Criticism Begins With A “C.” For Conversation.

There has been a lot of criticism aimed at the SFWA Bulletin in recent weeks that has now resulted in a task force. Laura Anne Gilman summarizes the issue on her blog and Jim C. Hines has a link list of the commentary.

My take on this entire situation is very simple: criticism provides an opportunity to have a conversation. There is a reason why those conversations haven’t happened regularly or as noticeably in the past. Obviously, the internet has changed how we give feedback both as ourselves and in a group. Now we talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly for all to see.

Regardless of what you think about these criticisms, whether you feel they’re necessary or not, I believe there is a gift to be found here: the opportunity to learn, empathize, and listen the what the audience is saying.

The end of that discussion and what decisions originate out of that conversation is, of course, different for different people and businesses. However, I feel that the worst possible scenario is to stop listening altogether.

Mood: Sniffly

Caffeinated Beverages Consumed: Oh, I had a few.

Work-Out Minutes Logged Yesterday: Not enough, sadly.

In My Ears: Car engine.

Game Last Played: Last Night On Earth

Book Last Read: The Shadowmarch Series by Tad Williams (Re-Read)

Movie Last Viewed: The Last Stand

Latest Artistic Project: *Still* *still* *still* need to take pictures…

Latest Release: “The Button” We Are Dust anthology and for gaming, a fun Scion: Extras (Supplemental Yet Can Be Somewhat Useful On Occasion Scions)

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