Despite having searched this website for an answer, all I've managed to locate is an explanation of the stars rating.
What I not understanding is what criteria is used. I mean, honestly, it is irrelevant as to whether an image receives 1 vote for 2 stars or 45 votes for 4 stars if the decision process is shrouded in someone's gut instinct.
Why would anyone upload their images to gather essentially irrelevant feedback?
If such criteria are available, I would really appreciate the link. Thank you so very much.
Vicky it is an ongoing epidemic and there is no rhyme or reason other than the fact that there are jerks in the world and they are obviously in this arena don't worry about the stars just upload images to the groups and you will get real feedback
Unfortunately the general community isn’t interested in giving feedback or reasons for their ratings.
It seems a lot of people will base the rating on their own personal taste. So, for example, if they think flowers are a “cliche” subject, then it will always be a 1 or 2 regardless of how good it is. Even the “pros” from the site misuse it. I’ve seen them give astro-photography shots a 1 Star because they’ve seen the location before. Based on the criteria of the 1 star rating, it should have been a 2 at the lowest. I called them out on it and got a condescending response basically telling me if I had seen as many photos as they had, I would agree with them.
As Joseph said, if you want feedback, the groups here or Reddit (r/photocritique) are the best places. If you like random number generators, then the general community is fantastic. (Obvious sarcasm is obvious)
They should have to justify their rating to help the photographer improve.