I think the rating system should be a simple like/dislike system like youtube. It simply asks you if the spell worked and you answer yes or no. It's easier to use for both us and the moderators, and it's much more informative. It's really hard to find decent spells that work and I fail to see how giving each spell a star rating makes it any easier. You should just be able to see how many people this has worked for. If you can't already, you should be able to post comments on each spell.
Their are some flaw's about this rating system that I do not like about either. For instance, if someone knows more about wichcraft than probably alot of people on this site however they have a rating which indicates that they are a "Newbie" which im assuming means new. They may not like that at all. I would suggest you take this rating system away and use a more "like or dislike" system such as what FaithSeeker pointed out.
If only the rating system could be changed to something somewhat more complex to construct, yet reliable, such as a commentary/ pass-or-fail system where a group of respected users on this site were to be grouped up as judges for spells, they would cast the newly added spell and if it works from their use as it should then the spell "Passes" or is deemed real, as of other spells created by the fluffy trolls or role players would be noted as a "Fail" spell and in which case be titled or warned as that, or be deleted. But this would be difficult to create right?
Aquafish, you mentioned that "meanies" would be voted down by my suggested system. I fail to see how this is possible. Do people judge spells based on who posted them? I don't. I like Sorage55's idea, but with one adjustment. Covens could have people that test out spells on the site, if it passes it can earn a seal of approval for everyone to see. If the moderators test it out, they can remove the spell if it fails.
Faith, it's not as simple as that. A perfectly good spell might work perfectly well for it's perfectly capable author, but not for someone else. That is why it is recommended that we write our own spells, and that we practice the basics of magick. That way, people can work out for themselves what spell might be an acceptable template for their own work. Spells are not the medical industry.
The ratingsystem isnt based just on spells posted, it is also based on forum and a little on chat. I am not well liked amongst newbies because i have a good grasp on what is possible and what isnt. I would be voted so far down in a matter of minutes it would break the internet.
Aquafish, what your talking about, in all honesty, sounds absurd. I can see why people wouldn't use spells you've posted, but why on Earth would people vote spells you post down just because you wrote them, even if they don't like you? If people would do that, they should not be on this site because they clearly don't belong here. Zebrah, I understand what your saying, but even so, think about spellbooks. It is a fantastic idea to write your own spells, but many people (mostly beginners) are interested in finding spells that other people have created. Besides, people don't (or at least shouldn't) post spells to say "look what I've made". They post them to say "this worked for me, maybe it will work for you."
