Marc,

It is true that the authors had better develop thicker skins, or survival will be very difficult. We, however, might do well to avoid, as you have, such caustic criticisms as I have seen. As someone who has done some writing myself, I can attest to the fact that a lot of "blood, sweat and tears" goes into such a work.

I guess what I am saying is that when one attacks the art, the artist feels the pain. Realizing that, we could avoid being too harsh when the author becomes defensive. And the author could very well sleep on it before he/she responds to the criticism. Just some thoughts from someone who has had his share of foot-in-the-mouth experiences.

Kerry