HgTX,
just even read this your post and the subsequent thread.
I have considered a minute and now I hope that I'm not late on spending two or three words on this.
This is a discussion which was - at least from my viewpoint - long overdue. And the way it's being hold shows me:
YES! This is the 'world's greatest welding forum'. (© Henry, ssbn727)
Why? Well, somebody appreciated starts a discussion about a well polarising topic and the discussion is held in a way, that it makes fun to pursue it.
The 'rating' system is polarising what can be recognised by reading this thread.
You all know me - hopefully - as being honest.
I like very much what John Wright has posted on this issue, saying:
(quote)
"It may have been a great feature for the well intentioned, professionally minded, forum participants to rate each other's posts in a way as to express gratitude or an agreement that the content posted was of great value(to the particular thread). Now on the other hand, mis-users of the rating system have effectively, in my mind's eye, rendered the system worthless as I stated in the first sentence of this PM. Please don't get too worked up or offended by these "children", who for whatever reason find it amusing to themselves, by rating the postings with lower one star ratings." (unquote)
It contains - at least in my eyes - all what's needed to know about the rating system. It could (have) be(en) a great deal when being used, as originally been intended. And I provide that the original intention was based on noble thoughts.
But meanwhile it has produced that much scrap and displeasure that it hurts.
I can only speak for myself, but count me to the fraction around John Wright, Lar, Henry, and some of the others who say: Either 'Kill it' or find a way that's not tempting the 'croockbacked bearded dwarfs' to play their misleading games with those ones who are judging this forum as great gift. I myself am one of the latter, by the way.
Coming to an end. Don't want this to be judged as a rambling speech :-).
For me personally, the highest rating even possible is anyway to read sentences like:
"Brent, Actually, good points." (quote js55)
"Giovanni, You make an excellent point." (quote js55)
"Good point about using the proper electrode for out of position work Al!" (quote Henry - ssbn727)
"Although Dave may have done the best job answering the question..." (quote Lawrence)
"It's a good point Cliff." (quote Lawrence)
"Fine, rodofgod! You've rendered a good service to us frequentors of this Forum." (quote Professor Giovanni S. Crisi)
"Henry, you are the infomation czar." (quote Al - 803056)
"Nice job Henry." (quote Al - 803056)
"I, for one, feel that 3.2, and Nanjing have a great deal of knowledge to offer..." (quote jrw159)
"Jeremy, Joe makes a good point." (quote jrw159)
... to be continued.
I think there is no better way to show somebody: Yes! Your post was not only above the average but it was a good one, it was worth the time and you haven' abused the keyboard to write it down!
Since it's been simply commented and thus, appreciated by this way.
Thanks!
Stephan
EDIT: Just have added two or three more expressive comments on technical posts