Please don't take this wrong, it's meant in the best possible way...

Very simple: Start treating us as friends and collegues, not competitors. Nearly all of the regulars are trying to help you learn from their experience and the things they've learned from the mistakes they've made. We've all been there. (Some of us, in fact, are still there.)

But the simple fact of the matter that nearly all of the criticism that is allowed to remain is meant constructively. Yes, it can be hard to hear. Yes, it can be expressed poorly. But, even the most irascible among us (that's deliberately not linked to anyone) is trying to help you learn Perl and how to use it better. (Remember, there's a big difference between coding flaws and personality flaws.)

Also, it's important to remember that it can be very difficult to truly read the actual emotions felt by certain people when posting. You're just staring at words on the screen, so you tend to fill in the missing bits with your fears, your expectations, and the way you might've felt were you to post the same words. Do not do this. (Personally, I believe that more online flame wars have started over accusations starting through misperceptions than have resulted from true attacks.) Even if someone is truly trying to flame you inconsiderately, you have the final choice on how to respond to that. If you choose to believe in your own potential and your own self-worth, I believe you'll find the negative opinions of others have less of an effect on you.

After all, you're really just trying to get a job done, right? As long as you're able to do it, isn't it worth putting up with a bit of noise to get there?

We all want to be liked and appreciated, but in the end, you have to appreciate yourself first. If that isn't there, then all the honest praise, accolades, or other approbations given by others are meaningless. (Trust me on this point.)

Yes, remain sensitive. Absolutely! Listen when more experienced people inform you of your mistakes. Learn from them and thank them for their assistance. And when you do make mistakes, acknowledge them honestly (if only to yourself) and then move on. That last bit is the most important, for if you do not move on, you condemn yourself to repeat and relive the same things over and over. You do not give yourself a chance to do better.

In short, Listen, Learn, and have enough Faith in Yourself to believe that you will eventually succeed. In the end, you are the only person you have to prove yourself to.

</soapbox>

--f

P.S. Just like on Who's Line Is It Anyway? (either version), the points don't matter. Just keep at it; you'll get there.