If you don't really want criticism, or if you only want a certain select kind of criticism, don't ask people to give you their honest opinion.
I would take this a step further, even, and say that if you don't really want criticism you shouldn't be posting. There's not a thing wrong with writing for self-amusement, but the minute you post something in a public forum, it's time to pull on that armadillo armor O'Shea mentioned because the feedback is now out of your control. If I see an A/N saying that constructive criticism isn't welcome, I don't bother reading - not because I'm necessarily determined to offer constructive criticism, but because it tells me the writer isn't at all serious about writing. They're just in it for the squees, and the story probably reflects that.
Sure criticism can be ouch-y sometimes, but I'm usually flattered that the person thought enough of my story to bother. I don't bother with detailed reviews unless I think a story is worthwhile overall, and I assume that most people feel the same way.
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If you don't really want criticism, or if you only want a certain select kind of criticism, don't ask people to give you their honest opinion.
I would take this a step further, even, and say that if you don't really want criticism you shouldn't be posting. There's not a thing wrong with writing for self-amusement, but the minute you post something in a public forum, it's time to pull on that armadillo armor O'Shea mentioned because the feedback is now out of your control. If I see an A/N saying that constructive criticism isn't welcome, I don't bother reading - not because I'm necessarily determined to offer constructive criticism, but because it tells me the writer isn't at all serious about writing. They're just in it for the squees, and the story probably reflects that.
Sure criticism can be ouch-y sometimes, but I'm usually flattered that the person thought enough of my story to bother. I don't bother with detailed reviews unless I think a story is worthwhile overall, and I assume that most people feel the same way.
Thanks again for the link!