Caveat scriptor - not all criticism is bad for you

The very word ‘criticism’ carries only negative connotations these days. At one time you had to pair it with the word ‘adverse’ to convey it might criticise in a negative light, but not now of course. In these sensitive times, all criticism is automatically assumed to be negative, hostile and damaging, however well-intentioned. It’s common to hear variations of I don’t want to sound like I’m judging or I hate to be judgy as caveats before expressing an opinion. Many people are so scared of the J-word they don’t express a critical opinion at all.

As writers and creatives we know that smart, timely and well-weighted criticism can be a good thing, in the right hands, if exercised with care, compassion and intelligence. Criticism saves us from a terrible novel we don’t need to waste our money and time buying or even reading. It might even save us from spending years writing it. Criticism makes that presentation you’re about to give to your most important client sharper, more purposeful and therefore useful to them. A bit of judgement can save anyone – or indeed a whole company or organisation - from wrong turns or disastrous investment decisions. It’s an opportunity to pause, check and reflect. It doesn’t stop you doing what you really want to do or know is right. It just helps you think about it first.

And yes that can be annoying, like your Mum asking you for the fifth time that morning whether you’ve put your trainers in with your gym kit before you left for school. But far less annoying than doing the vault in your bare feet.