Why we read fanfiction · 4:52pm Mar 31st, 2015
I just read Appletheosis by DuncanR, a story which doesn't have nearly as much love as it deserves, and it got me thinking. Why have I spend such an inappropriate amount of time reading silly horse words at the detriment to all my other hobbies? I play fewer games, read fewer books, and watch fewer shows. I've even gained an appreciation for grammar when before I thought of it as an annoyance.
Well this little mix of mythology, philosophy, and ponies finally got the thought through my head. The reason, I think, that fanfiction is so special is because, no matter what else it is, its story is a gift to be shared. Whereas a game's/book's/show's story is, no matter what else it may be, is a product to be sold. It is so common that a story is good but doesn't have the special thing that makes it great. On the other hand most fics do have that special spark. So often I find myself annoyed by bad writing, bad character development, and a bad plot but I'm still thoroughly enjoying myself. A fic is almost always a labor of love. Done in homage of a beloved fictional world for other fans. Its not bought with money, the only currency it can be bought with is attention, praise, and mutual enjoyment. In the past I've felt some shame at the time I've put into this hobby but with this new thought I doubt I'll ever feel that again and neither should you.
As an update to any fans of Devious Days that haven't given up, keep the faith my friends! I've got something in the pipe. I've had a terrible block on writing anything. I've actually started a new story to get passed it but then I got stuck on that. I even started an honest to the gods novel to participate in NaNoWriMo to get passed that block. Wouldn't you know it? I hit another. But then I found the little quote that I've put in my bio as a note to myself and I wrote about 6K words on the second fic last night. As soon as I finish up the plot point I'm on (which is soon) I'll write a new chapter of Devious Days.
Sorry its been so long! 
How'd you come across his story from 2013? You going through your read later list?
And I'm in the same boat as you. Since fimfic launched, lots of my other hobbies have fallen to the wayside. It's weird but good golly I love seeing how others view equestria.
4499239 My read later list is deep