Blogger Finger
I know that negative criticism can hurt, no matter how insignificant or pointless.  So to people like Steve Yegge, Joel Spolsky, the 37signal guys, pg, and many others who put part of themselves out there for the benefit of others, I suggest putting things into perspective with this handy formula:<p>Let n = the number of people whose lives your writing has effected.<p>Let m = the average magnitude of that effect.<p>Let e = the distribution effect of your medium (for one on one, e = 1,in a room of others, e = 2, print, e = 3, popular blog or forum, e = 4, etc.)<p>Let z = the sum of all the negativity of those who don't matter.<p>Then if the net total effect of your writing is A, we can say:<p><pre><code>  A = (n*m)**e - z
</code></pre>
So, for almost any value of z, A will remain positive.  Keep on writing.  Please.