While I agree that the negative comments and criticism can be over the top, especially for a hobby which provides people with FREE maps, I wouldn't take it personally at all. Most people don't realize how much work goes into producing a map (especially a lot of the younger board members over at WotC) and therefore don't understand how frustrating it can be to have that work critiqued to death.
The most important thing is that if you enjoy making them, keep at it. You get to play on them, people get to download them, your skill continues to grow, and the game is better for it. I always make maps with the mindset that I'm creating this for myself, I just happen to make it available for everyone else. Take or leave whatever criticism you wish.
If you do have any questions re: maps, Photoshop, etc. feel free to e-mail me at
chris@captainblasto.com. If it takes a bit to get back to you, please understand my job (film) is project based, so I disappear into work for a while and then reemerge (which is why I only get the chance to make a map every 6-8 months).
And remember, you're an excellent map artist, don't let a group of middle schoolers convince you otherwise.