Honesty · 1:17am Aug 9th, 2018
Well it's been quite a long time since I did one of these and I think circumstances warrant it. Usually I talk about story and how it has developed but this time I'm just sticking to personal matters. This is regarding commenting and reviews and quite frankly, it's going to sound petty as all hell on my part so I apologize in advance. But before I get into the petty stuff let me explain something. Now I don't have a patreon and I don't have some kind of sponsor, I write because I enjoy coming up with story ideas and sharing them with people and I enjoy getting their feedback about my ideas. In essence that feedback is my pay.
Now I've done my research, after the second book my comments stabilized roughly around 60 a chapter and that was perfectly fine. But after the third chapter of this book I've noticed something, every chapter since then has gone down by ten comments until chapter 7 which by this posting only now broke double digits. Now I am aware that the story has maintained a fairly decent view count, growing past 2.5K views per chapter, I am aware that I should have respect for the silent majority who I am imagine are like me and don't really know how to leave a review or comment that isn't just "Great chapter!" but... I can't help it, it bothers me, it really does. I can't help but think just like Erika Gefallen I went in the wrong direction again or simply I've lost my touch with the story and it's gotten boring for everyone. That people have lost faith in me to show them how incredible physical power doesn't mean one is invincible or untouchable. Maybe it's because I decided to go pure original regarding the plot? Now that we've finally left the canon plotlines people have steadily lost interest and are now only paying passive interest.
I remember way back when I posted the very first chapter of the first book, I was so happy that people loved my story. I wrote up the next chapter within a week. That was way back in February of 2013, I've spent five years of my life writing these books, enjoying peoples' reactions as much as they enjoyed my work. I should have realized by now that sometimes things just got to end.
Well there you have it, this whole thing is essentially me asking for comments and I waited till this long because, well I was going to say pride but if I'm honest I didn't want to do this out of fear of negativity and hateful response.
For those people who do comment, have been meaning to comment but it has slipped your mind, or those who have silently and happily enjoying the story I offer my apologies. This thing must be a slap in the face to you and it probably sounds like I'm on the verge of calling it quits here and now. But if nothing else let me promise you that even if the worst case comes to pass, that I start getting barely two or three comments a chapter, I will finish the book.
I understand the motivating force comments can provide, and I fully understand how much it means to an author. Just so we're clear, I find the new story to be very interesting and can't wait to see were this goes.
I don't really comment unless there's something to say besides 'keep up the good work'. I would comment more if there were things I felt was necessary to point out. Still love your fics though.
~Crystalline Electrostatic~
This is actually perfectly understandable. After all, views are nice and upvotes are great, but comments feed the hungry author.
I also must admit that I'm one of those that hasn't been commenting as much as I should, especially with how much I enjoy this story. I've read the first two books at least three times each!!
👍
I can definitely understand where you're coming from regarding the lack of comments in each chapter. One thing I usually like to do a few days after each chapter is released is to go down into the comments and check out what people have to say, since in the past it's been ripe with discussion and theory crafting. Now though, it's usually just a few of the same people each time saying pretty similar things each time (including myself, unfortunately). I think a part of it might be that people are feeling less inclined to comment for whatever reason they might have. One idea I have of what might be causing it is less open-ended chapters, since some of the earlier ones might have had more potential setup for the rest of the story (just an idea, I'm not particularly versed in this sort of thing). It could also be less prodding for discussion either in the story or in the author's notes than there might have been in the past. I don't know the reasons for sure, but I can guarantee you that it's not because you might be doing something wrong with the story. The recent chapters are of equally high quality to many of the older ones, and they are some of the reason that it remains in the top spot for my favourite fics, or stories in general for that matter.
Sorry if the comment is a mess, I'm a bit tired rn, but I mean it when I say that I love the series
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I don't blame you for feeling that way. As someone who only started writing back in December of last year, I can honestly say that having comments posted on your chapters is a very... I don't know... fulfilling experience I guess.
After writing a fair amount of stories though, I've learned to just live with the fact that, while readers may not lose interest in the story itself, they may lose interest in posting comments. Although there's always those few who come back to post a comment each chapter without fail, and you learn to appreciate those people.
Ultimately it is what it is, and the only thing you can really do is hope more people decide to comment when you post a new chapter. I personally think it's more that the longer a story goes on, the less the readers who've been with it feel like posting—a sort of 'comment posters fatigue' if you will.
I'm experiencing the same thing with my longest running story, but I don't mind all that much because I'm actively working on several stories at once. If I don't get a comment on one story, I'll most likely get one on another.
If it makes you feel any better, it was your story that inspired me to actually get Prototype, which itself inspired me to write my own prototype crossover fic.
Sorry to say this but I more often than not thumb up comments saying I agree with the statement than actually posting a comment I'll try and do differently. but look at the thumb UPS usually they mean stuff at least in my world
Comments shouldn't drive your writing, the number of views you get should do that. And the up/down vote numbers.
When my story first started I was running almost 50% up/down votes. It took several chapters before that changed to 60% up vs 40% down. And it has slowly dropped to where down-votes are under 10% of the up-vote total.
What drives comments, I've found, are those who disagree with the way you present your story, and the ones who like the way you are going.
That is, if your presentation of the main MLP characters and the MLP world is accurate, you aren't going to get a lot of comments! If your Twilight is too sarcastic, you'll get people telling you so. If she acts too stupid or ignores obvious clues without a reason, then, again, you'll get people complaining (and others defending you). If you do something that seems to contravene the laws of magic as shown in the series, you'll get a lot of conversation generated.
So, if you want comments, put in things that make your readers want to argue them. Not sure how to do that, myself. For me it either happens or it doesn't. My story is a Harry Potter/CMC crossover, so I get a lot of arguments about which magic is better, how that magic is superior, how that character should have/have-not been able to do that, etc.
As for views, the only way to beef those up is to post on a regular schedule. Most readers want at least weekly.
Hey, no matter what happens, your story will always be great in my eyes and anyone else who read it, especially for it's original ideas and let no one tell you otherwise.
As a flight attendant your story and others gets me through long international flight and coast to coast flights.
Honestly, it's somewhat of a trend in any long-time series. Most people don't finish most things they watch or play. They get lost or distracted along the chapters, or something in the story inexplicably killed their interest. Personally, I stopped commenting because I have too much media I want to see that I'm not anticipating new chapters with the same fervor I had before.
I'll admit, I've been questioning some of the changes you've made for a while. But I have personal gripes with every story. Yours are definitely leagues above most in terms of quality. I really would be disappointed to see the series end because I couldn't take the time to leave a comment. So here I am. Keep it up, we DO love your stories! -Z
I havent read this book at all, but I will when it's finished. It just doesnt feel right when I have to stop and wait for a an update. i guess i'm used to reading paper books, which all have a complete story. Unlike fanfics.
As someone who loves theorizing and debates I think the problem may be that they all seem to end the same way ‘Guess we’ll just have to wait and see’
I've been reading, but just haven't had reason to leave comments, other than be annoying. :)
I'm going to say something brutally honest… I’m not crazy about the spirit plot. I’m worried that it’s going to overshadow the personal conflicts that have been built up over the books.
in my opinion within that build up there’s the foundations for a much more grounded and fulfilling conflict.
Shining armour joins the league of herbivores.
He has the motive; to protect his sister from a being that has already admitted to him that she does not love Twilight like Twilight loves her, and already proved to him personally (grey fox) and other that she can do whatever she wants and no one would be able to stop her. He has failed more than once to protect those he cares about.
He also has something very important to contribute to that league. One of the few powers on the planet that can hurt Emerald, and one he has seen personally and controls; the crystal heart
In my opinion Emerald needs a kryptonite. She needs to be knocked down a peg and to have her character development and resolve to be a better person tested. She needs to face the possibility that other people can harm her and needs to learn that being good isn’t about doing what is right when it’s easy, it’s about doing what is right when it’s hard. I'm not saying she needs to be de-powered, I'm just saying she needs a crack in her Armour.
I've talked about this idea with while we were talking about art for the story, but in light of this still bugging you I felt I should throw it out there to see what other's think.
I just hope posting this isn't a mistake.
I love your stories, i just dont comment much unless i have something to say or a video i think fits with something said.
Its all good . we enjoy a great story and hope you feel better about all this.
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Maybe the kryptonite is coming? Because in the latest chapter the spirit world opened up and I can't wait to see what happens. But maybe some spirit has enough power to crack that armour like you said. :D
Thanks for the kind words everyone. I hope you enjoy the coming chapters, I may not get the reception I grew to love but I will give you the ending of this book as promised
4917573 Endless seems to be the most powerful spirit of that meeting and he was sporting a nasty wound from the confrontation he had with Starswirl at the end of the previous chapter, so makes me wonder how he'd stack up to Discord, whom emerald already beat near to death, and Sovereign, who backed down when he got it in his mind to kill the ponies. But at the same time, Endless was able to make the shadow pony cower in fear, and the shadow pony was powerful enough to be a mortal threat to Starswirl in the episode.
As a side point I have to wonder where spirits like sovereign will actually fit into the plan to wipe out all life since the bodies of spirits like him is made up off plant life? Perhaps that's what 'The End' meant when he said 'they' (meaning the 'primordials') will become irreverent, since they seem to embody aspects of life?
I honestly thought that the nightmare would prove to be Emeralds kryptonite. It plays off fears and insecurities, which Emerald has plenty of, and came with the threat, and potential irony of all the power she amassed to protect the people she cares about being turned on the people she cares about. I figured it would take the role of a devil on Emeralds shoulder to counterbalance the fact that her mother is now a factor because, as the chapter title says, 'mother is god'.
Funny thing is this is exactly the kind of discussion Legionary wants, and I must admit, I do miss having them.
I haven't been active for a while anywhere. I've been dealing with depression lately, and haven't really posted anywhere. I think my comment defending the Eldeer might have been my first comment in over a year. So yah, I enjoy your work. I will keep reading it, and occasionally commenting on it.
When it comes to posts in general, this is simply a general trend with multiple books. Less people comment because they already said all they had to say two books ago. Less like because they already liked the previous stories. And people just drop off because they forgot to follow you and didn't see the next book or simply suffered story fatigue and dropped off.
The people commenting now, on your fifth book, are your most dedicated readers. We still take the time to write down our thoughts and feelings because it matters to us. Do not worry. We will be here with you. If we weren't, we would have left a long time ago. We care.
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We'll just have to wait and see and I'm excited to see what happens maybe we will see Nightmare manipulate Emerald. I'm new to being a brony so I don't really know what to expect and everything about the lore into MLP but Nightmare would be a good kryptonite for her, backed by your reasoning and I completely agree with it too.
Lol alright.
I can be more specific about what I liked.
I loved the Diane part. I liked the suspense before all hell broke loose and thought it was obvious they were luring Emerald away intentionally but why? So that made me excited. Then the action scene was pretty good n slowly declining as the obstacles were the same but in greater quantity. Dash was funny/cute about wanting the lewd details.
I can notice more of Emerald's gaining awareness onto how she is influenced by those she absorbed before, if she made that connection yet. I feel like if she were smarter she would operate psychologically 1,000x faster so would've already figured out all that stuff but maybe not because 1. she was always focused on external practical measures 2. when she isn't she is focusing on friendship and such. She knows psychology though she could totally psychoanalyze herself, but maybe she just operates the same psychologically but in 10kx the detail. In which case she needs to learn how to simplify things and look at it from an impersonal perspective a little more I think, as a criticism of her not the story. Maybe its because her mind is so vast and mysterious to her its not worth while acting on it nearly as much. But she was busy when she noticed the detail so its likely she is going to deal with the impending doom stuff which is more immediate then forget about it again like when she realized wtf am I doing making nukes right.
Then I know there were a couple parts I forgot that I enjoyed *thinks a bit*. She definitely respects the mane 6 alot but throwing them into the danger zone is risky as well, I mean maybe Emerald knows nothing really bad will happen to them because they are elements of harmony n such, but still.
And its been a while so I mostly forgot why Zecora stopped rhyming so when it happened again I was like 'huh?' briefly.
I am curious about Stripe (the raptor I think that was his name), Bonnie, Belvedere, and etc all the side characters how their plots may occur during this 'trying time' hehe. I like how Diane had a new outfit also. I feel like Emerald could've reacted more to the shipping art she saw via humor or surprise or something instead of 'oh yeah I saw that before.' and that's it. But that's my bias because sometimes I watch reaction videos perhaps (not the fake ones the legit ones even if they have low view counts).
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I think nightmare is going to change her mind now that she is alive and actually save the others judging on how she didn't get what she expected, being death, and now is observing the world and going to decide she wants something else. I think she is going to reform, at least temporarily. Maybe she will decide it was fun giving ponies nightmares or something so decides when all that is threatened she wants it back. Or maybe she is just so anti-social now that theres more spirits she will fight against them to eliminate that new status quo. Who knows, but it certainly seems set up in such a way potentially.
But because this is a global problem I think all the side characters have times to shine, and I mean all lol. It'd take some extra time of course to cover each of them. And you can always cover them whenever 'oh hey what happened to you' after the arc is done n they explain how they survived or something, but I think it'd be more engaging in first person albeit more time consuming. But that's just my opinion idk how others feel about it.
I'll admit I let the story sit for a bit, but with good reason! I was waiting for chapters, so I went back to the very beginning and re-read everything, this'd be the third time I've done this.
I decided however to skip doing so partway through the second story, and have now caught up, but I'm one of the "silent" types. I comment using these rules:
If I'm on my Desktop (computer), I will comment only if something needs to be addressed, i.e. mistakes, errors, specific things that caught me off guard in either a good or bad way, or there was something I really liked/disliked.
If I'm on my iPad, I will only comment if something caught me off guard in either a good or bad way, or there was something I really liked/disliked. I will sometimes point out errors, but most often I will breeze past them.
If I'm on my phone, I will only comment on things that I really didn't like, things that I couldn't let go without addressing.
The reason for the different responses based on device, is that it's a lot easier to type and keep track of where you are on a Desktop. It's harder to type on an iPad and harder to keep track of where you are, and on a phone (at least my phone), it is almost impossible to type (I sometimes resort to typing in the address bar first, then copy/pasting into the comments because it's easier) and keeping track of where you are can be a chore.
Sorry to ramble, I just thought I'd let you know why I specifically don't comment.
Hi, Legionary.
Let me start off by saying how much I love the work you write, and your dedication to it. There are many other writers on the site who have abandoned their works, but you keep going strong, and I really admire you for that. Your tenacity has always inspired me to do my best, and Emerald Gleaner's story got me through a lot of stressful nights in high school.
I write this post as the very first thing on my account. Although I have been reading your stories for the past few years (and re-reading when I have the time), I have never had an account. From a bookmarked page on my phone, I would check back every now and again, eagerly awaiting a new chapter. I know that I can always count on you to brighten my day. It wasn't until recently, however, that I realized that I had never given back to you, when you had given me so much.
I don't know if I can speak for the others, who like me, enjoy your stories without an account, but I know that I can at least say thank you, and let you know that you will always have my support, whether it be in this story, others, or in any other activity you pursue.
I simply cannot express my gratitude in one comment, and so all I think I can really say is,
Thank you.
Yo! Lurker here. I just wanted to let you know that the non canon stuff is one of the high points of your writing for me. Your world building is amazing, which is why I mostly don't comment: you are too good at this and I don't want to ask a question that might spoil something later. You have also seemingly mastered the art of "leave them begging for more" which is why wait for a bit so i can binge on multiple chapters and keep all the events and characters fresh in mind as i read, and that is your big flaw.
You are too good for fan fiction format of releasing a chapter at a time. Not telling to do anything mind, just saying your a big fish in a small pool.
You are so good at this that sometimes suffer from withdraw symptoms when I catch up.
I know you said you don't do this for the dosh but I still think you should make a patron. Silent lurkers like me want to help how they can but I know I am not the only one that falls into the above trap. Take the money and put it a charity or an emergency fund or an investment into making an OC book you can print (have you been writing a book you can publish? That would be a lovely surprise)
TLDR: I'll try and chime in on your chapters, Please keep being awesome
Your book series is amazing, honestly the best I’ve ever read. Over the course from 2013 to now(2019) it still brings me joy to read, the amount of detail you put into these stories just amazes me so much. Over the years I’ve lost interest in reading fanfics and books in general growing up. But this series is the only one I will make time to read in my day once I see a new chapter pop up. This is basically my reading life for the last 6 years. I have legit read this in middle school all the way to where I am now, in college. And this still has my interest and makes me shout in joy when I see a new chapter. I hope you will continue the story as you have not updated it in a bit and hope that it won’t end like this. You are a talented writer my friend. And also on Fanfic where I think you first posted, sorry for being a dumbass during the times you responded to my comments(Lightchrow on that site) honestly had a big brain fart when someone who’s story I followed so intently responds. The cringe was real back then. But anyway thanks again for creating such an amazing world with such detail. I hope you will continue the story.