Preaching to the Choir · 4:53am Aug 27th, 2013
The following is part of a comment I made a on another blog. At the end of the comment, I looked back, realizing how long it was, and joked that I ought to use it on my own blog. The blogger encouraged me to do so. That was weeks ago...
Most of us became bronies because we find My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic to be a positive and enjoyable experience. We should all strive to keep the community a positive and enjoyable experience as well. But all too often, particularly amongst those who claim to be concerned about the quality of brony fanfiction, people can't seem to be anything other than negative and petulant. To those people, I have two bits of advice:
First, get your priorities straight. Which is more important: the quality of your behavior towards others, or the quality of cartoon pony stories? Second, if your goal it to promote quality fanfiction, then promote quality fanfiction. Advertise the good stuff. Show your appreciation to the authors who you feel deserve it through fan art of their work, or fan music, or whatever creative gifts you have... even if it is just making uplifting comments. (And if somehow no fanfiction out there meets your standards, write some yourself!) Don't spend your time trashing fanfiction you don't like, or whining about the state of the fandom. Every post or blog like that is time you could have spent doing something positive and productive, something that could actually help make things better.
The problem that I had in actually blogging this is a simple one: I would be preaching to the choir. The vast majority of people following me are fans of my work, and my fans already do this. In fact, this was my response on a thread asking why Fallout: Equestria is so popular:
There is no denying that timing was a factor in the story first getting attention. I started in in April 2011, back when a lot of incredible MLP fanfictions were being (or had just been) written. It was by no means the fanfiction wasteland a few above would have you believe, but it was a time when we didn't have the sheer glut of stories that we do now. As such, stories that were unique and high-quality had a far better chance of standing out than getting lost in the flood.
But that doesn't explain why Fallout: Equestria remains so popular. As for why, I can offer some insight... although, to be honest, I am constantly astonished and humbled by the love and following Fallout: Equestria has gotten. The fans are simply amazing, and awe-inspiring in all the things they have created.
And that, I suppose, is the core of why Fallout: Equestria has taken on the such a life of its own. The story inspires people to create. First, the massive amount of world-building that went into creating a believable and enjoyable fusion of Fallout and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic paid off beyond my wildest dreams, creating a unique world that a lot of readers wanted to play with. (Even a reader who doesn't like the story itself may find himself wanting to create an FoE tale of his.) Second, the themes of the story, despite the darkness of the setting, are those of hope and self-improvement. Because the story is ultimately uplifting, and holds to the core values of the show, it inspires fans in much the same way as My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic itself does.
The story itself is a minor thing compared to the community it has engendered. Yes, it is a well-written and epic tale, but not moreso than a lot of other great brony stories, and I'm sure it pales in comparison to some of the Fallout: Equestria universe stories that have been (or are being, or will be) written. And then there is the art, the music, the modding, and more. By being encouraging of fans' efforts, I have tried to help foster a positive environment for creativity to flourish. The fans have continued to maintain that positive atmosphere in the building of the FoE community. And often, the works they create inspire even more.
In short, because most bronies are creative and awesome, and the story provided a new spark to ignite their creativity and awesomeness.
There are only to possibilities for why Fallout: Equestria has the following it does. Either the story is better and more inspiring than the detractors are willing to admit... or out of pure dumb luck, I managed to gain a following of the best bronies in the fandom -- not only those who are creative and generous and friendly, but who don't need to be told any of the things in the first quoted comment because that's just the way they roll. And while I'd like to believe that it's at least a fair bit of the first possibility, there is no denying that it is a whole heaping lot of the second.
All that said, I would like to bring up a recent matter. Not long ago, ToxicThunderCloud posted a really keen Fallout: Equestria "trailer" on YouTube featuring his own vision of the story. (To those few people who were down on him for his deviations from canon: how often does a movie slavishly resemble the book it was based on? Instead, you should be cheering the time and effort he put into that video to make something for people to enjoy. We should all be celebrating this sort of thing.)
Unfortunately, he used someone else's OC without permission, she got upset, and her boyfriend reacted by taking matters into his own hands and making a less-than-legal claim against the video which got it removed. Backlash ensued. Now, there are two things I think need to be remembered. First, this was a 13-year-old kid. Yes, what he did was completely inappropriate, but it was at least understandable, and he is a child. Second, the appropriate parties (the owner of the OC and ToxicThunderCloud) are hammering things out, so the video should be back up soon in a form that doesn't infringe on the girl's OC. At this point, kid has explained what happened, and most of the backlash has died down... but I want to take this opportunity to ask anyone still upset to calm down and refocus on more positive things. And I ask everyone, when the video returns, to flood it with supportive and uplifting comments, and/or the most polite and constructive of criticism. Let's give him back what he's lost and better.
Thank you.
PS: Have a new interview. Courtesy of SectusSection Reviews.
Well, just have to say: You really DID get lucky, some of the bronies I know aren't the best examples of humanity. But I do wonder in awe at how you managed to make such an interesting fanfiction that combined the slightly butchered elements of fallout three with the positive messages of MLP: FiM together in such a way that it sparked its own sub fandom. Now if only I could focus long enough to get anything more than senseless dribble written, THEN I might stand a chance against the might that is the Fo: E fandom.
I love being nice, and it's hard to go against that.
When I read a story for fun, I point out the good things, but when I read it to critique it... Wow, I can become sort of an arse. I don't over exaggerate things, but I can still come across as harsh.
Well, don't sell yourself short on option 1 either. Then again, a freeshot at further praising FoE... like anyone is surprised I'd take it?
As to the first part, yeah, completely agree. The people constantly complaining about how 'bad' a state the fandom is in, or always going on and on about any little thing they don't like.. do far far more damage, and make things far less fun then what they are complaining about ever could.
Though I would argue, especially with fics, that pointing out what you think is bad could be useful too. If done right. Explain what makes it bad, just what it's failings and issues are, what, if anything, it got right, how others could avoid those mistakes in their own works etc....
That sounds like some really sound advice. Hopefully it'll help some of us be more mindful when we post. None of the drama reached my ears, but I found the trailer to be fascinating. I thought it interesting that no one had done something like that sooner.
Oh, and since I never got the chance to do so before (nor did I believe I would get to), I'll do so now: I really loved Fallout: Equestria. I won't delve into it because you probably get enough already.
I agree completely.
This has been a tough year for the fandom so far. There's always been some drama, of course. Human nature and all that. But between Twilicorn and Equestria Girls, YouTube take-downs and Fighting is Magic, Las Pegasus and BronyDoc, etc. - it's been like a wet-blanket cast over something that should, by its very nature, inspire joy and positivity. It's just engendered so much negativity and cynicism. Maybe "jadedness". That's a shame, because that type of mentality only makes things worse. The fandom should be about having fun, making friends, and, if so inclined, expressing oneself creatively. And it's doubly a shame because there's so much good in this fandom - great people and awesome artwork. Better we should celebrate the positive, and try to set some kind of example, rather than just wallow in negativity and tear each other down (which we see far too often). The fandom is what we make of it. No more, no less.
The Fallout: Equestria fandom is like an enclave within the brony fandom, I always thought. And I have citizenship in both
The above points you make are, pretty much, I do instinctively. But, it's always a good thing to remind those who do such things that their efforts are very much appreciated
(And I agree. It does seem a good portion of the better members of the brony community have found their way to the FoE fandom. Maybe the natural tolerance needed for a story crossing Fallout and ponies attracts those who would be willing to put aside a natural revulsion of such a
weirdcombo? Or is it that fans of both Fallout and MLP tend to be more accepting of wildly different interests and this, naturally, comes through? Either way.)As usual, you took the words right out of my mouth. While I do hold fanfic to a reasonably high standard, and have several stories on my "do not like" list, I try to promote the fics I love instead of just bashing the ones I don't. I'm not going to win anyone over to the "fanfic is awesome" side if all I can talk about is how bad such-and-such fanfic sucks.
When I do have something negative to say about a fanfic, I keep it constructive and thoughtful, as a critic should. I state my points, explain them, and move on.
But far more often, I'm recommending the great fics like FO:E to every brony I meet. I believe this is what we should all do. I only got into fanfiction by pure luck because the first ever pony story I chose to read (which I found by complete accident) turned out to be really good. Why not take the luck out of the equation for new readers, and steer them towards the cream of the crop? Why not help improve fanfic's reputation so people stop thinking it's all Fifty Shades?
Moving forward, with the help of good friends, one back flip at a time.
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I have to admit that I tend to be rather negative, and I suspect that that's because it's easier to notice bad things as they tend to pull you out of the story (e.g. an author trying to be clever with said bookisms tends to make me put down my ipad and facepalm,
) whereas a well-written story (to a layperson) won't be nearly as obvious.
ejaculated AnonAs a workaround I'd suggest that you should try to remember that anyone who leaves a non-trivial critical comment will have liked the story enough to read it and care enough to bother writing a comment.
People like Kkat are why I get up in the morning. Never stop being amazing.
Just as every virtue can be corrupted, everyone deals with their negative traits in different ways.
See your answer to this question Kkat is fairly good and it's honest but I've found a better way of selling the story.
You say "It's a about a Mare who is really good at fixing toasters and gets distracted along the way by all the bullets other ponies throw at her".
At the end of the day, the toasters will win. Toast or no toast. They have toast potential.
MMm this is known as diffusion of responsibility. And it's not limited to organisations, but any large groups of peeps trying to think together.
It's like the human version of Kryptonite, we'd be OP without it.
I mean everyone would become superman. And when everyone becomes superman, superman is no longer super. He's just a man. Which Ironically is exactly what he wanted to be.
Um. I don't know where I was going with that.
Ah of course...
FOREVER...
A wise response but it is dodging the question though.
I enjoyed Pink Eyes. It's got a very unique way of telling the set of stories it tells and folds them together fairly well. Although like yer own fic it does suffer from the 20% cooler references. Sorry dash but they just ain't cool anymore.
No no, it's true we've seen so many of those...
Dash...Dash wait
>:-l
Well gotta run.
FOREVER
I have had to experience getting negative feedback during my ficwriting time, especially early on, but I don't remember ever leaving a negative comment. I don't remember downvoting a story, apart from some gorey fic using Snowdrop. (Because it's Snowdrop.. And gore. And those don't do well together.) I do downvote comments if they are blind hate, flame, or spam. I try to refrain from deleting comments, and, if you take a look at any of my fics/blog posts, there are very few to none deleted comments, and even those have been deleted by their respective authors.
I have come to this fandom in the summer of 2011, and, back then, it was mostly friendly and accepting. Sue me, but I don't remember people bashing even the badly-written stories. Over the time, it has changed, but I am to loyal to the principles that make a brony, and, to be honest, the principles that should make a person. I have gathered a lot of friends and readers from this community - hundreds of people with similar interests and attitude.
And you know what's the best thing about the friends I've made here? It it so worth getting negative feedback once in a while.
My advice is: don't leave negative feedback, but don't shun it. Haters gonna hate, but try not to hate the haters. After all, they aren't always bad people. In fact, they are mostly good people who have found themselves in a difficult situation in real life.
Does this allow them to bash other people's work? No. Does this let us show a little compassion to our fellow man? Yes.
As for preaching to the choir... Let's just say, I'm not a religious person, but I still know that the choir may not always be in church because they are believers. Some of them just come there to sing. Getting the idea? Such blog posts are important, even now (especially now), because they remind us that, when you enter a church, you follow the moral principles of that church. When you're in the fandom, please leave the bigotry at the door. It's a good message, Kkat, one that we should always have in mind.
As for the people you've met here? It's only natural that most people in the Fo:E community hold to the principles of friendship, love, trust, and compassion. Because these are the principles Fo:E reminds us of. The last time I saw such a positive message was when I was reading the Bible. (Even though I'm not Christian.) Getting this message is one thing. Implementing it in life is another. We're trying to make a brighter life a reality, by brightening up the way we think and act. Because god dammit, this planet, and the humanity, deserves some love and hope, despite the terrible things we, as the human race, are doing.
And yes, creativity is actually a driving force behind human evolution. Tragedy is the thing that holds us back, any tragedy; and creativity is the thing that helps us move on. Anything that sparks creativity helps us evolve morally. So, it's only natural that we're so thankful to you. You give us creative fuel that helps us move on. It's very important.
About ToxicThunderCloud: I have explained my point of view openly on RapidWingsMLP's channel. I think that yes, he is wrong, and should be ashamed, but, on the other hand, he should learn from it. I'm not hating on him or, God forbid, his girlfriend. But I am a little bitter about the whole situation. I hope that, when this video returns (currently, there is the fully-translated Russian version of the trailer on Youtube for those who want to watch it: THE LINK (in case the embed doesn't work)), we will all make ToxicThunderCloud forget the issue and instead focus on the bright feedback.
Another great interview. You know, Kkat, it's simply amazing how you manage to be kind, and gentle, and nice, and friendly, and reply to comments, and PMs, and talk to people, and make new friends, and keep old ones, and deal with negative feedback so nicely, and give interviews, and answer our questions (even though there are tons of them, and I understand you cannot answer them all) - all of this while being the most popular author, or, at least, one of the most popular authors, in the fandom. Initially, months ago, even more than a year ago, it was people like you - mostly you, specifically - who made me consider keeping up the kindness and fighting down the hate. In Applesnack's words, you made me want to become a better person. And I am walking along the road of constantly trying to beconme a better person. Mostly thanks to you. Thank you.
P.S. The embed of Fallout: Equestria Trailer 2013 (Full version, but in Russian):
(As far as my Russian expertise goes, it's translated very very freely. But still, the video's there so you can watch it without sound, if you so wish.)
Say, I know this is off topic, but I'm really curious Kkat. If you wrote Fallout Equestria now instead of back in the day. How would you work in elements such as Sombra, the Crystal Empire, and the changelings into the Fallout Equestriaverse? It's just something I'm curious about.
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...That kid had a wonderful Fo:E trailer remived. How can that be inspiring?
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That's all right, we all have mind derps. That's why we're human and not uber-thinking robots.
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Basically, here's the outline of the situation.
ToxicThunderCloud has uploaded this video, the Fallout: Equestria Trailer, on Youtube. The kid in question, RapidWingsMLP, has decided to act as a protector of his girfriend's OC, which she said to have been used improperly, and had the video removed. He had no legal right to do so, basically because he acted on behalf on another person as a represantative of the first party without signing a twp-way contract, and presented his "client" as a company, which is also wrong, for a Youtube channel in neither a company nor a non-profit organisation. A lot of bronies were disappointed and angry, and some desided to bash him. Most bronies, however, expressed bitter disappointment, with no hate attached.
However, the kid took it personally and thought all comment to be hate. Which they are not, and which I have tried to explain to him.
Soon, the video should be up again. For now, there's the Russian version I've shared in the comments to this blog post.
Hope it clears up the issue.
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Mind derps are an important asset for superior thinking. How can one get better at thinking without make mistakes to learn from? Robots, on the other hoof, generally have a hard time thinking at all.
Kkat, your story really is inspiring, it's what got me into writing fan-fiction instead of just reading it (despite me not really being good at this moment, but I will improve in time.) Also, I've been trying to write a spin-off for this story for like, a month, but I haven't been happy with any ideas yet.
Oh and I just saw that Russian version of the trailer. IT LOOKED AWESOME. If the guy who made it does end up making the whole thing, I'll sure as hell give it a go. It looked so cool I don't even care. I don't speak Russian though so when the English one gets back up I'll check that too.
The thing that stands out to me about Fallout: Equestria is that it has a positive message, presented without pretending away the problems of the real world. It's the rare kind of story that might possibly convert someone from pessimist to optimist, rather than just reassure them that their pre-existing prejudices are correct. So it's not surprising if kkat's fans are more positive than average.
(Says the brony who just posted The 8 Creepiest Things About My Little Pony. Well. I have to be a little evil. It's my job.)
My opinion is that everyone writing fan-fiction is using someone else's OCs without asking permission, so it's hypocritical to get upset if someone uses your OC without asking permission.
If they make a movie--which would have to be EXTREMELY condensed--I hope they have the sense to keep some slow, reflective scenes, not just the action scenes. I imagine LittlePip burning Celestia's skeleton to Abinoni's Adagio in G minor. It gets five sentences in the story, but that's the sort of thing that you could dwell on for minutes in a movie.
I have to agree with Kkat. I Like Fallout Equestria because I feel it could be a very realistic possibility if certain things happen
That is what drew me to it and it inspired me to read more and I'm also in the process of writing my own side story with my own character 
Though it is a little slow on updates because I'm also going to college for Game art and Design so I try to write in between quarters 
I've always liked a world to be gritty but then you have the main character who is the glimmer of hope to the world 
Like in my story originally my main character was out for revenge and now she is trying to make a positive impact to a filly that lost her family in the first chapter 
I have always loved to take something dark and then turn it around and make it better in the end 
Mostly because I also have run a lot of paper and pencil RPGs with friends 
Well here I am just rambling so let me just say that your story was inspiring and that I was glad that I found it back about a year and a half ago and I look forward to what ever future you have planned for your truly awesome world you created 
Your story is utterly amazing, as it is a shining star for the rest of the fanbase to aspire to achieve. It shows that our fanfictions, the but end of entertainment, can be appreciated not just on a surface level, but have the potential to endure the passage of time. I am actually hesitant to continue reading past my current point because that would, of course, bring a definite end. If I don't finish, then the story never ends and I can love and appreciate what I have seen.
Nevertheless, a wise man once said: "This song is ending, but the story never ends."
Maybe. Someday, maybe.
Thanks for creating something like this. I know you did not expect your popularity to explode like it has, but if it hadn't, I would have never seen this wonderful story.
I read the quoted passages here and it brings a tear to my eye. Indeed...
Makes me happy to say that my interest in writing my own FoE story has been recently bolstered. Have put a little more thought into it and such. I don't plan on diverting focus from my current, first-ever fic too soon, but in time, I very much looking forward to seeing what I can contribute. And I may even reread FoE for the second time, around then...
I really should get more involved in the fandom, both FoE and at large.