Now there is a loaded question.  I'm thinking the answer is "it depends."  Like everything in this world you need to do your homework before trusting a source.  Whether you are in an online critique group or one that meets face-to-face it's nice to know who you are dealing with. 

Even critique groups that are sponsored by a writers organization can have it's share of stinkers.  I've been in an online group and in a couple of in person groups and they both have their advantages and disadvantages.  Generally a good group will have "rules" to critique by.  

One of the rules I espire to includes pointing out the things in the story that work and don't JUST dwell on what doesn't.  If you've ever had one of the latter you know why it's so important - writing is very personal and criticism needs to be constructive - not destructive.  I've nearly been reduced to tears, so I know how it feels to have your work torn apart.

We writers need a thick skin, but the really beneficial critique is one that motivates you.  If you suspect that one of your critique group doesn't fully support that plan, then take their advice with care.  I find that if several people feel that something works well I don't change it. But if there are questions or concerns about an aspect of the story that multiple people - well, then it definitely should be reviewed.  Trust your gut. If it sounds right, change it. If it sounds wonky, then thank them for their input - but ultimately it is your work. 

I've learned from most all of the critiques I've gotten, even if it is that I don't always agree. Everyone's critique is filtered through experience and emotion and while the former is very valuable, the latter is very unpredictible.

Enjoy the writing journey.  -BD

I believe I have mentioned this before but the muse often visits me in my Dark Chocolate Dove Promise.  They have a little message inside and sometimes the message really hits home.  Especially the one that says "why not have another."  The one today is worth sharing and hit's my writer's heart square in the center.

"Do not look back and ask why, look forward and ask, why not?" 

Most writers get stuck in the why's now and again, after a rejection for sure. But the thing about writing is, you have to practice perserverance.  If this editor didn't like your story idea, the next one might, so try again.  If this editor said the characters were flat or the story not believeable, then take an objective look at your work and see if there's some truth to what they have said.

One of the characters in my book (Feisty Family Values) is a mature woman in her late 50's and she shares her grandmother's wisdom with one of the teenagers in the book.  She says something like:  "don't look back, we're not going that way."  So, it's sort of the same thing.  Keep going forward toward the goal that you want to achieve.  Whatever that goal is, will only be achieveable if you keep trying.

Good luck on the journey, writing buddies. It is a rollercoaster ride, to be sure.
BD

I always forget for sure, but I think the left side of the brain is the logical side, and the right is the creative side. Growing up I was way far to the right and stayed that way until I went to work full time.  All of a sudden I was using the analytical functions on a daily basis and it became easier and easier.  I was great at thinking outside of the box, but thinking inside the box was working okay, too. 

I took one of those online quizzes that determines which side of the brain you most hail from and I was surprised to find that I was just to the right of center.  Who knew?  That was a hand full of years ago, and the day job isn't any less challenging to the left, but when I'm not working the right goes into overtime. 

I write and read, crochet and draw.  It's almost like it's saying "let me out of here, will ya?"  I do my most creative cooking after a long day of analysis.  My spouse hates it - because it doesn't always work.  But I keep trying and sometimes it does.  It's like writing stories, the first draft is seldom as good as the 3rd or 5th or 10th.  You have to keep practicing to get better. Scary thought...physicians practice medicine. 

Write on my friends and enjoy,

BD