How do you handle critics?

While I agree with quite a bit of what you were saying...

Originally Posted by surasshu

Ever since I became a composer, I have mostly ignored positive comments, and I suck up negative ones.

What...? You ignore positive comments? Some positive comments actually cement the idea that one is moving to the right place in their work. In that way of thinking, it's helpful to receive positive feedback and acknowledge it. There is nothing wrong with that.

I agree that I get much better more quickly in my own compositions when people are willing to be critically constructive. Even then, 'negative comments' can be done in a positive way. You don't just shit on someone's work without telling them where improvements can be made, or else the criticism is worthless and possibly detrimental.

That being said, I agree completely with Denicalis appraisal.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

You'll be fine Eriol. Every living (and non-living) person has been criticized at some point. It's a completely natural part of being human. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Originally Posted by surasshu

Maybe I should've clarified--ever since I became a composer with the aim of making it my full-time job. In other words, I'm not going to quit any time soon. What positive praise does as far as I can tell is it keeps you going if you were going to quit altogether. But the way I see it, if you're in danger of quitting, maybe it's not your passion anyway.

I need negative feedback to understand what I'm doing wrong, and to give me a push to improve. So while I appreciate being appreciated, I downplay the actual positive feedback as much as possible (to the point of ignoring it).

I understand and agree with most of what you are saying. I am in the same boat.
I trust negative criticism a bit better than praise because you know people aren't trying to kiss your ass. Just a cold hard opinion. However, not all negative criticism is effective by virtue that not all opinions are equal. Positive 'praise' can still be effective if it teaches us something new about what we are doing. In that regard, I differ with you.

There is a way to criticize a piece without ripping your soul apart. People can be real assholes sometimes.

There's nowhere I can't reach.