Should I just be done with it? · 9:35pm Mar 29th, 2014
So as some of you know, I recently released a story called Feel like a Monster about Apple Bloom being placed in a mental health hold because of some violent thoughts that she had. Almost everybody knows that it is based off of experiences that happened to me this past January, and it is my attempt to get my thoughts out in the only way that I know how: writing pony fiction.
The thing is, I'm beginning to think that it isn't worth it. I didn't expect everybody would like it, but the consistent amount of just... angry comments directed at me and the story make me feel that I should just wash my hands of the whole thing and find other ways to cope that don't involve people bitching and moaning that the story might not transfer to Equestria very well, and, despite my reservations on the matter, I've tried to fix that, such as making it AU and pre-season 1. I recognize that it's not a perfect story and Apple Bloom being ten isn't going to make it transfer well, but, well, the whole idea was for me to get everything out in what I thought was a safe, welcoming environment.
Dang it, I don't want to come across as whiny. I have some of the best fans in the world. You all are awesome people, and I can't wait to meet some of you at BABSCon and/or Everfree Northwest. I'm just wondering whether I should continue something that I intended to be therapeutic when a bunch of the comments just make me angry.
I dunno, I also get a lot of comments saying that people appreciate the story and connect to it, but I don't know if I want to keep going if I constantly get what basically amounts as yelling at me for daring to write this piece of crap. (er... not my words. Or anybody's, but just the vibe).
I dunno. Long story short, a bunch of commenters are just making me feel worse about everything, and I feel I may have been too hasty getting into this. You're my readers, should I stop? I know some of you are curious as to what happens next, but... I dunno. What do you think?
Masterbate bad thought will go away. always work for me so i masterbate lots of time in an day
don't let the neighsayers get to you. Last time a slew of angry comments came up on a great story, the author basically quit. So don't quit, you have more positive fans than negative. It is just the negative ones have to scream to be heard while we just have to whisper...
if half the readers like it, and the other half don't: then continuing the story would make the half that like it happy, while the half that don't have no reason to keep reading. If they keep reading something they don't like, that's their own damn problem; so it's better to just keep writing for the ones who do like it.
What are u talking about? The nature of a Fan Fiction is a Fan-made story. If they don't like it they should just down-vote and read elsewhere. So, I support you writing this, besides it truly helps u, by getting this out instead of bottling it up.
If anyone is angry at you, they're horrible people and not worth listening to.
I'd say keep writing and let them go flame themselves out and move on when it's old news like they always do.
Related note: I'm not a licensed psychotherapist but my dad is and I took a few courses in psychology. I'm also suffering from a surplus of free time if you ever need someone who actually knows what "confidential" means and has no legal obligations to get in the way of that >.>
I really hope you don't stop, some of your stories are among the most entertaining I've read. Try not to let a few get you down, you've done a great job expressing yourself through your writings.
No, keep at it. Everyone gets some angry comments at some point, don't let it deter you from continuing this story.
Keep going please! You have been doing a great job with this story!
I personally enjoy it, even if some others don't, and I would be a bit sad to see it unfinished.
I didn't read it because it didn't appeal to me. Personally, I'd rather see you continue to work on your TD stories, but what I'd like is rather irrelevant.
In any case I fully support authors writing what they want to write, and if you want to explore certain ideas then I'm all for that, regardless of how little they appeal to me.
Ignore them, They're just fat misanthropes that are pissed at you because, oh no, you're story depicted a pon that's not perfect in every way! The horror!
My thoughts is that if it helps you then you should definitely keep writing it. If the comments bother you, then either don't read the comments or don't publish any further chapters. Or publish them off of Fimfiction, like in GDocs, so those that want to read it can read it and you don't have to worry about negative comments.
You should keep writing it. It's a good story, those who like it outweigh those who don't, and if it's therapeutic for you, all the more reason to just ignore the haters and do it. Besides, every story has them.
Ignore the naysayers, friend: they are but a small fragment compared to those who enjoy what you write.
Writing about past experiences can help you gain closure and it may make you feel better.
I'd suggest continuing if you think it'll help you. If so, remember that those people are insensitive and shouldn't have access to a keyboard if they can't put themselves in another's shoes.
I think putting a child into what you've gone through isn't a very good idea. I don't really know how old she is (My guess is about 9-10), but it's a difference if a child or an adult has to go through stuff like this. The story itself is written well
What I'm not really seeing up there in that post is how you feel about the project. Comments aside, is the story helping you out? Is it cathartic to write about this stuff? If so, then it may be worthwhile to continue it. If it's not really helping and the comments are stressing you out, it might be better to end it. But that should be the starting point. How effective is this story in helping you work through this stuff?
The thing to consider is whether this story is for you or if it is for the readers. If it's to help you out, then you may have to put up with some upset people. It's not really for them anyway. If you are trying to make a great story for the readers, then what you have might not make sense. It just depends on your goals.
Ooh, I've been meaning to read that! Thanks for the reminder.
The only stories I've seen escape criticism are the ones more cookie cutter than the average Oreo. You do, however, seem to have more than your fair share of the classic "I may not have any personal experience with the matter like you do but I do have an opinion based on assumptions; I think I know what I'm talking about, here" and "your story doesn't match my headcanon so I'm going to whine and pound the table until you change it" brands of asshat. I'd tell you to just ignore them but anyone who has ever been criticized knows that for the bullshit advice that it generally is.
Instead I'll say to try to keep in mind that you've got a little over seven likes for every dislike. As ever, the idiots are the ones screeching and flinging their feces like startled monkeys while everyone else is just quietly enjoying the product or moving on to something more to their tastes. As long as you're able to take something positive away from the experience you ought to keep at it. If it's actually proving counterproductive, though, then you would hardly be unjustified if you decided to put it on an indefinite hiatus.
I've never read the story. But if you want my opinion, you should finish it. Even if you get complaints, if this is a story you made for a reason then I think you should go through with it. And it looks like it's doing fine stats wise. All that matters is what you want to do with it
1964825 But that's the issue. People can't ignore the fact that AB is so young and they just keep complaining about that in increasingly angry ways. It's a fundamental supposed flaw to the story that people will just. Not. Let. Go, and I'm getting increasingly sick of it. They don't give a rats that I'm doing this for therapy, they just care that there's a supposed large plot hole, and reader, after reader, after reader just keeps moaning and complaining about it, to the point where I'm beginning to wonder whether or not it's worth it.
I'm just... getting sick of everything they're all saying to me. Yeah, a lot of people are supportive, the comments in this blog agree with that, but... I dunno...
1964829 When I'm writing it it's good, but then I read some of the comments. It balances out, really. Of course, then there are comments that keep me going too, so... I don't know.
Please don't end it... I love it so far. So what if some people don't like your story, just ignore the haters. A lot of us would love to see more chapters in it.
-bathroomstahl
1964840 All I have to say is: do whatever you think is right. If the story helps you cope with your problems, by all means continue writing it. Ignore what the non appreciative people think and do what makes you feel happy, who cares if they don't like your story. Just let them go and continue what you believe in.
On the other hand you could always write the story and not post it, that works to.
1964837 I think the reason for it is what I wrote in my comment. Putting a child through this stuff might not really a good idea, and the hospital doctors in that fic are just idiots. If you want to write it like that, just do it. However, I think you maybe should've aged up her a little bit, making her about 16 or 17.
Stories like this one are pretty much guaranteed to get a lot of flak in the comments.
Since you are writing this as a form of therapy, my personal recommendation is to ignore the comments (meaning don't even read them) until you conclude the story.
I know that comments are bread and butter for an author, so that makes this recommendation difficult, but having people natter away at you while you work through something can't be good. But once it's complete you can take a step back and view it as another story.
I'd say take a break, hold off on reading the negative comments until a later date, and try to find a professional to talk to, if you can. Intentionally ignoring criticism may be bad in most cases, but if all it's doing is serving to make you feel worse, then the point of subjecting yourself to it isn't being fulfilled anyhow. If you do want to keep writing as a release, go for it, but consider only showing it to people you trust until you're over the worst of this. You can always easily publish it later, but if people hurt you over it now the wounds will take a long time to heal.
I find the story very interesting and have been looking forward to updates every time. I hope you don't stop just because a couple of bone heads cant get the the idea that if you don't like it don't read it. Don't disappoint your fans and let the haters win, This site isn't for them its for everyone, and if they don't like they can suck it. That's my advice every time you get a nasty comment just ignore it or reply with Suck it. Trust me it'll be funny
If a couple of nutfuck dickwits talk a bit shit because they feel safe behind their screen, you should not give a shit. Fuck 'em and their bitchy-ass opinions.
The only time you should care about comments like that is if they point out actual flaws in the story, characters and settings, but it seems these don't, so just ignore them if it's therapeutic for you.
Hey, don't give a dam about they nay sayers, your story still has more likes that dislikes, and you story was in the top story's of the day wall after all. So why should you care what a small majority thinks.
As a friend if mine said,
"If nobody dislikes your story or certain chapter then you are doing something wrong."
-Requiem17
1964918 But they are, and they're getting very angry and vocal about it and that just makes me angry. Troll comments I can handle. Whatever, who cares, I just delete and maybe block, but people are quick to loudly yell 1. this wouldn't happen in Equestria and 2. this wouldn't happen to a minor, especially not in Equestria.
Who cares if I'm doing this because I want this to be therapeutic. The story isn't pitch perfect, ergo who gives a fuck about what I intended?
1964931 If people believe those comments, Fallout: Equestria, no matter how much I despise it, would be nowhere near as popular. God knows that universe could never work in Equestria, but people ate it up anyway! We need more stories about stuff like this written by those who've actually experienced it, it's nice to have an insight into how this kinda stuff feels, even if it is a little outta place in MLP, it's an AU story, so anything can work.
Don't write something based on others opinions, write it because it's a story you want to tell and you enjoy writing it.
You don't write for other people. Sure you put it online for everyone to see but, you write for yourself. You write about your experiences, about your feelings and sometimes you write made-up stories. If it's important for you to put this on display to show what had happened to you, It's fine.
You write for yourself, not for other people. If they don't like it, that's that. You can't force them to like it, or maybe you can but not without crippling your own story. Even if you take it down, what will change? Nothing. In the end this story is just one of many other stories that get's downvotes.
I say let it stay.
don't stop!
I know that it is a way for you to vent and you are getting allot of hate but ignore them! they are acting like the very thing that caused my to have something WAR vets come home with. by taking it down and washing your hands clean of this is what they would want! defy them! and if they do not like the "light" that is our world they can go suck it! I like this story for many reasons first I can sorta relate. second, it tells a story that is 95% true! just not the same wording and ponyfide! third, it allows me to do something I love to do, help in problems like this. do not dis this idea!
oh an ps to those that are complaining about the age...
THIS SHIT HAPPENED TO ME WHEN I WAS YOUNGER THAN APPLE BLOOM AND I AM 14 RIGHT NOW!
*huf puff* ok now I am done.
Ignore them. Anyone reading fanfiction and expecting completely show-accurate, canonical writing should have their comment powers revoked. You write great things, and anyone willing to make their writing publicly viewable shouldn't be criticized for it.
Ignore all comments from here on in, and FINISH your story the way you want it to be finished.
It would be a real shame if it just ended up cancelled here.
This story is DIFFERENT and touches a lot of people out there.
People follow personalities they enjoy.
People don't follow personalities they don't enjoy.
Therefore, if these people do not like a certain personality, they shouldn't follow it.
Such groups that don't abide to common sense or logical thought will continue following things they don't like.
Therefore, one could make the deduction that this group will not have any logical argument or have a cent of common sense in their comments.
So BronyWriter--are you gonna take such comments seriously?
I was just gonna write this out, but... fuck it:
Loathe,
your Antagonist
AW COMMON! For me personally I thought it was well written! Although maybe you might need to add "Dark" tag. I was looking forward what might have in store for Applebloom.
1964840 If the problem is that she is too young, could you just age her up a bit? Would that take a major re-write?
This probably won't make much sense since I'm fricken tired, but here we go...
You are my BIGGEST influence on this site, and one of the reasons I summoned the courage to even register on this site or even attempt to write my own works of fiction. This is all because of your talent in writing, which is very well constructed and you can grip your readers by the balls one moment and have us melting like blobs of feels the next, like you do in The Secret Life of Rarity (and sequels), and subsequently Gwenwyn (which had/still has me in tears), etc, etc, I can go on... But you completely and utterly inspire me - and I am damn sure you inspire other people, too.
So seeing you this conflicted about something you are writing which is very 'heart on the sleeve,' balls to the wall personal to you, then all I can say is a very few, meaningless, often echoed words by your other fans like above and beyond, that all you have to do, is simply ignore it all, move on, and write the story exactly how you want it and how you feel it should go. No one else should dictate to you how you write your stories, and why. You don't have to answer to them or explain yourself. It's your goddamn story.
I've got story ideas I too want to write which I KNOW is going to make people upset, but, you know what? So what. It's my story. And I ain't going to change it because some people are getting a little pissy about the subject details of it (no matter how gruesome, or emotionally traumatic), especially if it is a story that is quite personal to me. I just don't care if I shatter their perfect world and perception of a character(s) based upon a show involving pastel colored talking fricken ponies, when this site is about fanfiction. Works of fiction made by fans which may very well not follow the show's plot in any shape or form, or the characters.
Is it just me, or is it almost laughable and somewhat incredibly and annoyingly ironic that these people leaving you angry and less than lovable, uncritical comments are Bronies, who are hating on another Brony's piece of hard written work? When we as a fandom are generally about loving, tolerating, and friendship? If they cannot handle the plot, or the idea of the story and just don't like it, then they should just downvote it, make a constructive critique as to why they didn't like it, and bugger off never to read it again. They've made themselves perfectly clear in their distaste, so there is NO reason for an angry comment telling you how much they hate your story.
It's immature and destructive.
Now I'm going to go and break something.
I would suggest turning it into an OC story, unless that would be too much work. Or, if you feel the negative comments outweigh the help you get from writing the story, you could continue writing the story and just not publish it.
I... haven't read it yet, it is on my read later list though.
Don't be sad dude. There's always going to be people like that. Keep going on, and you'll persevere.
Don't stop. It's really good
Don't you dare waste any of your energy or time on those negative idiots!
I read your stories because you write well, this might seem like a weak comment though it's much more than that. When i read your stories i see a work consisting of your thoughts, the effort you put into it and a picture you want to portray. Not to mention that you have given me the impression of being a good guy, one that i am actually sorry for being unable to meet.
Why would you throw this away because of a stupid few, when you have so many others that enjoy your stories?
Also, although i see why someone could complain about this story i don't understand it. This story makes me think about stuff, some pretty heavy stuff.. Like why this world often is so unfair to those who doesn't deserve it.
The first that I wrote a fanfic it was nothing more than crap, it had no comas, periods or apostrophes. Some told me to quit writing because I sucked at it (even though they were right it still hurt to read that) others were more supportive and told me how to improve and write better.
If all of us put attention to the bad comments of other people who don't like our works and quit writing (for example) then that would make us a spineless turd, I don't think nor believe that you're a turd, a spineless person nor a spineless turd.
What you need to do is grab your balls, deal with it and continue writing until the story is finished.
That story you're moaning about is a wake-up call for those who don't know how twisted and unfair the US system is when it comes to judge people who NEED help.
I am one of those who need help but never get or receive it, if you give up because some idiots who don't know what REALITY is convinced you via bad comments then you're someone who's unworthy of being one of the most viewed and liked channels in this website.
Call me a bitch, asshole or an imbecile if you want, I couldn't care less.
PS: TRUE art is born from adversity, ignorance, blood, sweat and tears, ignorance is the hardest to beat because there's always to many ignorant people, but you're not ignorant and shouldn't even bother with their words.
Words of the wise? The cure for foolish words, are deaf ears; so be deaf to those pendejos.
PPS: I would like to discuss something with you personally, if you're interested to hear what a fool like me has to say send me a PM or answer this comment.
May fortune smile upon your path, sincerely Arachne The Weaver
by the way
YOU ARE GOING TO BABS CON?! hope to see you there!
I say go on, I for one am really looking forward to the next chapter.
Oh, and about those angry downvoters...
...Fuck'em, you make this story for yourself and those who enjoy it. But, I implore you think about it, do whatever you want.