Tougher Udemy Reviews, Anyone?

[Anonymous]

Every once in a while I'm playing with Udemy data and something interesting jumps out:

It's a tough world out there.  At least it's tougher than it used to be. Not only is it harder to get reviews, but the reviews are often quite critical. Either this is just me or I'm not alone. Either way, best of luck with your own Udemy course efforts and I hope this information helps explain some things in your own Udemy world.

---Brian

[SharonRamel]

Interesting @Anonymous , mine have actually increased, however I have become a lot more adept at pushing my own barrow.

[Anonymous]

Sharon,

Thanks for the reply.  I still think that Udemy reviews have become more harsh over the last 6 years.  So, does your data refute mine?

---Brian

[GregReverdiau]

I’m wondering if any of the following has an effect 

• increased competition with better offers out there for the topics you teach,
• aging courses, do you have old courses that are not updated?
• new rating system with actual explanation of what the rating means could lead students to be more educated on how to rate a course (this wasn't the case before). 

Those are just from from the top of my head. 

[Thor]

I think Greg is right.

More content, higher quality is expected.

New review system will lower them across the board a little.

Older courses, if in spaces that have frequent updates, will rate lower.

[Anonymous]

Greg,

I think you struck on many good points.

I also think that student reviews have become harsher.

Thanks,

---Brian

[SharonRamel]

Have they become harsher @Anonymous or do they expect more from us?

[Anonymous]

Sharon,

Two ways of expressing the same observation.  Thanks,

---Brian

[Anonymous]

P.S. All these guesses are enlightening and I'm seriously considering them all.  But what I was originally looking for is if anyone else has done any data analysis in these areas to either support or refute my observation that Udemy ratings are dropping over all.  Any Udemy employees want to comment?  Thanks everyone for your thoughts and observations.

[Anonymous]

Actually, even without Udemy input we can do our own survey.

Go to the Instructor "Performance" tab then click on "Instructor rating".  Is your line going up or down?  Mine is going decidedly down: