Grade Post

Before November 2020 grades were from 3.5 stars (B+ equivalent) to 5 stars (A+ equivalent) in half star increments. Letter grade equivalents were not noted at that time. This system did not allow for 3.75, 4.25, or 4.75 stars, which is why the new system was developed based on number grades from 7 to 10 in half digit increments. [I do translate old star grades to their number/letter grade equivalents (by simply doubling the number and adding the letter equivalent) when I see them and am inspired to do so. In such cases, I don't tend to consider whether to upgrade 3.5 stars to 7.5 (high B+), 4 stars to 8.5 (high A-), or 4.5 stars to to 9.5 (high A).]

In the new system, number grades in half digit increments are noted, with their letter grade equivalents in parentheses. No grades are assigned below 7 (B+). So:

    10 (A+)
    9.5 (high A)

    9 (A)

    8.5 (high A-)

    8 (A-)

    7.5 (high B+)

    7 (B+)

For albums below 7 (B+), the post title will say:

    [honorable mention], with a :-) in the body of the post [equivalent to 6.5 or low B+]

    nothing, with a :-| in the body of the post [neutral - equivalent to 6 or B]

    nothing, with a :-( in the body of the post [negative - anywhere from 0 to 5.5 or from F to B-]

The # symbol in the body of a post signifies that the album is in a genre that is not collected at grades below 8 (A-) (or even at 8 (A-) for overpriced imports). The perceived genre is specified in brackets following the # symbol. Otherwise, all graded albums are collected, unless they are OOP, selling for ridiculous/import prices, and/or digital/vinyl only, etc.

I generally will physicalize a digital- or vinyl-only release with a grade of 9 (A) or above. I do this by purchasing the digital tracks and using Kunaki to burn and send a disc. Great service.