hey D I'm catching ya

I'm not sure about that T.R. quote. It is good in its emphasis of actually doing things, and it sounds eloquent. However, the dichotomy between doers and critics is false; many of the doers of deeds are also critics. And further, criticism, at least excellent criticism, can be very valuable and necessary. His dismissive attitude of critics does not seem valid, to me.

Dom,

Thank you.

By the way, I want to be clear that those were not my children.

Of course, there are many naysayers... not really critics... whose gossiping negativity is of little worth. Like in William Shatner's song Has Been.

I would say it is fine for a doer of deeds to also be a critic but for someone to criticize having not even tried. I don't agree with at all.

I don't agree, Dom. Valid criticism can come from those who have not personally done, and is valid, nonetheless.

In some situations, yes I would agree. I think it depends on the situation though.

Do you think I only listen to photographic criticism from other serious/professional photographers? Do you think only other photographers can tell a good photograph from a bad one? That would be absurd.

I take substantial criticism wherever I can find it. I welcome it.

Would you let someone who has never taken a picture in their life tell you one of your pictures is no good and you should have done it this way instead?

One doesn't need to be Marx or Stalin or Mao in order to validly criticise socialist systems.

I didn't ask about a socialist system.

Would you let someone who has never taken a picture in their life tell you one of your pictures is no good and you should have done it this way instead?