>>30705

I see you don't quite understand what criticism is. Criticism isn't just speaking ill of a work or a way of doing things. "Criticism is the evaluative assessment of a thing, an action, or a person based on specific standards. The term derives from the ancient Greek word *krinein* (to distinguish, to judge). The goal is to gain insight, point out errors, or bring about improvements." You are trying to bring about an improvement that you believe could be helpful.

However, you have to understand that not every assessment is perceived as helpful. To offer an assessment or criticism, you need to know the motivation of the person you want to help—the goals of the author or artist.

And no one here is being oversensitive or acting like a baby. While it’s true that some artists or authors seem a bit thin-skinned, I call it empathy. This makes one more likely to perceive negative or critical voices as harsher than perhaps intended. But that same empathy brings with it the ability for an author to put themselves in the shoes of fictional characters—a skill that is crucial for portraying believable actions in a story.

Someone who is highly empathetic might misunderstand a comparison to Tribbles.

Our comments about the Tribbles were rather inappropriate given the topic under discussion here; they could be interpreted as an attack. In a different context, it would be funny.

I’ll leave the Tribbles out of it; my remark was just as odd as your comment about them. Besides, I don't like fur in my food.

In the *Star Trek* universe, Vulcans are actually my favorites—logical and analytical, rather than emotionally reactive. That’s something we humans often lack in various discussions—generally speaking. By the way, I admit I was wrong to say that quotes from the *Star Trek* universe would be inappropriate here on the forum. That world holds plenty of potential for exploring—in greater detail and through the lens of *guro*—the atrocities that are otherwise only hinted at; this is especially true when looking at *Star Trek*’s dark Mirror Universe.

Thanks, by the way, for the inspiration behind this image concept.

Before you reply, please give some thought to what I’ve written. There’s a certain note of frustration in those words you capitalized.

I do understand your goal and your idea. But sometimes, ideas simply aren't feasible. And the way you phrased things—unfortunate as it was—led many to perceive you as being overly negative. I find your statement that someone shouldn't publish work unless they can handle criticism to be odd; everyone has the right to either ignore criticism of their work or engage with it.

I find your account of your involvement in the scene interesting. That makes me all the more eager to hear further suggestions and ideas from you, even if the outcome regarding your specific idea here turned out quite differently than expected.

And one more thing: I have a thick skin and am very open to criticism.