Frequently Asked Questions
This EloRater tool is actively developed by me, Austin Hatfield. If you have questions, feedback, or cool ideas text me directly at 949-899-0718.
What is this?
It's a tool to find the best. We use the Elo system, originally for chess masters, to rank anything. People vote head-to-head, and our system calculates the winners.
How do I create a contest?
Hit "Create Contest" and just give it a name. Our AI will suggest a description and relevant submission fields (like text or media). On the next screen, you can review and edit everything, add more fields, tweak advanced settings (like dates or private access codes), and then launch your contest. It's designed to be quick!
What's Elo and why should I care?
Elo is a rating system. When someone picks entry A over entry B, A gains points and B loses points. How many points depends on their current ratings. It's a proven way to rank things based on many individual opinions, even when "best" is subjective. It surfaces quality quickly.
How does judging work?
You see two entries. You pick the better one. That's it. Each vote helps refine the rankings. Simple input, powerful result.
Can I limit who enters or judges?
Yes. Use "Advanced Options" when creating or editing. Set access to 'Private' and create a code. Only people with the code can get in. Useful for private groups or specific events.
What kind of fields can I add for submissions?
Text and Media (images, videos). Give each field a label. You can also decide if a field is shown to judges or included on the leaderboard via the field's advanced settings. Focused on the essentials.
What happens if I delete a submission?
Deleting a submission removes it permanently. All votes involving that submission are discarded, and the contest's Elo ratings are recalculated from the remaining votes. This keeps rankings accurate but takes time. Be sure before deleting.
Where can I see my contests and submissions?
Click your profile icon, then "Account". You'll find lists of contests you've created and entries you've submitted there.