The Tunnel (on Darkness and the Current Story Arc) · 1:14am Mar 6th, 2017
Hey folks! First and foremost, the next chapter will be coming out shortly. Probably tomorrow or Tuesday.
But speaking of this arc, I feel like I ought to say something. I'm aware that a number of readers have voiced, shall we say, "concerns" about this extended finale arc (or at least the flashback arc we're currently in). I'd like to address that for a bit. If you care to read, check after the break...
Serializing a novel has its ups and downs. When someone writes a book, it exists as a whole that the reader gets as one big package. Readers can comment, criticize, and analyze something, but the product is what it is. The upside of serializing a story chapter by chapter is that reader feedback can enhance and influence the story, letting the author find ways to address concerns or respond to suggestions. The downside, however, is that it can also leave readers feeling an additional stake, perhaps even a kind of ownership of the story.
Just like with a TV show or longer book series, the audience might feel dissatisfied or frustrated when the direction or tone of the show or series takes a turn they didn't expect. They feel anxious and uncomfortable, and maybe even misled by what came before. I know the feeling: I've experienced it myself.
Not my waifu! Missy, you b
tch!
Actually, wtf was up with that episode in general?! (insert extended rant here)
So it is with this recent arc: it's much darker, much thicker, and it delves into things that are in sharp contrast to Turing's tales of growing and changing as a person... pony... individual?
I get why some of you feel a bit lukewarm. I get that some of you are just waiting for chapters to queue up so you can cut right through it. Some of you have even talked about skipping through all this stuff (although I will once again say that I do not recommend that).
So, first, let me apologize. If I had this to do over again, I probably wouldn't have drawn this out so long. It was a conscious choice, but no author can predict exactly how their choices will be received. If you feel drained or impatient with it, I'll cop to it.
But allow me to point out some other things:
-Readers got frustrated with Twilight in "In Two Minds," only to have things come out with Twi understanding the error in her thinking and her bond with Turing coming out stronger than ever.
-Readers were startled by the darker tone in "Deep Blue," but it led to Turing experiencing guilt and growing as a person by learning to accept her actions.
-Readers complained about the idiocy of the imitation game in "Technologic," until the final chapter when they realized that was the whole point.
-Some readers expressed doubt and even some squeamishness in the romance arc "Love Machine/Touch," but most of you still talk about it from time to time as one of the most favorite arcs.
There are more examples, but I think you get the idea. I've taken this story through uncertain places before, but it's always come out just fine, with Turing Test and friends stronger for the adversity they've overcome. I know and appreciate reader doubts. I don't mind the voicing of concerns, and even now I'm not really that worried about it. The fact that there have been considerably more of these kinds of comments though, convinced me that I ought to say something about it, less people think I'm ignoring them completely.
My readers are still important to me. Seriously, 
you guys, and this story wouldn't be the same without you.
But if I may, here's a quote that I think is relevant to the situation:
In writing, a common strategy of any tale, especially near the finale, is simply to "raise the stakes." The bigger the consequences at risk, the greater the darkness to overcome, and the greater the challenge the heroes have to face, the more wonderful the potential payoff is if/when the heroes succeed. Now, I'm not giving any spoilers away, but in relation to the above quote, I'll just say this:
Trust me. I've brought you into a very long, dark tunnel, but after this one last turn, I promise you'll see the light in the distance. This is all leading somewhere, and it is important to the final resolution, so just have a little faith that I'm taking this train in the right direction, okay? 
And if that's not enough to satisfy you:
-At the end of this coming chapter Turing Test re-enters the main narrative 
-And we finally get a peek at another member of Turing's "family." You can count on it
I hope this makes some of you feel better, and I hope you'll stick with us. One last bit of flashback, and then we'll stop going into this dark tunnel and start making our way out. 
Sincerely,
The Engineer Hat Man
I like trains.
The wisdom in your words make me incredibly happy. You have created a lovable character in a very interesting story, you would be hard pressed to get rid of this reader. I look forward to what you have in store for us in the future.
4444870
So if you dont mind me asking what do you plan when this arc is over if i am resding right thats the end of the story will it be a final end or you have a sequel planed?
Don't worry, there always will be readers who complain in every fic, no matter what happens. There always will be some who jump to conclusions without waiting.
You're doing great, and I can't wait for Turing's return.
Yeah man, don't worry, we see where you're going and have prepared a marvelously large bucket of virtual popcorn!
You've proven your skill in the past. Maybe this latest section was unexpectedly fleshed out, but not unreasonably so (cough First Pony View cough).
We like your analogy of the train: few seem to realize just how much the tracks have been laid for so long already. It's not like the destination has changed at any point, so why everyone is so vocal kinda confuses me...
4444985 :/
As was once said in the Disney Winnie the Pooh shorts, "Always trust your narrator."
4444870
So does fluttershy.
[youtube=www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKX2mH4RhQ4]
I do trust you! But I'm still sticking by my decision to wait until the whole darker bit is finished and out so I can read it all at one go instead of dragging it out. Less time to sink into my brain with the bad stuff that way.
4465465 Well, the latest chapter is coming around the bend in that respect, though the finale arc still has a bit more to go until the end. In any case, I hope you like it whenever you get around to it.
4465485
Well, the first half I read was pretty good! So unless you had someone do amateur brain surgery on you since then I suspect the rest will be good as well.