User blog comment:Justindavid23/How harsh criticism can help/hurt the writer./@comment-25052433-20140806074936

It really is a double edged sword. A well worded critique can be the game changer for a new writer. Of course, some idiotic keyboard commando hurling insults can also turn a new writer off from even posting.

I ensure that I point out the good in someone's work first. Even if I have to stretch, I make sure that I start off with something positive. Then I tell them what I would have improved my reading experience.

If we are speaking from a basis of quantify and qualify, the major question become, what are we gaining from being overly harsh? In what way does that help the writer.

If I offer solid, tactful and direct thoughts, and that writer blows me off, then guess what, I won't bother offering them anymore advice. However, tearing them down with petty insults and sardonic comments does nothing at all to assist that writer. Seriously, it does nothing.

There are a millions ways to tell someone there work is subpar, without using insulting terms. It's easy to do, because I do it all the time. I am capable of giving negative feedback on a story, and still receiving a thank you from the writer. It's not a difficult task.