[Diamond18]

Well, I very rarely rate. But so far I have given out nothing but 5's, because I only bother to rate when I feel strongly (as others here do). When I strongly detest a poster, it is usually someone who ends up leaving soon, anyway. So why have that person's name in my profile section long after their annoyances have ceased and they have gone?

The 2, 3, and 4 ratings are just to shady for my taste. If I don't feel strongly enough to give out a 5, I don't bother.

So, my reasons for giving out 5's vary. I have given them to people whom I respect, marvel at, and especially people whose sharp and/or wacky wit makes me laugh. I only consider someone "witty" if he/she is also intelligent and can make good points as well as send me into laughing fits. That's my general rule when I actually get around to rating. I've given out a couple ratings just because I was feeling particularily good natured that moment. Or...erm...they flattered my silly ego so nicely...but that was only a couple times, honest!

So I usually don't rate people until I've gotten to know them and their posts. I didn't even turn on my rating until I'd been here for a couple months, because I didn't want people to rate me on first impressions. I think that method has worked out well, as I have gotten 15 votes with a weighted average of 5.00. I think if I'd turned it on as soon as I joined it would have been much lower.

PS... I also agree with Melephelwen's post of September 19th. If I just sent someone a PM with nothing more to say than "You're the greatest" they'd probably think I was just brown-nosing (especially if he/she is a mod in any of the forums).

[ January 12, 2003: Message edited by: Diamond18 ]