Once upon a time there was a painter who had just completed his course. He took 3 days and painted beautiful scenery. He wanted people's opinion about his caliber and painting skills.
He put his creation at a busy street-crossing. And just down below aboard which read -"I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. Please put a cross wherever you see a mistake."
While he came back in the evening to collect his painting he was completely shattered to see that whole canvass was filled with Xs(crosses) and some people had even written their comments on the painting.
Disheartened and broken completely he ran to his master's place and burst into tears.
This young artist was breathing heavily and master heard him saying "I'm useless and if this is what I have learnt to paint I'm not worth becoming a painter. People have rejected me completely. I feel like dying"
Master smiled and suggested "My Son, I will prove that you are a great artist and have learnt a flawless painting. Do as I say without questioning it. It WILL work."
Young artist reluctantly agreed and two days later early morning he presented a replica of his earlier painting to his master. Master took that gracefully and smiled.
"Come with me. " master said.
They reached the same street-square early morning and displayed the same painting exactly at the same place. Now master took out another board which read -"Gentlemen, I have painted this piece. Since I'm new to this profession I might have committed some mistakes in my strokes etc. I have put a box with colors and brushes just below. Please do a favor. If you see a mistake, kindly pick up the brush and correct it."
Master and disciple walked back home.
They both visited the place same evening. Young painter was surprised to see that actually there was not a single correction done so far. Next day again they visited and found painting remained untouched. They say the painting was kept there for a month for no correction came in!
Moral of the story:
It is easier to criticize, but DIFFICULT TO IMPROVE!
So don't get carried away or judge yourself by someone else's criticism and feel depressed...
JUDGE YOURSELF! UR R YOUR BEST JUDGE!!!
knightsPosted Feb 17, 2011, 11:55 AM
Criticism for the sake of criticism never brings a positive change.Criticism for the sake of improvment should always be welcomed provided where at, the correction is mentioned and for what improvments are suggested. There always exsists critics in every profession and field and they help by pointing out the key areas and provides criticism for the sake of improvment.So criticism can be good if provided in a positive manner with improvments.
Ibrahim ErsoyPosted Feb 17, 2011, 10:33 AM
Agree with you Mahesh.I said it for mockers :)
Suthish NairPosted Feb 17, 2011, 10:11 AM
we need Time with Date also in blogs, forums etc.. It will be good to know the time also...
Mahesh ChandPosted Feb 17, 2011, 9:46 AM
Also, my theory. My work is like my home. If you as a visitor come to my home, I welcome you. But if you say something bad about how things are managed in my home, my first reaction would be "Get the f*** out of here". But if you are nice about suggesting me some changes, I might think about that. So it's your home. It's your space. And you do what you like to do! No body is paying you! It will be a different story if you are asking people to pay to come visit your home. In that case, they will expect something and you will make sure to provide them. Cheers!
Mahesh ChandPosted Feb 17, 2011, 9:43 AM
I think we need to put HTML editor back. We can't format comments anymore.
Mahesh ChandPosted Feb 17, 2011, 9:42 AM
There are people who will always criticize you no matter what. That's all they do. As this story says, they will never do anything themselves but they will always come criticize you. BUT you're not doing this to impress somebody. You're doing because you like to do it! I believe in Bhagavad Gita (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhagavad_Gita) that says - "do your duties(karma) and do not expect anything in return". That said, critics can actually be good. If all you get is good and sweet feedback, you will never improve. Improvement comes from the critics and learn what other people think and expect. Obviously, you will IGNORE foolish critics. I totally understand, there are emotions attached with your writing but again, emotions are a state of mind and it can easily be controlled :). Cheers!
Ibrahim ErsoyPosted Feb 17, 2011, 7:52 AM
Did someone say something bad to you? :) If yes,never care about what others say,think or act.You should go on your path.Because of you're successful,people are criticising about you.Dont make them happy by feeling sad,unhappy.That was a lesson for me learnt in a hard way :)