Giving a reason for a negative rating?

Question

Anyone else think it'd be nice if we could give a reason for rating a person's answer as a negative? Maybe we could learn a little more if we know why the answer was a "bad answer"? Or we could avoid having people go through the sections rating a bunch as negative just because they have too much time on their hands...Just a thought.

True James H, you can't measure an opinion....then why do they have a good or bad rating for someone's opinion? I'm just asking if you think a question is bad then have something to say about it. But thanks for your opinion.

Answer 1

I so agree with you!! I think it is that they have too much time on their hands. Or if not then why?Thanks for bringing it up. All the best. Very good point;~)

Answer 2

Usually, I will only give a low rating when an answer is way off base, or is abusive to the asker or other writers. I also will rate answers that are full of profanity, or have inappropriate sexual connotations negatively. I have, on occasion, reported the writers of such responses for abuse, because there are a LOT of children and young people who read and respond to questions in this column, and I believe that we as adults have a duty and a responsibility to protect them and ensure that they are not exposed to things they shouldn't see or read.
Likewise, if a response contains inappropriate racial, ethinic, or gender slurs, I will also rate that negatively and report the writer. Hope this helps you.

Answer 3

I think when people give negative ratings because they disagree with something said - that's inappropriate and I've seen it happen. You should really just add another post and then we can have a real discussion.

I think the appropriate time to give a negative rating is when someone has personally insulted someone else, name-calling etc. Anything else is pointless because giving a negative rating - well, my life goes on and I don't care if you disagree if you can't be intelligent enough to articulate why!!

Answer 4

I'm sure a lot of the thumbs down are given out of pettiness. To have answers critiqued would be cumbersome and invite pointless arguments. You can't measure an opinion.

Answer 5

I always edit mine and put little notes saying what I think about the answers given to me. How in the heck is this a horse question?

Answer 6

I think your idea is a good one. I also don't rate answers on the same post that I gave my opinion on. I think that is biased.

Answer 7

I totally agree with your thought

Answer 8

This is a valid suggestion- it would be more constructive. Good point!

Answer 9

Very good idea

Answer 10

good point