So many times, I log on to Nairaland to see a "Review this site" or "Constructive criticism" or "Hard critique" or some variation of these 3, thread. When such criticism is given, it usually varies between +ve and -ve. Either way, some times the person asking for the criticism gets offended by what his/her peers have to say. I am in a 2-day class where, among others, criticism is one of the topics covered.

I would like to share what the presenter had to say about criticism and I hope it helps. Personally, even though I already knew some of it, from personal experience, it is nice to have someone else, whom you don't know, reinforce your belief system:

[list]
[li]Criticism is good. Learn to expect it. You are where you are today, in part, because of all the criticisms (good or bad) that you have received in your life.[/li]

[li]Learn to welcome, appreciate and respect +ve criticism. Many atimes, even though it is positive, we get offended and that is usually because the "criticizer" is telling you the truth and as they say, the truth is bitter and the truth hurts[/li]

[li]Whether the criticism be +ve or -ve, never let it affect your performance at what you do, or your how you think of yourself. [/li]

[li]-ve criticism, in the end, doesn't do anything to help you. Don't bother trying to defend yourself when faced with it. It is a waste of time. Learn to recognize it. Then ignore it and move on.[/li]

[/list]

Considering my employer probably paid the presenter big bucks to come tell us this and I am imparting this knowledge to you free of charge (because I love you that much ), I would read the above and apply it to your everyday lives, not just in the world of website critiques.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for the info. Personally I prefer negative criticisms to positive ones as one rule everyone will ultimately learn in this life is to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

As they say success is 10% luck, 90% hardwork and 100% perseverance.

There were days I will get emails with one liners like "your website is not fine". What do I do? I just reply and say thanks, but it's making money for me and that's what matters.

Even after sending the reply I go back to the website and look for things I could make better and today not throwing away negative criticisms has made me a better web developer.