Haters Gonna Hate, Creators Gonna Create
Whether you’re blogging, filming videos, sketching artwork, or podcasting, you’re putting yourself out there. Along with this vulnerability, there is also the potential for connection and positive vibes. On the other hand, so is the risk of encountering negativity.
As wonderful as the internet is for sharing and building communities, it also gives a voice to critics, trolls, and those who enjoy tearing others down. For creators, especially those just getting started, this can be a real headache. I vividly remember this exact scenario when I was referred to by someone as a fucking r-word on a blog post I wrote early in my career. It’s a stark reminder of how negative things can be online.
But here’s the thing. While painful, those experiences taught me valuable lessons. If you want to make it as a content creator, you must develop a thick skin and understand how to handle criticism. It’s not about becoming cold or insensitive, but about keeping your creative spirit intact and not letting the naysayers derail your motivation. Now, I shake off comments like that instead of letting them get under my skin. It’s a long process, but it’s worth it.
In this post, I want to talk about not letting the naysayers get to you and, most importantly, how to remember why you started creating in the first place.
Why You’ll Always Find Critics (and Why It’s Not a Total Disaster)
Let’s be real. Your content may be awesome, insightful, or entertaining, but not everyone will like it. That’s just the way it is. After all, tastes are different, perspectives clash, and some people are just wired to be negative. Having said that, it isn’t meant to be a judgment on the quality of your work or your value as a creator; it is just a fact of life.
But, let’s think about this from a different perspective. There may not be enough people viewing your work if no one has an opinion about it.
In other words, criticism, in a weird way, can be a sign that you’re making waves. A strong reaction, whether good or bad, shows your content is striking a chord, sparking ideas, and stirring emotions. And that’s exactly what you want your content to do.
Sorting Through the Noise: Knowing What to Ditch
It is important to understand that not all feedback is created equal. You can benefit greatly from constructive criticism, provided to help you progress. By highlighting blind spots and suggesting fresh ideas, it will make you a better creator.
But there’s a huge difference between constructive criticism and straight-up negativity. An insightful critique might say, “Your video’s pacing is a little slow; perhaps you could add jump cuts.” This type of feedback gives specific suggestions for improvement. On the flip side, a comment like, “This is trash, you suck,” serves no purpose other than to drag you down.
To protect your mental space, you need to learn how to distinguish between these types of feedback. Do not waste your valuable energy on comments that are bias-filled, spiteful, or just designed to cause pain. Focus on the feedback that will actually help you grow, and filter out the junk.
The Myth of Pleasing Everyone (and Why You Shouldn’t Even Try)
Although it is totally normal to want to be liked, you must resist the urge to please everyone as a content creator. This, however, is a road that leads nowhere. If you try to accommodate every opinion, your work will become watered down and less authentic.
You should always remember that your content isn’t intended for everyone; it’s aimed at for the people who resonate with your message, appreciate your style, and gain something from what you have to offer. Rather than chasing the approval of people who will never be satisfied, focus on creating content they will connect with.
Decoding the Detractors: It’s Usually Not About You
Negativity often reveals more about the person dishing it out than the one receiving it. Online critics often project insecurities, frustrations, or general unhappiness on others. It is common for trolls to try and get your attention.
When you understand this, you can detach from the negativity and avoid taking it personally. It is often their words that are a reflection of their own inner turmoil, not a judgment on your value or work.
The Power of Your Tribe: Focus on the Real Fans
Despite being loud and annoying, negative comments only represent a small percentage of the audience. For every hater, you probably have far more silent supporters who dig your content. They are the ones who matter most. While they might not always be the loudest, they share your content, leave comments, and find inspiration in what you write.
Focus on connecting with these fans, establishing relationships, and creating a supportive community.
Building Up Your Confidence: Your Best Defense
When you’re confident in your content, negativity will have less power over you. Don’t doubt your voice, your vision, or your ability to create something worthwhile.
As a creator, you need to believe in your self-worth and know that no comment, no matter how harsh, can define you. It’s all about trusting your gut, following your artistic vision, and knowing that you can make a difference.
Growth Through Doing: Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
In the face of criticism, creators can freeze in their tracks, refusing to share their work. There are some who believe that only flawless content is worth seeing, and they chase an impossible “perfection.” The reality is that perfection is just a myth. It is only by doing, putting your work out there, embracing the inevitable errors, and learning from the feedback that you grow.
Ultimately, don’t let your fear of negativity stop you from creating. In order to improve, you have to keep creating, sharing, and growing.
The Algorithm’s Weird Embrace: Even the Grumps Can Help
Even negative engagement can sometimes be a plus in the strange world of online algorithms. Positive or negative engagement is prioritized by platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. If a hater comments on your video, it could actually boost its visibility, exposing it to a wider audience that might appreciate it.
Obviously, it is not a good idea to seek negativity out. You should know, however, that even negative interactions can benefit you.
Learning from the Pros: They’ve Been There, Trust Me
Look at any successful content creator, and you’ll see a mix of praise and criticism in their comments. The bigger your platform, the more opinions you’ll attract, both good and bad. Even the most admired creators face negativity.
“I still remember in The Village Voice somebody did a long, debunking piece about my writing. There was a caricature of me eating money that was flowing from my typewriter,” one of my favorite authors Stephen King told The New York Times Magazine. “I thought, Oh, it’s so dispiriting when you work as hard as you can and you see something like that. [But] I kept my mouth shut. I kept my head down and kept doing the best stuff that I could.”
Look, if they can handle it, so can you. You should keep in mind that success and criticism often go hand in hand. It’s all part of the process.
Practical Tips for Dealing with Naysayers: Taking Control of Your Experience
It is one thing to understand how to handle critics; it is another to put it into practice. For navigating negativity, here are some tips:
- Don’t feed the trolls. Some people are just looking for a reaction. In many cases, the best move is to do nothing. After all, if you give them what they want, they will just keep coming back for more.
- Use the block and mute buttons. Consider these tools as your allies. If someone is consistently abusive or toxic, don’t hesitate to block them or mute them. It is far more important to take care of your mental health.
- Focus on your peeps. Don’t waste your energy on people who don’t like your work. Rather, connect with people who appreciate your work, build a community, and nurture positive energy.
- Learn from real criticism. If you receive feedback in a respectful manner and with a genuine desire to assist, take it into consideration. Past experiences have taught me that this can be annoying at times. However, this can give you valuable insights and help you grow.
- Remember your “why.” In the end, you create content because you love it. So, keep your passion alive, and don’t let negativity steal your joy.
The Final Word: Shine on You Crazy Diamond
As a content creator, you have to be prepared to accept negativity. Do not let the naysayers dim your shine or shut you down. Remember to stay true to yourself, pay attention to your supporters, and acknowledge criticism, while sometimes painful, as a sign that your efforts are paying off.
The most important thing is to keep creating and growing.