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Criticism must be constructive... or must it? Sep 20, 09:34

and

I remember when I first put this layout up, I rushed to update my screenshot on the then still novel Yoursite.nu. After updating I received a review, I wish I knew from who, that although simple helped put me on whatever screwed up path I’ve embarked on.

I like that it’s simple. Or something like that, I’m not sure of the exact wording and I’m fairly certain there were at least two paragraphs, but those five simple words set me atingle with delight because up until then the only comments I had received were “…I like the colours!” and the thought that someone liked something other than the colours was an exciting thought. Immediately I went back into Photoshop and started drafting a few more crappy “simple” layouts, that was the day I turned my back on celebrity layouts forever and focused on making my site simple. Of course back then I didn’t know accessibility from a hole in the ground and the idea of using anything other than Wordpress was a heinous thought, but it started me on the right path. Why if not for that one person I might never have stopped making Smallville and BtVS layouts, can you imagine? I’d be affiliates with Erin and my font would be 7.5pt * shudders *.

That review was hardly constructive, there was nothing helpful in those words. Yet I managed to find something useful in it and I pounced on it like Rosie on a baked ham. There’s something to be said for unconstructive compliments just as there is something to be said for unconstructive criticism. Somewhere down the line someone idly mentioned that my layouts were looking a wee bit Weborexic, of course that term didn’t exist then but whatever, even though it was probably harsher than I would have liked (God help me I can’t remember the exact wording, but I was quite butthurt over it) I still learned something from it: namely not to make skinny layouts, simplistic or no.

I don’t suppose you could have called that comment constructive, but really what is constructive anything anyway? Last time I checked it was anything that was in the least bit helpful. Right, so if I were to waltz over to a random website and email the owner to tell them their text is too small I’d be accused of being rude. Actually that accusation would be founded, it would be rude (fortunately I’m not PC nor am I overly concerned with being polite), but it would probably be labeled unconstructive, and why? Because I didn’t include a minimum of three links to various websites explaining how to properly size your text? Once a problem is addressed, irregardless of whether or not it is explained in detail, then it becomes constructive criticism. Just as a compliment can make you do something you wouldn’t normally do unconstructive criticism can be the boot in the butt you need to move forward.

Your font size is too small. Is still constructive criticism, it is making you aware of a flaw that is easily fixable. Once you know that such a flaw exists you can then set about correcting it. Your font size is too small you mindless retard.” Is, again, constructive criticism, albeit rude constructive criticism. There’s still something to be learned from it, but only if you bypass the mindless retard remark.

To those who dislike negativity in every way shape and form: If you were able to extinguish every bit of negativity in the world and become “friends” with everyone else, what do you think that would be like? Probably boring, mindless and hopelessly repetative. Fortunately for you wussies you have people like me, people who make fun of other people in a senseless and immature manner. We make you appreciate the fact that there are nice things in this world, and perhaps we scare you off from uttering Whateva, it’s my site click the X, whateva I do what I waunt. Stamp your feet in righteous indignation all you want, we’re good for you and in some small insignificant way you’re probably good for us. Largely useless, of course, but in some way useful. I have yet to find out in which way, by the way.

rant

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