We used reviews and numerical ratings. We clearly stated often that the ratings were NOT intended to compare the relative merits of one haunt to another, but rather to judge how well each individual haunt accomplished what they set out to do.

For example, we might go to a haunt in a couple semi-tractor trailers sponsored by the Little League and a large scale Mega Haunt in the same night.  They BOTH blow us away with awesome shows and they both get 5 STARS. Are they equal? Of course not.

But some people didn't "get it." Too many. And it got worse.

The numerical ratings took on an unwanted competitive life-of-their-own. We tried to prevent it, but it was inevitable. The LAST thing we wanted to do was pit haunts against each other!

So in 2009, we're trying something different. We'll continue our quest as usual but WITHOUT the numerical ratings. We'll be focusing more on individual achievements of special merit, which in a sense is still a rating. Without the "HOW MANY STARS" mindset we hope to make 2009 our best and MOST POSITIVE year yet!

The following is what appeared previously on the top of this page, shown strictly for reference.

THE ZIOPTIS RATING SYSTEM is 1-5 stars. 3 stars is the minimum "passing grade."  With such a wide variety of different types of displays out there, the ratings are intended to indicate how well a particular effort accomplished what it set out  to do as opposed to trying to say "this one is better than that one." These ratings are general guidelines - performances CAN and DO vary from day to day and sometimes even hour to hour!  Also, we feel that houses that didn't obtain the minimum 3 stars rating in previous years should NOT necessarily be eliminated from this years plans. Many times we've seen a 2 star house jump up to 3 or 4 stars the following year. Unfortunately, sometimes it goes the other way too. But as always, you may trust the Zioptis Foundation to be your insider fast track to the maximum "BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!" And with prices as high as $20 nowadays it IS a factor to consider. When 2 prices are shown, it indicates adult / childrens admission.

The ratings are subjective and reflect our opinion of how well each haunt accomplished what they set out to do. They DO NOT compare haunts against each other. There's such a wide variety of haunts there's no way you can compare them to each other. Any rating of 3 stars or more means we suggest you go!

Also, performances can and DO vary from day to day and even from hour to hour. We call haunts in advance to make sure the show will be the best possible when we arrive. Many times we've delayed going at their request because of prop and / or actor difficulties. Remember that if you see a lame show at a haunt we gave a high rating to. The logistics of putting a great haunt together are overwhelming and not many are capable of pulling it off each time, every time!

But one thing is sure - they ALL are trying their absolute best to put on a show that will be rememember long after the Halloween candy is gone. ALL haunt operators feel as though they have a 5 STAR HAUNT, and that's as is should be. You CAN'T put on a great haunt without believing you can! So, PLEASE don't take these ratings so seriously, folks...they're not necessarily the gospel truth, just as close to it as is humanly possible!

A haunt operator recently asked us what it takes to get a 5 STAR rating. That's a loaded question, but it's a valid concern so we'll try as best we can to explain the answer. The final rating is a result of tangible AND intangible factors. The tangible factors are listed below. But aside from that there's a special feeling of exhilaration, amazement or wonderment that must grab us before we give a 5 STAR rating. Our interpretation of that may differ from others, that's why we state up front these ratings are our subjective opinions of the shows we see. But we've been to MANY shows and the Zioptis Populace has been trusting us since the mid '90s to deliver fair and accurate info second to none. We feel that's why the website and phone service have FAR EXCEEDED our expectations!

Some of the factors we consider are:

* ORIGINALITY, CREATIVITY (usually the most important)

* QUALITY OF SETS and PROPS

* QUALITY OF ACTORS (includes mannerisms, enthusiasm,      intelligibility or deliberate lack of)

* QUALITY OF SOUND & LIGHTING

* QUALITY OF COSTUMES, MAKEUP and MASKS

* BANG FOR THE BUCK

* ATTENTION TO DETAIL

* THE 5 S's - SCARE FACTOR, SPOOKINESS, SHOCK VALUE, SILLINESS and SAFETY

* LEVEL OF INTERACTION

* CONTINUITY, FLOW RATE

* OVERALL APPEARANCE / FEEL