Linda,

Absolutely agree. I think if feedback were delivered in a way that was constructive, thoughtful, and with grace — cool. If they’re willing to engage in dialogue — cool. I can normally tell when someone is giving me feedback in that way versus someone who leaves a comment just to be a contrarian asshole or troll. Personal attacks, insults, and vitriol are not okay.

I get feedback all the time from my newsletter subscribers, and some of it is awesome and useful and some of it doesn’t serve me, but I thank the person anyway for giving it. They’ve subscribed to my newsletter because they’re invested in my work.

I think what bothers me is that every single criticism is considered an attack — ESPECIALLY on medium. People write: “Just listen to yourself — ignore everyone else. Ignore all the criticism.” How does one expect to grow as a writer or freelancer if they’re not learning from missteps and feedback from their audience (and intended customer!)? How do you grow if you exist within the confines of your own vacuum? These writers have a cruel awakening should they ever work with an editor, agent, publisher, etc.

Cheers, Felicia