Comments on: Criticism Is Good

By: Armchair Quarterbacks, Throwing Stones and Glass Houses | davefleet.com

Armchair Quarterbacks, Throwing Stones and Glass Houses | davefleet.com — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:02:39 +0000

[...] the record: As I’ve said before, criticism can be good. For that to be the case, it needs to be informed and it needs to be constructive. It can’t [...]

By: Embrace Kritikos « Nashville Music Buzz

Embrace Kritikos « Nashville Music Buzz — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:36:45 +0000

[...] criticism and see if it helps to tighten the screws holding together your lyrics and melody. Dave Fleet reminds us, “The fact that someone disagrees with you or suggests a different approach [...]

By: How to respond to residents using social media. - Apartment Advice Blog | RentWiki.com

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 04:15:57 +0000

[...] Criticism Is Good (davefleet.com) [...]

By: Todd Defren

Todd Defren — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 15:32:05 +0000

I have to disabuse Brandon of the idea that social media “figureheads” are getting their legs humped. Maybe I am in the lucky(?) minority whose trousers are left untouched.

Agree that “my way or the highway” is a bad response to criticism. CONSTRUCTIVE debate is awesome.

Where I draw the line is when people become abusive or closed-off to debate. Not enough time in this short life to engage “the haters.”

By: Raul Pacheco

Raul Pacheco — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 03:04:34 +0000

I have to agree with this post so wholeheartedly, Dave. I am an academic, so I am VERY used to criticism (you should read some of the peer reviews that other scholars have given me on my research articles). I translated and transported that skill (how to handle criticism) on to my blog. While I am rarely criticized harshly, when that happens, I am always able to respond thanks to my training during the PhD. It’s awesome to see how some skills are transferrable from one medium and one sector to another.

By: joshua_d

joshua_d — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:52:20 +0000

Twitter Comment by @joshua_d (joshua_d)…

reading Criticism Is Good – [link to post] – http://twitter.com/joshua_d/statuses/1075799338 – Posted using Chat Catcher …

By: Dave Fleet

Dave Fleet — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 23:19:43 +0000

@Brandon – agreed. The “rockstars” often write very useful posts, but so do others. Separating the content from the ego is extremely valuable.

@Joseph – thanks for a very thoughtful comment. As Corey did, you’ve added a useful point to this topic – we should remember that there’s nothing wrong with standing up for your opinion.

My problem comes with seeing people literally say “if you don’t agree/have a problem with this, then go somewhere else,” without any hint of reflection. “This is free so take it or leave it” is right up there too. There’s a much more constructive way to acknowledge differences. Sometimes people just have to agree to disagree – to me, someone disagreeing with me doesn’t make them any less valuable a subscriber; in fact comments from people disagreeing with us are in many ways more valuable than simple praise (as wonderful as that is too!).

Thanks again guys.

By: Joseph Jaffe

Joseph Jaffe — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:15:07 +0000

Great post Dave.

I for one, have struggled to cope with criticism. In my personal life I struggle with it and so it’s no surprise that in an often anonymous/veiled space like the blog-o-sphere, it can seem magnified to the 1000th degree.

People like Mitch Joel have helped me cope with NOT taking criticism personally (or at least not RESPONDING in an emotional way) and Dave Jones has taught me (by challenging me) to deal with criticism better (if not more constructively)

From my perspective, I think there are things that may be perceived to be negative, but perhaps are not: for example when someone stands up for themselves, why are they termed to be “defensive”? I also think passion and conviction clouds the issue.

There’s no excuse to being arrogant however.

One extra thing: I think the person giving the criticism should be equally open to be criticized back in return i.e. being reasonable, open minded and fair in terms of their ability to listen and respond accordingly.

PS I would podcast about this, but I know you don’t listen to Jaffe Juice (joke)

By: Brandon Carlos

Brandon Carlos — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:08:50 +0000

The problem with a majority of social media figure heads, Dave, is that they’re so used to having their leg humped that they double back the second they actually receive some criticism. We all need to remember the real value of this space– where else can we receive open, honest feedback from some of the most talented folks in the biz, worldwide. With every “rockstar” come groupies. My advice: follow the thought for what it is, not for who’s behind it.

By: Dave Fleet

Dave Fleet — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 20:41:41 +0000

@Danny – my sentiments exactly. Thanks for stopping by!

@Corey – you make an excellent point about offering criticism the right way. Offer it the wrong way and you greatly increase the chance of it being poorly received. Thanks!