I recently had a number of people come to me inquiring about those stars you see below blog entries, trade lists and articles. They weren't sure what they were for, or what the stars meant. As usual, disgett (Dale) had a brilliant idea....so she suggested that I try to explain this to all of you.....I mentioned Dale because I don't want to take credit for something that was essentially her idea....I am merely explaining this to you all.

Those stars allow each member to "vote" for that article or blog entry or trade list. What you are really doing is showing your GardenHere members how much you appreciate their efforts. It's a way to evaluate the content of what they contribute -- and assess how useful, informative or helpful their piece is....or how much you enjoyed reading it. In the case of trade lists, you can also show a member how well they conveyed their terms, whether you're impressed with their offerings or even how good the trade was. This is not the same as giving a member points; its' entirely different because no points are exchanged or involved. In the case of blog entries and articles (or trade lists,) you get points for posting. Everyone gets those points. Here, you're evaluating the content and substance of the contribution. The ratings go from poor to excellent. Sometimes someone will write something that people feel is really amazing. It gives you ideas about what to do in your own garden, provides you with insights about something you may never have known, or just hits your heart in a way that makes you feel really good. Why not show that member how much you appreciate what they've taken the time to contribute? Give them the maximum amount of stars. Perhaps it will encourage them to contribute more in the future.

The way the ratings work is very simple. Every time someone rates that member's contribution, you will see the number of votes rise for that piece. As the number of votes rise, the rating will change. No one knows who gives the ratings or what each member gives as a rating, so all of the ratings are anonymous, unless someone voluntarily admits to rating someone's contribution and reveals what they rated it. The ratings are averaged together, so perhaps you'll see a rating of 5 stars at one time.....and that will probably be what the piece has if only one person rates it, but as other people rate it, the rating will change.

It seems to me that the more we rate our fellow members on the things they contribute to the site, the more encouraged they will feel and will therefore be inclined to continue to contribute. If we really want to get our members to take the time to contribute articles, write blogs, write up descriptions for plant ID's, share recipes and so forth, we need to show them that we value all of these contributions, and that we appreciate them and that we're grateful for what they are giving back to the site.

Next time you read someone's contribution, no matter what it is, thing about giving them some encouragement, or thanking them for giving so generously to the site. Rate their contribution and make them feel that they are valued as a member of GardenHere and that what they contribute has value to you. It's a great way to say "thank you," and in so doing, kind of figuratively "putting your money where your mouth is!"