Curious Fox 𓃦 · 9d
Hi Mia,
I am asking this because you seem very mature and professional, and I would really value your perspective.
I have been thinking about the role of criticism in creative work. I am not talking about insults, which no one deserves, but rather respectful, constructive feedback.
As an author, you share your work with the public, without any monetary benefit, simply for the joy of creating. In that context, if a reader points out something they think could be improved or requests a possible update because your work made a strong impression on them, does that make the reader "bad" or "hater"?
I have noticed that genuinely talented authors often receive a flood of positive comments, yet sometimes even one negative comment can lead to strong reactions or, in some cases, the work being removed. Interestingly, negative comments are sometimes highlighted or shared publicly, while positive comments, though abundant, often go unacknowledged.
At the same time, authors may ask for opinions in their notes yet feel uncomfortable when someone expresses what they did not like.
I am not referring to rude or insulting comments, which are obviously inappropriate, but rather to thoughtful feedback intended to engage with the work. It seems that finding a balance between appreciating constructive criticism and celebrating positive responses can be challenging.
Personally, I try to avoid commenting on works I do not enjoy and simply move on, but I am genuinely curious.
How do authors feel about receiving constructive criticism, and how can readers share their thoughts in a way that is both helpful and encouraging?
If you happen to share this on X, I would also love to hear the perspectives of your fellow authors.
P.S. Please do not hate me
Hello, dear.
While I can not answer for all writers, I can answer from my own experience and from factual knowledge.
There is a severely fine line between constructive and opinionated criticism. A lot of people try to justify their objections with the excuse of "but you said you're fine with constructive criticism."
I am perfectly fine with taking comments as such. You see grammar or a word wrongly used, call me out on it, I'm doing this all on my own so of course I'm going to miss something. If my sentence makes a lick of sense, ask for clarification, I don't mind it.
But if you "think" you're right about something and I've purposely done something a different way, expect me to set it right. I've had someone do that to me before. They yelled at me for, in their opinion, "tagging wrongly" but I made sure to let them know that I knew exactly who I was tagging and why. (Completely different fandom, btw.)
As for sharing the bad as compared to the good... Hmm.
Wether we like to admit it or not, stones leave bruises while feathers do not. Good comments are like feathers - soothing, light, easy to carry, simple to smile at. They make us happy, there's no doubt about that. They also give us HEALTHY inspiration to work harder.
But bad comments are like stone bruises - to others it seems small, but it hurts. It sets us back. It makes us question. And it weighs down the feathers just enough to move them out of sight. And the shitty thing about bruises? They're seen. They spread and get worse before they get better. So does hate and insecurity.
The people who post the bad comments, I believe, post them to indirectly ask for help in seeing the light. Because what happens when a bad comment is broadcasted in the eyes of support? It's lashed.
There are times where a comment is so good that it is posted too, but if we posted every good comment, then won't we be criticized for being "narcissistic"? Again, it's a fine line.
As for sharing those thoughts in a more productive manner... Hm. I suppose, in my opinion, I'd be fine with the "2+1 manner" (Oh, author, I love this and this but, I think this might need another look)
I'm not sure. But to me it means you gave my story the appropriate time to digest in order to see the good qualities, while recognizing something might be off but you're not entirely sure.
I hope this answers your question on my end. And I will share your ask on X because I am also interested in other's answers. Communication is key and I too am tired of seeing a good chunk of our exceptional writers leave because that line was toed so much that it became non-existent.
Also, hun. I don't hate.
I dislike, when I'm given a reason to. You haven't done that either. You're truly inquisitive, and that's admirable.
