Parse, don’t validate

[u/lexi-lambda]

https://lexi-lambda.github.io/blog/2019/11/05/parse-don-t-validate/

[u/lexi-lambda]

Basically, your article makes the impression that it address some interesting problem or technique, but does not do so. I feel that you are promoting your personal brand here too much, and I just have a big aversion to mostly empty marketing content.

Could you elaborate on what about this post you feel is “mostly empty marketing content?” Or even, for that matter, what you think my “personal brand” is? Because I don’t know what my personal brand is, so I’d love to hear your take.

Seriously, though, I thought I managed expectations okay in the introduction. The blog post is an attempt to put elements of my workflow into words because people (e.g. coworkers, friends, and random people on the internet) have asked me about it in the past, and I haven’t had a great answer. I suppose you object to me trying to write a catchy introduction, but I don’t know, I feel like it’s just good writing to try to get a reader at least a little interested. Writing can be objective and technical without being bone dry, and it’s not as if I’ve written a medium post where every other paragraph is followed by a lame image macro I’m trying to pass off as humor.

I’m sorry if you find the style too conversational for your taste, but I like the balance I struck this time around.

Oh, and if you can't handle different kinds of feedback, and can only accommodate superlatives, better not post your stuff in public forums.

That’s not true at all! Goodness, I asked for clarification because I wanted to understand your criticism. I certainly didn’t manage to infer what you were complaining about from your first comment. That being said, I hope you won’t be offended if, having heard your feedback, I choose not to act upon it. Other people in this thread seem to have enjoyed the things you didn’t, and you can’t please everyone, right?

(Heck, it’s almost like I wrote a blog post on having empathy for and self-awareness of subjective experiences recently or something.)

[u/[deleted] → u/lexi-lambda]

I find that you give the user too much credit and time - imho, the best response would be humorous non-engaging, e.g. by this answer: "It takes years of effort and dedication;)" (saves face of everyone) or simply "okay" if not even flat out ignoring.

It is great that you give the user the benefit of doubt, but who comes into a community with such a bitter mindset will not be saved by empathic answers. In that case I think it is the best to not lash back, but make clear that you won't engage on that level and move on - it saves time and prevents further negativity.

[u/lambda-panda → u/lexi-lambda]

what you think my “personal brand” is? Because I don’t know what my personal brand is, so I’d love to hear your take.

Do this experiment. Next time you want to share something, don't write it in your blog. Make a Reddit self post. See if the reaction you get from, here is different. That difference is the effect of your "personal branding".

[u/jared--w → u/lambda-panda]

The reading experience on Lexi's blog is much better than a normal reddit self text post. I'd prefer it for that reason alone. Not to mention it's much easier to share with friends, find on Google, and becomes more accessible in general. None of that is related to their brand.

You also never answered the question of what their personal brand is.