Must we agree to whatever we read?

No matter what our truth is, are we expected to go along with everything a writer says?

We all have our truth. It's okay, it's beautiful! But is it okay if we disagree with what someone writes? I have a tough time with that. My philosophy is writing for learning, but how can we do that when there is no one to show me where am going wrong?

The way I see it, there are two views with the advent of the internet. We are now able to share our thoughts with friends, family, acquaintances, total strangers, people who have similar interests or perspectives, all without leaving our house. And most importantly, we are being seen with these views. Most of us don't want to offend anyone nor do we want to be offended by someone else's views. And if you are on social media for any length of time, your person is out there in cyberspace for others to peruse. And they will.

The writer's "point of view"?

What is the writing from?

Is it factual, just, and true, based on real-life experience?

When you create a character, is it real? Are there "real people" in the image too?

Is it not okay for me to draw my conclusions?

I believe it's okay for me to tell everyone what I think, based on my own experience and understanding of the subject discussed. When I choose to read an article, is my decision to do so based on my interpretation of what the writer wrote? Or is my interpretation colored by personal bias?

I have noticed that we seem to always agree on a writer's point of view just about anything they posted. I have taken some time to think about this, why will a writer feel offended when someone gives a contrary view against what was written?

I feel as if we are held to a kind belief that we must agree with whatever we read to be acceptable by others. And this made us all look like a kind of a jerk in a circle.

The only difference I see is that I can never be upset with someone for not agreeing with me.

Why can't I be upset with someone who criticizes me? Am I a mind reader?

Is that what it is?

I don't think that anyone is truly above criticism.

I dislike reading negative comments on an article. It cheapens the author and anyone else who might have taken time to read it. It's like shoving a stinky piece of garbage in someone's face and having them put up with it. On the other hand, I have read some good constructive criticism, which can be very helpful.

I enjoy giving my two cents. It's a way to encourage. It's also a way for people to give quality feedback that can be of help to the author on that particular subject. I find that people get very defensive when I have to critique them.

Many times I find the same reason that so many authors have for doing the same thing. It's easier to just say, "it's okay", "I know", "you're right" and so on and so on.

Why not just give honest criticism?

I don't think any person who has anything to say is looking for a thank you or a pat on the back. I do hope that people who take the time to read this blog will realize that all criticism is not negative. It's helpful.

So while I'm not looking for agreement or disagreement, I would like for you to take to heart what I write. Whenever you post anything on social media, you're making a choice. You're choosing to produce content. Whether it's to sell something, to entertain, or to educate, the act of producing content is to express your opinion (even if it's just about food). And that's perfectly fine. Your opinion is valid as far as you are concerned, but to someone else, it may not. And I believe anyone has the right to say whatever he or she doesn't agree with on any piece of writing.

Yes, constructive criticism.

Without it, we may not ever have any books. A real honest critique that says you didn't give the right or correct information is okay.

There is no penalty for being wrong. But, there is a penalty for being uninformed or misinformed.

Unless we all read and pay attention to others, we may never know if we are doing right or wrong with our writing?

Do we owe each other an apology for constructive criticism? I wonder if all people who know anything about writing, have to read everyone's thoughts on how it's done?

Does anyone have to have the right to tell another what they are doing wrong?

Some people hate to be criticized. Most can't help themselves when they are being criticized for the information they shared. I guess we can only know who we are by putting ourselves out there.

We can only know for sure what kind of person we are if we dare to come out of our "insulation", to allow ourselves to be criticized and also be bold enough to give the same when necessary. I am not telling anyone to start finding faults in others' writing, but to be an eye for correction when so needed. I guess it boils down to being able to stand on your own two feet and knowing how to stand on someone else's.

A compromise is a red line for some.

Some are very hard to compromise with. Some people will never compromise. I know because I was one of them. I remember in my early days as a writer here, how often I have to deal with criticism, they were right, but I always feel hurt at the time. I later realize that these people were only helping me to be a better writer. I remember several times @wakeupkitty thrown some jabs on my writing, and also @Telesfor asking me to write about what I know best because what I was sharing was either half information or no information. Those criticism help me to learn the rope in the writing business. I would rather agree to disagree than to disagree to be mean.

There is a line to walk when you are in a creative field. Being in the creative field, you are, I believe, destined to receive criticism.

Yes, it comes with the territory.

You may become successful but to be truly successful you have to know how to deal with the constant criticism. You have to know how to adjust. You have to know how to take constructive criticism and how to give it. I guess it comes down to knowing who you are, what you want to write about, and what you are willing to compromise.

Don't take it personally because if you do you won't be able to survive. The problem comes when you allow the criticism to get to you and you start to think you are a lousy writer.

You aren't.

The person who wrote the criticism is only trying to help. They are just telling you the truth. If you can't see that, the feeling of being inadequate will keep you from writing.

You know how someone will tell you the moon is made of cheese, so are the stars, and it still won't stop them from believing it. I know we like to make fun with our writing, but there are subjects we can't do that with because people who read might want to verify the truth about what was written.

I think it will be right to leave room for criticism and be prepared to accept correction when necessary. That's the only way I think we can learn better.