Staying in the Fandom · 5:00am Sep 9th, 2014
Well, to any of those who were worried about me, yes, I am staying in the fandom. I have spent way too long here and made way too many friends to leave, that's for sure, even if I've gone through hardships as of late. However, my stay in the mental hospital definitely had me re-evaluating my life. Mostly, what I wanted out of it, and what I was going to do with it. And, well, there is no easy way to say this: writing isn't a part of it. Oh sure, I enjoy writing, but the "bang for my buck" I get out of writing is abysmally low compared to, say, making maps or reading. My older followers can attest to how often I've had difficulty keeping up my writing.
Yeah, yeah, disappointment, or possibly people saying that they're not surprised. I don't care. I really don't. I almost died, and now I'm alive and will do whatever I want with my life. However, that isn't to say I'm going to leave the site or any of that nonsense. In fact, I feel like this is an opportunity to be on the site more often. Because, you see, it's been a very long time since I've really sat down and read pony fic. Which seems strange, I know, but I rarely do anymore, if at all. Mostly porn, but that's still rare.
So, now that I'm back, I'd like to start reading again. But because I have a lot of followers, what I thought could be fun would be to propose my starting a book club. Since JohnPerry already has the market on reviewing featured fics (and RainbowBob has the rest), and tons of people do reviews, I figured that maybe what I could do would be to start a little club where we pick a fic to read for that day/week/month, all of us read it, then discuss it in the forums or via Skype chat. Anyone could join or propose a fic to read, too, and I'd broadcast that via a blogpost later. I'd also try to post sporadically about other fics I find neat, ones themed for that day or week, especially as the holiday season comes around and we get some more excellent Nightmare Night and Hearth's Warming stories.
So, what do you all say? If this gets any interest, I'll go ahead and start a group. Like I said, I want to be part of this community still and even give back to it, so it would be nice to be able to do it this way. Hope to hear from you all!
Commissioned from the fantastic marikazemus34 who really needs commissions at the moment.
I love this idea
Also, you're staying!
First of all, while I admit that I am a bit disappointed that we probably won't get anymore writing from you, I completely support you in your decision.
As for the book club idea, I'm willing to join in. I've wondered about the possibility of doing such a thing before, so let's see what happens!
Yay, you're staying! I'm glad that you are well, and I think that tge book club thing would be a fun and interesting idea. :3 But I will miss your writing, it was the main reason I created a FIMfiction account, and I hope that one day you might pick it up again(Your choice, of course! c: ). ^u^
*hugs* I don't know you but you get hugs anyways because THAT'S WHAT I DOOOO!
2440284
*hugs* Yay!
2440284
*Also hugs*
Anyway, something else: I'm fine if you decide not to continue Moonlight. It's your fic after all. But I will say I was enjoying our little side-by-side with it and Rebellion.
What do?
But wat about da bootie tho
2440286
I'm not sure, really. But you can do whatever you want. I'll miss doing our side-by-side, but I'll feel better this way.
Good to know that you will be around!
The review idea sounds cool as well. I don't have much time to read fics, but I might give it a try.
2440288
You keep reading, I'll keep writing.
What are the rules of Book Club? Only completed stories, perhaps?
(Now to wait for the obligatory joke...)
A book club? Sounds intriguing.
2440305
2440306
If y'all want, I'm on Skype and could talk to y'all about it, since you're both pretty smart towards these sorts of things.
Also, Cv, incomplete stories are allowed, but with the provision that they can only be brought up once.
I've found my life has been affected profoundly by what I've perceived as being adamant as opposed to tertiary when it comes to offering my artistry. As in I've had to completely rewrite what I was and had to offer to oppose what was and what has become a stagnant pool.
To be fair, I've got a lot on my emotional plate. It offends me that, being someone who readily identifies with the "actively popular", I simply can't find the way to be so poignantly proactive when my deepest feelings can't reconcile and appease the masses, even though the formula is so dambably obvious.
Hope you're well. Hope to see you active outside of this. Do keep well. Do the book club. I'll be there.
Well, it'd be nice to get more of Boss of Me, but I guess we're just going to have to wait for fanmade continuations.
Welcome back, ToixStory.
Ithink I fit into that weird category where I say that a "book club” sounds like an excellent idea, while fully acknowledging that I would not participate in it.
Or maybe I would? Honestly, I don’t know. I need more data.
I would like to join this prospective Book Club
It titillates my interest and want to talk about Ponyfic!
Where do I sign up?
2440352
I'll make it tomorrow afternoon!
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Some ideas for rules:
–For Old Stories that some people might have read, have a certain "no spoilers" time for others to catch up.
–Adding to that, make "upcoming topic story" a thing, so people can read ahead and form their own opinion.
–Do not bar ANY non-clop story from conversation. If it offends certain sesnibilities, they don't have to read the fic or participate.
–Do allow Sensual Fiction(Plot with Porn, now and then Porn with Plot if it's REALLY good) such as Xenophilia. We are all adults here(prospectively) and we can all handle talking about Sex now and then...
–Make the chat Topic Bar read both upcoming fic and current topic.
–Put a Length Cap on topic stories. If it's too long we'll never read it in time to talk about it. 100k max, prolly?
–Make different length stories have different amounts of time to prepare for. Something 50k long might take a full week or two, 100k two weeks to a month, anything less gets a week or less.
–Allow people to splinter for Off-Topic stories nobody else wants to/can talk about. 200k+ stories, raunchy fiction that doesn't pass standards, stuff that's not popular enough to warrant enough people talking about it, etc.
edit: the point is to keep it open. No lockouts, while keeping it relatively safe and without incident. We don't want another Hugbox Roundstable Forums...(not that it's bad...?)
2440368
I'll definitely be using some of these!
2440369
We also need a name!
I hereby nominate Golden Oaks Book Club, in memory of the best tree that ever did photosynthesize.
Another rule:
–Do not nominate a Topic Story that you have written
–Or that you have not read. That means no trolling and no using this group as a means to motivate yourself to read.
–An author may petition to exempt their book, but they better give a good reason(such as not thinking it's long enough yet)
You should totes add me on Skype so you can dump me into the group when you make it
I'm lucid_diamond
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Just did! I'm L. Zelda Davis
I'm so glad you're staying with us! If you don't want to write anymore, that's fine. ^_^ I'm just glad you aren't leaving.
This book club idea sounds great actually! It's funny, I always wanted to join one as a kid (I grew up loving to read) but never had the opportunity. Maybe now, as an adult, I do. Funny it would be for My Little Pony fanfiction... ^_^;; Ah well! 12 year old me has no idea what life he's gonna lead one day!
Yes, I would be more than interested in this idea. I'd be THRILLED to be a part of it. Skype Chat, Fimfic Group, you name it, I'm there. This will be a lot of fun!
My Skype profile can be found by simply searching for Vertorm. It sometimes has silly little titles added on, but it's always Vertorm. Add me please, if we will indeed be having a Skype discussion group!
I would also love to be part of this book club!! I think it's a great idea. And I second 2440380's notion of naming it the Golden Oaks Book Club. I also raise the notion that whenever its referred to, it must be in that specific italicized, brown font.
Toix, it is good that you are sharing with us what you're feeling right now, but you must now know that whatever problems you have, it is you who will be able to solve your problems. We are here for your moral support, but you can't go on like this, it's high time you face those problems head on and put a stop to it.
In a nutshell, please fix your problems and set things straight. Are we clear?
2440463
But that's what I'm doing...solving my problems. I'm eliminating writing from my life because it was a major stressor and getting back to reading, which has always been a love of mine. I'm doing everything in my power to get back to being better, essentially.
Turik.poputchik @ Skype, count me in!
Do whatever makes you happy and we will be happy
Do what ya gotta do, Toix. If you need to stop writing for yourself, I fully support that decision.
A book club. Nice. If I didn't already have an RiL that was huge-antic, or only read during my work breaks to save time for writing, I'd join in a heartbeat. Sadly, that is not the case. Still a good idea, though, and I hope it gets lots of traction.
What is this I see about you making maps?
I adore this idea, and i've been looking for more stories to read as well. I'm not sure if you have my contact, but it's Pearple, king of hoers (or try facebook:b3njy4262)
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Map making is my other hobby, and you can check them out over on deviantART.
2440898
*takes a look at DA gallery*
Many questions.
Tell me, what programs do you use? Is it just a typical drawing tool or a purpose-built software? If the latter, what does it take to get it and how hard is it to learn?
Do you come up with names off the top of your head or is there an underlying system? Are there areas of cultural significance dictating name styles? Do you account for trade routes and past military action?
Do you create backstories for how the nations and other boundaries are formed? If so, how detailed are these backstories? Are you concerned with plate tectonics?
Moar suggestions!
–Splinter conversation should be Forum Threads to keep things "open". Many hidden skype channels would be overkill and most conversations would never see the light of day.
–Have a specific Thread for voting for the next Topic Story for the main Skype line.
–Anyone is welcome to make a Splinter thread at any time for fics that don't get enough attention. If it's NSFW, thread gets marked as such.
–Have two main Story folders with a single sub-folder each. When a story is talked about, it gets added to either the Splinter folder or the Main folder, and each one has a NSFW subfolder.
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I used Inkscape, which is a vector-based graphics program designed to, well, allow you to make vectors. A lot of pony artists use it to make pony vectors, and I use it to make maps. Once you get the hang of it, it's easy to use and very versatile, but incredibly time consuming. That map of North America was roughly 150 hours of work, counting research.
Yes, for both original and alternate history maps. Each name, whether made up or based on real life, is researched and thought about, which leads to, as above, 150 hours for one map. It's time-consuming, but definitely worth it. A lot of thought goes into each map before I even start it, too, as well as more research.
For the original maps I'm actually creating a massive multimedia project to explain the backstory, while the rest typically have detailed descriptions of how they are different from our own world. And yes, plate tectonics matter.
2441313
Wow all around. I think I'll have to keep you in mind when I start planning my custom map of Equestria, which I'm rapidly coming to find will be very necessary for my future story plans. But first I gotta finish the accursed glossary; keeping track of everything I want is proving a significant undertaking in and of itself.
I'm thinking I might get some practice in first, though, by making a 'war map' of my variant of ancient Equestria.
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I can link you to tutorials if you wish. :)
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I dunno if I'd use vectors. My artistic skills are pretty crummy – that's why I write. Plus I already have a map creator, I was just curious about what you used and if it might be superior.
Although I wonder whether the map editor or the vectors are better? Plus if I can learn to use vectors... hmmm...
Yeah. Come to think of it, I'd love to see those tutorials. Thanks a bunch.
I'd be all in for a book club! Help me keep up my reading habit while I'm at school.
Also as sad as it is to hear you won't be writing anymore, I can understand. Make yourself happy first of all. <3
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Tutorial is here, and here is a help thread I made that gave me some good advice.
2441439
Aaaand those are going into my bookmarks. Thanks a ton!
If that's the case can I have your followers?
:L
Its nice to know your back standing. like your idea but don't think I would have the time.
I think this is a wonderful idea.