Submitted by Fred on

Criticism

Criticism
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Lifestyle
Criticism

I have been regularly registering my Friday With Fred blog for over 20 years and, to be candid, it is part of the fabric of my life. 

One minute I'm thinking "What next?" and then, suddenly, a notion strikes me and I realize "That's a blog!" and I'm off and running. 

For the most part, my pieces are short and light. For sure, some are better than others, but I aim to please. They are a part of me and the fuel that powers them is feedback, your comments!

If and when I receive a comment, I attempt to close the circle by responding. But, do you want to know a secret, sometimes I try to weave in a covert message or response. 

There are times when a comment is critical, constructive or otherwise, and I must admit they sometimes sting. 

At least your comments evidence that my blog is being read. And, to be sure I appreciate it and I listen to you!

Thank you for your comments :)

Comments

Submitted by Fred Stewart (not verified) on Fri, 04/10/2026 - 09:01

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You got that right, your wingman

Submitted by marilyn l price (not verified) on Fri, 04/10/2026 - 09:31

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Criticism with thought. An interesting balance. Thanks for writing!

Submitted by Ric Gaines (not verified) on Fri, 04/10/2026 - 09:36

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Speaking of "I aim to please," maybe I have a couple of funny anecdotes on a Friday morning: when I was in college, there was a casual newsletter called the "Wall Stall Journal." It was a 1-pager posted above urinals and on the backs of bathroom doors so you could read it while on the toilet (or urinal). Anyway, the motto was "We aim to please. You aim too, please!" I always thought that was funny (and obviously, it stayed with me).

When I was in law school, a (woman) friend of mine was trying to start a new club. At the first meeting, when she was making her opening comments, one of the first things that she said to a room of 30-40 people was, "I'm here to please you!" We all started hooting and hollering and she turned beet red. She was popular for a while 🤷‍♂️

Happy weekend, Gotham :) Ric

Submitted by Lou Zigman (not verified) on Fri, 04/10/2026 - 13:08

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With so many emails, yours being brief, are easy to get through. Mine, on the other hand, are pretty long and at times include photos and/or an occasional video.

I always remember our first interaction more than that 15+ years ago when I was invited to a meeting with the NY Friars Board which surrounded me almost in anger BUT you were a mench and we had something in common, labor/management lawyers. Liked you immediately..

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