What does a rating mean when you ask a question on here?  You know -2 or -5.....?
928451
OK i will try to answer this\nyou ask a question -5\nand answer a question +2\nyou choose best answer +3\nso you break even.\nso if you want to ask a question try to help an answer a question then you are even.\nIf you want more points answer a question fully, clearly and to the point so you have a better chance of getting 10 points (like i am doing here, hopefully).\nAlso try to help and vote for best answer ( 1 point )\nIf you do the math you will get there eventually\nHope that helps and thank you for asking\nRating- do not count-- you will not be penalised if you have -2 rating but if you have say +2 rating and your answer is chosen as best answer then you get and extra 2 points on top of your 10 points\nOK, I find it difficult to understand exactly what you want.\nThere is no -2 type of question. What could have happened that you asked a question and it said altert -2 on your avator. This is a coincidence. May be you have earned 3 points from some where. For example you could have chosen best answer and then asked a question which will give a sum of -2 instead of -5
2385
I have no idea...the "how it works" section just says "Points and levels help you keep tabs on how active you (and others) are on Yahoo! Answers. You get points for different types of actions, like answering a question. The more points you get, the higher your level."
578189
That's not really a question but i gain 2 points, you lose 5, and if you want to rate me as best answer then you'll gain 3 points and i'll gain 10, making both you and me happy.\n\nbut thanks for the advice
1178919
I would say a 3.5..........unless you are talking about Mathematics General knowledge, English, Art, Literature, History, Geography, Chemistry or anything with an 'ology' on the the end.. then it would have to be -5!!
1116293
I think (1, -3) but i didn't really understand how you phrase your question.
67127
Whenever you ask a question they take 2 points away.  You probably asked 2 questions.
575800
it usually means negative,but you should always get a professial opinon and have it explained thourhly,just in case.
258171
Zero is neither a positive nor a negative. Its actually the absence of a number. Its the equilibrium of numbers. Its the place where the numbers start\n\nBoth Negative and Positive are RELATIVE to Zero.\n\n-2 means 2 digits below ZERO\n\n+5 means 5 digits Above ZERO.\n\nHope it helps...\n\n.:Fishie:.
549932
what does this question mean?
596010
It's just the way their system works.  You are rewarded for answering questions, and for choosing a best answer to the questions asked.  You get 2 points every time you answer a question, and three points if you choose a best answer to your own question - so doing both negates the five points that you lost for asking the question.  Also, you can get ten or more (extra) points if your answer is chosen as the best answer.  Ten points is just for being chosen as the best, then there are thumbs up ratings that can add to that total (so a "best answer" is worth AT LEAST twelve points - two for answering, ten for being chosen as best, and the thumbs-up ratings each add one point to that).
245299
I have no idea.  But if the four little stars are indication of what you are asking, then you are pretty sick.
112987
No, no, no. Asking COSTS you points.\n\nANSWERING 'gives u points'.\n\nYou = -2 points.\nMe = +2 points!\n\nThank you, and good night!
333660
It was supposed to be for Status, so that when you answer a question, people will regard you as knowledgeable, but people answer questions quickly and rudely just to gain points, so it really means nothing. Check out some of the answers to the Leaders...alot of them just answer stupid answers.
597903
What on earth does this question mean???
667495
Type 2 points \n\nor just don't reply to the question at all, cause deleting would lose you two points!\n\nst
704553
I guess '2'. Did I get an A?
785205
The thumbs down rating system is not being used as it was intended.  Yahoo really should just oust it.  It was set up to be used as a reporting device for inappropriate answers or questions.  It seems to have become a game for some people.  It is certainly not being used as intended.  The thumbs up is also being used inappropriately.  I have noticed that many people are giving thumbs up to statements that are often hateful - because they agree with the bigoted statement.  I feel it is a useless rating system.  I also feel the ratings threshold makes maters even worse.  I applaud your efforts in trying to balance things.