How do you handle critics?

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.

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.

So you don't think there's such a thing as baseless criticism?

Alterminded didn't say anything about criticism needing to come with lots of euphemisms and kind words; he just said there are people that do criticism not to be helpful or constructive, but merely to try and take down the people whose work is successful.

He also didn't specify that baseless criticism was the point of his post. Even if it were, taking on board whatever people happen to say to you can give you miles of self-improvement. This is of course assuming the criticism is more than "fuck you, that's absolute shite".

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.

Originally Posted by Denicalis

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.

Well I mean this in the sense of a music Producer/DJ who happens to work at 2 clubs with residencies, which happens to be my line of work coincidentally (o shi-). I always have people come up to me and say good job and whatever, which really doesn't give much input on how i do (since most people are drunk when they say this). Few people who work DJ shifts at other clubs come by and tell me how i did technically, harmonically, and how i did my transitions and kept the party going, which would be constructive and the best kind of advice to offer. Now, then come these douchebags like, lets say Cedric Gervais (look him up) who is a pompous ass, dildo jamming, tasteless prick who talks down to you and thinks your sets are shit, which I might add are just intimidation. I have had people tell me that he is afraid of the next generation of people coming in and taking over his spot in Space (another club). Again, if you can't give me validation as to why i suck, It doesn't count.

Sorry if I implied the following mindset:

With my actions and words, I have the intent of improving myself and the world around me. I realized some time ago the limitations that come along with working in isolation, so I readily accept the contributions of others, be they kind or harsh, as long as it can be applied to the issue at hand. Otherwise, I could not have a realistic expectation of accomplishing the difficult tasks I wish to complete.

Originally Posted by eriol33

Whew, actually guys, I'm one of these people who are not used to receive critics, whenever I got critics from my friend or strangers (just recently my published novel got some reviews) and found it pointed the negative aspects, I tend to be down, nervous, and somehow feel sad to myself.

It's probably because I had low-self esteem back then, and I can't help but to associate critics with mockery, perhaps unconsciously.

Do you have some advices to handle this immaturity?

There's a shoutbox on every corner. I'd look out for felons and ex-cons, though. They make pretty good points.

Originally Posted by Denicalis

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.

I agree and disagree with you. I believe that you need a certain amount of people that will criticize your every move, whether constructive or not. Because if you do that, you will begin to realize the things that are needed to improve yourself. Those kinds of people will never probably agree with you and may always argue, but if you continue to improve yourself and become a better person at who you are and what you do, other people will notice it. Over time, you will get the support of other people that may have once criticized you but saw your improvements and now see the positive changes.

In the end, you need a healthy balance of supporters, on the fence people, and people who will always criticize you. In this way, you will be able to see the good things you have done, the people who have changed their view of you, and still continue to see and hear the things you need to improve on. In this way, you will always evolve into something better than before.