Monday, July 18, 2011

Should I change my rating scale???

So I've been thinking. I don't know if this 1-10 rating scale is working for me. I originally switched over to it so that I could better rank books than the 5 star scale. There were just too many books that deserved higher than a 4 star, but not quite a 5 star...or somewhere between 2 and 3 stars...It just didn't feel right for me. The 10 point scale works better because I feel like I can give a fairer, more accurate rating, but then I can't really customize the "stars" to make my blog unique...you know, how some blogs have stilettos, or frogs, or gnomes, or cupcakes. These help make the blogs pop and give more personality to the blogger. For example, I know that Ashley from Bookish Brunette is a stiletto kind of girl, equating her to fun, sassiness, and being awesome...all of which she is :D (in case you can't tell I've got uber blog-love for both her and her fantastic site)

Yet, I still don't want to go back to a 5 star system. I feel like I would have to give 5 star ratings to those who fit somewhere between, because I would feel bad about giving them 4 stars. And the same thing all the way down the ranks...then the ratings would be relatively inaccurate and I won't stand for that. So...I've been thinking of switching to my one individual style of grading. It's not original, but I feel like it could work...I think I'm going to go with an O.W.L Scale of rating. That’s right...the scale of grading from my beloved Harry Potter series...In case any of you are lame, and don't know what that is I will now show you

O-Outstanding: Fabulous, Wonderific, Amazing. The highest level possible. The characters came to life in the pages and were utterly original and fantastic. The plot was amazing and was so good I couldn't put the book down. I will soon be buying everything the author ever wrote, and creating a shrine to them in my closet.

E- Exceeds Expectations: The book was wonderful. I loved almost everything about it. There were little or no irritations with the plot and originality of the story. The characters were fun and interesting.  It exceeded expectations in every way. I will be reading the sequels when then come out.

A-Average: Good but not Great. I Left the book happy but for whatever reason unsatisfied. Minor plot flaws or character irritations distracted me but I came away with an overall good experience. Originality was questionable, but still enjoyable. I will be reading the sequels but won't run out to get them on release day.

P-Poor: Something about the book was just off. There were redeeming qualities, but for the most part I didn't enjoy it. I couldn't get into the story, or the plot was unbelievable or stupid. The characters are flat, unoriginal, and/or boring. Dialogue reminds me of Soap Operas and make me want to sigh. I might read the sequels if I find them at the library or get them for free.

D-Dreadful: This was a god-awful book. It took me forever to get through, with multiple breaks and pep-talks forcing me to make my way through it. The dialogue was disjointed or didn't fit with the characters. The flow of the plot was off and didn't make sense. The book was a weak imitation of another book in the genre. The characters are irritating, stupid, and pointless. I will read the sequel only if forced at gun-point.

T-Troll: Not even a Troll could get through this book. Either I didn't finish it, or wish I hadn't forced myself to finish it. There is little to no redeeming qualities in the book. The best thing that I can say about it is perhaps that the cover is pretty.

I know it's pretty similar to the 5 point system, but for whatever reason it feels better to me. I think I will start using it on my reviews in the future. Let me know what you think ok???

3 comments:

  1. HEHE I love it!!! It does offer a distinction between ratings. Think it's a great idea. :D

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  2. I'm one of those lame people who didn't know what O.W.L Scale was. LOL

    I'd say go with whatever works best for you. :)

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  3. Aww thanks for the love chick!!! I think it's am awesome idea!!

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