Written on July 16th, 2009 at 12:07 am by Darren Rowse
How to Improve Your Blog – Learn to Take Criticism Well
This comment from Jannie Funster caught my attention earlier in the week on my ‘best and worst’ post:
There are many attributes that go into becoming a successful blogger but this one is key – taking criticism well.
There’s nothing more disheartening than getting a comment telling you that you’ve done something badly – but it’s also an opportunity to improve your blog and make an impression upon your readers. Nice work Jannie!
Struggling to deal with criticism? Here’s a few posts in my archives to dig into:
- Responding to Blogging Criticism
- What To Do When Your Blog is Attacked
- How to Deal with Negative Comments on Your Blog
How do you deal with criticism?
82 Responses to “How to Improve Your Blog – Learn to Take Criticism Well” - Add Yours
Salman
July 16th, 2009 12:47 am
Awesome post.How nice ideas do you get.Wonderful!!
Regards
Salman
http://www.tips4blogging.co.cc
Rahul Jadhav
July 16th, 2009 12:49 am
It does happen sometimes when some people criticize your blog. I feel that instead of arguing with that person, we should thank him for telling about your shortcomings. Try to correct that mistake and again ask the same person whether he is satisfied or not. This helps in the long run.
Jose
July 16th, 2009 12:52 am
Every time a reader posts a “negative” comment I improve something, so I like them to tell me what am I doing wrong.
(Sorry for my bad English)
Tony Teegarden
July 16th, 2009 1:02 am
Boy does this one resonate with me. My first blogs first 6 months were beyond atrocious. My first ever report I put out was littered with misspellings and terrible grammar. I had several people that out of “love and concern” that pulled me to the side (Virtually speaking of course) and said you gotta improve this.
They knew the content was good and would have a great impact on the readers but it was over shadowed by the misspellings, grammar and writing. I was able to suck it up and get better in order to get my message across better.
People say that failure isn’t an option but it better be because it’s the only way we learn. Falling down getting back up and improving. Thank god I took criticism. Matter of fact I ended up in one of Joe Vitale’s books Expect Miracles because of not only taking criticism but publicly addressing it on my blog. I not only won over a lot of people but like this post above I was able to use it to empower and educate others which won me over a lot of subscribers and attention from Joe’s book!
Definitely take criticism and use it to your advantage.
Guillermo
July 16th, 2009 1:07 am
“How do you deal with criticism?”? Bad. Terribly bad.
Nicole/MadlabPost
July 16th, 2009 1:16 am
Criticism is dealt with in different ways on my blog depending on the type of comment. If it is not exactly relevant to the post and is downright an attack against my blog, post or content, I just decide not to publish the comment at all. If the criticism sheds light on something that I may benefit the post and conversation in comments, I thank the reader for commenting and either explain the purpose of the post, perspective or content that they are criticizing or I reassure them that I have taken their account into consideration.
I make an effort to try not and publish any criticism that contains profanity and capitalized text throughout the entire comment. These two usually go hand in hand, do not have any substance and serve no purpose to my blog or its readers.
Matt Harris
July 16th, 2009 1:22 am
I take a different approach to criticism. First I cover my ears and yell “I CAN”T HEAR YOU”. If the criticism does not go away I then try “LA LA LA LA LA LA”. Most of the time this does the trick, but in some cases I will respond to the commenter with “I know you are but what am I”, delete the comment, or troll his website posting “your mom” in various places.
Is this what you had in mind by taking critcism well?
Tattoo
July 16th, 2009 1:23 am
One should always take note of criticism and use it to improve their blog. Some people criticize for no reason, while others really have a problem. But taking this into make some changes where necessary to improve your site. You may see your return visitors grow!
HowNotToDo
July 16th, 2009 1:24 am
I agree that you should take criticism well…but only when it’s done in a constructive and respectful way.
Jon
July 16th, 2009 1:29 am
You need to listen, almost completely disregarding the tone of the feedback. Everybody knows people get a big head when they’re not talking to someone face to face. When you get a negative comment, picture getting it in person, almost automatically taking the level of rudeness in the comment down. I think it’s a lot easier to take in the message of the negativity when you downplay the way it’s said.
And there’s almost always a useful message in the negative feedback, even if it doesn’t appear so at first glance. As bloggers, we hope and pray we’re doing things correctly at all times…frankly most of us aren’t, none are doing every minor thing perfectly. So take the message, turn it into something positive, make more money for yourself!
Money Savin' Momma
July 16th, 2009 1:32 am
Criticism is part of blogging, and part of life, period. Use the criticisms to improve your blog and your writing. We encourage readers to contact us letting us know how to improve our site, and we ask them to let us know about hot money saving deals they have found as well. Our readers make our site better, and by sharing bargains and deals with each other, we all save money in the end!
Zemalf
July 16th, 2009 1:41 am
What a great story and well done Jannie on handling it so well. Taking criticism and do what you did shows that, unlike the anonymous said, you’re well ahead.
Wakas Mir
July 16th, 2009 1:50 am
I am very open to criticism… mostly constructive one :D
Adrian
July 16th, 2009 2:31 am
Oh yeah.. it is tough to take criticism… and it’s true it can help a lot. Because if you are not talked about in any way, than you don’t exist..
Robert Owen
July 16th, 2009 2:34 am
Criticism is a great thing as long as it is constructive. I think I would have a hard time approving one that was stated that way. As it is very “spammy” in nature. But, I think I would definitely take another look at the post.
Thanks for the story!
Phyllis Zimbler Miller
July 16th, 2009 2:35 am
Someone left a critical comment on an Examiner.com article of mine about Twitter asking how I could write about Twitter when I wasn’t on Twitter. (Why he made this assumption I have no idea, although it is very hard to find someone on Twitter if you don’t know the exact name combination to look for.)
I managed to write a civil response how I had been on Twitter for over a year.
And then I made one change: Every time I write an Examiner.com article about Twitter, I include my Twitter username somewhere in the article. I decided going on the offensive rather than being on the defensive is a better policy.
Phyllis
http://twitter.com/ZimblerMiller
Examiner articles are at http://www.InternetBizBlogger.com
saurabh
July 16th, 2009 2:43 am
Criticism always help.
May be in any field, if you want to succeed, you have to take up criticism in your stride, and move on.
Joshua Elliot
July 16th, 2009 2:45 am
well there is bound to have bad comment to us, but we should focus on the positive.
We all need encouragement.
Brittany
July 16th, 2009 2:49 am
That’s an excellent tip. I haven’t received any criticisms yet, though my blog is fairly new and I’ve been on a hiatus. However, I do get many critiques from myself. I always feel I could polish up my posts a little better and shoot for posting for frequently. Criticisms are usually a blessing in disguise!
Peter Shine
July 16th, 2009 2:55 am
I’ve just started my own blog: http://www.fxceed.com Excited about how will I be “examined”
Being a speaker of English as a second language, often I wonder if I use English correctly. Whenever anyone points out my wrong spellings or usage, I feel so thankful. Unless it’s about attacking my profile which is nothing to do with my work competency, I always try to deal positively with the critique. Further, I would rather take this as an opportunity to make a friend who can give constructive criticism even to a stranger, whom I consider to have potential to be a good person with respectful characteristics.
Rahul
July 16th, 2009 3:06 am
Well, there are always good comments and bad comments as well, not just in our blog, but everywhere. And we get a lot of spam comments too. Certainly the comments that points out our fault and our weaknesses should be and are always preferred which helps us to further strengthen our blog.
Northern Camping
July 16th, 2009 3:17 am
I know, I know!
I have never been the best at accepting criticism wether it be for my homework as a child, or for someone offering “advice” about one of my websites!
I’m getting better at accepting the criticism and I hope that as time goes on I will be able to improve my sites!
Mike
July 16th, 2009 3:57 am
Taking constructive criticism and learning from it is great, but what Jannie Funster did was commendable. She took a mean comment, one that wasn’t constructive at all, and made improvements. In my opinion, comments like “”your writing is atrocious” should be ignored because it’s just basic name calling. It would have been more helpful for Anonymous to say what he/she finds atrocious. Is it sentence structure, spelling, bad narrative – what’s so atrocious?
Jannie Funster
July 16th, 2009 4:07 am
Well, this is a big surprise to be linked by ProBlogger, whee-hoo! Thank you, Darren.
Yes, now that I’m becoming so Highly Enlightened And Stuff from reading so many inspirational blogs, (my favorite is Liara Covert’s “Dream Builders Australia” http://blog.dreambuilders.com.au/journal/ ) I realize teachers are everywhere.
Mikes Sumondong
July 16th, 2009 4:18 am
Sturggling? kinda. In fact when i submitted in a forum and solicited for feedback: i was so suprised that most are negative. *sigh* but really open rebuke is better than hidden love.
hmm Darren, I’m amazed you really find time reading comments! You Rock!
TheManRevolution
July 16th, 2009 4:20 am
People in general aren’t very receptive to criticism. If they were, a lot of bad things would be great now.
Jennine
July 16th, 2009 4:27 am
when i first started my blog, someone said it was great, but it needed better photography. i rolled my eyes and said my photography was good enough. now i wish i had paid more attention and integrated original professional level photography much sooner.
Sudeep
July 16th, 2009 4:34 am
I started blogging and soon joined problogger group .In just few days of my start I had an honorable blogger just on the forum letting me and others know how bad my blog was , my grammar mistakes and how it sucks .
It was weird because I would have thought such comments would be more appreciated by me if in private rather than open forum .
But telling you all I think so if i look back , if it was not for that forum comment … I slowly made changes and edited and re edited my post to be upar all the time
So the moral .. Take positive criticism all the time ..
Katherine
July 16th, 2009 4:52 am
I make it a rule to wait at least 12 hours before responding to a negative comment so I don’t bark back like a cornered dog. I give myself time for logic to take back over. Also — it’s actually welcome for people to criticize something I post. It keeps me on my toes and also sparks discussion. As long as it’s not inflammatory and you have a “subscribe to comments” feature, you should welcome controversial or negative comments. If it’s something too personal and doesn’t add to the discussion, take the comment “off the air” by removing it from the blog — but if it’s someone who has contributed interesting comments in the past, take time out to email them personally with a response (and make it sincere).
Child Health
July 16th, 2009 5:45 am
Yes, true… criticism is like an acid test which makes the blogger honest to his work. Everyone should be ready for both the aspects of the picture. Appreciation and criticism are the two faces of the coin, which leads the blogger to be more involved…and…
… Darren… you are one of the best example of the blogging world.
The Casual Observer
July 16th, 2009 5:50 am
Yikes. Criticism is OK, but how about being constructive and pointing out something specific.
A friend of mine has offered a lot of lot of criticism. Some has been implemented, some doesn’t really fit with how blogs work, and some wasn’t implemented due to personal preference.
Todd Wallace
July 16th, 2009 6:00 am
Just curious…when you’re cross-posting in your own blog, are you using your search box to find the articles, or do you go through your posts manually on the back end? I can only imagine how many posts you would have to dig through.
Jessie James
July 16th, 2009 6:41 am
Wat to go Jannie. Like the saying goes “success is not measured by how high you climb up, but how many times you get up when you fall.” or something like that…
steadymom
July 16th, 2009 6:44 am
I find it easier to take criticism in the virtual world of blogging when compared to a real “in your face” person.
I had a slightly unkind comment yesterday, and I was surprised that it just didn’t bother me as much as it would have six months ago!
Jamie
Jared O'Toole
July 16th, 2009 6:48 am
Criticism is key to growth. But everyone needs to understand that if they are putting themselves on the internet in anyway they are open to criticism and probably will get some. But thats good!
If your not getting criticism your not putting yourself out there enough. Trying something different.
Just take things with a grain of salt and dont lose sleep because some random person said something dumb about your work.
Ching Ya
July 16th, 2009 7:31 am
If the criticism meant well, then I’ll humbly accept it with gratitude, while thinking how shall I improve according to suggestions or advice (if given). However, if the attack just plain vicious and no reasons given, probably I would still feel a bit bad, and will try to recall what I did to create such negative feedback; but most probably I’ll try to forget and move on. I agree with Jared, it’s part of our growth as bloggers. It’s not the first, and certainly won’t be the last time, so learn to deal with it positively. =)
@wchingya
Social/Blogging Tracker
Paramendra Bhagat
July 16th, 2009 8:31 am
I like it how you chose to highlight a comment. I think you should highlight more Z-listers and give them some traffic.
Joe Gilder
July 16th, 2009 8:31 am
On one of the first YouTube videos I did, somebody commented, “You’re ugly.”
OUCH.
Dale
July 16th, 2009 9:19 am
This post sucked.
You’re welcome. :)
Go Blogger (dot) net
July 16th, 2009 10:10 am
Critics and negative comments are common thing in blogosphere. They usually comes to some types of post that can invite pros and contras fast. For example: MLM stuff. Some people hate it and some other like it. If you write about it, expect to get negative and even flaming comments. That’s normal
Christina Crowe
July 16th, 2009 10:35 am
Great post! It can be hard to take criticism well. I’m still fearing the day I’ll receive my first. Hopefully it never comes, though I’m sure it will.
So far, my health blog Salad Sticks is about to turn 1 month old. I already have a decent number of readers and can’t thank this blog enough! I’m a heavy reader of Problogger and have found that I wouldn’t have gotten so far without the help of your devotion to packing this blog with valuable content.
Thank you!
Zombie_Plan
July 16th, 2009 10:50 am
I’ll take it into account and look at whether it’ll make my writting better. I’ve always liked my writing even if it can be pretty bad though, so sometimes I take it but don’t use it.
Lance
July 16th, 2009 11:39 am
Hey, it’s Jannie!! Woohoo!!
See, I knew you were famous Jannie!
You’re so good at this, at dealing with people. That’s a skill, and one you excel at.
Good work turning a bad into a good! (hey, I think you know only good….)
needmoney.com
July 16th, 2009 12:08 pm
I’ve had to deal recently with some criticism tirades full of ad hominem attacks and personal insults. Instead of responding to those remarks, I isolated the actual legitimate grievances and responded only to them. That response defused the critic and improved my worklife and habits. Life’s too short, right?
Slice
July 16th, 2009 12:41 pm
I had the same thing happen to me. Someone commented on my blog in the same manner. At first I was offended but when I tried some of the suggestions it was actually a great improvement.
Kayla
July 16th, 2009 3:43 pm
I’ve had to deal with my share of criticism, but wow–that comment from Anonymous was just downright mean. People should at least learn to be respectful when commenting. I got a comment last week sometime where the person just swore up a storm. I took the advice, but it I sure don’t respect the one who left the comment. I may have actually deleted it because of the profanity if I recall correctly…
I agree with taking criticism, but also knowing that some people just like to leave nasty comments to feel better than everyone else. For the example above, I believe Jannie handled it perfectly — improved the post, but didn’t shut own her blog of course!
Flat Baby
July 16th, 2009 4:19 pm
i never take bad comments seriously :)
Alison Moore Smith
July 16th, 2009 5:45 pm
Darren, this was the lamest post ever. Using a comment for 90% of your post? Get real. I come here for real input and expertise.
Just testing you. :)
Kristov Blue
July 16th, 2009 7:45 pm
Hi! I think it’s a matter of just how we perceive criticisms also. By acknowledging that we did something wrong we also acknowledge that we are willing to change and to be better for the greater good, in this case… our blogs. Nice post and Greetings from http://www.kristovblue.info I hope you also criticize my blog. It’s newly set-up so… thanks in advance!
Dean Saliba
July 16th, 2009 8:22 pm
I can take criticism if it is handed to me in the right way.
Posting a comment with lots of swear words and insulting me will just annoy me.
Anna
July 16th, 2009 9:05 pm
There is more than one way of saying something “negative.”
There is pointing out an outness so it can be corrected, or pointing out something which can be improved. Then there is invalidative criticism.
I got one today, on Twitter though, about my blog. The person was obviously speaking about a subject he knew nothing about at all. I could tell by the comment. Yet he was critical of it. And the worst of it was he really thought he sounded smart, when he factually sounded like a total moron.
Unnecessary nastiness is not the same as pointing out something to correct. And the worst of it is nastiness about nothing, from someone who thinks they know all about something when they really don’t know a bungee cord from a mousetail. These people I ignore, unfollow, block. They are a useless drain … and they try ones sanity at times if they are really nutty.
Joey
July 16th, 2009 9:12 pm
If one person criticises you it is their opinion, if you don’t agree carry on as you were, if many criticise you then it is time to take heed of what is being said and may be make some changes.
If improvements can be made through it, then bring on criticism.
BLOGERCISE
July 16th, 2009 9:43 pm
A lesson to learn early on is that you can’t please all the people all the time!
Michael
July 16th, 2009 10:31 pm
If someone criticizes your blog it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is bad.
A lot of times people are just mean because they don’t like what you are saying. Especially if you talk about things like politics and religion (like I do), a lot of people are going to come after you with both barrels blazing.
Just grow a thick skin and deal with it.
Joe
July 16th, 2009 11:04 pm
New to blogging and don’t like the criticism or confrontation. If your posts have good content, and the other things you want to do…
Why do I open up for comments when I know it’s not if but when I’ll get lambasted.?
Does a blog have to have all these posts back and forth to be effective.?
Dr. it hurts when I do that,– then don’t do it…
currency
July 16th, 2009 11:07 pm
Time for a teeth cleaning with the dentist. Let’s see how great my teeth are now. :)
ITrush
July 16th, 2009 11:24 pm
Pleasing everybody is so hard nowadays, for me if it’s constructive criticism then it’ll help me improve but if it’s attacking comment then I might delete it right away.
swag lamps
July 17th, 2009 12:02 am
once accept a comment, one and the only one…it’s a great comment for me…got a such comment for my unusefull posts…great think to be consider to get better n better…
Carole
July 17th, 2009 12:48 am
I am more than happy to receive constructive criticism; I have not received that much over the time I have been blogging, but I have taken on board everything that people have said to me.
It has helped me to write with more confidence and develop a better style.
David Stillwagon
July 17th, 2009 2:03 am
another great thing about criticism is that someone is taking the time to give you their opinion about your blog
Alisa Bowman
July 17th, 2009 3:00 am
FYI: Your second link “what to do when your blog is attacked” takes us to the wrong page (about developing your voice).
Steve
July 17th, 2009 4:00 am
Different strokes for different folks. Not everyone is going to like your writing style or the topics you write about. Keep doing what you do – the blog is an expression of yourself, so if someone doesn’t like your blog, so what? Keep at it and you will find others who will like it.
Jogalrungkung
July 17th, 2009 6:00 am
Learn to take criticism well?
Yes, i like this one.
Ben Moreno
July 17th, 2009 9:20 am
What ever happened to the good old days when, you just simply told someone to f**k off.
Well, maybe it wasn’t like that but, one thing to note Jannie and Darren is that the person left the comment anonymously.
That tells you right there that the person is afraid of criticism their self. I am sorry but if you are going to criticize someone, have the courage to put your real name or blog address so that the person has an opportunity to discuss why you left the criticism.
Jannie, you should have just moderated that stupid comment out. People are usually stupid and are followers. If they see a comment like that on your blog it will probably turn them off to your stuff because most people don’t have the mind and courage to think for themselves.
Sorry for the negative rant but I just wanted to get that off my chest :)
Vivian Love
July 17th, 2009 10:21 am
May be some criticism not for construction but for destruction. May be it’s from another niche competitor or someone who really don’t like you , not things that you write per se. I got negative criticism all the time, from school, work, blogs, forums, college essays, making coffees, etc. You get used to it. If you think it’s reasonable, improve. If not, ignore them. You are not a doormat, you can’t please everyone. Have anyone watched the “Yes Man” movie with Jim Carrey yet? Hilarious, isn’t it?
mike
July 17th, 2009 1:43 pm
It is important to listen to others in forums that give advice about your blog.
Kat Eden
July 17th, 2009 2:31 pm
My first instinct, unfortunately, is still to go on the defensive. But I’m learning. And in the case of my most recent critical comments I’ve (almost!) seen it as truly welcome feedback. What I keep telling myself is that every critical comment helps me better understand and engage with my readers. Plus – it’s a huge ego-boost to know my writing is stirring enough to evoke an impassioned response from someone!
Game Site Builder
July 17th, 2009 3:34 pm
As long as they are commenting, its a step in the right direction :).
fas
July 17th, 2009 10:42 pm
Usually such anonymous comments are from none other than, your competitor :S
Jacob Stoops
July 17th, 2009 11:13 pm
Criticism is definitely a tough pill to swallow sometimes, especially if you’re putting a lot of time and effort into your blog. I think one of the most important things to remember is, never say anything you wouldn’t want repeated when responding to critiques. Many people have gotten into hot water by lashing out at people…
Royal Blogger
July 18th, 2009 1:04 am
Hi Darren,
Yesterday I received a very bad comment from an unknown person because I have made a spelling mistake in my article. I have written Advantage in place of advance. It’s hurts but after correcting the error, I replied him as “Thanks for the error notification, I have corrected the spelling;- but litter politeness is at least deserved…”
“I believe in a saying that say : Those trees that gives more fruits also have to take more stones. If you are doing something better, then there will be 50 % of people who will like you and will appreciate your work and 50 % will be those you will hate you and always will be ready to knock you down. This is what call the natures balancing. “
BloggerDaily
July 18th, 2009 1:47 am
I treat my readers and commenters as friends and I accept all the critics from them. Believe me, you’ll improve your writing after that!
Charles - Big Idea Blogger
July 18th, 2009 3:24 am
I think taking criticism from everyone is not wise at all.
I do take criticism, but I’m very selective on who I listen to. If he or she is my mentor or a friend I trust, then I’ll listen, because I know they genuinely care.
But if it’s an anonymous, I’m more careful, especially if the tone is that of a personal attack. It’s like what happened to Yaro Starak some months back, but to a much smaller degree.
We should learn to judge when to accept criticism and when to ignore it.
Blogger Make Money
July 18th, 2009 2:02 pm
Criticism is dealt with in altered means on my blog depending on the blazon of comment. If it is not absolutely accordant to the column and is absolute an advance adjoin my blog, column or content, I just adjudge not to broadcast the animadversion at all. If the criticism sheds ablaze on something that I may annual the column and chat in comments, I acknowledge the clairvoyant for commenting and either explain the purpose of the post, angle or agreeable that they are criticizing or I assure them that I accept taken their annual into consideration.
I accomplish an accomplishment to try not and broadcast any criticism that contains profanity and capitalized argument throughout the absolute comment. These two usually go duke in hand, do not accept any actuality and serve no purpose to my blog or its readers.
hard drive recovery
July 18th, 2009 5:51 pm
yes this is true that it is not compulary that all readers like your post . Anyone can give negative comment if he/she doesn’t find that blog is not fulfills his/her requirements. At that time Blogger also take these kind of comments very positively. To take criticism is also an art.
Nicholas Z. Cardot
July 18th, 2009 9:33 pm
How true. We get some great feedback in the form of criticism. We always want to know why we can’t keep readers and then when one of them finally tells us we get upset about it. We should accept it, learn from it and drive on.
SURVEYS FOR MONEY
July 19th, 2009 4:42 pm
I’d rather take a negative comment over no comment because it offers the opportunity to improve my blog.
Louis
July 19th, 2009 6:14 pm
Negative feedback is good for improvement.
The worst is no feedback at all.
Jason Su
July 20th, 2009 7:19 am
Thanks Darren:
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ps3 for free
July 21st, 2009 11:29 pm
If you can’t take criticism you shouldn’t even be blogging. We all get criticize at some point, best thing you can do is take it like a man, learn from it and move on.
Joe
July 22nd, 2009 10:14 pm
See how quick it becomes personal, also it’s criticized not criticize in your post. Hope that helps you write better.
It’s about blogs not your manhood.
dvd rohlinge
September 26th, 2009 8:34 pm
Great article. I always make sure to process criticisms I receive with close friends who know me well. This helps me separate the wheat from the chaff and know what criticisms to embrace and which one’s I can shelve. You cannot really know yourself well if you don’t know how to hear and receive constructive criticism.
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