There are a couple of indicators I take into account when evaluating perl modules.

• Update frequency and date of last update
• Usually I look at the source and check for existance of test files.
• The next step would be to check cpantesters results.
• Some cpan authors are known for writing quality code
• Also helpful sometimes are the cpan ratings.

I just wanted to submit ratings for some of the modules I really like but “failed” to do so because apparently it requires a bitcard login.

Q: What is bitcard and why can’t I use my PAUSE login?
A: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Perl_Programming/CPAN/Bitcard

Bitcard is an open single-sign-on web-authentication service. It’s free for both users and web sites. It is used by most perl.org services.

Ideally I would like to use one account for all perl services. If I click “login” on blogs.perl.org, cpan, … a small disclaimer that bitcard is used in the background would suffice.

PS: after proofreading this post I’d like to make sure no one feels offended. So don’t!