How would you react when someone says your story or writing is trash?

[0becomingX]

These memes sum up my reaction to that LOL

[sushiroll_woofwoof]

well, some of my reader said i need to improve my grammar and it helped me a lot so i often do a improvise to my chapter.
right now im working on a Light Novel and i enjoy it so much.
critiques is needed even sometime deep in your heart is hur.t

[doomerC]

If they can't muster to tell why exactly they think my story is trash, i would roll on the floor laughing. Too many people these days think they're entitled to an opinion while forgetting what it takes to form one.

If they break down why my story is trash, i'd feel a bit sad.

[Bishmuth]

Tbh, I know my writing is trash. That's why I'm making an experimental comic and posting it on line for free. I'm just learning. If I was great at writing and art, I'd probably try and sell it or something.

So, I'd probably just say 'Thanks for pointing out the obvious! What do you think about my art though?'

If someone said my art or character designs were trash, that's what would upset me more. I know I've got a looonnggg way to go in my artistic journey, but drawing really is my passion, so I'd be upset that they couldn't actually say something constructive, or see any value in my art at all.

[vfinnigan]

I'd thank them. I'd make an effort to not sound too sarcastic, though I might throw in a, "Well, bless your heart."

I might ask for suggestions on how I should write, and ask them to cite a specific area that needs improvement. If they can't do that, reframing their trash review as a constructive critique, I just shrug it off. Maybe I'd silently stew for a bit about useless criticism.

[MoonlitHues]

First, I ask them to elaborate.
Communication, communication, communication...

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If they can put their experience into words in a more constructive way, I thank them for that.
Not everyone knows how to give a good critique, and even good critique can hurt. But it's helpful to know what people think.

But we also have to keep in mind that not everyone is going to like what we do, regardless of how well they may or may not be expressing themselves. Tastes differ.

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If they just keep going in the same way, being hateful etc, I'll tell them that I hope things take a turn for the better for them soon. Which I genuinely mean. It's not a snide remark from my side. I believe that people who seek attention this way, or feel the need to use the comment section as an outlet for negativity, are struggling with something - one way or another.

I'm not saying this justifies their behaviour, or serves as an excuse.

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At the end of the day, you should never feel like you have to deal with this behaviour if you can't / don't want to. Check in with yourself, and put your own mental health first. <3

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The only approach I don't feel leads anywhere, is answering negativity with negativity.
Then it is better to block/ignore and move on.

[AWFrasier]

I have had people tell me that. It stings for a while and then I move on. I can't change their minds and they're obviously not part of my target demography then.

I've also come to learn if they can't elaborate on why they think it's trash and how to make the novel not trash, then I don't really care about what they have to say. They're obviously not offering an actual critique, but are most likely just bored or something. So meh.

[sonten]

There will be always people like that. Trolling and hurting people for their own amusement.

And then sometimes it can even come in the form of friendly advice.
Years ago someone from my close family came to me while I was drawing. She looked at my art, watched as I drew, and then said: "You know sweetie, no matter how hard you try, how much you practice, you will never be a good artist."
Feels like a kick to the stomach even after all this time.

What you can do is ignore these remarks, and keep on going. The more you practice, the better you are.

[nostalgicroxas]

"I know, but at least I didn't write a fanfic BDSM story that took advantage of an existing fanbase and turned it into my own sickening play of how badly defined consent is during the act of sex and then write three books of this fanfic, and sell it to the masses, and let them eat that up."

[ArthurAleksei]

Spot on; I couldn't have said this better myself.
Criticism that points out a specific issue should always be considered--even if it's vague (Your story is boring)--otherwise forget about it.

[ArthurAleksei]

That's a very good approach (the Bible says it's like pouring hot coals on their head ). If you react in a negative way you devalue your reputation and make yourself seem a lot less professional.

[ArthurAleksei]

Wow, that's a harsh thing to hear I bet. In my opinion anyone can be a good artist if they put the time and effort into it (even if some people have more raw natural talent).

[sc101]

Once this writer I met on discord wanted some help or something so I offered. And halfway through the conversation she was like I don't think you are a good writer. I was like okkkay, awkwarddd

[thirdly]

You just take it and break it. Keep working harder until your writing is good enough to publish. As humans, we tend to take harsh criticism to heart and despite the 100 people enjoying it, the 1 person that does not is the one comment we remember. So, it's good to tune most of that out unless it's good tips (like how to better incorporate conflict in your stories). But, if the person likely said just "this is trash" with no explanation as to why, then that's as useless a comment as it gets. A better one would be "your writing is at a good start, but here are some links on how to polish it up and get more traction."

[bulletcrucifixion]

I'd ignore I think. While not perfect I love what I do and it makes me proud to be able to finish stories not matter the quality. I know there is room for improvement, I don't need someone to tell me and especially not in such rude way.

[Wocalich]

The ideal choice would be to ignore them, but it's not what I would do.

I would ask them what was so bad about it and try to get constructive criticism out of them. If it doesn't work and I feel like they're just trolling, then I would ignore them.

[Aleksei]

It depends from who the criticism comes from.
But mostly, I just try to follow this advice: 'don't take criticism from someone who you wouldn't take advice either'.

[AwesomeSoFar]

I think I'd reply and politely ask them to elaborate. sure, it doesn't seem like they're here to give any constructive criticism, but who knows? maybe I can squeeze some outta them anyway.

[FafasMcMelt]

wouldn't react actually, that shits pretty light

[GumshoeComix]

eh, its happened before
ask them how i can improve and If they dont have anything constructive to say then move on.
I'm always working to make my writing better, since im not the most confident in my writing i want it to be equal with my art.