Every day for 3+ years, I receive a Google alert for my film Beer Wars. I just saw a blog post this morning where a blogger described my terrible narration: “which is spoken with no regard to human speech pattern or emotion”. Wow, that’s harsh. And despite wanting to be non-chalant about it, some days it’s hard to take. Especially when you are being criticized for something like your tone or irritating voice. Sorry, but there’s not much I could do about that.

Don’t get me wrong; I’m not looking for pity. Most of the reviews about the film are positive but you know what they say: you can’t please all of the people all of the time.

I do want to address the topic of criticism. The Internet has given everyone a voice through blogging and social media. When you put yourself out there with a film or a website (in my case) some people will always find the negatives first. Creators need feedback to improve their products, make better films, music etc. But the criticism (in an ideal, civil world) should be limited to constructive vs. the destructive and personal.

Interestingly, human nature is such that the most negative critics often have the loudest voice and the widest reach. Which may perhaps explain why they do what they do.

I’m not advocating censorship but rather self-restraint. Next time you choose to slam something or someone, ask yourself why. And be the bigger person.

photo credit: kxp130 via photo pin cc