What is it about us that we thrive on building people (and their ideas) up and then, inevitably, tearing them down? Is it our nature? If it is, then our nature is one of insecurity. We have a pack mentality that, as advanced as we consider ourselves, is much closer to our animal nature. Look, I'm not a psychologist, sociologist, or any other "gist" for that matter, so I can't say with certainty why we do this. However, I can tell you that it makes me sad.

Ever since yesterday's news that Google+ is seeing a decline in users, the stones have begun to be cast. I have no interest in Google, other than using their services for both business and personal. But I can't help but think that some people were just waiting for this news and that those same people were all over G+ when it began, touting it's many advantages over its social-network predecessors. That's just one example of a great idea that the public will initially love and then yell, "I told you so" at it's first stumble.

I'll give you another example. A talented colleague, who has become a friend of mine, voice-over artist Donovan Corneetz, just recently signed with a new West Coast talent agency. While the congrats were plentiful, I'm sure the unsolicited advice (and "warnings" about agents) were just as numerous. It's a shame. When Donovan told me the news, I celebrated as if it were my own (if not more so.) Why? Because it's inspiring to see a fellow freelancer grow.

When it comes to ideas, it's the same. There are those that will be naysayers from the beginning. I like those people. You can always count on them for negativity and in being such consistent downers, you learn to not share your ideas and good news with them. The challenging ones are those that will tell you how great your idea or news is, and then - at the first sign of their perception of failure - will backpedal and withdraw their support. The few that remain supportive, those are your friends; Your allies. And you would do well to remain close to them.

With that said; When someone asks me how did I get my agents, I tell them that the best way to get an agent is not to need one. In the same way, Hugh MacLeod, author of "Ignore Everybody*," says, "The best way to get approval, is not to need it."

In short - and to borrow from another author (Russell Simmons) - "Do YOU."

-Anthony