Scrollbar/slider attributes

[Ronald Zellner]

I am using scrollbars (sliders) to obtain ratings on a series of topics.  
Obviously, I need to have the default position of the slider at zero or at some mid point.  Is there an alternative to that?

Also, a problem with sliders is you can't tell when people are simply satisfied with the default position for an item and when they forgot to answer that item.

Anyone know of a visible attribute change that would indicate that the person at least touched the slider? (e.g.  on mouseUp)

I know I can check for untouched sliders by using a variable and then prompt them to rate those  items or change a graphic, etc. , but was wondering if there is a visual attribute that can be changed.

Anyone played with this before?

Thanks,
Ron