Publish long enough and you’ll eventually run into them: critics.
They can haunt your thoughts. Dog you around every comment section you turn. Make your life hell to the point you might even wonder if publishing was even worth it.
Here’s how to deal with them so you don’t wallow in that despair.
Medication
The Hunter S. Thompson approach. The Cat Marnell problem. Not recommended.
Anonymity
When you hide behind a pseudonym, that persona, not you, absorbs the heat. Until you are found out. This could be fun. Or it may simply bring out the monster in you.
Ignorance
Deny criticism. Pretend it doesn’t exist. Calcify in your broken ways.
Assault and battery
Unleash enormous energy on every single person who dares defy you. Repeat until they disappear. Employ approach number one to cope.
Sharpshoot
Select your target carefully. Respond to those who are the most meaningful by article, comment, or email. You are doing well if you are listening.
Amplification
Do not respond directly. Instead, tackle the critique obliquely. Listen, evaluate, and expand in another article. Explore. Use criticism to grow. See The Efficient Writer.
Rejoice
You are striking a nerve. You are getting attention. And it might just be meaningful. See above.
Your turn
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Image source: hell
