User blog comment:Princess Callie/Why you shouldn't feel bad about criticism/@comment-25052433-20140726180927/@comment-4832646-20140727073558

The problem, criticism doesn't have to be kind and loving to be constructive. When I criticize, I usually criticize to help, but if they're in denial or think they're the next Slimebeast, then I criticize to destroy.

The thing is, being insulting in criticism is not necessarily helpful - if you're insulting the work, it has a tremendously enraging side effect which often induces thought. If you insult the reader, then there is a problem.

The issue lies in the fact that being harsh and being cruel are two different things. If you can be insulted by a completely neutral view, then you're pretty weak in the mind.

I should also point out that there are reasons to be harsh. This site has so many resources, yet no one who gets heavily criticized or harsh criticism has actually read them. At least, not until someone shoves them in their face.