I recently received an excellent suggestion from one of our members that suggested I post a little something regarding how to accept critique from members. I've noticed that even slightly negative comments get frowned upon or "That's harsh" and I think some people are being just a tad too fragile. While we don't support, and take action against user bashing, it shouldn't be like walking on egg shells either.
The number one rule about being a designer is that you should not take criticism personally. Until you get over that hump, you will NEVER grow and expand your skills. When someone criticises your work, he's not criticizing you personally, he's commenting on your work, so leave it that way.
The other thing I see happening is this need to affirm "I know what's best". If you already know what EVERYONE loves and you know everything, then why would you post looking for critique? You already know it all! This actually makes you look like completely arrogant because not even Michelangelo knew it all, so you can bet your ass you don't either.
Know before hand that you can not please everyone. Even as I write this, we are finishing up our new Hammertime website project, and I already know there's going to be a bunch of people that will tell me they hate it. That's life and if you create something that "everyone" loves, it's because the people that don't just aren't telling you. There's no pleasing everyone, and the sooner you realize that, the better we all are.
Ignore the idiots... don't get all upset when someone posts "Wow.. that's a bucket of SUCK!". The general community here at P2L is a great bunch of folks and know what's expected and what's crossing the line on the critiquing forums. You don't need to get upset because everyone else already thinks that guy is an idiot. Just report the thread and move on, or better yet, ask the person to elaborate and find out what exactly they don't like and how they might change it. If the person isn't a complete goof, you might actually get some useful view points!
So come on folks, lets not be made of paper thin glass! If all you're getting is positive feedback and "wow that's awesome" comments, you're not learning anything new and not growing. You need to find out what's WRONG to fix it, so be a pro, take the heat and develop!
Thanks,
Dan