gdp's Comments

Equestria Daily : Analysis: Understanding Mary Sue

Sat, 9 Nov 2013 13:38:01 +0000

That's exactly it, though - we can't even agree on what term a male poorly-written character should be called, and even if they do warrant it at all for what are usually the same sort of flaws. What you are referencing is a particular kind of Mary Sue, which is not the only kind others think of when they use the term. So if I may ask, since you seem fairly reasonable: What does that say when we can't agree on what flaws a Mary Sue exhibits, only that the character is female, and the accusation baseless when used otherwise?

Equestria Daily : Analysis: Understanding Mary Sue

Sat, 9 Nov 2013 13:37:50 +0000

Hrm... not up to my usual caliber of reply. It's really the last line which says all you need to know about his intransigence, isn't it? I get the impression a rational tone wouldn't work here. *clears throat* Wow, xTSGx, you have opened my eyes and warmed my heart. Until you came along, I had no idea that terms can have origins, or that once they're ingrained in popular culture they are never used for other meanings ever again. And of course we'll pretend the original usage wasn't sexist either, nope. Woosh - sexism averted! It's alright. You don't have to think today. Or recognize that a problem doesn't have to be the worst thing in the world before you can start solving it. Or when someone says there's a problem, you don't hunker down in your shelter to avoid it. You work to fix it like an adult. You don't need to take me at my word, of course, but I'm guessing you wouldn't read the rest of my links, either. Impasse. I suppose I will return to my imaginary, never-existed Tumblr account, and brood over your flawless logic.

Equestria Daily : Analysis: Understanding Mary Sue

Sat, 9 Nov 2013 02:21:31 +0000

Mary Sue means different things to different people, such that it's often difficult to agree on a definition beyond 'something resulting from poor writing'. Depending on who you ask, it's someone who's perfect, someone who always gets what they want, someone who's too powerful - but always a character that falls flat for them because of poor writing (I'll refrain here from granting legitimacy to Mary Sue as "character [you] don't like"; the other definitions can all have supportable arguments). Given that - Why do we need a gendered term for a poorly-written character, anyway? Most characters accused of being Mary Sues are female. The term for it is a woman’s name. Some people even claim that men cannot be Mary Sues (or Marty Stus or whatever) at all. Think about that. Female characters are annoying for being ‘too awesome’, but it’s just impossible for a man to be too awesome.

Equestria Daily : Discussion: What In the Fandom Drives You Nuts?

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 04:02:59 +0000

I was worried when I first clicked on this thread, but it has been very enlightening so far. I'm glad to see others who don't agree with the "all drama is bad!1" mentality, and draw the line at harmful material. I've also found several people I don't ever want to associate with, which sort of just demonstrates the original problem.

Equestria Daily : Discussion: What In the Fandom Drives You Nuts?

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 03:54:33 +0000

She was also doxxed and stalked in real life. From the rest of your comment, was that 'fun to watch', too?

Equestria Daily : Discussion: What In the Fandom Drives You Nuts?

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 03:42:46 +0000

It's nice to see others with the crazy opinion that that sort of abuse and harassment isn't okay.

Equestria Daily : Discussion: What In the Fandom Drives You Nuts?

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 03:38:20 +0000

Agreed wholeheartedly.

Equestria Daily : Discussion: What In the Fandom Drives You Nuts?

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 03:37:02 +0000

It's a nice sentiment, especially for matters of pure opinion, but I find it tends to be over-broad in ignoring all complaints and criticisms regardless of legitimacy. Some dark corners of this fandom are actively harmful. I don't think it's the best strategy to stick one's fingers in ones ears and shush people who 'complain' about it, as that just allows those they are criticizing to do more harm. Shine a light on the shadows which give all of us a bad reputation.

Equestria Daily : Discussion: What In the Fandom Drives You Nuts?

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 03:16:58 +0000

There's a lot to dislike about bronies in recent months (such that I don't know anymore whether I'm proud or ashamed to have that moniker), but I guess I'll just stick to the sexism. Femininity is a good thing. Feminism is a good thing. This is a feminist show, made by feminists, to provide good role models to children. Children will always be the target audience, no matter how many winking references and special edition toys are made. You are a guest here. Act gracious and respectful. When you wonder why so many other people and ex-bronies seem to hate the Friendship Is Magic fandom so much, know that a large part of it is due to the incredibly vocal, intensely misogynistic (and otherwise bigoted) sections that you'd prefer to think don't exist in what is obviously such a loving and tolerant and safe place. If you see that happening, you have to speak up, because in silence you are telling them it's okay to shout their hatred louder. I don't like seeing something that brought me so much joy and renewed faith in humanity become so toxic and hateful towards each other. Please. I want to love this fandom. Give me a reason to believe it can be safe and accepting again.

Equestria Daily : Discussion: What In the Fandom Drives You Nuts?

Sat, 12 Oct 2013 03:02:54 +0000

Thank you. It's nice to scroll through this thread and be reminded that there are, occasionally, still decent people hanging around. Be nice if more people voiced this instead of sweeping it under the rug as 'drama'.

Equestria Daily : Nightly Roundup #773

Sat, 21 Sep 2013 04:55:01 +0000

I know the feeling, Calpain - I took a few months off back in May when the hatred got to be too much to deal with. I'm still not checking as many brony sites as I used to, or as often, and I can't imagine how much worse it is for someone organizing content instead of just reading it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break from the fandom sometimes - I may have gotten into this community for the positivity and optimism, but I found I actually was happier once I was no longer reading about the drama and hypocrisy that goes on behind the scenes. I came back not because I could accept all that, but because I was tired of not having this outlet, imperfect though it is. I'm still not sure how I feel about bronies anymore. And if you take a break and choose not to come back, I wouldn't blame you. If you decide this is no longer a healthy or safe place for you, cutting it from your life is the right thing to do. You have to take care of yourself, and you don't owe anyone anything that's become harmful to your well-being.

Equestria Daily : Discussion: Which Male Pony Do You Want to See In a Solo Episode?

Sat, 18 May 2013 18:25:10 +0000

Fancy Pants, as he continues to bring some authenticity to the upper echelons of Canterlot society. He recognizes Rarity's name in a passing conversation, and puts in a good word for her to appear at a prestigious fashion event. Next Rarity episode has her showing off her fashion lines at the event in question, and never learning that Fancy helped. He doesn't even attend, having moved on to help some other talented pony reach their dreams.

Equestria Daily : Apples Apples Apples

Sat, 18 May 2013 03:28:49 +0000

Heh, I was already planning to listen to this afterwards. Though after seeing the caption I had to have some silly pony beforehand.

Equestria Daily : An Appeal to the Fandom - Keep Calm and Trot On

Wed, 15 May 2013 22:51:37 +0000

I apologize if anything from my response came across as cherry-picked or out of context, as that was not and is never my intent. Knowing the context you have regarding the entirety of the issue of stereotypical portrayals in media, I think I understand and can accept how strongly important this aspect of the movie is to you. We are in agreement on everything you discussed but the degree to which this impacts the work as a whole, and that is okay; I have not had to deal with the same issues in my life as you have, and we are going to have different perspectives because of that.

Equestria Daily : An Appeal to the Fandom - Keep Calm and Trot On

Wed, 15 May 2013 11:07:11 +0000

Alright, so you did not personally have a hard time with liking FIM. What were your thoughts on other bronies giving the show a chance, then, through them making the show more popular and giving us more of its charming style? Tell me, were you angry at them for just not getting it and appropriating it as their own, gladdened that they had the foresight and self-confidence to give it a try, or what? Please don't say you didn't care. I have found in life it's very difficult to not actually care at all about something, while it's relatively easy to claim such so as to end all discussion. Whatever you felt about those who gave FiM a try, this is another chance for the same. I find I am disappointed at just how many bronies will not even look at Equestria Girls despite their pride in watching a show as girly as Friendship is Magic. But at the same time, I can at least respect those that are polite about it. You believe it beyond the realm of remotely realistic possibility for this movie to be done well, and that I cannot and will not dispute as it is your opinion and we have yet to see for certain the truth of the matter. But in another five or six weeks the movie will have been out long enough for it to be discussed and for a consensus to be reached. That consensus might be that the movie is crap. If it is, I will still see (or have seen) the movie for myself to confirm where my feelings lie, and should I agree that it is terrible I will find comfort knowing I did not judge it beforehand. However, it's also possible that general consensus will be that the movie is good. That it is better than expected, that the team at DHX have done it again - taken a trite concept and instilled it with new life and depth. Should this be the case - would you be willing to give it a try?

Equestria Daily : An Appeal to the Fandom - Keep Calm and Trot On

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:59:04 +0000

I can understand that, and certainly the character design is one of the weaker aspects we've seen from the previews. I am disappointed that, whether in imitation of another brand or mandated from above, the body types we've been shown are all extremely skinny and with little variance. This goes beyond a stylistic choice as with FIM and into something that teaches the wrong lesson to kids who may have anxiety or self-esteem issues regarding their size. That said: I have only seen one preview image and one minute of footage. If I were given the same amount of material about Friendship is Magic before I got into the show, I would have closed the tab and moved on without a second thought. I would have missed out. The characters here will have the same voices and personalities as on the show. The music and direction will be of the same quality. We have seen hints, only hints so far, of a deeper storyline - I expect some aspects have been hidden to both surprise viewers who watch the movie and to mold the trailer to appeal to a specific demographic. I have faint hopes the character designs shown were also cherry-picked in this way and that there are more reasonably-proportioned characters off-screen. But even if this is not the case, the character designs are one aspect of the whole. And if character designs were the most important aspect of a work, I would probably have never started watching Friendship is Magic. It is a show about talking ponies, after all. We will know in five or six weeks the merit of this spin-off. The show creators have done wonders so far, and I have faith it will turn out better than expected. If this is the case, I encourage you to perhaps give it a try after we know the whole of it.

Equestria Daily : An Appeal to the Fandom - Keep Calm and Trot On

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:45:16 +0000

Analysis is indeed a tool, and it can be used well or poorly. Good analysis deepens our respect for the effort put into a work, at all levels and through all facets of its creation. Bad analysis narrows our vision to the flaws and magnifies them wholly out of proportion, leaving no room for the escapist love we had initially. I can't say I'm not disappointed at how some... several... maybe most have acted (as I only visit a few specific brony sites, I don't know how widespread this is). But I can move past them knowing that there are others who still appreciate the work DHX puts forth and remember how we got here. And no matter how loud the dissenters shout, they cannot diminish the joy I've felt watching the show itself. Thank you for approaching this with an open mind. If it turns out to be bad, I'll deal with that after I've seen it. But I have strong faith in the people behind it, and I won't let a what-if scenario poison my experience.

Equestria Daily : An Appeal to the Fandom - Keep Calm and Trot On

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:38:15 +0000

Thank you! I'm looking forward to it, too. If anyone can take a stereotypical setting and make it new and enjoyable, it's the team at DHX. ^_^

Equestria Daily : An Appeal to the Fandom - Keep Calm and Trot On

Wed, 15 May 2013 02:18:18 +0000

That's okay. Even if you don't want to give it a chance, I can appreciate how respectful you are in saying so. Thank you.

Equestria Daily : An Appeal to the Fandom - Keep Calm and Trot On

Wed, 15 May 2013 01:49:25 +0000

Ah! Now it's there, halfway up this page. I'll know to be a bit more careful about my ~~comment~~ essay length in future.