The best criticism I have received on my writing usually focuses on the idea i am presenting. Good advice I have received addressed whether my argument was clear, or described what it appeared to be. This criticism was helpful in that it looked past the problems of expression (word choice, grammar, punctuation) and focused on the effective transmission of an idea. That being said, once a prevailing idea is understood it is important to correct errors at the sentence level to ensure the idea is received properly.
In contrast what I believe to be the least helpful criticism is the kind that leaves only surface level reactions. If a reviewer responds to a piece of writing by inserting a value judgement on each of my ideas, absent thoughtful response, I am prone to reject their comments. If a reviewer does disagree with a statement I have made, I expect that they will offer a defense of their opinion so that I can understand their perspective.
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