At long last, a clarification on the Ripple Rating System.
First, some FAQ.
Q: Why do the movies you review on your blog mostly get 3 Ripples, only a few 2.5 Ripples, and very few 4 Ripples?
A: I love films, but my time is also precious. So I usually pick those which I think I’ll enjoy, or which I’m curious about before I go see them. I’m a selective movie goer, as most people are. The same is true for readers picking which books they’ll read, or music lovers which song to buy…The ratings reflect whether I’ve made the right choice, in a way. So far, I haven’t come across many that compel me to give 4 Ripples… but there are a few…
Q: How do you know which movies you’ll enjoy?
A: I read about them, know the background first…sometimes, I go to the source material and read the book on which a movie is based. I particualrly like to do this because I’m interested in the process of turning Book Into Film … Other times, I go to see the movie first, and then read the book if I am particularly moved.
Of course, the Ripples reflect personal resonances. Nevertheless, they are given after considerable critical analysis and evaluation, and hopefully do not come out as mere impulse. They might stir up ripples among my readers too, and that’s what the comment box is for.
I like NY Times movie critic A. O. Scott’s statement in his introduction to the book The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made:
” This collection is more likely to start arguments than to settle them, argument being one of the solemn duties of criticism and, more importantly, one of the great pleasures of movie-going.”
You are welcome to express your opinion. But please comment in a way that shows your respect for other readers and yourself.
So here it is, Arti’s Ripple Rating System explained:
~ Ripple = Stay away, I did
~ ~ Ripples = Manage your time better
~ ~ ½ Ripples = Average, Okay
~ ~ ~ Ripples = Good, worth seeing
~ ~ ~ ½ Ripples = Superior, must-see
~ ~ ~ ~ Ripples = Almost Perfect
Ripple Effects 
I love knowing how people rate items. Not too long ago I was asked about some of my Netflix ratings and all I really could do was shrug and admit it’s what I felt at the moment of rating. Unfortunately, I’ve really not improved my own rating system yep but your ripples seem to work swimmingly.
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bookchronicle: Ha! I like your way with words.
How I see it is, as with any sort of criticism, film, literary, … you have theories, and then, you have your own frame of values, interpretaions, point of view, life experiences… Often it’s just the very intuitive, subjective measurement of whether you enjoy something or not that counts. I don’t think pure objectivity even exists. So, what you “felt at the moment” could well be an accurate gauge of how you see it after everything is weighed in. The difficulty of course, is to verbalize your thoughts and justify your evaluation…
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I use the Regency Fan system, but only give up to three fans. I gave ITV’s Mansfield Park 1/4 fan, but that was because of the pug. The dog was outstanding.
I agree with your comment about subjectivity. That is why I like reading other people’s reviews. People bring different perspectives to the table, and I have learned to appreciate them in my dotage.
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Ms. Place: You know, Mansfield Park was one film that I missed in the PBS Masterpiece. But from what I’ve heard about it, I think I’ll spend my time on more worthwhile endeavors. And as you’ve rated, the merit of the whole production seems to rest on Pug, then I’d rather dwell on the book for fond memories and enjoyment.
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