How Do YOU Define What Is A Hater In the Online Marching Arts Community?

I talk about haters a lot because sometimes I get comments on my Instagram that are a little negative, condescending or just plain critical without context or building any type of rapport with me first.

In response, I’ve definitely had people challenge me if haters are actually hating or they’re actually giving comments that are legit.

Fair enough.

Because I could say someone is a hater if they talk about crap about my crushed diddles on a video, but if they actually are crushed, does it make it less valid if they are negative, condescending or mean spirited.

Does that mean they’re actually a hater?

In a vacuum, an accurate statement is an accurate statement no matter how it’s said.

But I’ve always focused on the fact that delivery matters.

Social intelligence matters.

Building trust and rapport with someone before critiquing them matters.

Being a good person and how you talk to other people…matters.

Shouldn’t it?

On the other hand, if you are subject of “hater” comments or just critique that isn’t presented in the best way possible, it’s still very much in your best interest to listen to any comment, especially if they are right.

So if an instructor angrily calls you out for not practicing…but they’re right…then you should probably practice more.

If your section leader condescendingly tells you to stop rushing your first left diddle…then you should probably correct it.

But if you are helping someone out and you are giving someone critique…seriously…saying it in a respectful way…MATTERS!

That way, nobody can ever call you a hater ;)

What do you think? Does it matter how you critique someone? Should you always take every critique seriously as long as it is accurate?

For more context, make sure you watch the video below: