How do you respond to criticism?

1. 78

   Nesbyteposted 11 years ago

   How do you respond to criticism?
   
   How to you respond when your hubs are criticised? Does it make you feel angry, or dejected? Or does it encourage you to write better hubs? Maybe both?

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2. 0

   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   I can't say that it does not bother me in that I have put so much work into a Hub. But, Without someone pointing out our flaws, How are we to fix them? Constructive criticism can be a very good thing.

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3. 0

   whowasposted 11 years ago

   Criticism should always be welcomed. It is hard to be the best judge of your own work.
   
   I welcome criticism and will always respond to it thoughtfully and politely. If the criticism proves useful in making my work better then I will always take the trouble to express my thanks.
   
   In terms of your question, it is also worth bearing in mind that the criticism is levelled at a piece of writing not at you, the person. Even if the criticism is scathing, there's no reason to be upset by that.
   
   Take it or leave it as you will, it cannot harm and might do some good.

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4. 65

   litsabdposted 11 years ago

   It depends on who is criticising and how . Criticism can be both for our advantage or not. Personally I try to see the other people's point of view but let very little hurt my feelings. If it is something worthwhile to me I keep it as a treasure.

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5. 68

   greenerydayposted 11 years ago

   Of course my first respond would feeling upset, who would not anyway? However I will try the best to put aside any emotion, and possible anger, and try to look deeper, and ask my self if this criticism come from honest positive feedback from someone who care about improving my hub, then I should feel grateful and will thank whoever offer their opinion.
   
   On the other hand, if criticism meant just to hurt my feeling or discouraging and does not seems to have positive impact or offer any suggest for improvement, I would simply ignore them and walk away.

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6. 65

   eHealerposted 11 years ago

   My first response is usually a "how dare they," but if the person is an expert or someone who has an opinion I value, I quickly turn around and take advantage of the chance to better my writing. Although criticism is usually viewed as  negative or an intentional assault on a person, it can be constructive and helpful. Our nature is to "want to fit in with others" and criticism is the opposite of our nature. However, some criticism can produce great results, and sometimes it can make you see things in your work that you missed and can greatly improve on.

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7. 59

   Insane Mundaneposted 11 years ago

   I say "bring it on baby," although I have unpublished all of my controversial Hubs because I find that "I" end up causing too much trouble for a community website.  Personally, I enjoy criticism from any direction, whether it is coming from me or from other people, but to be fair, censorship would have to be removed along with political correctness (when will this ever happen?), hence forth the reasons why I try to avoid such things now, when writing Hubs...

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8. 83

   tonymead60posted 11 years ago

   It depends as to who is leveling the criticism. If I think it is well meant then I'm okay with that. If it is just a windup then I'm still okay with it. Whatever you do some will like it others not, I've selling my art and myself long enough to be happy with what I'm doing. To be honest my dear I don't give a hoot.

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9. 65

   officebeamposted 11 years ago

   Everyone has an opinion. Your best bet is to take it with a grain of salt and stay focused and true to yourself. I love hearing what people have to say about what I have to say. Sometimes people can say pretty hurtful things, but you have to know how keep those things as just "something someone said" and not take it personal.
   
   Think about it like this. When people put the effort in to commenting on your work, they've read it. They've taken something from it. For me, that is my goal. I want my reader to take from my writing what THEY want to take from it, good or bad. But at least they read it. And with that, others will likely read it too.
   
   Write what you love, what you feel, and what you think. The rest just makes you a better writer.

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      Taleb80posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      What a wise answer Officebeam.

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10. 66

    ThompsonPenposted 11 years ago

    It truly depends on my mood, how the criticism is worded/delivered, and the location I'm in.
    If I'm surrounded by people, I'll probably just nod my head and thank them for their input. If I'm in a good mood, or anything not negative, I will probably inquire more into it and explain why I did what I did, wrote what I wrote, whatever, and take what they say into consideration.
    However, if it's not constructive criticism, I'll probably huff and puff it away, rather like a wet cat

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    1. 78

       Nesbyteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Loving that cat imagery! Thanks for the response.

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11. 61

    MichaelJohnMeleposted 11 years ago

    I crawl into the fetal position and cry myself to sleep.

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    1. 78

       Nesbyteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       This...it's just my favourite answer ever. I have not the words...

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    2. 59

       Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah, we have enough titty-babies on this planet, as I can totally see why most people of today prefer the "fetal position," oh, how sad it truly is...

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    3. 61

       MichaelJohnMeleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       What can I say...I don't take too kindly to criticism. Now excuse me while I go and finish sucking my thumb.

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    4. 59

       Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Poor baby!

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    5. 61

       MichaelJohnMeleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       @Insane Mundane thanks for caring...it means a lot.

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    6. 59

       Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       If it doesn't involve names & titles and truly involves feelings and emotions, sure it does!

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    7. 61

       MichaelJohnMeleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I must say, I love your attitude.

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    8. 59

       Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Your love for me should be kept to your self!  Lets adulate at a later date, shall we!

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    9. 61

       MichaelJohnMeleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You're like the Fonzy of HubPages...I love it.

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    10. 59

        Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Yeah, maybe so, but I still prefer the title of "Fonz."

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    11. 61

        MichaelJohnMeleposted 11 years agoin reply to this

        Ayyy!

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12. 73

    somethgblueposted 11 years ago

    What most people do not realize is that there is a difference between criticism and a insulting personal attack and hate language.
    
    The word criticism is from the word critique which is about describing what you like and dislike about a certain subject or piece of art.
    
    If you can critique a Hub without the use of a personal attack on the author then it can be quite helpful in evaluating a hub however if you start your comment with . . . .
    . . . somethgblue you're an idiot,
    
    then guess what you have just created the ground rules for a retaliatory strike and you will get it from me in spades.
    
    So if it is constructive criticism I'm all for it but if it is about you trying to show the world, hub pages or the author how much of a ignorant redneck pecker wood you truly are and the author responds in the same language then you deserve what you get.
    
    If you can't take the heat . . . ?!

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    1. 59

       Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I always enjoyed (and still do) playing in a hot kitchen...

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    2. 73

       somethgblueposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       dude you enjoying playing with flammable liquids in a kitchen that is on fire . . .

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13. 60

    mismazdaposted 11 years ago

    Constructed criticism is good, if its coming from a good place. Anything that I can learn from and learn to do better, I am open to hear it., but a humble delivery is also better taken.

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    1. 68

       TravelAboutposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I just don't like the word "criticism" as the word on the surface seems to imply something negative.  Therefore, most people automatically feel defense when they receive criticism.  I welcome constructive feedback that will help me improve my skills

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14. 58

    alvairsposted 11 years ago

    Well, critique is a valuable asset to any posting, we do get upset some times for the comments made, but realizing what the issues are with your postings, addressing the areas that need attention, and responding to comments made respectfully is the best way to handle this issue. You can even ask the commentator for suggestions or better ways to resolve the issues at hand.
    I do hope this help you to realize what a valued asset you have at your disposal.
    All the bast to you.

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    1. 59

       Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       If only such things were so simple and "actually" worked in the "real" world...  LOL!

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15. 55

    einronposted 11 years ago

    You should not feel angry at all because different people have different views and they may be correct or wrong.  If you feel the criticism is wrong, point out what is wrong and why you think it is wrong.  I would not feel dejected at all.  When I write a hub, I am positive I have something to say.  You have to believe yourself.

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16. 64

    Veroniquebeeposted 11 years ago

    I think it depends on the kind of criticism. I understand that when I write like crap, people will feel the need to respond in kind. I like constructive critique - it helps me to push my limits, to better myself, to view things differently. I used to write quite a lot of it on the fan fictions websites - took the time to explain what I liked about the stories, what was good idea - as well as pointing out the errors, mistakes, things which didn't make much sense and which could definitely use some work. When someone takes the time to do the same, I actually do a small victory dance and take great care to read carefully about what someone wrote to me.
    
    After having one 12 year old "yelling" at me in "wut u think u are, bitch, to tell ME anything like dat!", I find myself hesitating to offer any kind of concrit, because hey, here I am, trying to help, only to have people jump at me and call me names. And here I thought when people ask for critique, they actually want to hear it. Consider me corrected in that thought!

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    1. 78

       Nesbyteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That's actually a really interesting point there. If you don't know how someone will take it, does constructive criticism lose its value?

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    2. 64

       Veroniquebeeposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Concrit is still concrit - if the original recipient of the mentioned concrit takes offence at polite and well-though review,  it's their loss, as other people still could learn from that.

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17. 77

    Mekenzieposted 11 years ago

    Criticism that comes from a writer with expertise is like a gift.  It takes time for someone to read your hub and then give you their thoughts about it.  Should they point out anything that can help me be a better writer .. I value it immensely.

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       Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You should have stopped at your first sentence, as criticism from a "true" friend is the most honest critique you'll ever get; voted up!  LOL!

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18. 74

    Gamerelatedposted 11 years ago

    For me it depends on how it is said.  If people are constructively criticizing my Hubs then I don't mind so much as long as the criticism is actually well thought out and true.  Some people criticize because they enjoy it.  HubPages is a writer community and it is not a place for trolling, but not everybody gets that sometimes. 
    
    I think people need to realize that some people are actually experts in the topics that they write on.  They are real experts.  In those cases people need to take care when they critique a subject that they know very little about.  It can be offensive.  I have never openly criticized anybody here on HubPages I feel like it is best to encourage people here as much as possible and be supportive.  I will only critique if someone asked me to do so and even then I will try to do it in private.

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19. 72

    Lauryallanposted 11 years ago

    I tend to find that most hubbers are very supportive and give helpful feedback.
    Of course, people may not always agree with what you've written or how you've written it, but everyone is entitiled to their own opinion.

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20. 75

    Diana Leeposted 11 years ago

    I except good useful criticism as I'm still very much in the learning mode here.  I know to be a good writer I must develop a thick skin to succeed. However, I am a big ball baby if I feel someone is scolding me for a wrong doing even when I know they are probably right. Advice and rudeness should not go together.

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       Insane Mundaneposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       First off, you have to drop the whole "good" thingy....,

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21. 82

    pstraubie48posted 11 years ago

    It actually depends on how it is given and by whom. If I know the individual has a reputation for putting others down in a derisive manner and for no just cause, it rolls off my back.
    However if it is constructive and it will help me improve I receive it reasonably well.
    I say reasonably well as I have a type A personality so making mistakes and having to be corrected is a huge issue for me. It is not about the other person, it is about me. I made a lot of mistakes on here for example and probably will make more (in editing with typos) and it killed me. But, I picked up what was left of me and went forth. And I am no worse for it...as a matter of fact, I think I have learned some humility from it.

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       Nesbyteposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I know exactly where you're coming from; I'm something of a perfectionist myself. I'm curious, what do you mean by a "type A" personality?

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       MarleneBposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       pstraubie48 - I am the same., and for the sake of efficiency, I would have to say, 'Ditto!'

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22. 83

    AlexK2009posted 11 years ago

    Constructive criticism I welcome. I may argue but I listen.
    Destructive criticism and personal attacks: I ignore or respond with sarcasm or similar attacks. Sometimes with humour.

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23. 65

    Laurinzo Scottposted 11 years ago

    If it is one of my trusted friends it is fine... I am mature enough to take it, or sometimes when I disagree, I 'leave it'. I am careful too whom I listen too, and most importantly ; what is their motivation... If they ARE a friend I assume it is to help me, truly.

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24. 0

    alung12posted 11 years ago

    On the whole most people are polite and friendly, you get the odd one or two that don't agree, but you take it on board and move on.

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25. 0

    KDuBarry03posted 11 years ago

    Well, it all depends on what type of criticism is being delivered. For example, constructive criticism should always be taken as it is: feedback, areas for improvement, and food for thought. In my opinion, I stay away from accepting mostly positive criticism because it doesn't allow me to see my areas of improvement. It is important to accept some positive criticism to keep yourself positive; however, there is a too much and too little rule with it. When it comes to negative criticism, it really all depends on what type of negative criticism is delivered.

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26. 0

    Domenick Dicceposted 11 years ago

    At first I am a little hurt and start questioning myself.  Then I go back and try to learn from it.
    Sometimes it is not constructive at all.  When that happens I try to remind myself that everybody has different opinions and also on the internet people can feel a little more powerful because of the anonymity it offers. 
    I have found Hubpages and Hubers to be very supportive.  It is other sites where the meanness can come out.

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       Taleb80posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with you, I also find HP a special community.
       I am proud to be on of HB members.

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27. 81

    moonlakeposted 11 years ago

    I don't like criticism on my hubs or in my life. I try never to criticize people and I don't want to be criticized. If someone wants to let me know I have spelled something wrong that is fine I need that or a little suggestion is ok. I know there are people on here that make it their life’s work to go around criticizing hubs and what people have to say on forums.

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28. 75

    alancaster149posted 11 years ago

    Depends on whether the criticism is justified or not. If someone's got a bee in their bonnet about my spelling or grammar then so be it. Changes wil be effected. If someone's just 'carping' about my point of view, that's their own lookout. If there's a difference of opinion about my interpretation of something, then I might make a comment in the box about what led me to a particular conclusion and if i'm wrong then I might make a change.
    At least it proves someone has actually read my material.

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29. 77

    CloudExplorerposted 11 years ago

    Fairly well! I love both positive & negative feedback, it helps me improve either way.

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30. 83

    PhilosopherPrinceposted 11 years ago

    Whatever the source and whatever the criticism, I always try to take at least 5 seconds to really stop and consider if that makes sense, if it can be accurately applied to me and/or my work. It can add up to a lot of pauses in an argument or fight, haha, so I try to keep a mental list of the criticisms until I get a chance. That's my method as I'm really concerned with whether I'm right or not.

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31. 69

    Etherealenigmaposted 11 years ago

    You know, it's all in the delivery. I can handle just about any criticism as long as you didn't slap me in the face or beat me over the head with it. If you can  give the criticism without accusation involved in it, I can handle it. I realize that everyone is not going to agree with my point of view or perspective. As long as they can disagree with respect...we're good.

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32. 93

    Sherry Hewinsposted 11 years ago

    I have not really had any criticism of my hubs. I know they are not all perfect, so I hope I would handle it well if someone pointed out a mistake of mine. It's never pleasant to be criticized. But if I'm doing something wrong, and everyone notices it but me, that would be worse. I recently wrote a few things for textbroker, they give an actual critique of your writing. I apparently had a few problems with my commas. Sure it feels better for everybody to tell me I'm great, like Hubpages does. But if I don't know it's messed up, I'll never learn to fix it, so I guess I am thankful to them for their criticism.

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33. 80

    Taleb80posted 11 years ago

    Mostly, I accept it.
    Not accepting it, looks like telling others, please let me do more mistakes, it is better for me.
    But sure when it is polite, it is highly appreciated like a gift.

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34. 62

    peachpowerposted 11 years ago

    Personally, I have a tough time with criticism, more than likely due to the fact that I got far more than my fair share growing up.
    
    Getting older and more mature has softened the blow for me, and I realize that when most people are criticizing, they are actually trying to help. It still stings a little though, to tell the honest truth.
    
    I try so hard not to point out things that could be better on Hubs here; with the very important exception of glaringly incorrect information. That is not fair to the searcher, so if things can be modified to reflect accurate info, I feel they should be.

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35. 41

    Dipali Ingleposted 4 years ago

    I will introspect myself and find out my faults.

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