Can we listen too much?

Ultimately, the final decision falls onto the writer as to whether or not they wish to change it. If you put it into a large group, or on a blog, and only two or three people have a problem, then it might just be their 'taste' for a lack of better words. However, if a large number point out issues, then where there's smoke their's probably fire.

Otherwise, always remember as a writer: opinion are like... The only one you truly have to worry about, if traditional publishing is your goal, is an agent.

Listen completely, but with a critical mind that is critiquing the critique. Not in the defensive way, but simply making sure that the critique maker has their own facts set straight. Always take into consideration that EVERYTHING is possibly wrong.

It is important to be critical of those critiquing because you never know who you're listening to on the Internet.

Doubt everything until it can be proven fully and without a doubt, and listen actively, not passively. Listening passively is what gets you into trouble.

i.e. He said I have to do this, so that means I have to do that and you do not even know the actual reason for why you have to do that.

Doubting is wonderful gift because it deepens your understanding of things. Doubting and testing things. You will enjoy the process of learning from critiques more when you fully engage them actively.

Sometimes people raise a good point, and then you have other times where their critique is purely an opinion. Always test it. This is active listening and active learning.

If they tell you that you spell Internet with a capital I instead of a regular i, then do not just do it that way because they said so. Google it. Study a couple websites from a couple different sources. Also, deepen your study and ask WHY do I capitalize the I in internet. Do this until you have exhausted your questions, and by then you will fully understand why it should be done that way.

This ensures that the knowledge that critiques bring forth is true, and it ensures that your own knowledge is full of real understanding.

It is a very rewarding process and the prize is in figuring it all out.

If it is only an opinion, then you can just disregard it if you see no value in it. An opinion can be useful but you have to really listen to yourself and not allow for the opinion to influence you without making your own decision.

If it disagrees with experiment, then it is wrong. Writing can and should be broken down into a science because it will lead to a greater understanding of it all.

Even doubt these words until you have tested it for yourself. Then you will see the value in testing and doubting things.