Dylan Greene dot com

WOOOHOOOOOOOOO...!!!!!!!

Nice job, Dylan...... (flashback to the Bradybunch episode where they fight city hall....hahaha)

The people have spoken !!!!

I'm glad it worked out, can't wait to see the new site. (and post some reviews , of course !!)

Hope you feel better, too.

RE:"This professor is now helping the site by providing feedback to the new features from a professor's point of view, which is something I have not looked into before."

-->> Great outcome. Win-Win for everyone.

Now, Dylan - get some sleep.

Good show! I am pleased that you're bringing back TeacherReviews! It has been instrumental in preparing for classes I'm taking (it never hurts to know how instructors operate).

Some people do use this solely as a sounding board for insulting professors, and that's hardly fair. However, professors put themselves on the line every semester, and some do indeed deserve the negative comments.

In the meantime, Dylan, you run a fantastic site; let no one tell you otherwise. Get better soon, and keep up the excellent work.

I am SO glad that you are bring the site back! Hope that it is SOON! I base my whole schedule on this site now that I have found it. (Wish that I would have known about it before. It would have saved me MANY hours of frustration and AGONY!!!)

Keep up the GREAT work!!!!

Great news... I just thought the story on cnet.com today somehow goes allong with your story.. here is a tid bit ..

The federal law cited in the ruling was enacted as part of the Communications Decency Act, itself part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. It says that "no provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider."

In a court decision from August 2003, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said that the law protected Web site operators from being sued for fabricated profiles on online dating sites

Full url: http://news.com.com/2100-1028_3-5156094.html?tag=nefd_top

#5 SFSU - thank you - that's great news, thanks for passing on. If there are other articles about this and simular cases please let me know. I'd like to link to them from the new site.

hurry up we need you

i'm still waiting came on i need to know about my creazy teacher

We need you!!!!

I'm going back to school this year and I can't wait til your site's back up and running! And to those teachers who are scared of TeacherReviews, change your teaching style or profession and leave room for the GOOD teachers! I imagine the new site will probably only have high-rated teachers now, because the poorly-rated ones will want their reviews removed. The info will still be helpful though, because we'll still know who to avoid!

I'm glad that everything worked out because I don't know what I would do without your site. Keep up the good work!

I'm curious as why you took down the site and are now 100% redesigning it, based on a threat of lawsuit from a professor? Please see http://news.com.com/2100-1028-5156094.html

Seems to me you and your site would be shielded under the Communications Deceny Act, just as eBay was in this case.

"The federal law cited in the ruling was enacted as part of the Communications Decency Act, itself part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act. It says that "no provider or user of an interactive computer service shall be treated as the publisher or speaker of any information provided by another information content provider."

Your new features make the site unusable. It NEVER is a policy to silence critics. The professor always was the right to go after who left the original message.

What you should change it make it function more like Slashdot allowing for grading others posts, so others can repair the professor dignity with the permanent censor.

BIG mistake, now *YOU* are censoring, you are an editor, it is now your ass at the end of lawsuitm for any and all failures.

Don't reopen - get a publishing and copyright lawyer first.

Your new features make the site unusable. It NEVER is a policy to silence critics. The professor always was the right to go after who left the original message.

Get yourself a copyright and publishing lawyer... you have made a big mistake by making yourself an editor. You are now liable for another bad post.

I hate to be the bearer of criticism, but I have to tell you, as someone who runs a professor ratings site of his own: you're a real pussy.

Everyone threatens to sue all the time. It's all bullshit. The Communications Decency Act (as has been noted) protects you, the First Amendment protects you (your users, actually), and these professors are just as poor (from the standpoint of shelling out real money to fight a legal case any lawyer who has a brain will tell them they're going to lose) as you are.

People as morally squeamish as you should not be running sites like this.

On the other hand, I would not be surprised if you took everything down to get the free publicity.

Maybe I should try posing as a professor and "threaten to sue you." Just think: maybe you could get on Leno or Larry King!

He's not a "pussy"; while he most likely is protected by the first amendment and the Communications Decency Act, those laws/acts do not stop you from going to court in the first place.. While _you_ may be able to fund a lawyer, some people can't; at that point the only option is to remove the offending material (in this case shut down the site) and hope it placates the person/company that made the threat in the first place...

Hey! Actually, I am about to start working on a news story for UMBC's newspaper. I would love to hear opinion about the situation.

~Rossi

riro1@umbc.edu

Ooops, sorry, the above should read "your opinion."

Have there been any thoughts regarding the use of a meta-rating system, similar to what Amazon.com uses? Reviews of professors could themselves be rated, on the basis of perceived reliability and coherence.

This would go a considerable way towards making the site more helpful for students, and less insulting to professors.

Uh, if you have a _donation_ link, and people want to use it, it means they _want_ to give you money. Put it back up.

lol i wrote a teacher smelled like pp and he never complained.. where does this guy get off makin you shut this down! FUCK HIM MAN! CHUG CHUG CHUG CHUG

>Professors who ask not to be reviewed

>will still have their names in the system

>and it will still accept new reviews for

>them in case they change their mind. Their

>reason for not wanting to be on the site

>will replace their reviews.

This is too open for Bad Professor abuse...Or genuine "I'm slowly going senile, but I'm tenured. So be quiet you young whippersnappers!" types.

Keep the Professor's blurb about not wanting to be reviewed...And their reasons. Make it the first thing a search request on that Professor's name sees, but then add a link that continues on to the actual reviews.

Dylan,

Your site is a great idea, but don't be so deterred by a lawsuit -- the ACLU has addressed a case exactly like yours and I recommend reading this article, and maybe contacting them if you need to:

http://www.aclu.org/StudentsRights/StudentsRights.cfm?ID=8141&c=160

I was a student once, and I only wish at that time there was a site like yours -- so hang in there and keep up the good work!

Best,

Tom

>Professors who ask not to be reviewed will still have their >names in the system and it will still accept new reviews for >them in case they change their mind. Their reason for not >wanting to be on the site will replace their reviews.

That is a shame. While it is a great idea to get a prof's input in the redesign, do not forget that the site is for the students primarily. Yes, the profs will be able to see what the students think about them and that will hopefully help them to modify their methods.

If dozens of students lodge bad reviews against a specific prof, chances are there is a good reason and that prof's methods are in drastic need of change. By allowing that prof to ask not to be reviewed, this site is no longer helping the prof or the student.

Instead, might I suggest a rebuttle system like eBay's comments? If a student places a well written review, free of slanderous remarks, that shows the teacher in a negative light, the teacher will be able to respond to that and that response shown along with the review.

Allowing a prof to ask not to be reviewed will diminish the effectivness of TeacherReviews.com.

I only wish this site was around 7 years ago when I was in school. I could have saved considerable money.

Dylan:

1. I think TeacherReviews.com is, fundamentally, a great idea.

2. I basically agree with all of your modifications, EXCEPT allowing professors to be removed totally, on request. If you were posting their financial information, then they should definitely have a right to opt out, but they should not be able to opt out if what you are posting is students opinions about their performance. If you do this, it seems quite likely that the site will become a feel-good waste of time, since all of the bad profs will just have their reviews hidden, so any one that goes to the site will see nothing but glowing reviews.

2a. Ultimately, I don't think any of your measures will prevent you from being sued: you either will or won't, regardless.

Please, think about it . . .

n

I've used your site but I don't find it reliable. For instance, the worst college I ever attended (out of 10 total), San Francisco State, gets a good report according to students. At that school, most students are non-white and somewhat racist, which affects their judgement of teachers. But it is also true that most professors there are wildly egotistical. Your approach doesn't shed any light on these facts.

Teachers do not get to choose whether or not to be reviewed.

Students have a right to express their opinions about people. If Mr "What First Amendement?" can't deal with it, kick him off the design team. You do not owe him anything just because he threatened a braindead lawsuit.

As I mentioned in another blog, you will get a FREE defense attorney if this idiot tries to take you to trial. Obviously he hasn't read the Bill of Rights but you should know you have a right to an attorney. Even if you can't afford one. This case is so riddled with precent it won't make it past the first hearing. You don't go to trial unless the judge is willing to hear the case. This will be over in a day and you won't have to do anything.

Stop kissing ass out of fear. Grow a spine or your site will be worthless.

"Your approach doesn't shed any light on these facts."

Then post a review. What do you think? That's he going to character analyze the people who post and put little disclaimers under their posts?

Ben

I look forward to the new site but am upset by your decision to cave in to this kind of trashy pressure. As a comment mentioned above I believe an excellent middle ground might utilize an Ebay system of countering bad reviews.

"Instead, might I suggest a rebuttle system like eBay's comments? If a student places a well written review, free of slanderous remarks, that shows the teacher in a negative light, the teacher will be able to respond to that and that response shown along with the review."

Allowing a prof to ask not to be reviewed will diminish the effectivness of TeacherReviews.com. Please consider these suggestions and don't get too out of sorts based on a ficticious lawsuit that wouldnt get anywhere, believe me. You have too many unique users and it is too powerful a tool for students free speech. I know a lawyer who might assist you if you still question the dangers involved in going forward.

You seem to be working much harder than I expected on this, Dylan..I was thinking a matter of months, not weeks, for it to be back up. YOU'RE THE MAN!!

I dont think Dylan is kissing ass out of fear or that he is afraid to pursue this. Its because it would be time consuming. I dont think any of the features that he plans to impliment will hinder teacherreviews, only make it better. Why doesnt everyone quit criticizing and start supporting.

I'm really glad you're putting the site back up again. There were a lot of useful and some not so useful reviews of teachers. This is also a better way to find a compatible teacher than closing my eyes and picking some name out of the offered listings. Thank you!!

I have a feeling that this is gonna really suck since professors get to take their own reviews that they dont like off the site. ANYBODY KNOW ANY OTHER SITES FOR REVIEWS?

do you mind saying which teacher was trying to sue you? If his name is David (Lucifer) Bourner ... just read his reviews and you will see why no one wants to take his classes unless ABSOLUTELY unavoidable.

OK well i agree with the people who say that it is wrong for the teacher to be able to say that they don't want to be reviewed. All i wanna know is "Is the site gonna be up in time for summer registrations?" if it isn't i am screwed... and also if it isn't does anyone know where there is another review site??

http://www.dailygamecock.com/news/2003/11/10/News/Sg.To.Tout.Web.Site.For.Teacher.Reviews-553117.shtml

as you can see teacherreview.com is the offical review sight of the University of South Carolina- Columbia and there has been several thousand dollars spent to advertise this site. Teacher Reviews.com is a great site and it very useful. I personally want to know if the teacher spits when s/he talks, or if they smell like piss every time they come to class. Students pay a lot of money to go to college and teacherreview.com helps them get their moneys worth with decent teachers. Please make whatever changes are neccesary we need the site registration for spring II classes is in like 2 or 3 weeks. thanks so much

Great you plan to come back. You always encourage our members to use your site and post as well, not just read. In addition, we emphasize not just to rate, but also to give a valid reason for the grade and what your general target for this class and the school is, and your attitude towards lerning. We hope you will be back online soon, maybe you can design the teachers feedback like the e-bay comments, one line everybody, so there is no endless discussion. Maybe teachers can even post a short description of how they understand the class topics and how the like to transfer the knowledge, not a bulletin content description, but personal point of view how they do the lecture, seminar etc, and what they value. Then people can compare how that matches with reality and make suggestions, instead of just blaming teachers.

thank you for your hard work dylan to help us students with these incredibly useful info on choosing our professors..i don't know what i'd do without you!! thank you again and again!!!you have our support!

I loved the old site and hope the new one will be just as good or better. I just tried to log in today for the first time since Jan. and saw all of this. I am taking some law classes currently and I will check on this professor's actual rights under the law. In so far as I can tell (I'm not a lawyer), he does not have a leg to stand on legally unless he is slandered. Opinions are just that and you have every right to post opinions. Good luck with the new & KEEP FIGHTING!!

I am sick of small businesses and people like Dylan being sued because people are SUE-HAPPY and looking for a way to extort money. Professors like that amaze me. Who lets them teach and influence others??? Good luck Dylan, can't wait to see the new site. GO COCKS!!

Pls, give the professor's name.

I'm sure it's not Nemo. Nothing is illegal

to publish the name of the bullshiter.

Or, he's a masonic sun of a buck?

Pls, save time, health and money for students

who may take his class accidentaly.

Appreciations and best of luck

Dylan, you rock!

With teacherreviews.com I was able to pick the BEST teachers this semester, and all the reviews were RIGHT. We're all responsible adults, and we know how to read into a review--if a student gets a bad grade, and takes it out on the teacher, that shows thru on your site...likewise, the chem teacher I was plagued with (had an F- score on teacherreviews.com) was truely an F- teacher...I didn't know about your site, til someone in that chem class told me about it. It came to the rescue so I wouldn't have a repeat of that nightmare experience--Thank you!

Ps--I got an A in the class, because I studied the text, and other texts, 7 hours minimum per day PLUS started two study groups. I still gave this chem teacher the F she deserved--and I still wake up in a cold sweat thinking I have to go sit in her lecture!

Please bring the site back online by summer! We neeeeeeeed youuuuuu!

This is or was the most used website for students to post reviews. That is now a shame because what made it so good is now going to be gone. I can not believe that anyone running a site would cower so easily at the first sign of trouble. Stand up tell the jackass Prof. who needs to do his job (which isnt helping you design a website) to suck it up. If the guy would of done his job in the first place this wouldnt even be an issue. I for one have had many shitty teachers at UMBC alone and liked the fact (once I found the site) that I could cut that down to a minimal. Call his bluff, he will only win if you let him.

I have found the reviews to be true to life on average. The reviews from students who have personal issues with meeting goals and want to take it out on the professor are easy to see through. Honest constructive criticism about communication skills and showing a global perspective is probably useful to any professor willing to read the review. Accusations of racism or favoritism are more likely a result of language or other cultural communication barriers (fear) and not a result of prejudice on the part of the instructor. That problem needs to be worked out - not blown up into major disaster. I'd like to see the site back up but with an editorial hand that removes profanity, clearly punitive or baseless criticism and allows professors to respond.

In my approach to get the worst teacher ever removed from the SFSU campus I used the reviews of TR.com as an axample of how other students felt. I wonder if it is a coincidence that Proffesor Hunter is no longer teaching.

"Professors who ask not to be reviewed will still have their names in the system and it will still accept new reviews for them in case they change their mind. Their reason for not wanting to be on the site will replace their reviews."

^^Then whats the point of giving them a review if its not going to be shown but their name is still in the system? And incase they change their minds? How bout not having this option of letting them have a choice of being reviewed or not because its just letting realistically bad professors coverup their crap so no one can see it. SHOW EVERYTHING and NOT HIDE ANYTHING.

Show the review but not their name??? Com'on ! Don't cheat the system, man !!! The true has to be shown, hiding is cheating. Students never ever write something that is not true about their professor. There will be no smoke if there's no fire. Everything has its own reason.

What about 'StudentReview.com'??

I don't think that a professor should have a right to ask not to be reviewed. I mean, megazines, newspaper, and talkshow have gossip, scandal, and jokes on popular stars. Why students can not have their free speech, if it is threat-free. How about letting the people have an agreement before letting them post review?

Allowing professors to ask not to be reviewed reduces the effectiveness of the site. I'm going to be assuming that any professor who does so is a bad professor who deserves "F" ratings. At the very least, it indicates that they are not open to criticism and open dialog with their students. All of the really bad professors share those two characteristics.

Thanks so much for you work on the site and for making it free to hardworking students, it is a relief to find people who are out to help you with success instead of giving you a bill. I hope your site is back soon, signing up for classes has begun and like others I base my entire schedule on the reviews of teachers. Thus far all reviews have been accurate and have given good advice for what classes and professors will give you you money's worth. Thanks again!!!!

Any chance that you could give us the name of the professor who has been "helping" with the site? We'd love to email him/her to thank him/her for the help!... ;-)

Does anyone know a REAL teacher evaluation site. Coz it soounds like this site is phony since it won't have the reviews of the bad professors who wish not to be reviewed. Can anyone PLEASE post a site that has real evaluations for professors.

Kev - it will have all reviews. I've changed how the system works so that you can "rate" the reviews, instead of removing them.

can't wait for it to be back up soon. I'm planning to take summer courses at as junior college and want to check out some professor's review before it do. I hope it'll be back soon!

So, does this mean that if all the "BAd" professors decide that they dont want to be included on the site, this site will have nothing but rave reviews of "good" professors...I think, if this is the case then you should not waste your time building this new site and instead use the time to do something more creative...

I used to visit this site so I can read about and post truthful comments (whether good or bad)about my professors.

It will NOT have all the reviews because in your words -

"Professors who ask not to be reviewed will still have their names in the system and it will still accept new reviews for them in case they change their mind. Their reason for not wanting to be on the site will replace their reviews."

who was it? who was it? go on tell.

thanx Dylan!

I've put a FAQ on http://www.TeacherReviews.com - more up-to-date information is there now.

The up-to-date information is there.