A reminder on criticism

Published on
March 22, 2011
Author
Chris Taylor
"Ideas are only valuable when applied."
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In reading John Blick’s excellent summary from last week, as well as a refresher on Tribes, I reconnected with the concept of criticism as a good thing.

What happens when I say the words, “Charlie Sheen”? Chances are, you either just said “Winning!” to yourself, or are shaking your head at how the world’s falling apart. Very few people don’t have an opinion on Sheen’s antics of late. Sheen’s polarizing. He get’s people going – either rabidly for (His “Torpedo of Truth” first two tour dates sold out in record time) or against him. I’m not condoning (nor condemning) his actions, simply stating a point – polarization gets attention.

Now, if you can polarize a cause you believe in, then you start to build a tribe. And in the teenage years of the internet, a tribe is one of the most precious assets you can have.