It's possible you've identified the difference between two similar words criticism and critique, often interchanged incorrectly.I was taught that if I've nothing nice to say, don't say anything at all...
http://scribesalley.blogspot.com/2008/08/difference-between-critique-and.html
Criticism finds fault
Critique looks at structure
Criticism looks for what's lacking
Critique finds what's working
Criticism condemns what it doesn't understand
Critique asks for clarification
Criticism is spoken with a cruel wit and sarcastic tongue
Critique's voice is kind, honest, and objective
Criticism is negative
Critique is positive (even about what isn't working)
Criticism is vague and general
Critique is concrete and specific
Criticism has no sense of humor
Critique insists on laughter, too
Criticism looks for flaws in the writer as well as the writing
Critique addresses only what is on the page
I hope to rarely see or provide criticisms and most often see or provide critiques.