What is the purpose of saying this? Do you feel that people try to control you by threatening to withhold their approval? Does it make you feel powerful, like you're being strong and independent? It comes across like you're overcompensating for something, and it makes you look weak. Realistically, you do care what people think, and you do want them to like it, or you wouldn't publish what you write. I like what you write because you make me think, particularly when I don't agree with what you've written -- and I am not a drooling idiot, which is your favorite, overused slam. You can be convincing and thought-provoking without the slamming, shaming, and cursing quite so much. I hope you find this critique constructive, but if you don't, well....