As you perhaps know only too well I do not have a proper rating system here- no points, no stars, flowers, hearts, cups or whatever. It is deliberate. I've always been of the opinion that the descriptive assessment is the most flexible one as it allows me to encompass many subtle differences, sometimes so important for the reviewer and also for readers. From now on, however, the books I consider to be truly outstanding, the ones that left me speechless and rather unwilling to read anything else for some time will be rewarded an additional, well-deserved distinction: this little button.
ETA: I couldn't help myself - here is the appropriate badge for "Fallen" and other such flops:
I like that :D I do hate ratings, sometimes I give a three and some think "oh, so it kind of bad", nope 3 is ok in my book.
ReplyDeleteLove the icon
LOL it is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind ratings. They help me to decide on some things especially if the person explains the reason for the rating.
I like the idea - are you going to give that badge as you go along, or at the end of a month/quarter/year?
ReplyDeleteI don't give ratings either. We started giving ratings in my bookclub, first just an overall mark out of ten, then decided it didn't convey enough information and started giving a mark out of ten for writing and a mark out of ten for enjoyment, but we've almost abandoned giving marks now - we did start rating books according to whether we'd buy them new, buy secondhand, borrow or not bother at all, but again that has fizzled out.
The first novel I've read this year would definitely get your rating, though - Wolf Hall.
The award is sparkly!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's why my rating system is so uhm quirky.
Thank you for your comments Blodeuedd and The Red Witch!
ReplyDeleteI also don't mind rating but when I tried to build a sensible scale it always was too big and too complicated for my liking. I am also thinking of two other buttons - one for a good series and one for a total flop (like "Fallen"). Call me evil but I think the flop button will be delicious to design!
Tracy I think I will give the badge as I go along - usually you know instantly whether or not you like a book. It will be posted at the end of the appropriate review. Wolf Hall stands a very good chance of getting one if I only grab this one.
ReplyDeleteBrooke I love sparkly! If you ever want anything sparkly just shout!
True, anachronist you know whether you like a book after you've read it, it's a question of how parsimonious you're going to be with the top mark - I'd be worried about overusing it if judging a book immediately.
ReplyDeleteCall me evil but I think the flop button will be delicious to design!
Can't wait to see it! *evil laugh*
it's a question of how parsimonious you're going to be with the top mark - I'd be worried about overusing it if judging a book immediately.
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to be very parsimonious indeed - I don't expect awarding it to more than two-four books every year.
Evil button is ready. I awarded it to Fallen. *evil grin*
I didn't know that failure was so sparkly. ;) I like the icons.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I say...sparkly is so lovely that even a failure seems less painful! ;) Thanks Melissa!
ReplyDeleteSo I see! Yes, skull and crossbones works!
ReplyDeletethanks! :)
ReplyDeleteLove it. & I agree about Fallen. It was so boring!
ReplyDeleteMad Scientist
Hi Mad Scientist and thanks for commenting here!
ReplyDeleteI like the rating additions, sometimes it is as cut and dry as that. :)
ReplyDeletedemitrialunetta.blogspot.com
Thanks Demitria! Sometimes it is like that indeed!
ReplyDeleteWell, I've been messing around with the layout of mine - accidentally! I tried out a new layout late last night (always a mistake), saved it, realised I hated it (too green), couldn't go back to my original one because it no longer exists, then spent ages turning a simple one into a more complicated one, was too tired and gave up in the end. So it's still a work in progress but it's a bit better than when I abandoned it, far too yellow, last night!
ReplyDeleteOh I did exactly the same mistake once here, Tracy - don't worry you will find the right layout! It might take time but still only when you encounter problems you can learn!
ReplyDelete