Criticism or not?

[Ak5]

A question I am regularly asking myself, is criticism good? What do you guys think?

I've read about a lot of people who were overweight and because of their fear of being rejected, lost all their weight and now live better, physically and emotionally. Is criticism good after all? Sure it hurts in the short-run, but in the long-run it ends up helping. Same thing can be said about habits, due to criticism a lot of people have left them and have improved.

Opinions?

 

[Skorian]

I don't think there is a perfect answer. I think it depends. However, it is needed now and then. Some people think none is good and that is a problem.

The problem is people can go to extreme's or not be able to tell when they or others are going too far. Some people get a paper cut and think they are going to bleed to death.

 

[Sci-Fi]

It depends, there's criticism, then there's constructive criticism.

 

[Ak5]

I prefer to be clear and straight to the point, but that's just me.

I don't like sugarcoating things.

 

[Equinox]

What Sci-Fi said. I think constructive criticism is a very good thing.

However, it's only useful if the person on the receiving end is actually willing to listen.

 

[meekthoughts]

It is necessary in some cases. Sometimes people are just out of line, simply wrong, etc. I don't believe in criticism intended to hurt others of course, but strongly believe in criticism intended to help/better the person.

Criticism is especially important when it comes to art, literary work and other creative projects. It can be downright hurtful to be told by others that your work is lacking of substance, but it does help give you a new perspective on things. That being said, everyone has their own tastes and ultimately you are your most important critic in this case.

 

[Okiedokes]

I think it is helpful if the person is doing something harmful to themselves or others. And if it's said in a nice manner, that definately means more and the other person may not take it as a personal insult.

 

[Sci-Fi]

To elaborate more, I hate nonconstructive criticism it does no good to anyone. It makes the person feel bad and the person who delivered it look like a jerk. From personal experience there was one jerk who commented on my artwork, I had (for fun) posted older artwork so people could see how my style and progress had changed over the years. I clearly noted it was old artwork and he still felt the need to criticize. It really pissed me off, I informed him that if he read my post instead of just looking at the pictures he would have read that it was older artwork and was just posted for fun for others to see. I was not looking for criticism on something that was 10+ years old. He himself admitted he can't draw, and he was only trying to give constructive criticism. I told him to look up the definition of constructive criticism, and those who can't shouldn't criticize others since he himself would be able to give anything constructive.

That's a good example of giving criticism when it wasn't needed/asked for. There's a time and place for it.

 

[Bluey]

Some times to be blunt is better where has other times to treat someone as they are in a bubble is needed.

Most of the time I think a real friend would give you constructive criticism.