by Mary Pat Withem

Created on: July 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

Dear Anonymous,

For most everybody criticism is difficult to take and yours was very harsh. I as a professional woman will look at this, not as a blow to my ego but rather a lesson to be taught.

Your criticism is one of the best I have heard ever because you truly get into detail and are not afraid to share with me your heart. Sometimes it takes a person that genuinely cares about the issue to write a good complaint. It was well thought through and well written and I wish my comment will be the same. However, I do not have much time on my hands.

You talked about my writing tactics and how you do not believe I do enough research to be entitled an opinion on specific topics that I wrote about. I want to share with you that I try to do a good amount of research before I share with my writers. I try to pay attention to everything I write as if I was saying it in front of an audience. You, my audience, are my outlet. I truly feel like i put my heart and soul into my writing.

I may be writing about simple things like how to change from one bank to another but I always try to apply my experience and thoughts into things like that because I have the belief your experience is your best friend. Nobody can get mad at you for having that experience and it helps people be more insightful.

Which would be better, writing an article with all facts. Dull and boring, no voice or excitement. Or would you rather I wrote articles with my experience thrown in there and add some sadness or excitement or even laughter. I try to bring feelings into my writing and I am sorry you don't feel that is professional.

My professionalism is at question here and I am not offended. I am honored because that means you do read my articles and I feel like that is the best kind of writing I can do. Something that people actually care about enough to say something about, good or bad.

I enjoyed writing this as much as I enjoyed smiling as your criticism comes out on paper. All I can think about is this isn't personal at all. I am so glad you feel like you can share all of this with me and end the letter with saying that you enjoy reading my work but truly wanted to help me improve.

Sincerely,

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