Being flamed, being told that your ideas are not just wrong, but outright dumb, is a humbling experience and forces you to seriously consider the validity of your position. People who can’t take the stress of (harsh) criticism will never improve themselves as programmers, and I have no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who plugs their ears and covers their eyes when confronted with something that could shatter their worldview that they’re always right.
Blogging Considered Harmful on Flaming