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Introduction
JBlog Central indexes blog entries from around the world and brings them to you in a format that allows you to read and rate each entry. That way, you give your opinion on which blogs are worthwhile for other people to read.
About Registration
The most important aspect to keep in mind is that REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED. You may enjoy this service, read its content, rate blog posts, etc., without being a registered user. Again, NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to access and use this site.
Why register, then?
1. Because when you register, our computer server can remember your preferences and offer you a better experience when you are here. For example, you can track specific topics in blogs, and follow reader comments for your favorite blogs (upcoming).
2. You get more privileges and can access more services. For example, You can post comments in the IsraelForum.com forum, and in JBlog Central.
3. You have access to a better service. For example, there are certain icons that light up for registered members when there is information on something they requested. For example, a reader can request to be notified when his/her home town is mentioned in a blog posting, or when there are new posts about a Kashrut scandal they are following.
Registration is done through the IsraelForum.com page, because it already has all the functionality that is needed. It does not mean that anyone has to participate in IsraelForum discussions.
There is NO CHARGE for registering. It is a free, automated service that we are proud to offer our visitors.
Note: If you have tried to register and are having difficulties signing-in, please contact us and tell us about it.
Understanding the Latest Arrivals List
Our software scans the Internet in search of new blog entries. Once found, we add them to our index of blog entries, noting their source. We also measure the amount of time that has elapsed since their discovery to give our readers a sense of how new the entries are. Usually, the Latest Arrivals list consists of a few hours' worth of new additions. It is, therefore, very current.
Sometimes, when a new blog source is added to our index, our system reports all the newly discovered entries in a single list that appears to dominate the Latest Arrivals. Within a short amount of time, the list will return to its normal state, as newer entries are added to the top of the list.
Understanding the Top-Rated Entries List
JBlog Central selects the best entries in the blogosphere by tabulating our reader's opinions on blogs and news articles. There is no single editor or moderator who controls the order of the articles on the front page. Instead, it is a reflection of the collective votes of our readers. The front page lineup consists of the entries posted within the last 48 hours with the highest total scores. Blog entries older than 48 hours drop off the front page and are replaced by newer entries. Older entries live on in the archives and are accessible for approximately 30 days through the search utility, and linked from the Sources page.
Note to bloggers: A top-rated entry can have a front page shelf-life of two days, which is pretty respectable in Internet terms. This dynamism ensures that the front page is always current, and gives our readers a reason to check back often for the latest blog entries that are voted as best by our collective community.
Our rating system is based on votes of confidence. Rate each article from 0 - 5 stars. 0 is worst, 5 is best. If you rate an article as a 3, it means that you are giving it 3 votes of confidence, which increases its total score by 3, and also affects its average rating.
Along with the entry's total score, we also display its average rating to give readers another perspective on the entry's quality.
Rating a Blog Entry
Rating a blog entry is like expressing an opinion on it. You may rate an entry from zero to five stars. 0 is the worst rating, and five is the best rating.
 5 Stars
 4 Stars
 3 Stars
 2 Stars
 1 Star
 0 Stars
Your rating can be based on anything at all, because it is your personal opinion.
Voting on any particular entry is limited to once per day, but readers are encouraged to rate as many entries as they please. The more, the merrier.
How We Calculate an Average Rating
An average rating for each entry is calculated as follows: total score divided by the total number of votes. For example, if one reader rates an entry a '4', and another reader rates that entry a '1', then the average rating is 2.5.
How We Calculate the Total Score
A total score is calculated as the sum of all ratings for that entry. For example, if one reader rates an entry a '4' and another rates that same entry a '2', then the total score is 6.
It's that simple.
We also take the cumulative data for all entries for a particular source and calculate an overall average rating for that source. By 'source' we mean blog or news feed.
Flagging a Blog Entry for Objectionable Content
Our flagging system works in a very similar manner to that of blog*spot. If you know how blog*spot's flagging system works, you already know how ours works.
The flagging system is not a way to censor content. On the contrary, we welcome a broad range of opinions on any particualr topic -- even opinions that are provocative. The Web, and blogs in particualr, are based on the ability to express opinions freely.
If you simply disagree with a particular opinion expressed, please make your position known to the original blog publisher, in the comment area that usually appears below the blog entry on the original site. Please do not use the flagging system if you disagree with a particular blogger's opinion, even if their opinion is highly offensive to you.
The flagging system is a way for the community to regulate itself by pointing out blog entries or blogs that are harmful to our community of readers. Entries that are flagged a certain number of times will be examined by a moderator who will determine at his/her sole discretion which action to take.
JBlog Central is an open system in that it gives new blog sources the benefit of the doubt. The advantage is that this way we can grow quickly and index more sources than otherwise. But with the advantages of an open system also come some disadvantages. Unfortunately, we expect a certain number of objectionable material to enter our system. That's why self-regulating is so important to our community.
To flag an entry as containing objectionable content, click the 'flag' icon at the top right corner of the page that displays the full entry. You will then be given the option of flagging the entry. You will also have the opportunity to change your mind and 'unflag' the entry.
FAQs
1) How do we decide which blogs to include in our service?
We have no particular policy, other than trying to avoid blogs that promote hate, illegal activities, adult content, etc. But we cannot guarantee that we will be 100% successful at our attempts to avoid such content. We rely on our readers to report content that is clearly inappropriate, but we cannot promise that we can act on those reports as quickly as some readers would like.
2) How Do We Get the Content from Blogs?
We only provide content that the respective blog owners specifically put on a syndication feed on their sites or on a syndication service. The blog owners control exactly which content and how much of it they place into their syndication feeds. We have no control over the content that blog owners provide. They alone control the syndication of their content, and they maintain all rights to their content.
3) Do We Agree with the opinions Expressed in the Blogs We Aggregate?
Not necessarily, and even if we do, our display of blog content does not imply any endorsement of any blogger's opinions.
How to Contact Us
You may use the Web form provided through this Link
. Please note that we do not promise to correspond with everyone who contacts us. Please do not be offended.
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