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A Blogger's Guide To Budgeting Criticism
Welcome back to Part 3 of the A Blogger's Guide To Budgeting Series. You can view Parts 1 and 2 if you need to catch up, but today, lets talk about Criticism. It's a touchy subject but it's something we all deal with. How we react to it however, will show the world our true colors and therefor must be handled with care. Below are 5 things to consider before reacting to criticism and will benefit in the long run, and potentially help you react professionally and not out of spite.
1. People Talk
Let's face it: If you're trying to do anything that is over or above what's necessary to live, people are going to have a thing or two to say about it. Sometimes it's those who are nearest and dearest to you but more often than not it's complete strangers who must see to it that you have heard from them before you can make a single move. Either way, this is a risk we take by vocalizing our thoughts on the internet. We are subjecting ourselves to the opinions and comments of others. If you can't handle it, get out while you can.
2. Heavy Burdens
I've spent numerous days, even weeks sulking over what some people have chosen to say about myself and my craft. Most of the negative comments I get I'm able to brush off, but some have really cut deep. It left me with that deep heartache, that pit in my stomach that says You're such a joke, You've failed and even more drastic People hate you. They're all lies. It's difficult to not take them personally because of course they're directed at you personally, but do they really matter? That is what you need to ask yourself when looking criticism in the eye. More often than not they don't. Don't let the comments weigh you down, instead... do something about it.
3. Let Them Eat Cake
People will always talk. Gossip is human nature and the pure fact that people are talking should not make you uneasy. You've put yourself out there on the internet and people will critique what you show them. Positive and negative options are how we grow and learn and create identities. Do not be immediately guarded or upset when you catch word that someone has an opinion of your work, instead open your ears to it.
Identify what people are saying. Is it constructive criticism?? That is the most helpful thing to be able to extract from a reader. It's honest, pure and unbridled. Without any constructive criticism you will not know how readers feel about the content you are producing on your blog. If people are all saying the same thing (ie. that was rude, mean, dramatic, etc) maybe they're right and you need to re-evaluate the way you're portraying yourself. OR if you aren't willing to change in any way, you need to find a new audience who will be accepting of the cometary, topics and your point of view.
If people are being downright rude, this also needs to be dealt with. Emotionally, that one comment can outweigh the hundred positive you may get. My rule: don't over analyze it. Be frank with yourself. Tell yourself it's a lie and brush it off.
4. Professional vs. Protective Reactions
When the time comes for reacting to criticisms, often our instinct is to lash out. DON'T! Put it on the shelf for a day or two, and don't touch it. Let yourself separate the emotional reaction from the reasonable reaction and then decide what is best. Many would say to confront the issue with the person head on. This may be the way you need to handle it, but don't go about it publicly. Find a way to handle the issue in private. Send an email expressing how you were hurt by their actions and explain why. Don't play a victim, play a human being. 9 times out of 10 you will hear an apology or reasoning to why something was said. This will make both parties feel heard, respected and both are able to move forward.
For some of us, handling conflict is harder than actually resolving an issue. Sometimes, ignoring an issue is the best possible solution. I would use this strategy for anything that is overly offensive, unreasonable or demanding. Often times these people want things done their way or they'll throw a fit. So let them throw a fit, while you play the bigger person.
5. Safe Zones
Most importantly of all- listen to your own instincts. As a blogger, small business owner or part-time crafter it's important to sift through the input of outside onlookers and listen to your own inner voice, aka your instincts. You are in charge of what you do, you can't point a finger in this online world. If you are finding it hard to decide what to do in stressful situations, or moments of adversary, listen to yourself, be your own moral compass.
