I’ve had this debate before and was unable to come to a conclusion. It seems to me that any criticism, no matter how valid, could be characterized as harassment.
What do you guys think?
Is there a heuristic for determining which one a statement is?
Does everything just exist on a continuum between the two?
Is this harassment?
Idk…I don’t think it’s any criticism is harassment. I think there are constructive criticism, which I appreciate and non-constructive criticism, which is insulting.
For example if I ask someone to read something I wrote and get…“that sucks” that’s does nothing to help me regardless if is true or not. Constructively, one could say, “I didn’t get much out that, perhaps you could expand more on x and maybe y isn’t relevant to this piece and can be removed all together.”
The latter comment I would appreciate the former I would take as insulting.
I see, most statements could be refactored to be more or less insulting, so this would seem to imply everything is on a continuum of “insultingness” between harassment and criticism.
Honestly I think this is as close to a solution as were gonna get =]
As someone who enjoys writing but also knows I am very far from perfect, I expect criticism - as long as it is expanded enough to help me. Without constructive criticism, I can’t improve.
I’m wondering if I’m completely misunderstanding you…I promise I won’t feel insulted or harassed if you tell me, with explanation.
Yeah, exactly! As an engineer, all I do all day is dispense and receive criticism, and I like it!
But unfortunately it’s easy to offend people, even when its not your intention =/
It would be nice to have a heuristic, so when I get banned for harassment I can feel justified ^>^
But you like constructive criticism…right? Criticism without input is useless…is how I think anyhow.
Yup, not all criticism is equal.
however, a contestant judge might disqualify you without saying why, and doesn’t owe you an explanation. I wouldn’t say that’s useless criticism, but I wouldn’t say it’s harassment, despite the lack of explanation.
But, this would imply you willingly entered a contest and understand that the judges will judge. Yes I agree it isn’t harassment or criticism, it’s a game you volunteered to participate in.
I think I am thinking of my own expectations of criticism (perhaps self-centered?) and through this back and forth am realizing there are many different types of criticism that I have never thought of before now and I am not sure that I have the intelligence to opine too much. But…you did get me thinking…
Yeah, I agree.
Is saying something stupid on twitter a similar volunteering for criticism though?
Don’t get upset with me…I don’t use twitter (or fb, instagram etc) anymore…but…I think like here…if you’re posting something for the public to read, you should understand some people are going to find your opinions stupid. Should people say “I think you’re post is stupid”, I don’t think they should. Honestly, I think saying that is stupid…there are nicer ways to express one’s opinions…but back to my point: If you’re willing to post on a public forum, you should understand you may get negative feedback…even intentionally rude feedback. You have to move on.
BTW…a few comments back I think you mentioned something…do you write software? If so, can I ask you a question privately? I have no intentions of trying to get a job…It’s just that I am trying to self learn programming as a mentally challenging hobby (akin to one working on crosswords or something)…and have general questions…not reading my code or anything like that, more general learning advice. i can explain more if you’re open to it.