Bloggers are very interested that people read their blog.  Which means that occasionally, a controversial post is called for! What better topic than http://www.ratemyprofessor.com?

If one searches under Berkshire Community College, indeed if you teach here you will see your name in the alpha listing, and you may or may not have ratings. The rating categories are: “quality,” “ease,” and a third category I will not post here as it will just draw annoying spam. Well worth a look!

On a serious note, students do use these sites. I believe that most students would consider the reviews about as reliable as any other Internet review site.  It’s certainly no “Consumer Reports”! I have heard that there are mechanisms for protesting the ratings (esp. perhaps that third category), but I am not sure it would be worth the effort.