Everyone's a critic

Critics at war!

Normally, people just say to ignore the critics. That's what professionals do, after all. And many people out there are unbothered by criticism and blithely dismiss it. 

Life would certainly be easier if that was so easy. I don't think they're wrong, but I do sometimes wonder just how intense the criticism they have faced has been. 

Creatives working on major franchises, and especially (as one friend put it) 'nerd franchises', are prone to especially intense, detailed, and vociferous criticism. I don't think that's really much different than what is faced by sports team coaches and players, though. 

They have to get a thick skin, ASAP. 

Calm, rational, constructive criticism at its best!

Professional level athletes and particularly coaches are known for being pugnacious, tough and ornery. It's not a field for shrinking violets.

The creative arts, however, is a little more introspective and idiosyncratic. Good writers aren't always like Hemmingway, and massive waves of criticism can wear their creative energies away.

Such seems to have been the case with Stephen Moffat, the showrunner of Doctor Who. Doctor Who, for those of you not in the know, is one of the biggest shows on the BBC, a nerdy cultural juggernaut that specializes in terrifying children and driving them for safety behind the couch. 

Stephen Moffat in the field of creative destruction!

You don't get to that position without having some serious credentials and creative chops. 

And yet, Moffat has said (according to Doctor Who News & Update on Facebook, and on FlickLuster):

"The amount of hate you get could down three passenger jets. I mean, seriously, it doesn't stop... I was vilified endlessly. I was labelled a 'homophobe', a 'misandrist', 'misanthrope', 'sexist', a 'misogynist' and 'racist'. I was against so many people, I could only be described as an 'omni-bigot', because I was treating everyone equally."

When Moffat chose Chris Chibnall as his successor, he joked with him "how would you like me to ruin your life?" Fully aware that "absolutely everything you say or do will be wrong."

Yeah. Doesn't sound appealing.

The common public response is: tough, grow a pair. Entirely devoid of empathy. I'm not so sure that's the best answer, as many talented people who might do a fabulous job will simply not want the hassle and headache. And those who do (*cough* Chibnall *cough) won't be the best option. 

You see what I did there? I snuck in some fan snark. Guilty as the next person. 

This is one reason why I have trepidation about criticizing creative work, even the seemingly god-like show runners of the world's largest franchises. 

I get the passion. I really, really do. 

But we could all do with a little more civility and chill.

Is that a Ben & Jerry's flavour?