Because criticism is a public act, the critics themselves are also subject to constant criticism. No one is more critical of critics than their readers, who do not hesitate to write letters to the editor when they disagree with what the critic has said. By the very nature of their work, editors are also critical for, as news must be accurate, criticism must be based on firm, well recognized standards. And, as a chef may disagree with a critic's evaluation of his restaurant, so may the critics disagree with each other. The ultimate critic of both restaurant and those who write restaurant criticism,is the public, for these are the people who will eventually determine whether a restaurant thrives or eventually goes out of business.
Critics have influence.
They are not gods.