Why Bethel uses Rating Systems

When Bethel did some research, she discovered that many reviewers have some sort of content rating system to help their readers or viewers evaluate the pros and cons of whatever they are reviewing. So Bethel created two ratings system of her own that will hopefully give readers a full perspective of the media she is reviewing.
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5 Hearts Rating System

This one is like a basic 5 star system, but is also a symbol of how much Bethel did (or didn't) enjoy it. See below:
5 hearts is the highest given rating
​1/2 heart is the lowest given rating
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Color-Coded Content Rating System

This system will break down specific areas of concern within the given media. See below:
Green - 1. None (No negative content in this category)
Blue - 2. Mild (Only a few minor issues in this category)
​Purple - 3. Medium (Several noticeable issues, but not enough to alter the cleanliness of the given media)
Yellow - 4. Heavy (Numerous issues that lessen the cleanliness of the given media)
​Red - 5. Excessive  (Too many issues in this category. I will probably never watch it again if given this rating in at least one category)
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How Books Are Rated

For book reviews, Bethel's currently only using the 5 Hearts system. This is for two reasons:
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1) The majority of the books reviewed are Christian Non-Fiction, and therefore the categories used in the Color-Coded System would be irrelevant [except for possibly sexual content, which is still carefully examined when relevant to the book].
​2) Bethel believes in keeping book reviews short and to the point, so the Color-Coded System seems excessive.

The categories used for the 5 Hearts rating will vary from book to book. Every book will at least receive Bethel's Personal Rating, but some reviews may also receive:
  • Teen Rating - based on how appropriate it would be for a teen [usually teen girls, but depends on the book] and how well they would absorb it
  • Male-Friendly Rating - based on how useful or appropriate it would be for a man to use as a resource to better understand women's issues. This will be largely for books written for women.
  • ​Singles-Friendly Rating - based on how appropriate or useful this book would be for singles, not just those that are dating, engaged, or married. This will be specifically for books that deal with relationships, marriage, and/or sexuality. 

​Other categories, such as a Pre-Teen Rating or a Kid-Friendly Rating, may be added to any review at Bethel's discretion.
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How Movies and Musicals are Rated

Lion's Eyes will give a 5 Hearts rating for movies and musicals in each of the following categories:
  • Kid-Friendly Rating
  • Teen Rating
  • Production Quality Rating (for musicals only)
  • Personal Rating

Lion Eyes will also use the Color-Coded system for movies and musicals in the following categories:
  • Sexual Content
  • Violent Content
  • Language
  • Other Negative Content (which will usually be indicated with the given rating)

Other categories may be added at Bethel's discretion.
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How Quick Reviews Are Rated

Most of the categories used will be the same as what I use for longer reviews of movies and musicals. The only difference is that the ratings had to be adapted to the emojis available on the emoji keyboard. Here's the key:

It's OK if We Don't Agree

Bethel says, "It is never my intention to make anyone upset or offended by my ratings. But it is my intention to be honest, fair, and biblically grounded, which will hopefully provide you with a tool for discernment. We may disagree about one media and enjoy the next together. Even if we don't agree, I believe we must do our best to demonstrate Christ's love in our responses." 

Any questions or concerns about review ratings can be sent to [email protected]