Re: Attempts to ban constructive criticism...

[derek@slab.isdn.uiuc.edu (Derek Taubert)]

In <4s3c0s$a3p@blackice.winternet.com> Nathan Mates wrote:
>    It's called constructive criticism. I don't just say "you suck.
> POAD, newbie," I say "tip: press return every 70 characters to make it
> easier to quote you." If you can't tell the difference between those
> two, you need help. In the first, it's a pure flame, which I tend to
> aim at those who've shown themselves incapable of listening to
> constructive criticism. The second identifies a problem of their, and
> offers a solution. 

tip: the pronoun equivalent of the adjective their (meaning that which 
belongs to them) is spelled with an s: theirs.  :)

Personally, I am torn between the issue of good spelling and grammar on the 
net.  On one hand, it isn't that difficult to consult a Digital Webster.  On 
the other, it is an international forum with a lot of non-english writers.  
Still, I find it rather amusing to attempt to be eloquent whilst eschewing 
obfuscation.

>    People must be able to take criticism. If they are insulated from
> it in school, online and the like, when they get their first job, they
> need to be able to be told "this sucks. Redo it!" and not spaz out.
> Grades in school are the same way-- a 'F' or a 'C' tells you that you
> are not perfect, and need to do better. Eventually in their life (and
> afterlife), people _will_ be criticized, people _will_ have to accept
> it, and grow from it. You 're trying to deny this basic fact.

Don't forget that patience is a virtue.  Your attempt at stark realism comes 
off as a bit pessimistic here.  Just because everybody "else does it" doesn't 
mean you have to conform and beat the world into submission.  Not that I 
don't appreciate what you do, I just wouldn't go about it in quite the same 
manner.  Sometimes people need a little time to figure things out, and people 
need to be able to make mistakes without criticism.  Some people just cannot 
cope with ego attacks.  On the other hand, they should have the decency to 
admit when they are wrong and make an effort not to repeat the mistake.  If 
they are unable to do that without damage to their own ego, then they really 
do need help, but not from you nor I.

>    Further, except when they're very offensively clueless from the
> start, I don't do a line length flame, spelling flame, grammar flame,
> or .sig flame without helping them as well. That is, I help them at
> the same time I educate them. Nobody's perfect, but we can strive
> for excellence, not merely feeling good.

Well put.  Mankind's excellence and integrity could use a little help these 
days.

--
Derek Taubert - http://slab.isdn.uiuc.edu/~derek
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