Why are the votes public?

[Sedani]

I never asked that and always wondered why the votes are public. Wouldn't it make more sense to not know who voted so people are more apt to vote unbiased. I mean i trust everyone does vote truthfuly, but i can't imagine there aren't any instances when people may sway their votes. No big deal though, i still think regardless that the votes always favor the "true" winner 99% of the time. I just never knew why we were required to check off public voting. thanks guys and keep those gloves up

[Juggertha]

We've had cases in the past where ppl have created dummy accounts to pad their vote. The public vote is one way to check on that.

[dfbovey]

Might be worth revisiting public votes now that you need 50 posts on the forum to vote. That restriction basically put an end to people creating accounts to pad their vote count.

[thEbrEEze]

That and voting for yourself, which is just bad form.

[autowagon]

i think it just reflects the critique attitude of this forum. Half of this forum is learning how to take a critique and half is having the courage to give one. I think the public vote just adds to the general integrity of the forum. If you are asked to explain yourself there is absolutely no harm in that. I would say that questioning a crit, or a vote should be almost encouraged if you find it questionable. All critical thinking being welcome whether it is accepted/agreed with or not.