The average score I've given is 1.13.

I bring this up because I’ve seen posts where some Threadless users have a go at other users for having given low average scores, as if that’s somehow mean-spirited and not in the spirit of things. Can someone explain the thinking behind that? I’m sure the vast majority of low scorers aren’t deliberately trolling and giving zeros just for the hell of it. We’ve all got our own internal scoring system, surely all equally valid. There’s no point in being kind with the scores you give, as it’s supposed to be an honest reaction.

Personally I give zeros to anything that’s technically a bad design / bad execution AND a crappy concept. If it’s a crappy concept but good artwork, it’ll get a 1 or 2 – also if it’s a great concept but the artwork is below par, then it’s a 1 or 2. If I’d wear it it’ll get a 4 or 5. If it’s good but I can’t see myself wearing it, then it’s a 3 or 4. If it’s got a nubile, submissive woman with perky jugs for no good reason other than titillation, it gets a 0. If it glorifies guns it gets a 0. If it’s one of those fey designs with lots of silhouetted birds and flowers and wistful-looking, doe-eyed hippy-maidens gazing skywards, it’s a 0.

So what’s your average score, what’s your scoring system, are low average scorers like me really just grumpy old meanies, and what do you automatically give a zero to?