As a systems analyst (database designer/developer) from long ago, I have some recommendations, along with some questions.
1. Which field is your unique identifier for each business/location? Might I suggest using the US Postal Service-standardized address database? Conflicts would not be up to the submitter to resolve, but would instead be submitted for moderator review.
I'm using google places, and they have IDs for each location. I'm still looking into how to track manual additions (add to google places or maintain a separate list). I'm leaning toward google places for all the info right now.
2. Will you employ a username/login tied to a user's e-mail address so that a previously negative (or positive) rating can be changed by the same individual who posted it? I've encountered two business who at first seemed opposed, but after a couple of conversations with the owner, they came about 180 degrees. Since the earlier rating's -3 rating takes a couple of positive ratings just to render a neutral rating, I'd like to see a way for an individual to change their previous rating.
Yes, there will be a way for folks to manage listings even if they do not create accounts. It will be available shortly after the new version is online.
I'd like to see people be able to rate a business as follows:
a. Very favorable: +2
b. Favorable: +1
c. Neutral: 0
d. Unfavorable: -1
e. Very unfavorable: -2
The five-tiered response is a tried and true template in the world of statistics, for many very good reasons.
I'm currently using a three-tier rating system and I'm not sure expanding to five tiers would be any more descriptive. Can you give me a use-case where it would be beneficial?
Here's my rationale for three-tiers: 1) You enter a business and they comment on your firearm, thank you for carrying and invite you back. That's a Very favorable rating in the five-tier system. 2) You enter, get your business done and no one says anything or mentions your firearm. They don't bring any attention to it and they don't give you any sideways glances. That would be a Neutral rating. 3) You enter the business and they ask you to leave or expressly kick you out. That's a Very unfavorable response.
Where would the favorable and unfavorable fall in? I think having five tiers would rely more on a feeling and impression than what actions were actually taken by the business. I chose three-tiers because I'd rather know by the rating whether others were kicked out, left alone or commended and invited back, not have to guess what actually happened when they marked it as favorable or unfavorable. And, this is why there's a place for comments, which are now required.
3. I'd like to see a circle, square, or four-bar rectangle depicting in four colors the following attributes:
a. Mean score. Color would range from deep red (the most negative scores) to deep blue (the one with the most positive scores), with colors taken as a percentage of all scores. Calculated on a percentile basis. Ten colors ranging from deep red to deep blue would suffice.
b. Number of positive scores (same schema)
c. Number of negative scores (same schema).
d. Range of scores (variation represented as a sigma, same schema).
I like the idea, and the site is designed to support that sort of insight, but the reality is 90% of the places are reviewed only once. This is possibly due to the current design...it is not easy to rate an existing place. You must search, etc. It's a hassle. The new version, you click on an existing place and type in a new rating to add. A couple clicks and you're done. If this new method encourages more repeat ratings, then it will be worth implementing.
4. Refined, I'd like to see a single circle indicating the mean score, and a hover-over pop-out with the name and address of the business, along with the four-color scheme in a four-vertical-bar format grouped into a horizontal rectangle, along with a button for adding/refining one's individual grade. If one isn't logged in, the button would not be present.
Same as above, but the business details and rating info will be shown in a popup, and plans to allow anonymous visitors to edit ratings are coming soon after the new version is released.
5. I have many more questions, but won't know what to ask until I see a data diagram. Can you provide one? If so, PM me.
It is very simple. You can probably guess it just from the way the site works, but I'll be glad to have another set of eyes take a peek and offer any suggestions that come to mind. Thanks!
Glad to see you're taking the time to upgrade it!
That week turned into about 2 months. Between work, family, holidays and changing direction on a large portion of the new site it took a bit longer than expected.
