Friendship is Magic · 9:43am Jul 18th, 2014
I'll resist the urge to make this week's blog post about the awesomeness of Word Crimes* or the tragedy of ball pits. 
*(Although I must say, I think the most brilliant part is taking a breath to differentiate between actually bad grammar and just using a controversial style.)
Be better.
You know is the core moral of Fallout: Equestria. And it is an important one-- one that we all need to embrace.
In writing Fallout: Equestria, I was speaking to myself as much or more than any of my possible readers. "Be better" is something I strive for every day -- to be a better person than I have been before. Sometimes I succeed. Too often, I fail. God knows, I've not been the best person in the past. I'm much better now than before, but I've got a whole lot of room for improvement. One of the most powerful forces helping me is friends.
Friendship is the bulwark that will help you when you face your own weaknesses, that will defend you and keep you strong in times of need. With friends, you can weather so much more than you could alone, and you have the hope of coming out of the storm with your head held high... even if only because they are propping you up. Friendship truly is magic.
art by Nightflyer22
Earlier tonight, I had the opportunity to, at the end of a heart-to-heart with a dear friend, tell him that I am better for knowing him and having a friend like him.
He is someone whom I met because of Fallout: Equestria, a friend of a local fan. And he is an example of the greatest thing that has come out of Fallout: Equestria and the fan community that has developed around it: a great many people have discovered new friends, some of whom have become very dear to them. I know that it has been this way for me, and I hope it has for you. I would not trade anything for the experience, and I doubt any future work could rival the true value of what I have gotten from this community.
It occurs to me, with over 2,400 followers, that there are a great many of you whom I have never told how much I cherish those friends I have made, as well as all the fans and members of this growing community. You are a blessing. More than I deserve, and I love each of you.
Never have I sought gain for Fallout: Equestria (and I have been extremely reserved in allowing others to make money from Fallout: Equestria related works). It was my gift to you, the fans of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and the fans of Fallout. But I cannot say I have not profited from it. There have been a few direct gifts (including an amazing life-size Littlepip plush and a free copy of the printed books); and furthermore, I consider every Fallout: Equestria artwork, video, song and story created by the fandom to be a gift. There has been the camaraderie of the community on the #FalloutEquestria IRC, and all the hours of Fo:E roleplaying I've gotten to enjoy each week. But the greatest gift of all that I have received is the friends that I have found -- how much they have come to mean to me, and how much they have helped me in my own efforts to do the most important thing we can strive to do: be better.
Thank you.
art by Cenyo
This is why I follow you. I always love your blogs. Thank you for being awesome.
You give the best speeches and I would put a smile except I can't do that on my phone
Friends really are one of the best things you can have. I never dwell on what my current state would be without the support I've gotten from my friends and I'm eternally grateful for them sticking by me like they did
No, Kkat. thank you for making Fallout Equestria. It's the fic that single handedly got me interested in MLP. It made me see that mature fanfiction can also be tasteful, well written, and well thought out. You're solely responsible for making me play through the entire fallout series. I won't say you made my life better, as that would belittle some others in this community. I will however thank you for several years worth of entertainment and reading. It's because of you that we have this truly massive collection of fallout equestria fiction. And it's because of you that it's become the community it is today.
Thank you, Kkat. Please continue to be awesome.
FoE was amazing. I need to give it another read some time, but, the feels
, they be too much for me.
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Then DON'T by any means read Background Pony.
I wonder if dying from sadness is a thing.
You earned every bit of it. I've seen plenty of people attempt to merge two or more settings into one but I have never seen another actually pull it off, never mind pull it off flawlessly. I've recently been listening to a reading of your story on YouTube while playing New Vegas. If there are words to describe how awesome an experience that has been, I sadly do not know them. Certainly keeps one better company in the ruins of the old world than any six song radio station.
Hey, I became a writer because of Fallout: Equestria, so all I can do is thank you for writing such an amazing story.
Thanks mate!
This is actually really sweet... nawww...
As many have said already, thank YOU for making such an amazing story, and always being so supportive, so helpdul, and just a plain wonderful person to everyone who has been inspired by your work.
Thank you for giving us something to gather around, to build around. You planted the seed that grew into the community, at for that, you have our deepest gratitude.
Aww, you're making me blush.
Oh wow, thank you.
We could say the same about you. That story you wrote brought a surprising amount of joy into my life and I assume it did for a lot of other people as well. So thank you for writing it, you wonderful person.
I'm sure this has been said before, but, since I'm new here, I feel I just ought to note how inspiring blog posts like this are. You are extremely eloquent, and the way that you put things actually makes me really want to strive for greatness in myself. It's magical seeing just how much of an impact the right words can have.
Well said, Kkat. I couldn't agree more.
Friendship truly is magic indeed. I'm glad you came up with this beautiful piece of literature.
Thank YOU for everything you've done for this community!
This is yet another reason why you're such an amazing author and person in general. Thank you for having the capabilities to rally such a diverse and wonderful community behind your Magnum Opus.
While you can thank us for all the inspiration, words, and delights shared. We should be thanking you for what you have done and shared thusly. So thanks, for a fun, heartfelt ride, and many other aspects I know I've forgotten to mention.
That is one of the most touching things i have ever read. i should be thanking you. if not for this story, your story, i would be a part of fim fiction. If not for you, i wouldn't be part of this amazing community, or write my own fics. it was one if the best and most well writen things i have ever read, original or fanfiction. thank you. Remind me to thank Dr. wolf, its a video of his that made me aware of fallout equestria
Just curious: when has this happened? I know the books cost money, but I'm pretty sure they gain no profit from it. What else is there?
Thank you too, Kkat.
Yay! Who's awesome? You're awesome!
The one thing I took out of Fallout: Equestria, besides the hours of entertainment, was exactly what you said. To, be better. I noticed it was a key element that popped up a lot and after finishing Fo:E I decided to strive for it as well. I don't know if I've done better since then, but I know I've tried and I feel like I'm on the right track at least.
So thank you, Kkat. For illuminating the path for not just me, but others as well.
You truly are a Light Bringer to us.
Honestly, like everyone else is saying thank you.
Thank you for giving us the foundation that became this amazing community, that has made me meet so many amazing people.
Thank you for giving us the wastelandic clay that we can mold into new adventures for our own characters to explore.
Thank you for introducing us to the wastes, and everything that came with them. The community, the stories, and the friends.
Thank you for everything you've done, and these amazing blogs.
Thank you for giving us a look into how you see things when explaining why some things are how they are, and for more info on your own headcanon since the story's over but there's still much to say.
War and friendship, two things that never change, and two things you brought together in making one of the greatest stories ever.
So one final time, thank you, thank you for everything you've done, and everything you shall do.
hi hi
I think it's hug time.
((After watching that music video, I can't help but imagine that is the song that Littlepip and company are singing as they fly through the air.
))
I would like to thank you Kkat, thank you for the opportunity to meet other people with the same interests as me.
"Like Strings Unbound. Alone, we mere threads are weak and helpless. Unable to resist the slightest breeze or stress. We fight against each other in our pride, but in strength we fail to abide.
But together we mere threads may create something great, something better. We become strong and compassionate, loving one another. Together we can resist the fiercest strains, and comfort each other's pains.
Like strings unbound, we are helpless without relationships. But together, we can create the most passionate music, the most beautiful folds of fabric, and even something so precious such as lifelong friendships."
I'm proud to be apart of an awesome fandom. Both the Fallout: Equestria sub-fandom and the brony fandom are amazing. And that part about friends, some friendship can be magic. I've had multiple "friends" that weren't really a true friend. And, to be completely honest, I've found more online friends that are good friends than I have found irl friends.
I have always loved Fallout Equestria and i sit and hope everyday that i could make something so great that it could inspire others! something that could be read and could be shared between hundreds of thousands of people that brings them all together somehow! something to bring people together to realize that fighting over what they like and dont like is useless and they should all be one group of friends.
I thank you Kkat for all the amazing things you have done for not only me but this community as a whole and i hope this story will continue to inspire people for years to come as it did for me.
I'm trying to do better and I'm definitively a different person then I was a year ago, but it's hard to say what changed and what made me better. Don't want to be dramatic and say your work and other fan fictions changed my life, but sometimes I remember the lessons they taught me and think that I'm different after reading. Anyway thank you and you're welcome.
do better... be better... I need to re-read FO:E again. I mean I listened to audiobooks of it when I was going through a stressful time in my life... but I never really looked into it for anything other than a cool story to read...
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I have always supported artists doing individual commissions of Fallout: Equestria art, but have generally denied requests to make and mass-sell Fallout: Equestria merchandise. Until this last week, the only exceptions have been small runs of prints sold at specific conventions.
Recently, ChaosDrop informed me that he and his father have been receiving a lot of requests for Fallout: Equestria pins and pendants, and asked for permission to both create them at slightly above cost and announce their availability on their web site. I have reservations about it, but I've decided to give a hesitant okay and see how that develops. Fallout: Equestria is a gift, and I don't want to see the spirit of that gift violated to turn a profit. However, if there are a lot of fans wanting the same commission, and this will reduce the cost for them, maybe that's the generous thing to do?
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>_>
<_<
"Sometimes being generous means knowing when not to be."
Hard to say I'm your friend when I barely know anything about you... despite it all I do consider you as something more than a friend. More of a figure worthy of admiring, and a pioneer in the hope genre of literature... I really hope to meet you one day, and perhaps make your acquaintance (I hope it doesn't sound creepy).
On a different note. I'm starting to think you (Kkat) are female.
*Sorry to sound so accusative with the term female... but hell its been a mystery for quite some time (or at least for me it has)*
Feel free to answer, I mean not to intrude in your personal life.
Come to think about it all, why is it that you torture yourself soo much. Why deem yourself unworthy of praise and acclaim, when you've only inspired us to do or be better? I might understand why, because I myself have had kind of a rough one so far, and I've done things that make me want to torture myself. I wish not to seek anyone's pity (let alone yours), but to let you see that no amount of horrible can outdo the great things you have inspired us to (do, or) be.
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Ah. I see what you mean.
Thank you as well, for the story, the inspiration, the fun on the irc... all these things. You're wonderful to have around, KKitty
You're entirely to nice Kkat. Even though all most of us do is reread your story and squee with delight.
I'm just going to throw this out there though, I would definitely read an entire post about Word Crimes. 
That video is hilarious and factual all at the same time!
We love you too.
I often repeat a slight variation of the phrase- be wiser.
That doesn't come from some wisdom I possess, but a shame for every time I've chosen the irresponsible or selfish action or just not thought things through.
The constant outlook of being a better person, I think, can give us the hope and determination we need to change.
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While I haven't met anyone in person due to your work, it has ended up introducing me to wonderful people online who have challenged me to improve and been like friends to me, whether or not they consider themselves as such.
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As you say, this will probably help more fans to acquire such merchandise, for lack of a better term.
I understand the fear that broader profits on crafts based on the work may corrupt the spirit of it being a gift, but I think you might be worrying too much.
On the other hand, its an issue I've never dealt with personally, and it may be right to trust your instincts on this.
That is so true
If I could indulge with a question? It's not related to this though.
I'm prepping to write a fic of my own that is set in the Fallout: Equestria universe, and I'm wondering how you "planned out" your original fic; or if there was planning at all? I'm asking because I'm kind of stressing over the details and stuff (Probably unnecessarily), because, well, I just want the story to be good -- the FO:E deserves no less than the best effort a writer can do.
If there's a blog already, (I didn't see one that fit my question) then if possible, could I get a link? Thanks, and thank you for writing such an awesome fic
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I find that it is important to take some time to plot out major themes, events and other important notes you want in that story. (This applies as much to individual chapters as to the story as a whole.)
Think of it as similar to playing “connect the dots” -- not only should you have a good idea of what the final picture will be, but you should also jot down on a notepad all the “dots” you want to be sure to include. Then, when you start writing, begin at the first “dot” and work your way towards the second.
Personally, I find it’s just as important to not have everything plotted out before you start writing. By playing “connect the dots”, you give yourself room for inspiration and creativity while you are writing. (For me, if I knew everything I was going to write before I started typing, I would get bored. By only knowing the key points to each chapter, the story becomes an adventure for me as well.)
Couldn't have said it better myself. So many people forget that sometimes, authorial intent isn't just to produce a narrative, but to give a message. Hell, many authors seem to forget that at times as well. But I respect you all the better for coming forward and saying these kind words to us fans. I can't express in words how amazing your story is, and how...genuine you are about it's message. You didn't just pull us along with Lil' Pip, you made us want to follow her example. And I am awed by this genuine story and thanks. Thank you Kkat.
I don't think of myself as a good person. In fact, if I had to rate my expertise at being a person, I would probably kinda realize that I'm kind of horrible at this business. There's a thing that Google said, that their motto is "Don't be evil". And one of their own executives, I don't really know if it's true or not, said that the motto is stupid since it can't be defined. I disagree with him. I can trust my sense of morality on some things. I think one of the supreme court members had it right that you can just know something when you see it. I suppose that's how I feel about the phrase "Be Better". It can be quantified, but not very easily. It reminds me of this guy who came up to me one day and just said to tell him about this book. I asked what he wanted to know about it. He said everything. I couldn't really do it, because it was a big book, and he walked off disappointed and frustrated. Asking someone to be better is a big task. Too big for really anyone to really understand. Sadly, there's no definitive encompassing book on it.
I like to think that I can tell where strengths lie in people through semantics or just my limited observation. Whenever I think of communities like this, I think of being out in the dark and seeing an expanse, perhaps endless, of people tending bonfires. Kkat, I see you as one of these people. You lit a fire and tended it, and people come cradling around for warmth and company, something you provide in abundance. And every time they come, they come with a little torchwood that they add to make the fire greater. I come with twigs. A lot of the time, I think the only reason that people hang out with me is because I'm another warm body. I'm not a very good person. I don't think I'll ever understand being better. But I do suspect I will be around until the last ember of this bonfire goes cold. On that day, I hope to watch you tending another one. I hope that everyone winds up happier for having sat around this fire.
If you were to tell me this 5years ago I would have said you were crazy and that friends always have strings. After events and tons of fimfiction (Fo:E included) I can say I agree that what you have said is the truth. I may be just a 14 year old with too much story ideas but you deserve every little thing you have earned from this fic, even the fanboyish comments. (Like I have room to talk)
Even though I am sure you are busy, I personally would love to see a new story from your amazing creative mind that will at leastleast have the feels that Fo:E gave me.
Eyup.
I'm not into FO:E because of the dark places and the evil acts, except as contrast. The important thing is not that Lil' Pip crawled into a pillbox.
The important thing is that she got OUT.
Be better.
Hey K, to be honest you deserve everything you receive from fans. Your story has created a whole fandom of its own and has inspired so many people to take up fiction righting. I alone have listened to FOE at least a dozen times, and have listened to quite a few spin offs as well. I have been listening to Fall of hope, and Heroes as well. You created something that to be honest, rivals any written work out there to date. The raw emotion, the detail, it's all believable and almost real. I know quite a few really cool people because of it as well, including Spirit of the wolf who is working on Pure Hearts. I have a friend in the Navy who is doing his very first audio book due to FOE, it ironically is on Pure Hearts. I guess what I am saying is that you have inspired so many people due to a simple story about ponies and Fallout and you deserve all the friends you have who have come to enjoy your blog posts, and fan interaction. You are among the most interactive authors on this site, and I think it is very cool that you take the time to do the things you do. Keep the posts coming and I along with the rest of your friends will continue reading them, because I am proud to have you as a friend along with the millions of others who enjoy your great work of fiction. I hope that you will continue to interact with us for years to come, and if you ever become disheartened about things that you can take a step back and realize that you have millions of friends, even though we may not know you on a personal level, we can still conceder ourselves as friends due to the continuous interaction. you are a great inspiration and role model for what we as authors wish to be one day, and what we all in the FOE fandom hope to be one day.