Back when we did theatre/improv/street acting, one of the things that we were taught was “Temenos” meaning safe place. It was a place where you trust the people that you are with to not back-stab you or break you down when you are learning and trying new things. It’s not that they may not correct something you are doing wrong, or mention that there is something you are missing or don’t know, that is part of the learning, and you have to trust that they have your best interest at heart (usually! There are always exceptions - use your judgement!). But, generally, it was bad news to break the Temenos. People wouldn’t trust you after that.

The same can be said about writer’s groups, beta readers and first readers/alpha readers. You have to trust them and that they want the best for you. And you have to reciprocate by being kind and grateful in return. (Don’t tell the person who just spent hours, trying their best to give concrete examples and help, that “well, That’s ‘interesting’, I’ll think about it (with a sarcastic tone).”) If you aren’t going to listen and THINK about what the reader has said, don’t bother to get readers. Not that you have to do everything they said, it’s your story, but if their advice is never in line with what you are writing, then you don’t have Temenos, and time to part ways.

Just my thoughts on it.