Ratings Methodology - The Ratings Guy follows a Web site review policy that consistently and objectively rates sites on over fifty criteria.  The criteria were developed after extensive review of the literature, including a comprehensive review of ethical guidelines for Web sites.  The policy takes into consideration some of the strictest guidelines developed by a variety of oversight and ethics review organizations, and incorporates our research and our own experience.  The methodology is constantly enhanced by the experience of the company's research librarians, advancements in technology and with changes in consumer trends.

The goal of the methodology is to test sites for levels of trust, quality and experience that will make for a consistent and positive user experience.  Some key tenets are to test for transparency and full disclosure, quality, source and origin of content and a unique and technologically advanced user experience.  Ultimately, the methodology reveals sites that excel in all areas and produce a rating significantly above the norm.

Major Categories of Awards - The Ratings Guy publishes its top picks in the categories of:

• Health and Wellness
• Travel & Leisure
• Diet and Cuisine
• Shopping 
• Fitness
• Kids
• Pets
• House & Home 
                      

The Ratings Process - The Ratings Guy specializes in lifestyle Web sites with a concentration in consumer information. Our editorial schedule covers a broad range of categories, and that schedule may change from time to time.  We take input from consumers and requests from Web site operators that help us fill our review priorities.  Site reviews are assigned to independent researchers who have been certified to use our exclusive methodology.  These research librarians spend a significant amount of time on sites during the ratings process.  Rated information is then merged with other information collected in our central data repository and graded.  Only those sites that exceed our normative study score earn recognition and distinction.

Help us Create Better Ratings - If you have an idea about what criteria could be used to improve our ratings methodology, please send us an email.  We continually accept feedback and modify our approach to best meet the interests of end-user consumers.