Stephanie: Every Sunday, as most of you are probably aware, 2WC comes together to give you our two perspectives at once. Just how does that happen? It’s a process, a conversation, a brainstorming session of sorts. Unfortunately this week, through this process, we made an alarming discovery. Brainstorming doesn’t work. At least not without a little criticism.
Zer: Well, I don’t know if I’d call it a discovery so much as a clarification or even affirmation of our creative process.
Stephanie: I’d say it’s an excuse to be a butt-head. ”No guys, I’m not being an ass. I’m just helping the creative process along…by telling you you’re idea sucks.”
Zer: That’s a strong word choice. After all, opposition and criticism are necessary in any successful creative venture. Demonizing those with different ideas is a slippery slope.
Stephanie: Are they necessary? I’ll concede opposition…that’s called compromise. However, criticism isn’t always so productive. Sometimes it just stings.
Zer: Criticism is not synonymous with stubbornness or negativity. It’s a sign of the times that this word has come to be viewed as inherently evil. Yes, it can sting sometimes, and it takes a certain amount of grace to accept it. However, constructive criticism is a necessary part of life. How will we ever learn, if no one is there to have a different view point? Not everyone can always be correct, have the best idea or get first place.
Stephanie: I’m going to have to agree with you on this one, but I must add that if all you’re contributing is criticism you’re not contributing much. Criticism without suggestion isn’t much help at all.
Zer: Agreed, criticism without instruction is not criticism at all. In fact, I can think of a few stronger word choices to describe what I would call it, but in the interest of keeping this blog rated PG, I’ll keep them to myself.
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“Groupthink: The brainstorming myth”: The New Yorker
…bi-daily smile…
…it’s not criticism, it’s a vital part of the creative process:
