Home » Poems » Lin Lane » Criticism of Others

Criticism of Others

Earlier this morning I was enlightened by a poet's post and felt the need to express my thoughts in the following lines ~ It's far better we write to please ourselves and ignore the negative criticism of others than to write in order to please the public and forfeit our integrity and self-respect

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Brian Sambourne

Date: 12/20/2021 7:20:00 PM

So well written! True words that touch me thoroughly. Too often contest NA's dry my poet's pen. I really appreciate your posting. It's a gem. Brian

Lin Lane
Date: 12/21/2021 4:51:00 AM

Don't let the lack of positive judgement on anything you write prevent you from having your pen ready, Brian. It's only one person's opinion against yours, and to my comprehension, the poem's author is the one that counts.

Kai Michael Neumann

Date: 1/10/2020 5:37:00 AM

True story. Who is the public anyway. Kind wishes, Kai

Lin Lane
Date: 12/21/2021 4:49:00 AM

The public is anyone who reads our poetry. Thanks, Kai.

Gary Radice

Date: 1/8/2020 4:54:00 AM

This speaks to me Lin. 'Life's Rich Tapestry'. Just recently I received what could be perceived as a negative comment about one of my poems. However, the main criticism was that the poem made the person have to guess. I love the idea of that :) Sometimes reading people's comments about poems tells you more about the person commenting than the poem itself.

Lin Lane
Date: 1/8/2020 5:02:00 AM

ahh, Gary. First, I'll thank you for reading me. A tapestry is woven with threads of different colors (people). My point is: never allow negative criticism to undermine the worth of your poetry. If we wrote so that one with a closed mind could decipher every line, would we be untrue to ourselves? I love the way metaphors challenge the mind and go below the surface for clarity. Yes, we can see quite clearly, the mark of a man/woman by their comments. Sharp or obtuse. I'm sure you get my point.

Jan Allison

Date: 12/29/2019 7:18:00 PM

Wise words indeed Lin:-) hugs jan xx

Lin Lane
Date: 1/5/2020 5:48:00 AM

Thanks a bunch, Jan.

Peter W Iversen

Date: 12/23/2019 7:27:00 PM

Remember... nasty, unintelligible, reviews often come from verbose fools. Well put poem Lin.

Lin Lane
Date: 1/5/2020 5:47:00 AM

I like your thoughts. Thank you, Peter.

M. L. Kiser

Date: 12/20/2019 11:36:00 AM

Yes, absolutely; you pen the truth.

Lin Lane
Date: 12/20/2019 11:48:00 AM

Thanks for supporting the thought behind this one.

Tania Kitchin

Date: 12/19/2019 6:10:00 PM

Lin, very wise words! I agree and that is how I write my poems, not for approval from others. I know my poems will appeal to some but not to all!

Lin Lane
Date: 12/20/2019 3:12:00 AM

As long as we're content with what we write, nothing else matters. Those readers who comprehend our lines will leave a sincere comment. That's gratifying and is encouraging. Thanks for leaving your remarks. They're appreciated, Tania.

Quoth Theraven

Date: 12/18/2019 11:43:00 PM

Lin, I like this genuine write. With much respect for you and all you do. Always temper words that may wound a heart., and remember the golden rule. -Richard

Lin Lane
Date: 12/19/2019 4:48:00 AM

How very kind are your words, Richard. Thank you. Your use of 'temper' is what people should do before they hurt someone's feelings, but it's the other definition that takes hold, and in the world today, most cannot control it. More's the pity. Good to see you this morning.

John Hamilton

Date: 12/18/2019 5:46:00 PM

So true Lin, funny how some have so much to say about others writing, but when you read theirs....it's another story. I'm glad I don't pay attention to negativity it can really bring you down( if you let it)

Lin Lane
Date: 12/18/2019 5:50:00 PM

I used to allow lots of things bother me, but now it all seems so trivial when there are more important things to consider. I know what you mean..."the pot calling the kettle black." Thanks so much for your many visits today, John.

Christopher Flaherty

Date: 12/18/2019 5:05:00 PM

Love this Lin Truly Inspiring for the Budding Self-Worth is not for other's to decide Rather it's what's inside So why choose to hide it

Lin Lane
Date: 12/18/2019 5:08:00 PM

If ya got sompin to say, say it! Thanks for the visit, Christopher. Good to see you here.

Kurt Ravidas

Date: 12/18/2019 4:05:00 PM

Truth, truth, truth. There is a simple rule: a reader can like a poem only if the author likes it by himself. It's great to see you enlightened, Lin)

Lin Lane
Date: 12/18/2019 5:26:00 PM

that would be a pin light, or is it a pin head? bald head? Ok ok, I quit.

Kurt Ravidas
Date: 12/18/2019 5:18:00 PM

I like words at all. As for shining, the light excites the light even if the light source is in a such hermetically impenetrable room as a someone else's head)

Lin Lane
Date: 12/18/2019 5:06:00 PM

Well, in this case I had to like it first. Otherwise, how would you have read it and witnessed it shining? You are the first person, other than me, that I've seen use, 'ergo.' I rather like the word.

Kurt Ravidas
Date: 12/18/2019 4:32:00 PM

I'm a reader, I like the way it shines, ergo, you liked it first)

Lin Lane
Date: 12/18/2019 4:23:00 PM

It seems some people like to break simple rules. Yep, can you see the light bulb hanging over my head? You're humor amuses me, Kurt. ;-)

Alexis Y.

Date: 12/18/2019 1:35:00 PM

Hi Lin, I totally agree with you. I don't have to add anything more. This is exceptional advise. Have a wonderful day:-)Alexis

Lin Lane
Date: 12/18/2019 2:00:00 PM

Hi, Alexis. By reading and leaving a comment you've added a lot. Thanks so much.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 12/18/2019 1:18:00 PM

Excellent advice Lin, well said. Tom.

Lin Lane
Date: 12/18/2019 1:59:00 PM

You are a champion of right versus wrong, Tom. Thank you for leaving your thoughts.