The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

(Get ready for another episode of Rambling, Ranting, Raving, Railing Royale!)

I'm putting this in the General Discussions so that everybody can read it and also because it concerns the site: specifically on the comments.

Last night, I checked the Member Articles and saw that a lot of people have read and commented too. Comments like:

Great read, thank you very much, keep it up.

That was heart warming, thank you to those who have posted that, but you know what's NOT heart warming? Comments like:

Welcome to Vampire Rave!

Great profile, keep it!

Or even posting pictures of some silly gif and even bloody Winnie-the-Pooh and Mickey Mouse!!! (No, it's not who you think, lay off the kid.)
And much worse a nasty comment to boot!

Newsflash, the authors of the articles, have put their body and soul to every article they've made. Not to mention nights and hours of researching, editing and proof-reading and God-knows-what else!

And (to the non-admin authors) they wait in tension for the notice that would say YOUR ARTICLE has been APPROVED or DENIED.

After all the authors have done, after all they went through, they get non-related comments and a blood picture of Mickey Mouse? Come on!!!

Bottomline: If you can't say anything, don't say it, if you can't help it, write it in your journal or in your wall and if you REALLY can't help it, for Christ's sake, say something original. Make it yourself. Don't STAMP!!! (don't abuse it) who knows, it'll be gone one day, puff- bye bye- kaput like the polls, a long time ago. Write something original, you don't have to be nice, as long as it's yours!

I know, you know, and everybody knows that THIS place has a number of smart people. It's hard to find intelligence in other places, VF for example.I can't even relate to their forum topics there.

A long time ago, probably Nov-Dec, 04. When the Rave was new and there were no such things like Premium Membership and The Vampbox, and (I think) the only button in the profiles is the BITING one. We received a message, a system message from (you-know-who) Mr. Cancer himself. I didn't memorize it (because I'm NOT really an android) though I remember it, it went something like:

To those who will reply something in the forum post that is NOT related to the subject being discussed whatsoever, will be ___________.

a. annihilated
b. mutilated
c. eradicated
d. obliterated
e. constipated


USE your imagination.

†

I agree that most are meaningless, and I really wish there was a way I could block those damn 'stamped responses'.

- D

It's true if you have nothing intelligent to say don't comment.

If they want to use the stamp at least they should arrange it and check their comment before continue to rate.

I really feel th same way. This is really bothered me alot when people posts threads and also articles that they have put alot of thought and energy into it. That and any thread there is always a person who is rude and just not in cohesion with the thread they are always way off subject or just RUDE!~NFA

I'd rather be B than D ... but E looks bad too.. oh well, guess I'll say something contructive.

I wrote an article, but it wasn't recieved well and now I haven't tried to do another one... I don't know if it's because I'm lazy, or just dissapointed by the reaction...

Either way I agree that if you can't say something nice, then leave the stupid comment box blank.. that's why it's optional.....

We are not talking about profiles here Frankie, but rather Member's Articles... This just proves who does pay attention? who really has read the articles and rated them for their worth and content?

*claps franticly* ... well said king well said :D

i agree some people just put "nice post" or something if they don't undersatnd it or didn't bother to read it. if people want the credit for responding to forums they should read the whole post and voice anyu info they know about it but with all do respest some of the newer people who havn't quite grasped the concect of posting might put something like that and people should not be to hard on them we were all one of them once :-)

I read the articles, and I do rate them. I leave comments about the articles, or how well the author has done. I don't stamp because a) I wasn't a premmie when the member articles were created and b) anyone with half a brain cell could figure out that if you stamp it, it would be the stamp for profiles, not a separate one.
And I agree if you can't say anything. Don't say it at all.

I have had a look at some of the articles and to be honest a few really arnt commentable on. They are not discussions. I felt like id be a bit condescending saying well written or some such tosh because who am i to say if something is well written or not. I do take on board what has been said though so will now endeavour to think of something suitable to say...Although i have to say...tongue in cheek however...My Stamp is bloody awesome

thank you Tarquin for this post this issue has been on my mind also...why even read the articles if at the end you are just going to apply a stamp.

It's not like you even have to enter a comment or a stamp to rate some thing. The comment is optional.

Emaerald,
My apologies. Its not been a good day for me today and I thought we were talking about profiles for some reason. Please dont misjudge what I said as not paying attention. Just a note, tomorrow my son leaves for the army so things have been quite emotional here for me. One again, I apologize for not sticking with the thread..

I believe we were supposed to be speaking of Member Articles, not profiles.

I do feel that if you can't leave a unique comment for a Member Article that you should just rate and move on without stamping. It really isn't difficult to write a sentence or two, especially if the particular article touched you in some way.

I agree with Our dear King Tarquin. I have noticed alot of one liners attatched to some of the articles as well as some of the posts in the forums, and these one liners normally tend to have nothing to do with the subject. Just someone looking for attention. I think personally it is rude to not address the person writing the article with respect.

Finally.. someone has said what I believe we have all been thinking...

What is the point of having a comment box if your not going to comment.. *and a picture of (insert random pic here) is not a comment*

Yes... I too have used a tag line a few times when posting comments to a few people, but... it usually contains some sort of original comment...

As for the Member Articles.... come on people.... Those Members work their tushes off... Alot of them are trying to inform us of something more than the hollywood bs... the glitery bouncing tiger or whatever have you is just plain insulting....

Many people have spent there time on these things pouring their heart and soul and belief system into all this. So that people may take away from it and use this or at least share their thoughts on things. Like I said to network and weave our information together it just is an intamite thing. Please don't take it for granted. If your just on here to play around the sandbox is around profiles need ratings as well as portfolios people so just be cautious of what you do on here and have respect and a thought of compassion for the people who do take this site seriously.~NFA

I have to diagree with most on this. Personally I don't use my stamp on Articles but that doesn't mean others shouldn't. Sure it isn't original, nor does it give the author much feedback. But that is the way the site is set up. So you am I to say people shouldn't stamp?

I always try to read through the profile/article and comment on at least one point to show that i have taken the time to do so. its only polite!

LOL, yea its true I even seen it on the vampire database, where you see a " " wallet and you see a comment that says welcome :)), people should really pay a bit more attention to this things

I just have to say as a fairly new member, Please correct me if I am wrong.

I actually created a stamp for myself today and found you can't comment when you chose to use it to rate. I feel a personal response is just respectful to other members. But I have to say I do love to look at the neat pics. So,..I rated a profile and stamped it today, and then sent a personal message to the member too:) hehe.Compromise.

As far responding to forums and articles,I dont see the point in stamping. One should have something to say ! Maybe some are just shy and want to show support with their stamps? *weg* Either way I am not for or against. Guess it's a personal choice.

Stamping is fair for profile portfolios and such. Not for the articles sorry I just feel that way.~NFA

We're an everlasting melting pot here, and there is bound to be more personalities if people put them in their words.

As always Tarq', thank you for posting what I felt I could not.

When I stamp things, it's usually to place my House's sign upon it, and then I go back and edit it to make it an original comment.

I do that with both profiles and Member Articles, because I feel that it give my comment a bit more of a personal touch.

danzig1330: Sorry, I am NOT saying you shouldn't stamp, it's THERE for a reason. Everything here is. What I am saying, and I hope you DO get the point, is that, try to post something original, on all the things that needs commenting. I mean, come on, it's just easy, and it's just one click and done! Especially on the ARTICLES section.

Miss Emearald: I'm closing this thread the moment someone bashes in on someone.

Narakyndryn: touché again, love?

FromNothingICome: A, I love you too. Heh!

I have just spent 10 minutes on cleaning up this one thread alone. If you find your post is not here anymore it has been deleted as it was off the subject of the thread.

Well I for one think this thread is neato and everybody should keep up the good work! heh...

ok, people spend alot of time working on articles, I understand that. People should be courteous and respectful of others work, people should be sensitive to the efforts of their fellows, etc. The truth is, some people are just in this for the ratings games. Although I understand what you are saying King, some people will never "get it" or simply won't care. Afterall, they are not as invested in the article project as the author. At least for my work (at work), I try to take to heart comments that really mean something to me and just disregard the rest. If anything, persons who post innane and inappropriate things are making a statement about themselves and the consequences they will recieve as the result of making a poor impression tend to suffice. *shrugs* My two cents, I guess.

i very much agree with you and i hope that every comment i leave isn't an annoying one. i try my hardest to make sure that i keep my comments relative to the topic on hand. i applaude you for voicing this opinion as so many others such as myself feel the same.

It annoys the hell out of me when people comment my stuff with a picture and leave no words its like, ok so what do you actually think? how do i tell from a goddamn picture?!

"I am not a number!" LOL

Nobody's forcing you to do all the labour. It's your own will. There will always be people who honor it, and there will be those who rather ignore it. But those who ignore it actually rate because of the system they're provided and the motives that are evolving out of it. This thread won't change anything about that. My advice: Take it easy. Be proud of your work. Don't just depend on ratings.

thank you King....you express my feelings exactly.

people feel better about what they have done when people actually leave a comment that shows they have taken the time to read what they posted..
it does take alot of research and the like to get a article even started, not to mention, as you have pointed out, the anticipation one feels before they get the message that their article has been approved..

all the time we take to post an article that we believe will give the members something interesting to think about..and when we see simple stamps and no comment at all, we wonder if people even took the time to read it instead of just rating to up status, ect.

its disconcerning and makes people not want to post articles since it seems that people dont even give a flying squirrl

I get your point `Tarq I just wanted to offer an opposing view for others to think on.

heh, i agree, originality really shouldnt be as difficult as they are making it appear...

I know this is a bit off topic but msgs in profile ratings....a pet peeve of mine...
again the comment of welcome and enjoy the rave...
other than I think the number was about 120 or something like that I have been here longer than the rest of you....
so welcoming me like a newb really does show you are not paying attention....
I appreciate the thought....but not the lack of creativity

well bloddy disney images are always fun...I don't think they have a place in something that someone actually took time to write. and re-write. and probably a few more times.

King'Tarquin buddy i know EXACTLY how you feel. half the time its obvious they didn't even read a damn thing with the way they comment. same as with the HTML pics, be it on articles or even just profiles, it bugs the piss out of me! -_-

*applause* i would agree with the original post that those who have taken the time to write an article deserve heartfelt credit.

as a writer i dont rate soemthing unless i read it, and i think there are plently of other places on the site for people to point and click to earn their ratings scores.

many of the articles here are excellent and most certainly chould be given their due and not just some air-headed response. well said!

Cutsie is definetly a no-no. I can help but find humor in this subject... Maybe laughing because I have seen and been subject to critics myself (Even those that just responded with "Hmmm how nice.") I empathize with you and hope this article gets the reading it most definetly deserves. Thank you.

only post something if u really care.

I have not yet read any member articles. However after reading this I will be sure to really value what I am reading and post something meaningfull, or not post at all...However I will always use my Fav word till the day I die "Groovie" Its just a great word :-)

I agree with Daermon about the 'welcome to the rave,' 'enjoy yourself,' and 'it's a total addiction' comments are rather asinine (spelled right?) for those around almost since it's conception.

yes. this site is supposed to be about originality and expressing yourself, showing who you are to others on the site who will respect you for it... not for competition... it is pointless to visit someone's profile just to scroll all of the way down to place the same picture in the comment every time. it shows no sincerity and in my opinion it shows rudeness and disrespect!

I must admit that after reading crappy profile after crappy profile, it becomes habitual to use the stamp button. When the member articles and stamp button first came out, I admit that I was guilty of using the stamp on an article or two without realizing. But I went back and fixed it.

But I have to agree. Nothing to say, shut your trap.

I try to be more liberal when commenting on someone's profile..so I understand the feelings of not wanting to read the same overused statments over and over again.

I have not yet read any member articles. However after reading this I will be sure to. But as for agreeing with anything posted i agree with michen post.

Now... I must admit that I have said the welcome to Vr thing alot on Profiles, but I do believe some people can be a little more original and stop putting the same stamp on everyone's page... C'Mon now... where's the creativity!

Not to be rude, but the welcome thing is a little overused as well. Especially coming from the younger levels. I'm a 25, been here since April last year. I know my way around the site. I don't need a level 2 welcoming me to the rave. *oh gee thanks, and welcome to you too you little...*

I AGREE! it was so weird to come to the rave and have all of these strange people saying hi and bye. what the hell? whats the point. most of the people who commment arent interested anyway.

Some have either posted stamps or giving me plain welcomes, though I do hope that others would give me a different greeting...I don't wish to upset those that have already commented on my profile.

My personal take on this is exactly this.If i work on something hard a comment of constructiveness would be nice,but if you can't say anything constructive or nice then either rate and leave the piece bare without a comment,or just don't comment or rate at all!As for stamping heres my two cents on that :

Don't stamp me as if it's a new member greeting,because thats just downright rude and/or lazy of you to do.Be original and constructive the artist/author appreciates it more then a stamp and run or a rate and rape.lol

i agree whit you, i am starting in here, an i have see how some poeple tell you how great you profile or an article is, and they coments look like they have not even read you pro, it rude, and insulting

I agree. I've never liked stamping; most of the time, when I get a stamp on my profile telling me "welcome to VR. Tell me when you update your profile" and a picture totally unrelated to anything, I go back and rate the originator with a "nice profile. Thanks for the canned message." I can't stamp, and, if I could, I wouldn't. If you just want to rate things and can't think of anything to say, then just rate without a message.

I'm glad to see you and your ramblings again Tarquin :-)

Well, the problem with having a status system that is effected by ratings is that some will always put their status above what they are doing... sorry to use the cliche, but its quality, not quantity of ratings, that gets you real status around here.

As long as Vampire Rave exsists, there will be people who stamp, copy and paste, or simply scroll down and make it up, and think that nobody will notice.

I totally agree with what your saying, I have talked to you about this sort of thing and i have a very similar standing. Thanks for bringing it to everyones attention again!


Echo x

Exactly Batchyld, just saying one or two words in someone's commentary just only takes up more space. I usually avoid this by just rating and posting to them on the forum.

I know that when I post articles i would like the comments to mean something. i agree totally with these posts

I know how you feel 'Tarq, so many people just do it for the rate count, etc.

Maybe more effort need to go into your old saying. I think its everywhere too, not just the articles, but yes, they are especially at risk.

Being welcomed to the rave by someone who's a level 4 and tells me if I have any questions that they can help....I just have to sit and think, hmmm...zero common sense.

Its like profile rating. Giving someone a 10 for one line?

I don't get it I suppose.

If there was thoughtful work involved, be it an article or a profile, I believe it deserves more than a stamp. I do know that some people who leave me a message have the ability to stamp, and I apreciate that they take the time to leave a real rating. But there are some people who just stop by, copy and paste a message, all just to see their ratings go up. It's quite an annoyance. I could only imagine how I would feel if they did that to an article I worked hard on.

*round of applause*


I couldn't agree with you more! Its ok to do that on profiles, because people tend to rate randomly...but when you take the time to rate articles and other DB entries....tsk tsk tsk...shame on you guys!
Those should be "read" if you have taken the time to visit it....not everything is for the sake of "levels"!

You will be surprised as to how good of information is contained in the VR DB! It wouldnt hurt to give "full honest opinions" instead of "fake default stamps"....This is where i draw the line with stamps, in profiles they are ok...but in the VR DB?! COME ON!

your right there is a lot of people who say just a bunch of gibberish that has nothing to do with what the question has to do with and then its somesort of stupid picture

ive abben in here for about a week now and i see it all over

I dont have alot to say but that I do agree with the statement "it doesnt have to be nice as long as it comes from you"....

Get a grip. Individuals have the freedom to comment in a way that they see fit. You may not like it, and you have the right to say you don't like it, however, their comments are still their comments. As such they are free to say what they want to!

I agree, but only partly. By all means, go with the stamping, but for christ's sake please put an actual comment with it as well

I personally think if you are gonna rate a member's article that you shouldn't use a stamp. They are looking for feedback and criticism. A stamp isn't gonna give that and all of the articles are different so should have different feedback comments. Thats just my opinion.

I posted on this when it was first put up and my comment stays the same using a stamp on someones hard work is innappropriate it would be as if I went to someones journal and read the poetry then said oh great profile keep it up...if you could comment on journals...if they put thier time and effort into it why waste time reading it if your going to just stamp it and if you don't want to read it then don't even look at it...that is a waste of your time and the authors.

i'm glad im not the only one that is bothered by this

Quite true. With all the work done on everything within this site, we all should go out of our way to show our appreciation...not just a standard blah comment.

Yes stamping peoples pages, although very nice, can get irritating as it derails your own interests in vampires.
I also would appreciate it if people didn't rip off other artists work. They aren't claiming it is theirs, well I know it ain't anyway, but its unoriginal and boring, so is the repetitive forum posts, and the quizes with anime ladies half naked.

BRING OUT THE DAMN VAMPIRES FOR CHRIST SAKE!

I absolutely agree!!! I hate it when people just put "----- was here" and thats it. you think if you were going to rate somebody you were actually interested.

I wholly agree with the idea of leaving out short arsed statements that have no real taste in them! although i guess im being hypocritical using mystampfor rating people!

I agree that if a person takes the time to write an article that the reader should take the time to write an origanal comment.

I agree and it's much more pleasing/attractive to find unique and personalized waiting in the comments section, I mean is it really that much of an importance to cheat the system when; I believe; it's even better to meet people with similarities and information that may be helpful to you...

just do what moves ya. lol

Yeah I think it's a cheap way for those people doin' it to get "post points" and rating points.... Cheaters!!!

I think stamping an article should be considered as some twisted means of spamming.. If you're going to say something, use your head and make it relivant to the article at hand. Otherwise, rate it according to how well written you feel the article is, and leave out the comment.

I have read some of the articles and they were great...I cant remember how I commented though I guess I can check them out and change it to sometujing more appropriate if I have not already done so

I completely agree with you. I hate it when people do stupid things like that. If you're going to say something, make it meaningful.

well said, i agree w/you on so many levels.

Exactly it's done for the level and I noticed even in posting in threads foor certain people.

I admit that I did create a "stamp" but I think I may have only used it once. And it was this long paragraph thing. I admit that I've used "Welcome to The Rave" but I've also added something personable to the message as well, which let the person know that I actually READ their profile. And stamps...they're cool and creative, but it just makes it look like people were going around and stamping profiles because they got bored or something.

I'm still very new here and I have read many of the articles and left personal comments. I know when I write an article it takes a great deal of time and research to put out a good piece. I appreciate those that choose to share their knowledge and ideas with others.

While I don't have a major problem with stamped responses, at least its a response, I do understand the need for a little more effort to come from the reader. It shows that they have actually read the article, and appreciated the message that the author was trying to put out there, and therefore willing to return the favour by taking a bit of time to write something in return.
I would also like to add that while that is one subject, I would also like to add that it is closely related to one of my little gripes, and from reading others comments, I think they feel the same.
If you read a profile etc, why leave without rating or commenting there too, if you really read it, then leave a comment. I know this might be time consuming and maybe a bit much to do all the time, but say whats on your mind about the profile.
Same story, if you read an article which somebody has put alot of work into, or read a profile/ portfolio, how about saying a little something, return the effort.
There is just too much of a percentage difference between peoples viewed and rated tallies. How hard is it?

I agree, I usually will rate and not post a comment unless I was moved by something on the page...

If People Want's To Use A Stamp Don't Stop Them It's Up To Them Not You So Just Back The Fuck Off.

One Half Of The James Gang ~~Axe~~

It is NOT a matter of PEOPLE USING STAMP, MY POINT here is to READ the WHOLE content before replying or commenting about it.

Just LIKE This post above mine. SOOO typical.

Keep it civil or face the consequences.

I looked at my first Member Article this evening, and agree that a great deal of work goes in them, a welcome should'nt be left, at least not without an additional comment.

I don't know how many times I can say this.

Comments (profile, portfolio, vampire database, or articles) in no way affect Status.

So those of you saying that members 'Stamp for Status'... You're wrong.

Just an idea but why not remove the stamping option in the Member's Articles?

eraticated is a good word....

Although I do appreciate comments saying that people enjoyed my post/profile/portfolio/whatever, I find it much more constructive when people add WHY they liked it - or, if they didn't, why not. I noticed, before my PM expired, that a few people had given me very low ratings - I even got a one! But non of these people let me know how I could improve it, or made comments justifying there decision. I realize that at the moment I don't have the best profile on here, but it would be easier to update it if I knew what people wanted to see. And as for forums, "good read" is nice, but at least add YOUR opinion, since that's why we post threads.

With that, I'd like to thank you for bringing this topic up. It is something that has frustrated me in the past, and hopefully some people chose to change there responses.

hmmmmmm.....this is a very well made point and a good debate subject.

I have to correct myself.

When I said stamping to increase in the level,I meant rating to increase in the level and just leave a stamp/comment just to show they were there,but still rating for the level.

However the thread meant for stamping the articles but certain people mistaked it for profile stamping.

I kinda agree with xtroublex, I've wondered about why there even is the option to stamp a member article, knowing that most stamps hold a greeting or welcome. I think every article written deserves either a personal opinion on the article, or just nothing at all if for example you just can't relate to it.
I don't think there is a way of making a decent stamp for the articles anyways, the most neutral thing to say is "I was here, read your article", but really I don't think that's what the author was looking for....

I'm just gonna say, say what you mean...!

I guess that's true, and I'm not saying you should rewrite it, still I would never just stamp an article.

Mind you I have no problems with stamps myself, I love to see what people create and come up with, but I still think an article deserves a little bit more..
but that's just me I guess

Although I'm new to VR and I haven't read a single article, YET. That is a good point. I know that the stamps are here for a reason. I also know that after the first twenty on my profile, how annoyed I was with seeing them. However, for someone that has spent hours upon hours trying to write something important, at least to them, it would be down right insulting. Everyone here has a brain. Let's all try to use it and at least give the author their just dues.

i stamp only because do u really want me to say that i couldnt really even concentrate on ur profile cause of all the s@#t u had floating around or that the colors were hurting my eyes or maybe that u rambled on so much i lost interest half way through....if its just blah i stamp if it is really good i usually comment on my own... thats just what i do....

I am also in agreement, however, not just on the articles, but everywhere. I notice that a lot of people are only interested in stopping by to leave a stamp or something strange just to advance. At first I did not feel comfortable here because nothing real was happening. At my other domain, people come to me excited weekly to read. Here, a lot of people don't give a damn what you say, they just want stop by, another page viewed, another profile rated, another level accomplished. Impersonal.
Respectfully,
Lady Isabella

I read what Cancer wrote above about stamping for status, and just to be clear, I am not saying that. I am saying it is another page viewed to gain status. Maybe they just stamp because they are there, so why not.
Lady Isabella

i agree with King...after all..if you have worked hard on something, dont tell me you wouldnt want to know peoples opinions on it..
i mean..you guys write in your profile (most) and in your journals and in the forums..thats wanting to have what you have to say heard and read and listened to...
same goes for the people who go out of their way to put articles they think people would enjoy reading

I agree. I love all those articles that I can muster up the time to read and I've never left a stamp.

hmmm i just joined recently and yes ive had plenty of stamps and comments that are exactly the same as in other profiles,dosnt bother me ,anyway dosnt the rating in the end help show an indication of what ppl think of yer profile

I have to agree here im New and Have no clue How to Stamp Yet.*Smirks* but i am a Person who likes to use my Mind i dont like just putting Basic very nice have a great Day.. I have found Here so many extremely Talented people ..Far more talented then myself..in Graphic Design...in the written word... and not only that so many individuals who i am growing to get to know that are just Great to know all around! Great Topic King.. I hope those this speaks of turn bad habit into using their minds we'd love to know whats behind those eyes besides a Mass of cells!

In my opinion if anyone makes a nice stamp, and spends time and thought on making it, they are free to stamp my profile with it.
Personally I do like to include a little personal comment with my stamp image, but I don't always have something to say.
Stamps are perfect for profiles/portfolios, IF you've put some thought in your stamp.

But again I really think a member's article should not be stamped, although in some cases I guess a "Nice work", or "Interesting read", could be nicer than nothing at all.

I guess in the end though it's the rating itself that says the most. For a high rating, stamp or not, means your work was appreciated :)

Totally agree! Take the time to read the article. They are worth the effort. Most of what I've read has been inspiring.
The writers derseve the upmost respect for their time, efforts, and patiences. Along with a heart felt comment to go along with it!

As a writer I know what you're talking about because when one needs to improve on their writing and they get stupid comments. It doesn't help any to get stupid things like 'Great Profile' when that has nothing to do with the article. Something people really do need to understand is that the nice folks that write the article do work hard to make them nice. So I can agree completely, if you're gonna say something stupid that doesn't help the writer or doesn't relate to the article...then I say this nicely. Shut up!

i agree if you dont have nothing nice to say then dont say anything at all but
then there are just those people tht you really hve to say something back to not matter how mean it is

I totally agree with you King`Tarquin.
Thos articles took time and effort,
they deserve a comment, or if one can't come up a comment, better rate and don't say anything, although I think that's wrong.
The articles took the author time, effort and dedication, so it should be respected.
Leave the stamps for profiles

I agree that if people take the time and effort to write it you should make the time and effort to respond with how you feel about the piece they wrote.

I don't think anyone should post negative comments or smart ass replys to anything if you dont like the post or article your reading have the courtesy to tell them in a message not with something that stays in the open...people don't have to say anything to rate it some don't realise this...Keep your attitude problems behind closed doors one on one with who you don't like or agree with....as for the stamping don't use your greeting stamp for everthing it is for greeting people..

if it's something really stupid don't put it, but if it's a good comment, constuctive comments or just something to tell them how you really feel about it, then go ahead and say it

Very well stated. If you a person can't leave something constructive, they shouldn't leave anything.