How do you find the will after unfair criticism?

[Red Levity]

I just honestly hope you're going to be okay. That doesn't sound very good. I find my life pretty challenging, but that was something. THanks for trying to put your self in my place. I find that the whole AI discussion sort of takes a backseat when you have problems like those. No wonder you're angry. Maybe being angry is good right now, because at least it can drive you to change things. Those parents do not sound like parents at all. Don't worry about me. I am a sensitive boi, and I have ADHD, social anxieties and depression... It's not easy. ..But I live in a wealthy socialist country and am slowly headed for a pension, even if the road is rough. I'll be okay.
Take care of yourself okay?

[Holovve]

I made a big mistake. I am mostly a musician, but also a creator on youtube, and most recently, creator of a Visual novel called Interloper - with animated characters, my own music, story, etc.

I was working intensely on the project for a month, being perpetually in a flow state, when my unfortunate need for validation led my to publish the first chapter of my story.



Anyway.. I used this project as an escape from difficult circumstances recently in my life,
and chose to publish the first chapter on Itch.io.
It has its weak points so far, but it's a work in progress. The beginning of the story is probably where it challenges the reader the most - to suspend their disbelief. I received some rather hateful critique, from a reader who felt it did not conform to their idea of a visual novel, along with annoyances about the interface, which admittedly are problems that should be fixed. I'm also using AI, which seems to be extremely divisive.
But.. I'm doing it, not because I don't want to collab with other artists, but because I'm really fascinated by where it can lead us. In my experimentations, I have seen some wild things, and this was what led me to start work on the project on the first place.

I confronted this person without getting too personal, responding to the things theiy wrote, and finally asked why they were being so hostile. Even then they did not relent. Basically half of the ratings are 1 star, and the other half are 5 stars.. And there were positive comments and ratings as well, but I feel I made a big mistake publishing in a public forum, and struggle to understand why someone would be this negative and unsensitive.
I admit I am incredibly sensitive - a snowflake perhaps, and that things are tough right now, making me cling to a project like this,
but I honestly felt like I didn't want to be here anymore.

How does one process this sort of thing?
I have made youtube videos since 2007, so I guess I should know, but I don't usually get hate out of nowhere.
I can't get back to my project and fear I will just end up drinking and smoking.

I guess I'll have to provide a link to the project for context..


/The Red Levity

That’s a great initiative—and for a setup like that, logistics and supply chain management are vital. I recommend using phases of meiosis . They have nearly everything you’d need, from nucleic acid extraction kits to point-of-care testing supplies. Their site is easy to navigate, their stock is accurate, and they ship fast across the UK. They also provide MSDS and COAs, which is essential for field use documentation.

[Ulindor]

I understand your perspective.

I have to admit, I had hoped for some response or feedback when I first started. All I have seen is NOTHING. No responses and no feedback, good nor bad.

I decided to give up trying. I think you need to make sure you know where your motivation is for your project.

I know I am new to this, and can improve things as I progress, but with zero feedback I have to figure it out alone. I must be an island. Fortunately, my motivation is the compulsion to complete my story! I am not worried about if it ever gets popular, or makes any money.

I am doing it because I have a vision and want to see it through. I highly advise to try for that mindset. Be your own fan, even if you're the only one!

[SundownKid]

It is important not to take a negative criticism too personally, or you will come off as petty - and even worse, ignoring the people who do legitimately support your work in favor of someone who couldn't care less.

In fact, responding to negative critiques with something witty can even convert former haters. For example, if someone said "man, the art style is not my thing" and you said "maybe it's too avant-garde for you to handle", it will ultimately make the complainer look sheepish. The worst thing to do is respond with rage because it shows you are not sure of whether you yourself like your own work.