They said I couldn't sing.

Sadly, I have come to the conclusion that they were right.

I think the thing that's worse than encouragement or discouragement is apathy. People letting you know that they couldn't care less if you succeeded in your dreams or not is much more depressing than even Martin Gibson's most acidic posts. At least he cares enough to criticise.

Encouragement makes you want to succeed with a warm glow.
Discouragement gives you something to prove and strive for.
Apathy can make you believe that it really is worthless, or make you bitter.

Ooops - I think I'm letting my bitterness show