As suggested by others, here's the typical SQL statement that I'm using for the joins, in case this itself may be inefficient: 
SELECT itemid, AVG( ratinglist.rating ) FROM itemlist LEFT JOIN rating
+list USING (itemid) WHERE ratinglist.catagory = ?
ORDER BY AVG( ratinglist.rating )

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Dr. Michael K. Neylon - mneylon-pm@masemware.com || "You've left the lens cap of your mind on again, Pinky" - The Brain

In reply to Re: (OT) Improving a SQL JOIN statement by Masem
in thread (OT) Improving a SQL JOIN statement by Masem

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