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Never Criticize Other People’s Work

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Manage episode 188672746 series 1508176
Content provided by Ugo Cei. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ugo Cei or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

I was recently on an Internet forum where people usually post their own photos. There, somebody had commented on a photo that somebody else had shared and the entirety of their comment was “Truly horrible.” That’s what they wrote, literally.

Reading such comments never fails to upset me and, whenever you tell those people that their comments are out of place, they invariably retort that they have a right to their opinions and that if somebody publishes a photo, they willingly expose themselves to critique and even to harsh criticism even if such criticism is not constructive in any way.

It’s not the first time I’ve been discussing this topic online, but now I want to share my own thoughts on my podcast.

I resolved some time ago to never criticize other people’s work. I never even critique them, unless I’ve been explicitly asked to give a critique, like “What do you think of the composition or the colors here?”. Then I might give some advice, but I don’t think of that as a critique. I would never criticize anyone, if not solicited.

This episode reminded me of a quote I once read in Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, a great book, so I’m just going to put that quote here, because I think it is very much relevant to what I am discussing.

“If you find yourself criticizing other people, you’re probably doing it out of Resistance. When we see others beginning to live their authentic selves, it drives us crazy if we have not lived out our own. Individuals who are realized in their own lives almost never criticize others. If they speak at all, it is to offer encouragement. Watch yourself. Of all the manifestations of Resistance, most only harm ourselves. Criticism and cruelty harm others as well.”

– Steven Pressfield, “The War of Art”

I would also like to present another quote, with which I agree wholeheartedly. This one is by Rick Sammon.

“When I hear someone needlessly criticizing the work of others, I think about what my mother used to tell me: If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything.”

– Rick Sammon

This is why I have resolved, as I wrote above, never to criticize anyone’s work. If you catch me doing that, please slap me on my wrist, because it’s just wrong. I think that criticizing somebody else’s work only reflects badly on the person extending the criticism.

I know this can be a contentious subject and that many think that, with their critique or criticism, they are helping others grow. I personally don’t believe that’s really possible, unless it’s done in a very specific and controlled setting, like a portfolio review by a master. Then I would accept it, but it’s been requested.

Were you ever criticized, when posting photos online, in a way that made you feel uncomfortable? Share your experience in the comments below.

If you want to receive new episodes of the podcast directly on your device, subscribe on iTunes here.

The post Never Criticize Other People’s Work appeared first on Ugo Cei Photography.

  continue reading

6 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 

Archived series ("HTTP Redirect" status)

Replaced by: Closing The_Gap

When? This feed was archived on March 24, 2018 08:29 (6+ y ago). Last successful fetch was on March 20, 2018 03:51 (6+ y ago)

Why? HTTP Redirect status. The feed permanently redirected to another series.

What now? If you were subscribed to this series when it was replaced, you will now be subscribed to the replacement series. This series will no longer be checked for updates. If you believe this to be in error, please check if the publisher's feed link below is valid and contact support to request the feed be restored or if you have any other concerns about this.

Manage episode 188672746 series 1508176
Content provided by Ugo Cei. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ugo Cei or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

I was recently on an Internet forum where people usually post their own photos. There, somebody had commented on a photo that somebody else had shared and the entirety of their comment was “Truly horrible.” That’s what they wrote, literally.

Reading such comments never fails to upset me and, whenever you tell those people that their comments are out of place, they invariably retort that they have a right to their opinions and that if somebody publishes a photo, they willingly expose themselves to critique and even to harsh criticism even if such criticism is not constructive in any way.

It’s not the first time I’ve been discussing this topic online, but now I want to share my own thoughts on my podcast.

I resolved some time ago to never criticize other people’s work. I never even critique them, unless I’ve been explicitly asked to give a critique, like “What do you think of the composition or the colors here?”. Then I might give some advice, but I don’t think of that as a critique. I would never criticize anyone, if not solicited.

This episode reminded me of a quote I once read in Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, a great book, so I’m just going to put that quote here, because I think it is very much relevant to what I am discussing.

“If you find yourself criticizing other people, you’re probably doing it out of Resistance. When we see others beginning to live their authentic selves, it drives us crazy if we have not lived out our own. Individuals who are realized in their own lives almost never criticize others. If they speak at all, it is to offer encouragement. Watch yourself. Of all the manifestations of Resistance, most only harm ourselves. Criticism and cruelty harm others as well.”

– Steven Pressfield, “The War of Art”

I would also like to present another quote, with which I agree wholeheartedly. This one is by Rick Sammon.

“When I hear someone needlessly criticizing the work of others, I think about what my mother used to tell me: If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything.”

– Rick Sammon

This is why I have resolved, as I wrote above, never to criticize anyone’s work. If you catch me doing that, please slap me on my wrist, because it’s just wrong. I think that criticizing somebody else’s work only reflects badly on the person extending the criticism.

I know this can be a contentious subject and that many think that, with their critique or criticism, they are helping others grow. I personally don’t believe that’s really possible, unless it’s done in a very specific and controlled setting, like a portfolio review by a master. Then I would accept it, but it’s been requested.

Were you ever criticized, when posting photos online, in a way that made you feel uncomfortable? Share your experience in the comments below.

If you want to receive new episodes of the podcast directly on your device, subscribe on iTunes here.

The post Never Criticize Other People’s Work appeared first on Ugo Cei Photography.

  continue reading

6 episodes

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