EloRater is a platform designed to help discover and recognize quality through a dynamic rating system. Think of it as a marketplace for ideas and creations, where the best rise to the top based on collective judgment.

It's built on the principle that good work, when systematically evaluated, can be objectively identified and rewarded. Our goal is to provide a space where you can test your creations, learn from others, and see how your work measures up.

We use a system inspired by Elo ratings, commonly found in chess. When judges compare two submissions, the winner gains points and the loser loses them. The amount of change depends on the existing ratings of both submissions.

This method is effective because it continuously refines rankings based on direct comparisons, leading to a more accurate measure of relative quality over time. It's less about absolute scores and more about how submissions perform head-to-head.

Credits are the currency of engagement on EloRater. We've designed them to reward contributions that enrich the platform.

Earning Credits: You can earn Credits in a couple of ways:

• By judging submissions in contests. Your thoughtful evaluations help determine quality and are rewarded.
• By inviting new users who actively participate. Growing the community benefits everyone.

Spending Credits: Credits allow you to interact more deeply with the platform. Currently, their primary use is to unlock the ability to 'chat' with submissions. This feature uses AI to let you explore a submission's underlying concepts, ask questions, or get different perspectives on it. It's a way to go beyond surface-level appreciation and truly understand a piece of work.

The shift to Credits is about aligning incentives. We want to encourage activities that genuinely add value to the EloRater ecosystem. When you judge thoughtfully or help expand our community of creators and evaluators, you're making the platform better. Credits are a way to recognize that contribution.

They also ensure that resource-intensive features, like AI-powered chat, are used by those who are actively participating and investing their effort into the community. It's about fostering a sustainable and engaged environment.

A good contest starts with a clear, well-defined problem or theme. What do you want to see people create or solve? Be specific about your criteria for success. The more clarity you provide, the better the submissions you'll receive.

Think about what would genuinely challenge and motivate participants. An interesting prompt is often the seed for remarkable work.

Originality and execution are key. Don't just rehash existing ideas; try to bring a fresh perspective or a novel approach. Equally important is the quality of your execution. A brilliant idea poorly executed won't fare as well as a simpler idea executed flawlessly.

Pay attention to the details and ensure your submission clearly addresses the contest's objectives. And, if the contest allows for it, a brief explanation of your thinking can often help judges appreciate the nuances of your work.