Computing a Bayesian Estimate of Star Rating Means

Consumers rely on the collective intelligence of other consumers to protect themselves from coffee pots that break at the first sign of water, eating bad food at the wrong restaurant, and stunning flops at the theater. Although occasionally there are metrics like Rotten Tomatoes, we primarily prejudge products we would like to consume through a simple 5 star rating. This methodology is powerful, because not only does it provide a simple, easily understandable metric, but people are generally...