It seems we have lost the knowledge, understanding and tolerance for Artistic Critique.

I’ve been a poet, publisher, editor, an artist photographer, a commercial photographer, a brewer of beer, and maker of things; and never have I thought nothing more than, “Oooo, that’s nice,” as a valid and informative critique.
Yet it seems these days, with the internet and its forums, etc. that anything more than, “Oooo, thats nice,” is now, becoming more and more, construed as troll-like behaviour.

Let’s get this straight, a Troll attacks the individual, is insensitive to the feelings and inconsiderate of the thoughts of the person they are attacking, often using a “naive” request for critique, as a pretext to attack.

Artistic Critique, providing criticism as a feedback mechanism involves addressing specific issues related directly to the artwork offered up for critique. It is carefully worded, and purposefully directed, to things that could be done differently, improved, or otherwise considered in the creation of the work under consideration.

This distinction is what lies at the heart of artistic critique and is the polar opposite of what is troll-like behaviour. However, when given in response to a request, it still requires the asker to grow, at least, a little bit of skin, rather than expect people to get down on their knees to lick and stroke the asker’s ego.

For today, that’s what’s in my
Line of Sight.