There is no doubt about it, ranking (probably any vote based system) is a kind of popularity contest—but having said that, why would anyone think it implied some kind of absolute order of things? At worst it is on par with the Miss America thing and at best it reflects the gathered opinions of those who cared to vote. As far as its use as a guide of what to run out and buy, even that probably wouldn't do any harm. If between a review (or reviews) a ranking and leafing through the book at the bookstore, they decide to add same to their collection, well, that strikes me as quite reasonable. On the other hand, if any or all of this is used as a substitute for thinking, then I'd have to say that would be a bad thing!

hsm

In reply to Re: Re: Book Ranking by hsmyers
in thread Book Ranking by hsmyers

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