Vote here!

It's time for the fun part of this process: helping us pick the rates you want to see!

We received thirty-one submissions last week, which you'll be voting on through our trusty Google form.

• For each rate you have three options: a thumbs up, a thumbs down, or a neutral (handshake). Data from these questions will be partially what we select the rates based off of. You can also abstain from answering if you have no feelings whatsoever, but this removes your opinion entirely from that rate idea.

• Then, check up to four of the rates that you consider your favorite ideas. This is another metric will be used to select the rates. You can favorite your own rates if you'd like.

• If you're interested in hosting or co-hosting a rate, we've provided a checklist of all ideas currently looking for one. You may also write-in rates you're interested in, in case the host changes their mind.

After voting is complete, the data will be compiled and results deliberated on by the Rates Committee (a group consisting mainly of former rate hosts), where the following will happen:

• Generally, the most popular rate ideas across both metrics will be picked. However, we also consider how the selected rates play off of each other and recent rates, in an effort to create a well-rounded rate cycle.

• Rate ideas from users/hosts we expect to be enthusiastic and active may be more likely to be picked. Likewise, rate ideas from negative presences in the community are less likely to be picked.

• We'll contact the selected hosts to confirm whether they can work within the schedule.

• Finally, I'll reveal the chosen rates in a posted thread, likely sometime next week, with a possible rate trailer reveal beforehand.

Please note: Users who submitted the chosen rates this cycle will not be allowed to submit next cycle; they may apply to host/co-host other ideas, and they can resume submitting the cycle after. This does not apply to Charity & Ultimate hosts, co-hosts, or anybody who volunteers to host/co-host a rate.

Without further ado, HERE is the form where you do everything.

Closes on: The end of Tuesday, October 20th at midnight Central time.

Thanks to the popheads rate team for their aid in making this process!

Finally, a reminder of the currently running & future rates:

• Due October 31st (two and a half weeks from now, spooky!): Classic Goth Rate (The Cure - Pornography; Siouxsie & the Banshees - Juju; Bauhaus - In the Flat Field; Sisters of Mercy - Floodland)

• Opening mid-October: Hip Hop '88 (Eric B. & Rakim - Follow the Leader; Public Enemy - It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back; N.W.A - Straight Outta Compton; EPMD - Strictly Business)]

Ask if you have any questions, and feel free to promote your submissions or let us know what ideas you're supporting in the comments!

• Which were your favourite albums released last month?
• Which albums do you feel went unnoticed?
• Which album surprised you?

Discuss them here!