I've always hesitated writing something like this but I think it really needs to be said regarding critiques and criticism.
Bear with me, a little information first.
I used to do a little acting a long time ago and I also did reviewing both of theatre, dance and books. I'm one of those folks who, if I don't like anything about it I simply don't review it. On the other hand, although theatrically I don't care much for Stephen Sondheim, I can review his play productions by concentrating on performances of actors/singers, costumes, lighting and over all effect. I can do this because I've never seen a new play of his and if what I'm watching has already by critiqued up the whatever, why go there. So I concentrate on what's in front of me. I usually say: if you like him you'll like this production. It's fairly easy to separate the content of the play from the production of it.
In theatre, and elsewhere you have people who are called "criticasters" a term that goes back to the 1600's which basically means a petty critic. Taking that a step further it quite often means a critic who believes the word "critic" means you have to criticize and impose your wants and sensibilities on what you're viewing and you can't separate the two. Which is why I give the Sondheim reference above. I've had plenty of friends in Sondheim musicals get the latest review by me (a long time ago) and are floored when I give the production a thumbs up.
So... what does that have to do with you and your writing or art?
Everything.
When someone gives you a scathing review or comments, make sure you look for a second opinion. ALWAYS seek a second opinion and maybe even a third. Do not let a terrible review get to you. You may be dealing with a criticaster.
I got a very nice comment on my "Dead Souls Doing the Samba" today. They said it was a satisfying read. That's a golden comment as far as I'm concerned. A "satisfied" reader. What more could you possibly ask for?
The first editor who read the novel (and it is the exact same piece) said I should lose the first 15 pages and get rid of the cat.
????
I took it to a colleague who runs an on-line paper and who has published a few things of mine. He also does audio drama and he will tell me flat out "no" sometimes. So he's not my favorite uncle who loves everything.
His reply whey I asked him about losing the 15 pages and getting rid of the cat: The editor wishes she wrote what you wrote.
Two months later the thing got optioned for a screenplay (which doesn't mean it will make it to the screen but is is damned nice validation.)
I bring all of this up to you because, the beauty of Tapas and other sites like this is that you can get those second opinions and sometimes more. Not everyone likes the same thing. And that goes for editors, too.
Remember though, if everyone is saying the same thing, no matter how much you like your piece step back and look at it again. Still doesn't mean everyone is right, doesn't mean they're all wrong.
But, the absolute best thing to do, at least I think it is, is to find that one person (or a couple) who will be honest and maybe even a little hard on you. My favorite beta reader will simply hand something back to me and say "you're better than this, send it to me when you rework it." He doesn't even tell me what's wrong. He just gives me that backhanded compliment... "you're better than this." It's pure gold.
Write hard, write true.