Can someone explain the user rating system?

[tgchi13]

If the rating system is used arbitrarily it will defeat the purpose!

Like I know the handful of members whose opinions I've found to be consistently of significant value to me but am I suppose to give them a good each time?  Maybe I don't know.  Also seems to potentially be misused in the reverse - if one of the more knowledgeable members (and yes, I am thinking of you ariell) were to say something that others decided to rate negative then it would appear unfairly that she may be unknowledgeable.  Then you may have a true troll that no one bothers to rate and their 0 would imply they are more knowledgeable.

Could be confusing to new members (luckily this wasn't in place when I joined!)  I read the FAQS after this came up and didn't see any info on how it's intended to be used - per post or per member or other.  Nothing is perfect though and this forum really is a public service, and one I'm thankful for, so I don't think I'll be asking that they set that any member could only rate any post once.  I think I'll just use my own judgement and my rating is pretty simple; how badly did they confuse me.  Rate the advice, not the advisor!

[Karlshammar]

As far as I know there is no "automatic ban" based on the rating; to be banned a moderator has to take action.

[NYCtoNB]

As far as I know there is no "automatic ban" based on the rating; to be banned a moderator has to take action.

i didn't even know this forum had mods

[Karlshammar]

Sure does.

i didn't even know this forum had mods

[NYCtoNB]

Sure does.

is there a way to differentiate them from other users ?

[tgchi13]

I just assumed they were the VIP rated members!

[NYCtoNB]

I just assumed they were the VIP rated members!

i always thought the type of member you are went based on how many post you have
good thing this has nothing to do with our actual immigration process or we'd all be screwed

[tgchi13]

I believe you are right, NYCtoNB but think that VIP is reserved for the moderators, who possibly receive their moderation status in part due to the number of posts over a period of time.

Maybe the moderators will demystify this!

[Suin]

I think moderators themselves do not participate in discussion, but guard the rules of the forum.

[PMM]

Hi

I believe you are right, NYCtoNB but think that VIP is reserved for the moderators, who possibly receive their moderation status in part due to the number of posts over a period of time.

Maybe the moderators will demystify this!

Nope, 5000 posts for VIP is all you need, and it doesn't make you a moderator.

PMM

[tgchi13]

PMM, are you not going to demystify this?

[ariell]

T'was I who did the deed. I want full credit -- maybe super-hero status from the forum moderator (is there one?).

LOL!!     I laughed so hard when I read that and your above comment.  You are MY superhero! Thank you Toby. I appreciate it.

Thanks also very much to you, Karlshammar for your good words here and for the time that you came to my defense in the other post. 

And thanks to whoever voted for me. Wow, now I'm actually in the positive! I think I started out yesterday at -8

[nyssa]

Haha ariell I also put a "good" rating for you. Your score was baffeling me for quite some time!! Far too unfair for anyone who hasn't seen the advice and positive energy you have brought to this forum.

[Leon]

They have just recently set up this system.  I believe they expect that eventually the people who give out good information will have a high rating and people who give bad information will have a low rating but since the system is new, nobody has a very high or low rating yet.

The number of posts doesn't really say everything.  Some users have a high number of posts because they keep asking the same questions over and over again.

Yes, it could turn into a popularity contest but I guess we'll see.

[nyssa]

Honestly, I have no intent on turning it into a popularity contest myself. Leon, I see you and PMM both have the highest ratings, and rightfully so. I know you comment was not directed towards me, but I would also like to add on that note that I gave ariell and others here "good" ratings simply because they have offered me valuable advice, and I appreciate it. I view it in a way of saying "thanks". Hopefully others do that same! Unfortunately, it seems ariell was/is victim of someone's personal vendetta as I see no other reason she would have had such a negative rating.

I definitely agree that a person's posts say nothing of what they are giving to this forum. There is no doubt my posts are primarily questions, encouragement or one-liners, as I am still relatively new to this process (still completing my application). However, I have done my best to answer questions I have knowledge of (information you can find on the guides/personal experience)... I tend to avoid responding to case specific questions mostly because I fear giving uninformed advice where others would be more qualified.

Wow, well, long story short... I agree with you.