Rate My Teacher

Jul
12

Filed Under Late Breaking News |

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We had to know this was coming and what a stupid, bad idea it is. Of course it will appeal to those rebellious students and those parents who feel their child can do no wrong.

So what am I talking about? The latest Internet craze called Rate My Teacher. Rate My Teacher allows students and parents to anonymously rate their teacher. One of the largest rate my teacher websites boasts of having over 1.5 million teachers in the United States in their database with over 10 million ratings.

Rate My Teacher tries to defend itself on its website by using this attempt at persuasion:

As the owners / operators of a website that allows the anonymous rating of teachers, we are frequently asked, “Why do you do this? Aren’t you doing a disservice to teachers?” Our answer is a resounding NO. In the public discourse on improving education, we believe the most important voices are often ignored.

Can someone say morons? What is really hypocritical about this website is that they hide their own identities well. Even the contact form does not give their names, address, or even a phone number to call. They don’t want their own names displayed on the web much less being rated by the youth of America, but that’s exactly what they want to convince you is good for education.

This lame brain website goes on to state:

First, it is to help facilitate a positive change in the way parents, students, and teachers alike look at the education system and therefore to encourage structural changes with regards to school and teacher choice. Secondly, it is a place for students and parents to have their opinions validated. We all like to be heard, especially when it comes to life issues such as education.

Let’s cut through the B.S. shall we? In marketing there is something known as “the law of polarization”. Basically, think Howard Stern or Rush Limbaugh. These are people who make money at stirring up controversy. They are polarizing figures. Some people listen to Rush because they hate him. Some listen because they like him. It is said that when you stand for something, you’ll never stand alone. The law of polarization says that the more outrageous and controversial you are, the more people that will tune in to what you have to say whether they agree with you or not.

Rate My Teacher is using the law of polarization to make money. Down both sides of their website they sell ad space. They can demand higher advertising dollars than most because

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