Grading

**the_icks** · 17-04-09, 01:58 PM

I read a lot of posts lately calling for sites to be removed from supported status.

This is due I feel to the black and white nature of being either supported or unsupported.

What I would like to suggest (which is highly unoriginal I know) is a grading system, almost like an ebay feedback system.

So Positive and Negative feedback is taken into account and also providing a right to reply.

there are sites on here currently who are providing appalling customerservice yet still remain supported... this makes no sense, how many of these sites would even get supported status if they were to reapply based on current performance??

We can rate individuals using +/- rep, why cant we do the same with networks??

TEMPLE3188 · 17-04-09, 02:15 PM

Maybe a neutral feedback as well?

Offercentric have owed me over 30 refs since Sept/Nov. no replies to support tickets either and they'e still supported!

**the_icks** · 17-04-09, 02:32 PM

And as a secondary thought, all sites would start from 0... so it would really be a valid indicator.

This could almost be like the trade feedback system... good service +1, indifferent service +0, bad service -1

wolf · 17-04-09, 02:35 PM

Maybe supported networks should have to officially reapply for supported status every year, at which point their service is reviewed for the year end and if they have had a bad reputation over the year they become unsupported (or going with the grading system idea, get bumped down a grade).

I think maybe a star system would be quite useful.

Like (imo) FJ would have 5 stars, then (again imo) GA and Ri would have 3/4 stars as they are proven legit but recent events have let them down.

-Wolf

Larkino · 17-04-09, 02:50 PM

it wouldn't be accurate.
newbies wqho have been using a network for a few days, might go ahead and rate a network 1 star, without having anything to compare that network too

Jon · 17-04-09, 02:54 PM

I was using the (now deleted) reviews forum to collect info to be used for grading, but due to in-compatability issues and with useage eing so low (onl 10 reviews were posted) i deleted it instead of trying to fix it. Bit supprised no one noticed it had gone!

I have a fair few notes in preparation for a grading system ut the one ting it needs is for members to use it to mae it efffective.

Will be looking at the whole structure of new/unsupported/supported networks in time - the current system is mainly a "is trusted" which was important at the time they were brought in bbut not that relevant today

kevan321 · 17-04-09, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larkino

it wouldn't be accurate.
newbies wqho have been using a network for a few days, might go ahead and rate a network 1 star, without having anything to compare that network too

That's a good point, or the people that occasionally join just to moan about a network that put them on hold even though it was their fault. They'd probs do the same.

**the_icks** · 17-04-09, 03:26 PM

maybe a bit like ebay... "i got my free item" heres my opinion of the whole experience......

I did make the comment above about 'right to reply', but I also feel that maybe the networks should have a support area - as Woostar did.

wolf · 17-04-09, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larkino

it wouldn't be accurate.
newbies wqho have been using a network for a few days, might go ahead and rate a network 1 star, without having anything to compare that network too

Ahh, i was meaning exceem review it and rate the networks accordingly.

It might work well with a user feedback system aswell. The 5 star system would be good for newbies to see which networks are best and the feedback system would be a way for users to rate the network by their own experience and would provide a source of information for the 5 star grading.

Jon · 17-04-09, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_icks

maybe a bit like ebay... "i got my free item" heres my opinion of the whole experience......

Thats what reviews was ment to be for, but no one ever posted any unless I did some virtual arm twisting

Quote:

I did make the comment above about 'right to reply',

I doubt in the majority of "negative" experiences the networks would be able to reply in full due to privacy issues

Quote:

but I also feel that maybe the networks should have a support area - as Woostar did.

Any network can have that, though most prefer not to and keep things in their own internal systems (and which would allow the staff to view all account relating to the account alot more easily than having to search for an account etc)

bmh16 · 17-04-09, 09:01 PM

What happened to Woostar and his network, only just remembered him by icks's comments. I don't care if this thing is implemented anyway, it's up to Jon, probably would be better as people can easily tell that FJ are the best network then etc. Also networks can vary in quality, varying grades might just make a lot of hassle, say if GA pick up now and are as good as R-I they might earn the right to up the grade, but what earns each grade?

Jon · 17-04-09, 09:07 PM

They had some significant hosting issues (their host did a runner, and during the process their backups got corrupted) resulting in the decision being made to close things down, there was a period were anyone who had greens outstanding could get what they were owed, then things were closed.

Still speak to him a fair bit, life is good for him, his little one is doing well and he has just had another one!

mcgrou · 17-04-09, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larkino

it wouldn't be accurate.
newbies wqho have been using a network for a few days, might go ahead and rate a network 1 star, without having anything to compare that network too

In the grand scheme of things though, if all other eXceem members used the system, these votes would count for very little.
A restriction could also be put on it, like with trades. Say a minimum of 25 posts or so before anyone is allowed to rate the network.

I think the system of +1, neutral, -1 would work well, if this sort of conditioning was implemented.

omairt · 17-04-09, 10:24 PM

What about multiple votes?

For e.g. A particular network is doing very well at the moment. People give it good ratings. Then next year/month, the quality of service deteriorates. If a person has given them good rating, how would they show that the networks' current service is sh*t?

Or is it going to be a change whenever you like thing such as a radio button where you select the rating and click update however often you like?

**the_icks** · 18-04-09, 10:52 AM

there could always be a multiple stystem like amazon where you rate value/efficiancy/speed/overall.... etc etc

1halfsingh · 18-04-09, 09:42 PM

I'm a fan of this as I think it's a good way of keeping the networks on their toes and encouraging competition between the networks, and so in the end it'll only result in a better service for users. I think there is a tendency for some networks to get complacent once they're supported. I think perhaps if there were month by month performance stats and so we knew who was on top (altho tbh we know who it is atm), kinda like a league with different criteria etc. With the better networks staying up and those which do ****e getting relegated. And with unsupported networks getting promoted. Not sure about the nitty gritty details but I think this could be pretty useful for newbies especially.

**the_icks** · 19-04-09, 06:17 AM

wasn't quite the idea. but I like it!!!

View Poll Results: Should a network grading/rating system be introduced?
Yes	26	96.30%
No	0	0%
Don't care	1	3.70%
Voters: 27. You may not vote on this poll

17-04-09, 01:58 PM	#1
the_icks Mr Baldy Chicken Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 14,487	Grading I read a lot of posts lately calling for sites to be removed from supported status. This is due I feel to the black and white nature of being either supported or unsupported. What I would like to suggest (which is highly unoriginal I know) is a grading system, almost like an ebay feedback system. So Positive and Negative feedback is taken into account and also providing a right to reply. there are sites on here currently who are providing appalling customerservice yet still remain supported... this makes no sense, how many of these sites would even get supported status if they were to reapply based on current performance?? We can rate individuals using +/- rep, why cant we do the same with networks?? __________________

17-04-09, 02:15 PM	#2
TEMPLE3188 iPod 30gb Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,227	Maybe a neutral feedback as well? Offercentric have owed me over 30 refs since Sept/Nov. no replies to support tickets either and they'e still supported! __________________ Free iPhone \| Free PS3 \| Macbook \| Free iPod \| Record Xbox 360 gameplay

17-04-09, 02:32 PM	#3
the_icks Mr Baldy Chicken Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 14,487	And as a secondary thought, all sites would start from 0... so it would really be a valid indicator. This could almost be like the trade feedback system... good service +1, indifferent service +0, bad service -1 __________________

17-04-09, 02:50 PM	#5
Larkino Call me Vlad Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South London Posts: 9,512	it wouldn't be accurate. newbies wqho have been using a network for a few days, might go ahead and rate a network 1 star, without having anything to compare that network too __________________ Free Xbox 360 S \| Free Wii \| Last.FM

17-04-09, 02:35 PM	#4
wolf Mini Mac Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cardiff Posts: 3,049	Maybe supported networks should have to officially reapply for supported status every year, at which point their service is reviewed for the year end and if they have had a bad reputation over the year they become unsupported (or going with the grading system idea, get bumped down a grade). I think maybe a star system would be quite useful. Like (imo) FJ would have 5 stars, then (again imo) GA and Ri would have 3/4 stars as they are proven legit but recent events have let them down. -Wolf

17-04-09, 02:54 PM	#6
Jon MJ lady with maracas Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leeds Posts: 12,864	I was using the (now deleted) reviews forum to collect info to be used for grading, but due to in-compatability issues and with useage eing so low (onl 10 reviews were posted) i deleted it instead of trying to fix it. Bit supprised no one noticed it had gone! I have a fair few notes in preparation for a grading system ut the one ting it needs is for members to use it to mae it efffective. Will be looking at the whole structure of new/unsupported/supported networks in time - the current system is mainly a "is trusted" which was important at the time they were brought in bbut not that relevant today __________________

17-04-09, 03:26 PM	#8
the_icks Mr Baldy Chicken Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 14,487	maybe a bit like ebay... "i got my free item" heres my opinion of the whole experience...... I did make the comment above about 'right to reply', but I also feel that maybe the networks should have a support area - as Woostar did. __________________

17-04-09, 09:01 PM	#11
bmh16 Call me Ben .... Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Bristol / Neath Posts: 7,738	What happened to Woostar and his network, only just remembered him by icks's comments. I don't care if this thing is implemented anyway, it's up to Jon, probably would be better as people can easily tell that FJ are the best network then etc. Also networks can vary in quality, varying grades might just make a lot of hassle, say if GA pick up now and are as good as R-I they might earn the right to up the grade, but what earns each grade? __________________ FREE PS3 \| FREE iPod Touch \| FREE Wii Spoiler

17-04-09, 09:07 PM	#12
Jon MJ lady with maracas Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leeds Posts: 12,864	They had some significant hosting issues (their host did a runner, and during the process their backups got corrupted) resulting in the decision being made to close things down, there was a period were anyone who had greens outstanding could get what they were owed, then things were closed. Still speak to him a fair bit, life is good for him, his little one is doing well and he has just had another one! __________________

17-04-09, 10:24 PM	#14
omairt 1 new message Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Omicron Persei 8 Posts: 2,518	What about multiple votes? For e.g. A particular network is doing very well at the moment. People give it good ratings. Then next year/month, the quality of service deteriorates. If a person has given them good rating, how would they show that the networks' current service is sh*t? Or is it going to be a change whenever you like thing such as a radio button where you select the rating and click update however often you like?

18-04-09, 10:52 AM	#15
the_icks Mr Baldy Chicken Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 14,487	there could always be a multiple stystem like amazon where you rate value/efficiancy/speed/overall.... etc etc __________________

18-04-09, 09:42 PM	#16
1halfsingh iPod 20gb Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Gravesend, Kent Posts: 751	I'm a fan of this as I think it's a good way of keeping the networks on their toes and encouraging competition between the networks, and so in the end it'll only result in a better service for users. I think there is a tendency for some networks to get complacent once they're supported. I think perhaps if there were month by month performance stats and so we knew who was on top (altho tbh we know who it is atm), kinda like a league with different criteria etc. With the better networks staying up and those which do ****e getting relegated. And with unsupported networks getting promoted. Not sure about the nitty gritty details but I think this could be pretty useful for newbies especially.

19-04-09, 06:17 AM	#17
the_icks Mr Baldy Chicken Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 14,487	wasn't quite the idea. but I like it!!! __________________