1 For my two cents' worth, quit asking for other's opinions. YOU are the writer, if YOU like it, that's all that matters. It's far easier to criticize than write, which is why critics are a dime a dozen. Besides, opinions are like assholes. Everyone has one. Do the best you can do, get your manuscript to the point that YOU like it, then send it off. See what happens in the world of publishing finance. One other tip: celebratory champagne comes cheaper by the case.

2 People are funny, but not always in the humorous way. Fellow writers are your competitors. Many see their role as pissing on your flame. That way their light seems all the brighter. Succeed and they'll be around hoping you don't remember. Until then, they take notes, making your ideas their own. Later they swear that they "just can't remember" where they came up with such brilliant ideas! Please yourself and you'll never go wrong! Now shine!

3 Awww . . . thanks. But [hangs her head] they did have a couple of good points.

4 I agree with Darrell. There is something to the idea of asking READERS, not writers, what they think. (back to lurk mode.)

5 You might want to consider pouting. The wife says she'll be glad to teach you. She says that if you pout, all of your critics will come around. I'm inclined to disagree, but if I did, she might pout.

6 They always have a couple of good points! That's what makes them such insidious and dangerous bastards! Do you think that Hammett and Chandler DIDN"T have people suggesting little changes to "make it so much better"? Hmmm? Human beings always want to tinker with brilliance. That's the motivation for the next great work. Until then, a smile or a one-handed pump of the old twelve-gauge is all you need. And a publisher. Keep that 12-ga handy.

7 I am not sure what you are writing, but the first important distinction is whether it is for your own eyes, or a commercial effort. In the later case, you need an agent to place the manuscript with a publisher and the work will be shaped by editors. For this you need a strong stomach and a thick skin. Rejections are a dime a dozen and acceptance is difficult. If this effort is somethint you are not hell bent on turning a buck, not to be crass, a vanity press effort, all you need is a reasonably educated reader whose judgement you respect. If technical, someone who can fact check is essential. Avoid pointy-headed lit-crit types, as they are mostly writer wannabees stuck in academia. Good luck.

8 I hope you can find a better group

9 In my experience, I've only found two agents that had a clue about content. So far, no editors I've run across seem to have that trait. Keep in mind: to "edit" means to take away.