Critiquing Your Work Does Not Make Someone a Troll

Before it starts to seem like I'm galloping around on my high horse, I'd like to say that this article is more of a reminder to myself than anyone else. I have made the mistake of dismissing someone as a troll just because they disagree with me. In many cases, It's much easier to simply dismiss someone as a troll if they criticize your work instead of taking it on the chin. This could be due to a number of reasons but when we do, we are breaking one of the cardinal rules.

As a YouTuber, I enjoy making videos about the nerdier, technical stuff around photography and this subject does tend to bring out some very colorful comments. This is especially true for my videos about medium format and how they compare to full frame. Although for the most part I do try and remain objective and attempt to steer the conversation towards discussing the evidence, there are occasions where I may lose my composure and act in a manner which is regretful and requires an apology. For instance, the discussion below. 

The key thing to take away from that discussion is the fact that the commenter only discussed the points that were outlined in the video and made no points against me personally. This is a very important distinction that needs to made and the fact that the work we do is not who we are individually. We may, of course, identify with our work and it may come from a very personal place, however, the work itself is still a separate entity. 

Ideas (including but not limited to all forms of art) are free terrain to be discussed, critiqued, ridiculed, dismissed, and do not inherently deserve any form of respect. The individual, however, must be respected and this is the difference. Ideas do not hold any special place or position and are inherently worthless. The only value they assume is that which is given to it by the individual in question. 

There are a number of very common arguments against critics. 

1. I Didn’t Ask for Any Criticism

On the surface this seems like a fair point, you did not ask for any criticisms so you shouldn’t receive any. There are a few things wrong with this attitude. 

First, just because you didn’t expect or want something to happen doesn’t mean that it won’t. We don’t live in an ideal world and not everyone is going to share your perspective. Also, this attitude is bordering on censorship, and freedom of speech is far more important than a few emotional bruises. 

If you didn’t ask for criticism but are happily accepting and encouraging positive comments about your work, does that mean you’re only asking for positive comments? Living in a positive echo chamber isn’t as great as it may seem and can prevent artistic growth. 

Lastly, you may not have asked for any criticisms but in the same way, there’s a very good chance that no one asked you to put up your content. When I put a post up on my Facebook it affects other individuals' feeds and they do have a right to comment on that regardless of whether it’s positive or not. If however, they did ask you for that content then I would say, that gives them even more right to comment on your post. 

2. If You Don’t Like My Content Then Don’t Watch

This particular attitude annoys me a little because not only is it condescending, but, it’s also a little odd. The whole point of you posting your content is so that it gets viewed or recognized. Saying that to your viewers (yes they are your viewers) is illogical and disrespectful. 

Also If you don’t like the comments on the Internet then don’t post your content. It works both ways. 

3. He’s Just a Troll

This is by far the worst because it’s disrespectful, dismissive, and breaks the cardinal rule. In this moment you have become personal against the individual and commented about them personally instead of discussing the work or art. Defending your work is one thing but to insult someone is unacceptable. Calling someone a troll can also dehumanize the individual because at that point they are no longer a person with a countering idea or opinion but they are someone to be ignored and someone who is less than. Calling someone a troll because they didn’t like your work or commented on it in a way that you didn’t enjoy does not make them a troll. Treating them as such or calling them a troll makes you the problem on the Internet. The differentiating factor between a critic and a troll is that a troll will immediately be personal against you and have no intentions of discussions the content. 

Remember we are all critics to some extent and if you don’t believe me, think back to any moment where you complained about something.

Final Thoughts

The Internet isn’t supposed to be what you and I individually envision it to be, it’s far too big for that. Your perspective of ideal is probably very different from many others. One of the major points of art is that it is to be discussed and discussions include criticisms. Just because you like something doesn’t mean someone else will. People do have the right to comment and critique your work because your content directly impacts them. 

There is, however, a flip side to this discussion: if you’re constantly critiquing others it could make you a less than desirable person. Just because you have the right to do something doesn’t mean that you should, your words could impact someone negatively. Also, ask yourself if your comments are coming from a negative place, are you jealous or frustrated? Is your point backed up by any evidence or are you simply venting? Actions have consequences and freedom does come with responsibility. 

I’d of course love to know your thoughts on this subject, I think it’s a complex one and I look forward to the ensuing discussions this may bring, positive or otherwise.