However, I am also a bit of a data nerd, and on a certain level, it is fun to compulsively analyze credits, almost like curating a collection of baseball cards or rare coins. Behind the scenes, I do maintain a ranked list of every credit I have, scored to a rubric. I have no shame adjusting numbers to make my list pass the "eye test," but rather than turn me into a snob, I have found that breaking down the components of a ride allows me to relive the memories in that much greater detail.
When I post Trip Reports, they will basically be in narrative form. Each coaster I ride will get a subheading in this format:
Ride Name (Credit X, Y/Z Today, A/B Overall)
The first number is where in my personal credit history the ride falls. The second number is a ranking among rides from only that trip. The final number is where the ride ranks among all of my credits. If I have a lot of experience with a ride, and it is running uncharacteristically well or poorly, its trip ranking may not match its overall ranking.
When I post Ride Reviews, the writing will be a little bit more organized (but only a little bit). I will score the ride out of 10 in each of the following categories:
- Appearance: How impressive and beautiful the coaster looks from off-ride. (10%)
- View: How impressive and beautiful the sights are from on-ride. (15%)
- Comfort: How well the seats, restraints, and track profiling allow for an enjoyable ride. (15%)
- Layout: How well the ride's elements are paced and put together. (20%)
- Intensity: How well the ride's intensity matches its intended experience. (10%)
- "Wow" Factor: How well the ride comes together overall. (30%)
To make scores more meaningful and less arbitrary, I define the following ranges:
- Masterful (8-10): The ride stands out from similar rides in this factor.
- Enjoyable (6-7): The ride's success in this factor adds to its enjoyable experience.
- Lacking (3-5): This factor does not add to the ride experience.
- Detrimental (1-2): Poor execution of this factor affects enjoyment of other factors.
Based on the weights shown, the ride will receive an overall score out of 100. Unlike schools (at least in the US), where numbers are clustered in the top 10th percentile, any ride scoring above 70 should be considered a "grade-A" ride, and any ride scoring above 80 should be considered elite. As I say, "shut up and ride." I hope this content helps you either form your own opinions, or decide whether to make a trip for a certain ride!
