Five Quick Tips to Handling Criticism in Your Online Writing

So you're a Content Producer for Associated Content, and producing with the best of them. Maybe you've had the frustrating situation of having someone give you feedback that was less than stellar. Maybe you've received a comment that seemed almost a personal attack. I received some criticism for an article that I did. No matter how many times it happens, it's a shock at a primal level. Holy cow! Someone out there DOESN'T LIKE ME!

Writers are delicate creatures, but that delicacy has to be tempered with a thick rhinoceros hide, or your dream of being published just won't happen. AC is a public forum, and some criticism just comes with the territory. If you've received criticism, or are hesitant to write or share because of the prospect of criticism, worry not. Here are some tips to help temper that inevitable criticism.

1. Put yourself in the critic's shoes. When you write your piece, and it's finished and wonderful, think about what a naysayer might say about your work. Then you can answer them before they even have an opportunity to say something. Often all a critic is doing is trying to poke holes in your logic. If you poke holes in your own logic beforehand, then your piece can actually come across as more credible. "Some people might feel that I'm over the top (or underestimating), etc." or "Although many may disagree with my views on ______, ". From there, you can answer those who may object.

2. Look at the nature of the criticism. Sometimes it can be helpful, even though painful. Ask yourself, "Is there anything in the nature of this criticism that could be helpful in my writing? Was my research inadequate? Did I word things in a confusing way?" Sometimes there can be good insights to be found that can help.

3. There are three hundred million people in the United States alone. Much as I hate to even admit it to myself, they're not all going to like you or agree with your brilliant and lucid insights. Some are quite stubborn about not agreeing with you, no matter how sure you are that you're right.