The thread rating feature has abused by those internet clique types you find in kindergarten classes. For example, how do you give a true thumbs down rating on a thread which wishes happy birthday to somebody in Community Buzz? You don't get a better example than that of someone acting as a trouble maker.

That said, I could support KathyWdrf's suggestion wholeheartedly. If people want to rate a thread, then they should do so openly and thus stand by it. Accountability may be a foreign concept to some but it's very real for the rest of us. If a thread is considered so bad that it ranks a low star rating, then put your name to your vote that it's worth such a low rating. That will make the system honest and helpful.

I'm with gleff. I have no idea what the benefits are to this and would be interested in reading what other regular members have to say. I've seen only the abuse it has caused which led to its removal.

If I see individual TB members acting like one of the many internet catty cliques, I too will remember that when re-election times comes along. And I know from the many PMs I have received from other FTers that there are many who will be examining how individual TB members act.