Rule 3: Give & Take Criticism with grace

As you give criticisms of people's writing, and as you receive them, keep it graceful. This isn't so much a rule, as a thought -- a goal. When you're given a criticism you disagree with, be mature enough to say thank you, and move on. Accept that it was given in the spirit of genuine camaraderie, and let it go. When you give a criticism, don't be personal, look at the work for what it is, and find something positive as well as something that could use work.

This is not a demand that you say only nice things, quite the contrary. We are striving to create a community of honest and constructive critics. But there is great wisdom in the immortal tunes of Mary Poppins:"A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down."

If you are not commenting to help the person, then don't comment at all, and if you are trying to help, then put the sugar in with those bitter bitter pills.