I've basically given up on this site. Also Twilicorn, I guess. · 4:06pm Feb 4th, 2013
Take a good look at the featured box and the new stories list. What do you see? The same recycled stories you see every other week. Possibly the only exception is the HiE where two bronies turn into Pokemon and are sent into Equestria. Unique idea, but it's absolutely horrid.
I probably don't have room to speak; I've written recycled stories that seemed popular at the time in hopes that I'd gain a few new followers. I'm guilty of this crime, but at least I came to my senses and deleted them. Hard drive they're on has been smashed with a hammer, burned to a crisp in an industrial strength incinerator, and the ashes have been scattered into the toilet bowl, flushed away to new areas I can only hope I'll some day see.
I just hope my stories don't end up destroying the entire ecosystem. They can't be that bad, can they? (Hint: they are. Whoop whoop, destruction of the entire world at the hands of mere words.)
Now, this doesn't mean I've stopped writing. Just because I can't stand to look at the featured box (anyone know how to work the HTML code of the site to hide it?) doesn't mean I'm still not doing stuff. 'Cause I am. At roughly a word a month. . . progress is progress, at least I'm doing something.
I'd like to think I've scrapped many of the ideas I've had long ago because they didn't seem to 'entice' me anymore. Some of them seemed bland, some of them seemed like regurgitated filth. That's why I've been grinding the miniature gears in my head--apparently they weren't oiled and may have had a couple hundred spider generations go on in there. The webbing I had to get rid of was dreadful--for new ideas that piqued even my own interest.
Now, just because I've given up on fics on this site, doesn't mean I won't be uploading my own stories here. If I ever get around to writing them. I haven't given up on you guys, and I check my PMs/notifications every single day (logged onto like. . . thirty six the other day. Apparently someone plugged The Last Party on Facebook and it got a LOT of extra views.)
I should also tackle another issue while I'm actually writing this. The idea of Twilicorn. This actually came up a few days ago, and I actually tried to describe the entirety of the show as an allusion to a great fanfic in as few words as possible:
I'd like to think of MLP:FiM as a giant fanfiction. You start off with an interesting character--Twilight, I guess. She's interesting enough as the personal protege of Celestia and one of her many students during Luna's absence--and you introduce a flaw. She studies so hard she has no friends, she doesn't need friends, she doesn't /WANT/ friends.
Now, after the first two chapters, she discovers that friendship is magic. (Lolcorny) And that she's better off with friends, so she requests to stay in this new area and go on many adventures with new ponefriends. This is where the author knew what they were doing. They did countless chapters fleshing out the characters, and everything was beautiful.
They ended the first arc in a beautiful way.
And then season two happened.
The second arc started off strong, but it started faltering mid-way through. It was evident the writer was starting to run out of ideas. . . but every now and then a chapter would be gold. Absolute, pure, billion bit worth gold.
But then the second arc was brought to an end with the addition of something that the initial arc contradicted. They stated that there was only two alicorns, and then suddenly there's a third one who's the princess of some strange place far away no one has ever heard of and she controls love and bullshit and she beats some love eating monster with love. Makes no sense, but whatever, it had good musical numbers.
And then the third arc. We don't like to talk about the third arc.
Now, this is where the writer completely ran out of ideas. But due to overwhelming popularity, they felt like they needed to continue this. And they looked at the comments. . . people had ideas. Good ideas, or so the writer thought, so he started writing chapters that the fans wanted. First you have the Crystal Empire. Oh, what's this? Suddenly you see another 'good' idea and you decide to mix it with the entire thing. (Twilicorn)
So they bullshit their way to the Crystal Empire, and then suddenly there's some giant smoke monster AND FLUGLEHORNS. Sombra was bullshit; there's no way you can look at that mess and say he's good. Every good villain has motives, Sombra was 'LOLFUCKYOUYOU'REMINE.' No motive, bad design, was illiterate/couldn't speak. Possibly both.
But the writer persisted. People somehow liked this shit, so he continued to do chapter after chapter. A chapter about Pinkie multiplying herself and becoming the most annoying fucker in the entire Equestrian region (Take it from someone who absolutely /LOVES/ that pink mare). A chapter where a previous villain came back, with some bullshit amulet, and ended up taking over Ponyville.
And then you have things like. . . you introduce new characters. Give them motives. The true 'good' chapters of the third arc. Babs Seed, Sleepless, Just for Sidekicks. And they were good, because they didn't involve characters being retards and going against whatever in-character shit the writer had made for them two arcs ago.
And then the moment of truth.
The writer came across the finale. For some reason, this fic was STILL popular so he had to end this arc in such a mind-blowing way that no one would be able to think straight for the next millennium. How would he do that? By turning the main character--someone that's already really way too powerful for their own good--into an alicorn.
This wasn't a good idea. It never was a good idea. Alicorns aren't good. They stated that there was /TWO/ alicorns. They can't play the 'Celestia's student must become an alicorn' because Celestia has had MANY students. Protege? Oh please, she's not the only one. Don't forget Starswirl. (Headcanon, but we can't forget that he has an entire wing named after him. He must've been a prodigal student because of his AMAZING abilities.)
And then the discussion changed into something else which I think was pony butt. I don't really remember.
Tl;dr- I don't particularly enjoy the fact of Twilicorn becoming canon, but I've read this far--through the good and the bad--to unfavourite this fic.
I'll withhold any more judgement until after the episode airs. But that's about it for now, people who actually took the time to read through this entire thing.
Remember, this is entirely my opinion; you're allowed to think otherwise.
Signing off to procrastinate even more,
Carmine.
Ah, forgot I was sorta watching you. Not sure why I did, but glad to hear from ya!
Truthfully, I haven't followed the feature box for some time, so I haven't really given up faith, as there's probably a lot of other great fics here that aren't featured, even though I'm not so picky and will read whatever, if it appeals enough to me. Really, the feature box could just be considered as saying 'oh hey, your fic was funny or whatever enough to be worthy of our recommended reading of recently uploaded hundreds/thousands of fics to be added for the first time!', even if that's a bit of a simple explanation, especially from someone who used to follow it at least a little more closely.
I dunno, I've heard LOTS of things on the subject of Twilicorn (as you refer to her). While I agree that I have mixed feelings about that part of the show, various other blogs I've seen seem to hint with word from one of the show's writers that it was building up to that, even if may not've been Faust's decision (at least, to have it be so soon, if anything). And supposedly, Cadence wasn't an alicorn when Faust left the show, that was the other writers' decision. I mean, really from what I've head, being an alicorn is something that has to be EARNED, not just given. Of course, dunno how that is (especially with the synopsis of the episode), but maybe the finale will explore it if only a bit. //dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/emoticons/shrug_Celestia.png Or possible season 4.
Really, if we look at what Twilight's done over season 3, it could be argued that it was preparing her for something like this with the next level of her studies, even if from current guess, the spell that makes her rewrite her OWN magic was an accident (and not intentional, but neither of the ponies (if only two) could swap each others' back). And have to have faith that the show's original concept won't take a hit, even if Twilight may be in fewer episodes possibly, but there have been episodes before since Season 2 where she hasn't been on whatsoever. And if do possibly, maybe this thing I saw on another user on this site's blog will change your perspective, as it did somewhat for me: i.imgur.com/ZxBvBzh.jpg Cause really, Twilight will still be the same mare we've come to know and love and really, it's just another challenge for her that will have to deal with, showing how ponies/people can change and can't stay the same forever; even if we don't know yet (or if will address) if Twilight will be an immortal (though I have to assume so, but probably won't ever address what will happen to her friends if outlives them in staying a Princess), what she'll be a Princess of, if will move back to Canterlot (and Spike will go with her or not), etc. Even if it doesn't seem to be done well, I will still maybe watch the show like yourself and another close friend who watches the show as well. And so many others, I'm sure.
And look forward to seeing whatever new stories you come up with, if/when you get them up!
793677 I agree wholeheartedly. That's why I said I'm going to withhold any more judgement from Twilicorn until I've had the pleasure/displeasure of watching that episode. For sure, it may not change much, but we've come to the conclusion that being a princess means immortality, excessive magical abilities, and generally being a badass God figure. (LunaLunaLuna :3!) Will Twilight be the first exception to this rule? Only that faithful day can tell, but I'm going to go into it with a bit of a scowl and higher standards than the average episode.
Namely because I haven't really enjoyed season three so far.
Now, for the other topic. Yes, sadly, I know it has been hinted at throughout the entire season. That's why I did the thing with the third arc in my allusion. The writer /thinks/ it's going to be a good idea. Not everyone's going to agree with it but I guess we've come too far to just drop out right now. While it's true that a good writer can turn a bad idea into something amazing, and Larson certainly has provided very good episodes thus far--with the exception of Magic Duel. I honestly didn't like that episode--you have to remember that the average man-colter is against change. Well, maybe not the average one, but a bunch are. Maybe it has something to do with what Hasbro has done with other shows (Namely Transformers, blame Blueshift for telling me about that one) that has given us such disdain for this idea.
I don't know, this is me just rambling. Or something.
You're alive? What is this I don't even...
793687
Yeah, I forgot to comment maybe on what you said about the show. Personally, I kinda liked Too Many Pinkie Pies first time I watched it, thought it was rather funny (like Just For Sidekicks, even though I feel Spike's taken kind of a backstep, but maybe you make a point that he's not changed his character much from past appearances; whether in his own episodes or when he's appeared with Twilight or not been neglected totally in an episode, except for the letter part possibly). And other episodes like Sleepless in Ponyville and Just For Sidekicks, but not all were gold even if some did have solid ideas (but personally didn't like them for execution or other parts, I suppose).
I agree, season 3 has been kinda eh compared to the first 2 as well, but still enjoyable somewhat, even if it mostly pandered to the fandom who wanted to see certain things done (though a few I had heard previously weren't done this season for episodes or aspects of one) from what I've heard, since Faust stopped working for it. Though we must not forget that Twilight is already powerful as evidenced in Boast Busters and a few other times in the series to date (though not sure if Star Swirl is/was Celestia's protege, he DID come up with a lot of spells though, which is why he may have the library wing you mentioned), so maybe it's not a stretch to assume she can become one (also, let us not forget according to canon, she IS the first Element of Magic bearer in 1000 years). Hopefully, if Season 4 is done (as far as I still know, only been paid to do it and haven't started yet), will explore more about alicorns and/or why Twilight became one, if Season 3 finale doesn't enough in its 22-minute runtime. Like you said, I will wait to see how the finale plays out and see how I feel about writing her as one in certain fics (if do it post-Season 3, if I would that is) or how I feel overall.
And please, ramble or whatever you consider it all you like! I know I do at times and can't shut up sometimes. //dl.dropbox.com/u/31471793/FiMFiction/Pinkie_Pie_lolface.png
In my opinion second season was actually the best so far, both in terms of consistent quality and having the best episodes. A bit deep into the rabbit-hole of ponydom(and hence not good for outsiders), but very good nonetheless. But all the seasons have their middling episodes and their outright stinkers(I'm one of the few who HATESHATESHATES The Best Night Ever, sue me). Likewise all the seasons have episodes that rank in my top ten.
Looking back, percentage-wise Season 3 is about actually the same for me as S1 and S2. The middling(which is oft-considered a "bad" trait, go figure) episodes and the truly bad episodes(Ugh, Spike at Your Service) just stand out all the more without the backdrop of more upper-tier episodes to sweeten the pot.
As for all this AliTwi nega-hype, I can only say that people are overreacting. Enough bloggers have gone over why this is not a bad thing, and a few have gone into enough depth about why this is a good thing(go xTSGx!) that I don't feel it necessary to go into detail, but I am welcoming this change with open hooves.
Also, TheWanderingPikachuPony's points are perfectly fine, and I'm lazy.
793743 I openly admit that some people are overreacting to Twilicorn. Have you seen /MLP/? A bunch of people quit the fandom pre-episode just because she got confirmed. However, there's actually not /MUCH/ of a backlash, in all honesty. Vocal minority and all that. Most people who dislike the idea will go about it rationally. Like me. I'd like to think I'm doing this in a rational manner. Anyway, they prefer to save their final thought until the actual episode airs. Most people have seen an episode before it was aired and said, 'Oh look. This episode must suck because it does 'thing' wrong and 'character' looks like they'll suck.' Then they watch the episode and everything's all fine and we all continue to pony on like before.
Now, as for my favourite season? Toss-up between S1 and S2. S2 has the advantage of beautiful villains. Chrysalis and Discord were both top-notch. (Chrysalis was just pure <3) Some of the episodes in S2 were fantastic, as well. S1, though? Well, I just like S1 because Faust had some good character flesh-out episodes. Party of One, Sonic Rainboom, Feeling Pinkie Keen, the likes.
I'll probably get a few hateful glances for this, but pre-S2, I actually had both Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash in my top three for favourite ponies. One of the things I disliked about S2 was how much they crapped on Fluttershy and turned RD into some arrogant douche. Opinion, of course, since I know there's a ton of RD-lovers out there and I prefer not getting my profile egged and TP'd. That's probably why it's not a clear favourite for me.
793778
S1 always felt a little raw to me. Definitely good(otherwise I wouldn't be a brony), but the episodes everyone says "feel like callbacks to S1," to me are merely okay Slice of Life episodes. S2 takes it wholesale with Lesson Zero, SSCS6K, How harmony Saved Christmas, Back to the Future and oh luna there were so many awesome ones.
But a lot of the S3 haters are ignoring the good and middle-good Eps from this season. Sure Spike at Your Service was bad, but the rest were just... divisive. I personally loved Too Many Pinkies for the humor, I was unenamoured with Trixie(loved the Ep in spite of her, Flutters and Twi really made it for me) and Apple Family Reunion, which everybody seemed to love, fell under that "merely okay Slice of Life" category.
So yeah, I agree that all this talk of the fandom ending is horseapples.
Eh, Best Ponies are even more personal than favorite Eps. I can never decide WHO is best, but it's usually between Pinkie, RD and Twi. Every once in a while a good FanFic AJ steals the cake.
Fuck you, Carbine.
re. failure box: If you bookmark the dashboard and the news page, you will never need to look at the feature box ever again. Alternatively, use a phone; the front page of the mobile site is useless, but no failbox!
re. S3: Spike at Your Service excluded, none of the new episodes are actually bad, IMO. I don't expect Twilicorn to be a giant fuckup. Maybe a mild one, but nothing awful.
I haven't seen the featured box for months. I thought FiMfiction had scrapped it for the main page.
huh.
Meh.
I am going to disagree with your opinions by making socially unacceptable comments about your heritage and insinuating that you smell funny.
794190
Oh you.
Okay. You've said your say. Just one question: which episode stated that there were only two alicorns? I know the writers implied it at the start, but designs shifted. Was that ever stated on screen? I'm genuinely curious.
Yay, Carmine blog!
Yeah, there's not a whole lot of great stuff that's been coming up on the site lately, but I'm finding enough good stories to keep myself occupied. I've been reading a lot of Ponky's stuff lately, especially The Sisters Doo, which is a very fun characterization of Daring Do and Ditzy/Derpy.
As for Twilicorn, I'm not excited at all, but I'll give it a chance.
Also, I went on the IRC yesterday, but you weren't on. Sadfaec. I'm going to start checking it out more regularly from now on, I think.
>anyone know how to work the HTML code of the site to hide it?
Use clientside JS to hide it
Okay, first, it was never explicitly stated that there were only two alicorns.
That was Faust's original vision, but it was never actually stated on the show. Therefore, it's not actually canon.
Second, Starswirl couldn't have been a student of Celestia, since he was the teacher of Clover the Clever, who was involved in the nation's founding which pre-dates the reign, and possibly birth, of the princesses. So that idea's mathematically impossible.
Oh, and yes, season three has been pretty shit so far.
The only episodes I've actually liked so far were the ones I thought I wouldn't, so that's nice, but that totals three episodes. The others were just boring, or they angered me.
You know, that's the funny thing. These ideas didn't come from the writers, but the IP holders, Hasbro. So you can't blame anyone at DHX.
But given the reasoning you gave, it kinda makes sense. They want their products to be popular, and what better way to do that than ask the people what they want to see?
From an artistic standpoint it's fucking cheap, but from a business standpoint it makes all the sense in the world.
However, I think it'll bite them in the ass in the long run. As I explained on my blog.
Oh, that reminds me. Shameless Plug: My thoughts on the Alicornness. My thoughts on the whole season.
806905 You seem to be taking the Hearth's Warming thing as completely canon.
Now, as we know (from canon) there was a huge starvation and terrible ass weather (Wendigos for best villain?). What we can derive from that is that there was mass starvation that lead to a ton of deaths and quite possibly a giant bloodbath that spawned because of the hostility and wanting to get food.
Don't take everything at face value.
Also, the flag that was posted in that episode showed Celestia and Luna circling around a sun and moon, therefore there IS a possibility that Starswirl could've been Celestia's student at one point, and was passing off what he learned to Clover.
Now, for the two alicorns, I learned that it was never stated as canon shortly after posting this blog. If anything, I guess, I headcanon'd it so hard just like people headcanon'd Blinkie and Inkie as Pinkie's sisters and basically came to the conclusion that it's canon, even though it isn't. Simple mistake, I apologize. However, the play gives little to no canonical evidence and you really shouldn't take anything that was shown as stuff that actually happened.
807022
So you're saying they outright lied? It's a historical, they'd want it to be historically accurate, especially with Twilight in the cast.
If the sisters were around during that time, well, you'd think one of them would bring it up!
Now, as for the flag... I have no fucking idea.
But how do you know it wasn't the other way around? Why couldn't Celestia be a student of Starswirl? Possible isn't it?
When was it said on screen that there were only two alicorns?