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How to Handle Criticism Like a Boss
As your writing grows in popularity, so will the amount of criticism you receive.
Take a look at the social media feed of any journalist. It is a constant stream of negative feedback. There are plenty of insults and name-calling.
This will happen to you. Congratulations, soon there will be so many, you won’t be able to keep up.
Are they critiquing or taking a shot?
As a small town newspaper editor, I learned to identify what was worthwhile feedback.
I did not pay attention to a leading businessman who complained how terrible the newspaper was under my leadership. I did listen carefully when a schoolteacher pointed out there were too many typos.
About 80% of the time, the individual was angry because we wrote an article on a topic they didn’t like. Another 10% was attacking my writing to insult me or they wanted to knock me down.
Our newspaper didn’t use a wire service. We did real reporting and investigative journalism. In order to fill our publication, we had to dig for news. We reviewed contracts and analyzed the budget. It was serious business.
The Mayor complained bitterly about the newspaper. When it came to a head, he admitted he felt we treated the city government with…
