Grey scores, are those that are out of the bounds of the automatically defined scoring corridor. Grey scores are not anonymous, and it is only possible to submit a grey score after leaving a comment. To indicate the availability of the score, its cell's colour will change to dark blue. Your name will then be shown automatically along with your comment.

Please note, that if your voting will constantly deviate strongly from the average, then your scoring corridor will automatically be narrowed, or it may even be turned off alltogether.

With the help of "Grubbe fractions", you can vote with decimal scores. The number in the textbox to the right of the 'vote' button indicates the decimal part of the score.

On PhotoBlink, we are using the voting scale, suggested by Richard.

"As a casual observer and fan of this site, there seems to be some debate on how to base one's vote from 1 to 10. I do believe the written comments (as many have noted) should be the foremost priority explaining WHY one likes a photo and fortunately the comments are rated to encourage this. That said, there is indeed a 1 to 10 scoring system and perhaps it may be of assistance for viewers, particularly new viewers, to have further defined by words the rating system. Obviously what moves and bothers each person is individualistic and personal, but some definition to the scale would provide some guideline for consistency.

If someone has taken the trouble to post, obviously there is something they care about in the photo and/or they are just starting photogrphy or experimenting so any vote from 1 to 10 should be at least in some way encouraging, as if you were talking to a friend, in person. The rating definitions would also need to be applicable to all subject matter. For what it's worth, may I offer the following on this:

I would find myself first "sub-categorizing" into four groups. Either the photograph compared to others on the web site is obviously great (10, 9), quite good (8, 7), interesting in some way (6, 5) or lacking interest or technique (4,3,2,1). I believe it is important to put a little more description in defining the higher ratings as this is what most viewers will in fact use since many are experienced photographers and this is where opinions begin to "split hairs." So:

10: Inspirational. The photographer has used exemplary technique, creativity and/or perseverance to quite uniquely convey the essence of the subject matter and/or moment. One enjoys viewing the image again and again, for the aesthetics, interpretive, or documentary value and there is nothing that could possibly be changed to improve upon it. The photograph has magic.

9: Excellent. This is a great image with exemplary execution that supports the subject matter. There is, however, just a very slight hint of something that takes away from the unique, "magic" or completeness that would have made this a 10, and this aspect was likely well beyond the control of the photographer.

8: Very Good. This is a photo where everything came together very well for the subject matter to become compelling, but one aspect of the image in technique or composition is just slightly distracting that could have been enhanced by the photographer. It is obviously helpful to comment on what this aspect is.

7. Good. The photographer has presented subject matter of considerable interest, but one aspect of the image, in technique or composition is felt to be distracting that could have been enhanced by the photographer. To define the aspect would be helpful to the photographer.

6. Interesting. The subject matter has some interest, but one aspect in technique or composition is obviously distracting, and could have been enhanced by the photographer. Again, it is so helpful to define the aspect.

5. Average. The subject matter has received a basic level of photographic competency, and it is evident what the photographer was trying to achieve, however, it is lacking a spark of interest or artistry to raise it above average.

4. Interest Unclear. It is unclear why this photograph was taken, as the subject matter does not provoke interest, however, there is a basic level of photographic competency. Perhaps the photographer is experimenting or trying new subject matter, and any advice is likely helpful from others who shoot the same type of genre. It is also helpful if the photographer could help explain what they were trying to achieve.

3, 2, & 1. Experimenting. There is not a basic level of photographic competency evident, which is quite distracting from what ever the photographer is desiring to achieve in their subject matter (the more distracting the less value ultimately to 1). The photographer may be learning or trying something totally experimental, which is greatly assisted if they could explain if they are beginners, or what they were trying to achieve, to encourage comment and assistance (then again, who knows, maybe they are on the cutting edge of something new!)."