The whole point of making this thread and raising the issue was because we are seeing more and more threads been dragged off topic and also members getting a little over excited with each other and posts thus get heated, as staff we end up having to tidy the threads, hand out warnings and/or bans and we end up ruffling a few feathers.
If we can ask members to just take a little thought first if making a negative rating in that it will be clear as to why it was given or does it need a posted reply.
Sometimes negative ratings are pretty self explanatory and don't need any further interaction -
'I think heavy metal is the best music out there' Disagree
but there are many times when the disagree and dumb options are used and it is hard to understand why for the member receiving them, this is where we find things quickly go down hill as members will often chase up for a reply and reasoning as to why they were rated a dumb etc which often leads to a heated exchange, sends the threads off course and staff end up having to intervene.
All we are asking is you give clarity if the rating you gave needs it, we are not against the use of them as that is what the forum is about, fielding ones ideas and thoughts and seeing if others agree or disagree, if we can provide this clarity when needed then this will save a lot of hassle for staff and confusion for members, we don't expect members to agree with each all the time and that is fine but please have the courtesy of replying with a follow up post if it isn't obviously clear why you have given the 'Dumb' or even 'Disagree' rating.