Flayrah's highest rated stories are highlighted in our annualroundups; though I could probably do more. I'm open to ideas. Bear in mind that a high rating by itself does not necessarily signify high quality. As you noticed, we currently highlight longer stories for this exact reason, although I've tried to balance the algorithm for different story types — such as reviews, which often include extensive quotes, and/or high numbers of links.
These pieces tend to be original "feature" work representing the best we have to offer; they include Fred's retrospectives, some of Isiah's interviews, my research summaries and your own piece about ponies. The goal is to hook occasional readers and to encourage contributors to provide such work with the knowledge that it will be promoted after rolling off the front page. Newsletters, announcements and newsbytes are excluded.
Being concise while also conveying significant information is likely to raise the rating of your stories and comments. The best stories are comprehensive yet concise when it comes to individual details.
High-rated comments help keep your other comments afloat, as your average ranking is used an an "initial vote". If people recognize that you are a valuable speaker most of the time, it gives you license to be occasionally controversial (though if you persist in arguing unpopular viewpoints you will quickly burn through your karma).
The front-page rating block doesn't have much prominence because, at least initially, it didn't do a good job of promoting good content. Arguably it's better now that we have a larger audience and more votes; however, it covers different content to that in the header (often non-opinion work such as videos or "feel-good" stories).
I think it's good to have a variety of opinions as to how to balance the interests of our readers and contributors. When it comes to recentopinions, I was not sad to see them fold on the front page; I was happy that the system was working as designed. I would note that the pieces concerned were not censored and remain on the site, despite the urgings of some to remove them. As for alcohol, I fear recent medication makes that inadvisable.
Flayrah's highest rated stories are highlighted in our annual roundups; though I could probably do more. I'm open to ideas. Bear in mind that a high rating by itself does not necessarily signify high quality. As you noticed, we currently highlight longer stories for this exact reason, although I've tried to balance the algorithm for different story types — such as reviews, which often include extensive quotes, and/or high numbers of links.
These pieces tend to be original "feature" work representing the best we have to offer; they include Fred's retrospectives, some of Isiah's interviews, my research summaries and your own piece about ponies. The goal is to hook occasional readers and to encourage contributors to provide such work with the knowledge that it will be promoted after rolling off the front page. Newsletters, announcements and newsbytes are excluded.
Being concise while also conveying significant information is likely to raise the rating of your stories and comments. The best stories are comprehensive yet concise when it comes to individual details.
High-rated comments help keep your other comments afloat, as your average ranking is used an an "initial vote". If people recognize that you are a valuable speaker most of the time, it gives you license to be occasionally controversial (though if you persist in arguing unpopular viewpoints you will quickly burn through your karma).
The front-page rating block doesn't have much prominence because, at least initially, it didn't do a good job of promoting good content. Arguably it's better now that we have a larger audience and more votes; however, it covers different content to that in the header (often non-opinion work such as videos or "feel-good" stories).
I think it's good to have a variety of opinions as to how to balance the interests of our readers and contributors. When it comes to recent opinions, I was not sad to see them fold on the front page; I was happy that the system was working as designed. I would note that the pieces concerned were not censored and remain on the site, despite the urgings of some to remove them. As for alcohol, I fear recent medication makes that inadvisable.