The only real prize on this site is the learning experience (well, OK, bragging rights too). In that context, the numbers are largely meaningless. Still, it would be nice if a vote of 1 required a comment. I have no problem with getting a 1, but I'd certainly like to know why the viewer found my effort so horrible. That way, I can either learn from the experience or dismiss the voter as a lunatic, as appropriate. ;-)
Sure, I know that comments are encouraged for low votes, but not everyone follows recommendations. Few images on this site really merit a 1, so imposing a requirement there shouldn't add much effort on the voter's part, nor should it skew the results- if I feel a photo deserves a 1, I'm darn well going to give it... and an encouraging comment or suggestion. A required comment for 10 isn't necessary because you'll probably get one anyway, and what greater compliment could there be?
Fringe benefit: if a voter accidentally hit 1 when clicking for the "back" arrow or somehow thought that 1 was the "best" score, then a pop-up "Please comment on this particularly low vote" or similar message would alert the viewer to the mistake. The entire 1 - 10 range is still there, and should be used, but a vote of 1 would be less of a blind learning experience.
Patents4u- My votes probably follow the same bell curve.
Louddog- I largely agree with your comment on what consitutes average on this site, yet it is open to everone, not just pros or advanced amateurs. Considering entries from enthusiastic beginners, students, or those who can only afford low-end cameras, I'd say the average photo might not be quite as stellar as you imply. |
