Pondering Minutia and Criticism

I think some of what you're talking about is community, and that's what this forum really is. 

I'm learning that commenting on another person's work is an art fom in and of itself.  It's hard and intimidating, and, as a people-pleaser, it's even psychologically hard at some levels.  Who the hell am I trying to be offering anyone else advice?   Still, for some absurd reason, I've been blessed with the ability to jump in with both feet regardless of whether or not I make an ass out of myself.  I think that for a lot of people, that's a really hard thing to do -- you know, look like an ass, willingly.  I think it would be alot easier to participate in these ways if I were more experienced, or had been part of a literary community before.  Anyway, I venture to guess I'm not the only one who feels this way.

But Leanne hit the nail on the head.  At least in participating, and making attempts to be thoughtfully critical, I'm learning alot.