Star Ratings - do we love/hate/need them? Five-star debate here! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Star Ratings are now ubiquitous and inescapable and it’s not just music, films and books. Everything we encounter tends to be rated which colours our judgement before we try it. Choice can be paralyzing but do we read anymore or just count? Benji Wilson’s ‘Rate This Book: How Star Ratings Took Over the World’ traces their origin – back to 350 BC! – paints a picture of modern life and wonders here where we’re heading, along with … … Aristotle’s 2,500 year-old system of star-rated animals … how Michelin cooked up starred restaurants to get you to wear out your tyres … can we spot fake reviews and the people who sell them? … do we only tend to read one- and five-star reviews? And why writers hate the system … the ingenious deceit of the Krays movie poster … the value of reviews in a world where time and tickets costs are escalating … “Star Ratings are the democratisation of criticism, the least-worst method” … why a 2016 episode of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror now seems prophetic … the “hidden hands” that manipulate the ratings system … and mass Amazon ratings and the power of Mob Rule. Order copies of ‘Rate This Book’ here: https://linktr.ee/newmodern_books#560826579 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rate-This-Book-Ratings-World/dp/1917923651?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLEHelp us to keep The Longest Continuous Conversation In Rock'n'Roll going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What this episode covers

Star Ratings are now ubiquitous and inescapable and it’s not just music, films and books. Everything we encounter tends to be rated which colours our judgement before we try it. Choice can be paralyzing but do we read anymore or just count? Benji Wilson’s ‘Rate This Book: How Star Ratings Took Over the World’ traces their origin – back to 350 BC! – paints a picture of modern life and wonders here where we’re heading, along with … … Aristotle’s 2,500 year-old system of star-rated animals … how Michelin cooked up starred restaurants to get you to wear out your tyres … can we spot fake reviews and the people who sell them? … do we only tend to read one- and five-star reviews? And why writers hate the system … the ingenious deceit of the Krays movie poster … the value of reviews in a world where time and tickets costs are escalating … “Star Ratings are the democratisation of criticism, the least-worst method” … why a 2016 episode of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror now seems prophetic … the “hidden hands” that manipulate the ratings system … and mass Amazon ratings and the power of Mob Rule. Order copies of ‘Rate This Book’ here: https://linktr.ee/newmodern_books#560826579 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rate-This-Book-Ratings-World/dp/1917923651?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLEHelp us to keep The Longest Continuous Conversation In Rock'n'Roll going: https://www.patreon.com/wordinyourear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NOW PLAYING

0:00 37:54

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Food Saved My Life

Mar 19, 2026 ·34m

Eat More Vegetables: The 4 Foods That Beat Ozempic (Naturally)

Feb 18, 2026 ·11m

How to End Heart Disease with Dr. Fuhrman

Feb 11, 2026 ·45m

Revolutionizing Breast Health: QT Imaging, Overdiagnosis, and What to Do Instead

Jan 27, 2026 ·35m

The Dark Side of the Supplement Industry

Nov 12, 2025 ·35m

Electrolytes, Energy, and the Deadly Salt Fix

Oct 17, 2025 ·40m

Similar Podcasts

MG Show MG Show The MG Show, hosted by Jeffrey Pedersen and Shannon Townsend, is a leading alternative media platform dedicated to uncovering the truth behind today’s most pressing political issues. Launched in 2019, the show has grown exponentially, offering unfiltered insights, comprehensive research, and real-time analysis. With a commitment to independent journalism and factual integrity, the MG Show empowers its audience with knowledge and encourages active participation in the political discourse. Eat to Live Jenna Fuhrman, Dr. Fuhrman Our health is our most precious gift and smart nutrition can change your life. Each month, join Dr. Fuhrman and his daughter, Jenna Fuhrman as they discuss important topics in the world of nutrition. Eat to Live will change the way you eat and think about food. French Your Way Jessica: Native French teacher founder of French Your Way Boost your French listening skills and test your comprehension with this one of a kind series of podcasts. Get the chance to listen to a real conversation between native speakers talking at normal speed AND customise your learning experience through carefully designed sets of questions (2 levels of difficulty) available for download at www.frenchvoicespodcast.com. All interviews also come with the transcript. French teacher Jessica interviews native speakers of French from around the world who share a bit of their life and passion. Where else would you meet in one same place a French yoga teacher based in Melbourne, a soap manufacturer from Provence, or a couple cycling around the world? Destiny Architecture® Meditations Heather Larson Bring your mediation practice into the Valueverse.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Word In Your Ear?

This episode is 37 minutes long.

When was this Word In Your Ear episode published?

This episode was published on June 11, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this Word In Your Ear episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!