How to Handle Critics and Other Idiots
Hello, my little laugh-seekers! It’s your favorite comedian, ANT, and today we’re talking about a topic that’s near and dear to my heart—handling critics. Oh, and by “critics,” I mean anyone who thinks they have an opinion worth listening to but wouldn’t know talent if it tap-danced naked on their front lawn.
Listen, I’ve been in this business a long time. I’ve had people tell me I’m too much, not enough, too loud, too quiet, too gay, not gay enough—yes, that’s a real critique someone once gave me. “ANT, could you be less gay?” Sweetie, that’s like asking a fish to be less wet. Ain’t happening.
So, how do you handle critics and their unsolicited nonsense? Glad you asked.
1. Consider the Source (and Then Ignore It)
Most critics are just people who weren’t hugged enough as children. They sit in their tiny apartments, eating a sad bowl of cereal for dinner, typing angry comments online because someone else is actually LIVING. If the loudest voice in your life is some dude named "Brad42069" leaving hate comments on YouTube, you’re doing just fine.
Now, if Oprah says you need to work on something? Okay, take notes. But if the guy in the third row who showed up drunk to your show says, “I didn’t find you funny”? Babe, neither did his ex-wife—that’s why she left him.
2. Clap Back (or Don’t)
You’ve got two choices when someone comes at you: respond with a witty one-liner or rise above it. And let me tell you, both feel delicious when done correctly.
Example: Someone once told me, “You’ll never make it in comedy.” I said, “Oh honey, I’ve already made it—I’m just waiting for you to catch up.”
But sometimes, silence is the best burn of all. Nothing stings a critic like realizing you didn’t even care enough to reply. Let them sit in their bitterness while you sip a cocktail on a beach somewhere.
3. Understand That Haters Are Free Publicists
Every time someone trashes you online, they’re talking about you, aren’t they? BAM! Free advertising. Some people PAY PR firms to get their name out there. Meanwhile, your critics are working for free. (And given their life choices, I assume they also work for exposure in real life.)
Lean into it! If someone says, “Ugh, I can’t stand ANT,” you just smile and say, “Wow! Another dedicated fan.”
4. Don’t Let Them Rent Space in Your Head (Charge ‘Em If They Do)
At the end of the day, critics don’t pay your bills. (Unless they’re streaming your content to hate-watch, in which case—THANK YOU, HATER!) But you know who does? Your actual supporters. Your audience. The people who love what you do. Focus on them.
Think of it this way: If you had a party with 100 guests and ONE guy complained about the dip, would you throw the whole party away? NO! You’d tell him, “Great, more dip for the rest of us.”
5. Keep Doing You, Boo
Look, success isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about doing what you love and finding YOUR people. For every critic who says, “You’re not funny,” there’s someone else rolling on the floor laughing. For every person who says, “You’re too much,” there’s someone who thinks you’re just enough.
So, to all the critics, haters, and generally miserable folks: Thanks for the motivation, thanks for the free press, and most of all—thanks for giving me new material.
And to everyone else? Keep shining, keep laughing, and keep being unapologetically YOU. The world needs it.
Until next time—mwah! 💋
– ANT
