Chris Brogan’s Blog Topics Suck! You’re Welcome, Chris.

July 1, 2011 80 Comments

Few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of guesting on Kitchen Table Talks, hosted by Joe Sorge and Chris Brogan.

One of the questions raised by Joe was regarding the criticism I’ve received over Triberr. Chris also chimed in regarding the criticism he received for selling blog topics.

Chris mentioned that whenever he gets a bad review for his blog topics, his sign-ups spike up.

Turning Shit Into Gold

Since Dan and I started Triberr back in March, we’ve dealt with the fair amount of criticism and Joe wanted me to talk about how I really feel about it.

I said it then and I’ll say it again. I love criticism. Lot’s of really cool Triberr features have been developed as a direct response to criticism. So, bring on the criticism.

Beware of Pickpockets

Lot’s of things may seam counter-intuitive at first.

In London subway stations, police would routinely put up signs that say “Beware of Pickpockets”.

People seeing the sign would then unconsciously proceed to touch the pocket where they keep their wallet to ensure it’s where it’s supposed to be, inadvertently telegraphing the location of the wallet to the pickpockets observing at a distance.

So a post that was supposed to act as a deterrent (beware of pickpockets, Brogan sucks, Triberr is weird, etc.) ultimately has the opposite effect.

It is for this reason (and few others) that I embrace criticism.

How to deliver criticism

There are ways and then there are ways.

Many years ago, I’ve read something in an interview with one of my favorite boxers, George Foreman, that has stayed with me to this day. He said, and I paraphrase.

I refuse to work with people that tell me what I’ doing wrong. Instead, I only work with people who tell me HOW I can do something better.

That’s a whole different kind of ballgame, isn’t it? My grandpa always used to say:

I used to have opinions, but then I started doing shit.

Anyone can criticize. I know. I’ve done it. But it takes a deep kind of knowing to tell someone HOW to improve. It shows you understand what you’re criticizing, it shows that you’ve thought about the big picture, and perhaps most importantly, it shows that you care.

So next time you criticize, make sure you care.

Your turn

We’ve all been on both ends of criticism. What do you make of all this?

Mind Hacking

Chris Brogan, criticism, Joe Sorge, Kitchen Table Talks, triberr

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Anonymous

Dino

Rocking advice.

It’s very easy to criticize – absurdly easy – but it’s much harder to leave a criticism that helps the person being criticized improve.

As I wrote in my post last week I have the utmost admiration for the way you guys deal with criticism – and use it as fuel to make Triberr better.

I love the George Foreman quote too! That’s a piece of gold.

Paul
PS – I’ve had an idea of a cool Triberr feature ….I’ll email you separately about it.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

That George Foreman is highly underrated as one of the greatest contemporary philosophers

http://www.kimberlygauthier.com Kimberly

After I get past the “well, I never…” reaction – I look deeply to see if there’s something I can use from the criticism. If there isn’t anything I can use, then I just ignore it and move on. In my experience, the jerks who leave criticism stand out; but some people just suck at giving feedback, so if I can look past their awkward attempt to help, then I learn a lot.

By the way, I don’t really get Triberr. I’ve tried to connect on it, I’ve even had someone ask me to email them to get an invite, and nothing comes of it. It’s an interesting concept though

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Hi Kim,

I would love to understand what you “dont get” about Triberr. My skype handle is dino.dogan add me in, we can hash it out.

http://www.FirepoleMarketing.com Danny Iny

Hey Dino, I really liked the observation about the automatic behavioral response to the “beware of pickpockets” sign – it really underscores the importance of not just your message, but the automatic response that your audience is likely to have to your message (not at all the same thing!).

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

I love the oddities of human mind. The old “dont think about a black horse” and you immediately picture a black horse. We just cant control our mind, but man, is it fun to observe it.

Mine does weird shit all the time

http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

I tell the people I work with don’t come whining to me about a problem; come to me with a solution and we can discuss it. We’re all smart here, use your brain and come to me with a solution; bitching and moaning not allowed.

Your point of ‘how’ the criticism is delivered sets the tone and the willingness to address.

I’ll try not to have any more ‘opportunities’ for you on Triberr……………….have a good 4th.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Hi Bill,

So, Im traveling cross country for my 4th of July weekend. What are you up to?

http://billdorman.wordpress.com Bill Dorman

Be safe; staying at home for the 4th and then headed down to the Keys later in the month for lobster season.

It’s a ‘guys’ trip so always a fun time……..:)

Kenny Rose GRIT08

Why am I not surprised by the spike in traffic. People love to criticize what they don’t understand for the most part. No entrepreneur ever achieved anything of value by listening to it. Feedback is important but you have to know when to draw the line under it and just do your thing. Then they can say I told you so. I knew it would work

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Its funny. “Caring” is not enough. I know my mom cares about me a great deal, but her business advice is terrible. On the other hand, when criticism is delivered by someone who lacks care, it comes off too harsh to be followed.

It’s a fine balance, and some people rant for attention, some because they are pissed off at something entirely different, and about a million of other reasons.

From what I can tell thus far, deep knowing and care is whats needed to be able to criticize effectively. And thats all still on the giving-end. On the receiving end is a whole different story.

http://Social-Tango.com Billy Delaney

Excellent point of view, and one that I wholeheartedly follow myself.
Roll on and keep Triberr coming, there is value all over it… Billy

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

thnx Billy…will do

http://stopdoingnothing.com Patrick Allmond

Over the years I’ve told people that worked for me to not come to me with problems unless you have a solution for it. Complaining is easy. The real genius comes in solving the issue.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Amen

Erica Allison

I think this may be one of my favorite posts of yours Dino! Truly. I love criticism, but as you quantify it, when it’s delivered with a how to improve angle or by someone who cares. Either way, the person doling out the criticism has some understanding or knowledge of my situation and how what they’re saying could impact me or help me to get better.

I continue to be amazed by the level of professionalism that you and Dan handle criticism. And then, to turn those critiques (present company included) into an even better system or service just elevates you and Triberr to an entirely different level.

Thanks for being you, Dino!

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Thank you Erica. And thank you for the lovely card, that was an amazing gesture

Anonymous

Hahahaha, your grandpa was hardcore. He was so right. So right.

As for criticism: ‘If you’re not pissing people off, you’re doing something wrong.’
Criticism – of the constructive variety – is always welcome, I say.

Game-changers always come under fire for whatever reason. In the end, that’s pretty normal. Can’t please Greeks and Trojans alike.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Speaking of Greeks, here is an amusing factoid I’ve learned about them recently.

Spartans did NOT participate in the original Olympics. Why? Because when wrestling, it was illegal to gouge eyes, kick the groin or bite.

Also, they wrestled naked.

Spartans didnt have a problem with that last one, just the fact that they couldnt engage in combat the way they would in real war.

wow

http://stanfaryna.wordpress.com Stan Faryna

Your grandpa was YODA?! Dude! Respect!

Any idiot can criticize and complain. But the worst kind of idiots can’t turn it off.

Myself included. [grin]

As you say, problem solvers are one in a million. They don’t just see solutions. They invest themselves in making the world a better place for me and you. That’s what it means to care.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

I thought you were on vacation

http://DempseyMarketing.com/journal/ Robert Dempsey

You and you’re damn link bait titles Dino. Well played!

As they saying goes: “opinions are like assholes – everyone has one and no one wants to see yours.” A very true statement. It’s easy to criticize someone else and gives people a sense of superiority. I always have fun challenging those types of folks of my blog. They are the same people that don’t subscribe to the comments – they troll and run. They are always going to be there, so I just don’t pay much attention.

If someone provides the other type you mention though, that’s when we can have a great dialogue that can bring real improvement. I’m all for debate.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

I like the variation on that saying. Opinions are like assholes – everyone has one and they all stink

http://hypertransitory.com/ John Garrett

Dino, you’ve done it again!

I’ve said before that I sometimes see comments on blogs like “you’re an idiot”, or “this topic is stupid” and I wonder why the blog owner publishes these?

Sometimes we’re conditioned to publish this stuff to show “we can take it” but to me if there’s no value in the criticism then it should not even be acknowledged. I wouldn’t give these people the satisfaction.

If someone starts out with “you’re an idiot BECAUSE…” and then goes on to explain something that maybe I didn’t know or that the readers probably could learn from then even though it sucks to be called an idiot I would probably publish it and try to use it as a stepping stone and learn from it.

You’ve got the right idea (via George Foreman, lol). If someone can criticize and help me then I’m all for it, but if they’re using criticism to try to bring you down then I won’t even waste thought on any of that.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Preach it, brother Garret

Dude..I cant thank you enough for doing that poster for triberr…its hanging on the homepage but I definitely want to do more with it…it needs to be seen

http://markharai.com Mark Harai

Yep, your articles consistently have the best titles I’ve seen in the blogosphere..! And I love the message here bro – you’re a one of kind and you’re going to leave a big ass mark in on the social web : )

Cheers to you sir!

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

A big ass mark? Sweet

http://www.hollandz.com Brad Holland

Dino,

As a creative, If you can’t take constructive criticism and learn from it to improve your art, product, service, you’re goner and nobody wants to play with you. If you get criticism that is just plain bullshit, which usually has more to do with the person’s own insecurities, I saw twist that person into a crying ball of mucas by calling them doodie heads..

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

haha…crying ball of mucus …too funny

Anonymous

Dino,
Every word of this post resonated. As a newbie here, as a Trainer, as a Guide. But you also brought up something I don’t think I ever actually thought about as a point (and life-lesson).

“So next time you criticize, make sure you care.”

I know that sometimes when I speak up I do not have any more to offer than, “No, that is not going to work” ~I may not have any suggestions as to how to make it work, make it better, but I do know “that” isn’t going to cut it. That’s always a tough one.

I learn more every single year I do what I do. EVERY. SINGLE. Trip, outing, Adventure, Hunt…I learn more. The favorite memories I have are with the guests and clients I’ve learned the most from. Thanks for this.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

yup..sure enough…people who bring value to our lives we remember and care about. Hence why blogging is such a great way to make valuable connections with people all over the world

Alaska, here I come

Anonymous

We’ll be waiting!

http://twitter.com/janetcallaway Janet Callaway

Dino, aloha. Even though I know you and your titles, this one still “grabbed me” and rush to read what you had written.

Thx so much for the education, entertainment and the wise words from George Foreman.

Best wishes for a spectacular weekend. Aloha. Janet

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Thnx Janet. I’ll be spending my weekend on the road going back to NJ….yet another cross country trip…maybe this time I will be prepared for the road …..nah lol

http://twitter.com/janetcallaway Janet Callaway

Are you driving, riding a bike or going in a covered wagon?

http://hajrak.blogspot.com Hajra

If people are telling me that I am doing something wrong and that’s it then I simply hate them. And if they tell me where I am doing wrong and how I should be improving then I am all ears! There are ways in which criticism can be delivered. Let the other person know why you don’t like their work and why you think any different. Don’t bite!

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

My grandparents used to tell me I was doing shit wrong all the time, but they were so loving and generative in the process it didnt matter what verbiage they used.

My grandpa would say things like “son, dont be a dumb ass, here is how you want to do that”…and then he would show me how to do it the right way.

http://www.midnightinchicago.wordpress.com Elyse Bruce

Interesting that you should state: “So next time you criticize, make sure you care.” It should also be mentioned that caring enough to criticize doesn’t keep you immune from potentially being dive bombed, bullied, stalked, et al for daring to care enough to criticize. It’s always important to keep in mind that the more polarized a community or industry is, the more likely caring enough to criticize will bring with it a swarm of illogical defenders who would rather bring personal attacks with them than add to the discussion in the hopes that the discussion will lead to positive improvements.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Hi Elyse,

Allow me to rephrase. When I say “make sure you care” what I mean is make sure you care about the person or the thing you’re criticizing.

http://www.slymarketing.com Jens P. Berget

… and I was excited that someone finally was brave enough to say that Chris Brogan’s blog sucked

Criticism can be amazing, especially when you actually get the details of why and how you can turn the criticism into something better. The problem is when we receive criticism that doesn’t help at all, all it does is say that we actually suck. We all strive to make a difference, and the only way we’ll get better at what we do is to get feedback.

An interesting example is when Brankica (from Live Your Love) wrote about why MarketMeSuite sucks, I believe that it’s still her most popular post.

Jens

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Its hard to defend a product like MMS. They basically charge you for something thats available for free. Granted, you have to use like 3-4 different apps to do it, but still…

The other part of the equation is that whatever you’re criticizing was perhaps never made with you in mind as the target audience. I mean, what do you think of Teletubbies?

Teletubbies were never meant to be for you and I, so how could we ever get on board with that?

Too off topic? Sorry..I got on rant and it was hard to stop

http://www.slymarketing.com Jens P. Berget

I can really relate to Teletubbies. Both my kids loved it. They couldn’t get enough of it, and could have watched it 10 hours a day every day. I didn’t get it. I thought it was crap. But hey, I was just glad that my kids were happy (even though I didn’t get it)

http://twitter.com/30vanquish Matt Ramos

Nice post. It’s important to care enough about someone/something to support it. It takes even MORE care to criticize it constructively to make it that much better.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

thnx for getting it, dude

http://www.marianneworley.com Marianne Worley

Hey Dino, I’ve had a few managers in the past who could learn a lot from how you and Dan have handled Triberr criticism. I had a boss who told our team (creative services) that many people in the company had complained to him about our team’s lack of creativity. Of course, he had no thoughts on how we could improve. A teammate and I were shocked, so we demanded to know the nature of these complaints. Turns out, 2 people had mentioned that a certain design element was boring. That’s it. Sometimes people use criticism as a weapon to push people down instead of as encouragement to innovate.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

I think we had the same manager lol

http://twitter.com/dancristo Dan Cristo

I can’t say that I “love” criticism. Sure, some criticism is constructive and ultimately it results in improvements in some fashion, but I never look forward to reading or hearing someone criticize what I’m doing. Even if intellectually I know it’s helpful on some leve, emotionally I’d prefer to be praised.

That being said, I know that if someone is taking the energy to criticize me or my project, it’s reached the point where they are intensely interested in me or my project. Sure, they are saying negative things, but at least they are saying things. The worst thing someone can do for a brand is ignore it. Criticism is quite the opposite, and therefore it’s preferred on some level.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

No worries, bro. I’ll take all the criticism myself and convert it into Triberr features you build lol

http://www.realityburst.com Eugene Farber

I love this post. For the topic that it covers, of course, but also for the example you give with the London sings. It’s ridiculous how many “precautionary” measures that are taken (dare I say usually by the government) have the opposite effect of what they intended.

What’s funny is that I just came over from {grow} and someone criticizing started off by saying they didn’t read the post….but…

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Well, I didnt read your comment, but lemme tell you what’s wrong with it

lol

Or how bout this one…

I havent used your service, but lemme tell you whats wrong with it

http://www.realityburst.com Eugene Farber

I love this post. For the topic that it covers, of course, but also for the example you give with the London sings. It’s ridiculous how many “precautionary” measures that are taken (dare I say usually by the government) have the opposite effect of what they intended.

What’s funny is that I just came over from {grow} and someone criticizing started off by saying they didn’t read the post….but…
http://www.realityburst.com Eugene Farber

I love this post. For the topic that it covers, of course, but also for the example you give with the London sings. It’s ridiculous how many “precautionary” measures that are taken (dare I say usually by the government) have the opposite effect of what they intended.

What’s funny is that I just came over from {grow} and someone criticizing started off by saying they didn’t read the post….but…
http://twitter.com/Glenda_S Glenda Shawley

There are some great comments here based on a thoughtful article. I think criticism is vital. We can all get too close to our own work to see how it could be improved. It’s easy to get defensive when people criticise but when the criticism is specific, constructive, delivered with care and preferably with ideas how to improve we really do have to listen and act.
I also loved the pick pocket example and the George Foreman quote, both good points.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Thnx for getting it, Glenda. That is exactly right.

http://twitter.com/jaennutter Julie Nutter

I wonder if the pickpockets give away where they’ve stashed their loot when *they* read the signs….
And now I’m tempted to get on a subway in London just to play a nasty trick on a potential pickpocket.

I should join up with you guys. The only criticism I get is “You are a f**king a$$hole.” Not to say that’s not true, but not what I’d call helpful. (My response: Yes, but it gets better ratings; and that doesn’t make me wrong. I’m rarely wrong.) …Maybe they should add the word “pompous” before asshole.

Anyway…… o_o

Love the post. I always do. And, occasionally, (at times like this when I’m clearly supposed to be doing something else…like work) I like to leave you some love to tell you so =). Only sometimes, because I feel like I push the “EGO BOOST” button far too much; it’ll break under the strain of too many comments.

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

I love hearing from you, you know that

Steve Murphey

The one thing I love about criticism is the motivation it gives me. Yeah, hearing about my flaws (or my idea’s flaws) kinda sucks but in the end it works out for the better.

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The same about me!) Thats really motivated!
http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Thats true, Steve. Criticism can totally work as a motivator. The thing I find even more effective is finding your own personal nemesis. Having an enemy can do wonders for motivation

http://www.best-wedding-anniversary-gift-ideas.com Renee Michaels

You’ve got that right! From Bob Marley’s “Who The Cap Fit”:
Your worst enemy could be your best friend,

And your best friend your worst enemy.

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very interesting! thanks a lot for sharing!

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really interesting blog.

http://twitter.com/vitalyvt Vitaly Tennant

I think you need to change the …. just kidding. Awesome job and I’m a fan! Glenda hit it on the point; constructive criticism.
http://twitter.com/KlaudiaJurewicz Klaudia

criticism? hmmm…ok but the part when I wonder what I can learn from it and how can I improve my work/myself?

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

The thing about criticism is that if it comes from someone who doesnt care about us, we’re not going to take that criticism and think “oh, that person is right, how can I improve”….instead, we walk away thinking “that person is an asshole”.

So, next time I criticize, I will only do it at people I care about. My personal promise
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klaudia this questin so thin great!) The ansrwer is impress!)

http://rosiesiman.tumblr.com Anonymous

Dino,
Love what you have to say here. Do you ever actually engage with the haters beyond a simple “thanks” if they offer feedback on how to improve? I wonder because in some instances I feel like it could just be feeding the fire. Agree? Disagree? I sometimes have trouble deciphering the line, especially with anonymous commenters.

Cheers
rosie

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Hi Rosie,

You’re damn if you do and damned if you dont. If you dont engage you may be seen as coward or anti-social. If you do engage, you may not be able to do or say anything thats right (in the other person’s mind) sine their opinion is already decided and no one likes to change their opinion, of course.

Anyways…my friend Richie always sez that no one guaranteed him a trouble-free pass through this life. Shit happens, we stumble and get up, and move on. What else could you do?

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cool) thanks for posting!!
http://twitter.com/veteranblogger VeteranBlogger.com

Well done Dino! Excellent post and I care

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

tnx dude…checked your blog…that plugin that shares the post few articles ago, can I see it live somewhere?

http://twitter.com/AdrienneSmith40 Adrienne Smith

Excellent way to look at this Dino. In the past when someone criticized me I was eager to jump back in and argue with them, especially if I knew they were wrong. Granted, I’m a big enough person to admit when I’m wrong so I’m not saying that I was always right. But since that time I’ve learned to take what they say into account, look at it carefully and if there is something I could do better, admit it, try to make it right and learn from that experience. See, we never stop growing and learning. Man, I love this!

Thanks for sharing, loved the post.

Adrienne
Anonymous

Hmmm need to put something interesting here! Well for a start I want to critisize but in a good way! Now I know you probably think me as a ‘Limey’ but hey. dude you need to do your research its called ‘The London Underground’ not subway!

Hehehe sorry just had to leave that! on another note though yea bring it on, anyone can create a blog post but a post that is somewhat unorthodox can create discussion, critisism and ultimately more traffic, yea bring it on!

Great post dude
-Phillip

http://diyblogger.net/about Dino Dogan

Is it Subway or London Underground? Well..now I know

Anonymous

Actually if you live in London you don’t refer to it as ‘The London Underground.’ You say: I’m gonna take the Tube.”

Anonymous

Hmmm need to put something interesting here! Well for a start I want to critisize but in a good way! Now I know you probably think me as a ‘Limey’ but hey. dude you need to do your research its called ‘The London Underground’ not subway!

Hehehe sorry just had to leave that! on another note though yea bring it on, anyone can create a blog post but a post that is somewhat unorthodox can create discussion, critisism and ultimately more traffic, yea bring it on!

Great post dude
-Phillip
http://www.TrafficGenerationCafe.com/ Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe

For some reason took forever to load this page…

I hate criticism, but I am a better person for it, that’s for sure.
http://dscottangle.com D. Scott Angle

Dino, you’re absolutely right in that people need to learn how to criticize. Quite often people can say something without thinking, not realising that a comment that stays with them for 30 seconds can stay with the recipient for ages.

However, people do need to ‘put on their big-boy pants’ and realise nothing they will do will ever be perfect, and a kindly worded suggestion could do them, and their work, the world of good (I know I could use a word or two – bring it on, grrr! :~)
http://www.thedogfiles.com Kenn Bell

Great points, Dino! Next please write one about the Dog Files sucking.
http://TheNerdyNurse.com/ TheNerdyNurse

You say criticizing, I say consulting