How do you handle critics?

Originally Posted by Adara

My advice would be to use the criticisms to improve on some aspect of yourself (or your writing, in the case of your published novel) if the criticisms are constructive and/or make valid points. If they're mean criticisms, though, with no real substance to them then just let them roll off your back. It might be advantageous for you to learn to not let criticism get under your skin, though. Taking criticism well can be an opportunity for you to see something about yourself that you wouldn't have discovered on your own. However, if you feel there's nothing good to be had from the criticism at all, learn to acknowledge it and let it go from your mind. Don't mull over it and let it get you down.

Yeah. Don't listen to criticism if you don't like how it sounds. That's some GREAT advice. You listen to every bit of criticism you get. Every. Fucking. Bit. Even if you disagree with it. The more it cuts, the more it's probably true. Don't listen to sycophants like Adara, who want to tell you it's okay to ignore some of it, cause you're great, and you just need to, you know, realise how great you are. They'll cripple you. Surround yourself with people who rip you apart. That's how you become great.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Alterminded

Constructive criticism is always helpful. I tend to block out the unhelpful stuff, most of the time it comes from haters, or people who just are jealous at what you have and how well you use it.

Yes, people who think you lack talent are haters. What are you, 12? Haters? Really? Or are you just 1993 incarnate?

See, the problem when you say things like "block out the unhelpful stuff" is that most people see anything that doesn't fit with their views of the self as unhelpful. This sort of advice to people can be crippling. It leads to rubbish like Eragon and Terry Goodkind. These self-congratulatory assholes who have no real talent and are nothing but glorified fan-fiction writers. Just because criticism isn't worded in a pleasant, pat-you-on-the-back fashion doesn't make it untrue. Pay attention to all criticism. That's how you better yourself.

But by all means, listen to the sycophants and ignore people who say things you don't agree with. I'm sure you'll go far.

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I didn't say alterminded DID infer that. What I said was that it is bad advice to give someone. Someone who has the ego necessary to think they can be a professional writer/filmmaker whatever are often not the best judges of what criticism is valid and what isn't.

Originally Posted by Denicalis like... two seconds ago

See, the problem when you say things like "block out the unhelpful stuff" is that most people see anything that doesn't fit with their views of the self as unhelpful. This sort of advice to people can be crippling.

Wasn't saying anything about alterminded's intent, I was speaking of the fallout of the brand of advice he's offering.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.