What do "good" and "bad" mean?⁠
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Nothing.⁠
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They're meaningless words if left on their own. They need context and conditions to make any sense at all.⁠
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If a set of criteria that we deem desirable is met, something is good. If not, it's no good.⁠
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If a set of rules or values are violated, something is bad. If not, it's fine.⁠
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Using the terms "good" and "bad" without full awareness of the criteria behind them is lazy and unclear communication. BUT we do it all the time, ESPECIALLY when talking to ourselves—DOUBLY SO when we're talking to ourselves about something creative.⁠
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It's a bad painting.⁠
It's a bad business.⁠
It's a bad idea.⁠
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What the hell do any of those mean? ⁠
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Maybe the technique is sloppy on the painting.⁠
Maybe the business' market is niche or the margins are poor.⁠
Maybe the idea will lead someplace other than the intended goal.⁠
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Those mean something. Those make sense. We can work with those. If we leave it at "bad," we might just walk away with our head down. If we get clear on what our issue is, we get actionable feedback.⁠