or if they are just spamming. Also adding their vote to their posts, as suggested, is a good idea too. PES uses much the same system and I haven't noticed the problem there.

 

Unfortunately for me the damage is done. I'm just going to delete my mod from the database for now, and resubmit it later when a better system is in place. Sounds silly I know...

 

Edit: Just had another thought. It may be that some people are casting the votes unintentionally. Currently it requires you to select a number before hitting rate. Some people may not understand, and just hit rate expecting to get a list of options (the rate number defaults to 1). Maybe a confirmation dialog like, "Are you sure you want to rate this file a (insert number here)?"

 

At least change the default rating to 10 so that people with happy clicking fingers don't give 1 to a mod with a random, or errant click.

[AlienSlof]

Something I would like to suggest if possible while these things are being considered. How easy would it be to add a choice to disable comments entirely like it has at Planet Elder Scrolls? I'm asking this as I am sick and tired of the flames and whining about female versions all of the time. My mods then get marked poorly and called 'unfinished' simply because I make male-only clothing.

 

I'd like to have the option to disable comments entirely as I really don't need them. I don't need moronic comments about lack of female clothing when I make it clear in readmes and descriptions that I don't make them. I usually disable them by choice at PES. I don't need comments to feed an ego - I just make mods and like to share them. I don't really care whether they are liked or not. It's just my way.

[IamBatosai]

Perhaps a form you have to fill out. With required fields like: What do you vote? Why did you vote? How would you improve this mod? (only if voted below 6 or something) And optional fields: Would you recommend this mod to someone else? So on and so forth. That's as best as I can think of.

[NaaluNaiglemez]

Sorry; error post, to remove it please. Thank you.