We Are Builders!
There is a thin line between constructive criticism and destructive criticism.
What is criticism? Well, according to Siri, there are 2 definitions.
- The expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.
- The analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.
When someone asks for feedback, they are basically asking us to critique their website and offer suggestions to help build their website. All Feedback is basically a call for help. Or is it? Maybe they are just wanting some affirmation that they are doing it 'right'. It's hard to know exactly what someone wants from their feedback. We have to be very careful to build and not to tear down. Criticism is important, but it should be done in the proper way and at the proper times.
Constructive Criticism is when we recommend a set of instructions with the aim of helping someone improve their overall website and its content. Constructive criticism helps to build something.
Destructive Criticism is when someone recommends a set of instructions with the aim of tearing someone or their work apart. It lowers creativity and self-esteem. It is cruel. Destructive criticism helps to tear something down.
I have asked for Feedback several times for my website through the Wealthy Affiliate Feedback Platform. I have to honestly say that my Feedback has been outstanding. It's always been sandwiched in between comments about the parts that I did get right. That has been a great plus for me. I thank each and every one of you who have been so kind and offered me great feedback. Oh yeah, I've had to make lots and lots of changes that were pointed out to me in my feedback. But you guys never tore me down, you helped me to build.
I love that about WA. We aren't just writers and bloggers.
- Sometimes we are Therapists.
- Sometimes Counselors.
- Sometimes Cheerleaders.
- Sometimes Problem Solvers.
- Sometimes we are Builders.
Let's all be Builders and continue to keep Wealthy Affiliate the greatest community EVER!!
All the best,
Recent Comments
31
Very well said Wendi!
As a community we are here to help members succeed in their own comfort zone, not do things the way WE want them done.
You are a wonderful builder!
All the best.
KyleAnn
Aawww. Thank you, my sweet friend. I really appreciate that.
So are you.
Have an awesome week.
All the best,
Wendi
Our attitude towards criticism is also crucial to how we receive it. Someone may give their criticism in a straight forward way and it be taken negatively while the only intent was to help. Prejudging the individual's motive can lead us to reject something that can really build us up.
So true. Criticism is a necessary thing. It should always be meant to help, though. You can definitely be straightforward and kind at the same time. At least, that is my philosophy. There is never an excuse for rudeness. On either side of the fence that we find ourselves.
All the best,
Wendi
Far too often people come across as attacking rather than helping. I try to approach criticism in such a way as to say "Hey, I love x and y. Z is pretty good but have you considered blah" vs "Dude, Z is terrible, WTH".
The whole point, as repeatedly referred to in the training, is to help others. Followers and $ follow once we've established ourselves as an authority and trusted figure.
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Hey Wendi,
I agree, we should be building people up when we suggested ways to improve their websites or even comment on their blogs!!
Tried and True
Elaine
I totally agree. My great grandmother always said, if you don't have something nice to say, just don't say anything at all. I always treasured her advice. She was a remarkable lady.
All the best,
Wendi