Jun
8th
2015
Wait for it · 2:29am Jun 8th, 2015
Well, seeing as the vast majority of commenters on the latest chapters seem to have little to say about them except that things are too rushed, you can wait for the next chapter when I feel like writing again. It's not as if there weren't lots of other things to discuss in them, things that I thought were interesting, world-building, or funny, but no, most people couldn't say more than exactly the same thing everyone else said, or commenting on their comments and then leaving extra comments which added nothing more, and then commenting the same thing again. If your goal was to depress me, congratulations - job done.
Sorry if my comments hurt you. That was not my intention. you update when you update. I'm not asking you to rush anything. Went it comes up I shall enjoy reading it.
Wait...there was an update?
looks again
Well bloody hell, there was. Reading now.
sorry for my silence I have enjoyed all your horse words, I have yet to read your other work. As for the complaints the last two chapters I could not disagree with them more. Any one who did not immediately think of emo gell hangover as the cause of Twilight's actions just was blind. As to being rushed no this is a world building not slice of life the pace is not the same. slice of life slogs until over blown conflict world building runs until it hits a deep personal conflict.
tldr THEY ARE WRONG, KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
You can take solace in the fact that I've enjoyed everything thus far...I guess? I don't know if me apologizing would solve anything but people can be a bit...well mean I guess, so write when the creativity flows through you and update when you are ready
but in the mean time
m0.joe.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Good-luck1.jpg
It is possible to avoid such comments by spending more time on the chapter and fine-tuning it. If several people are pointing out the same problem then something needs to be done about it.
I don't know who does your editing and proofreading but it might behoove you to find an additional person to help with pacing and cleaning things up.
And I seriously doubt that it was anyone's intention to make you depressed. Usually the case can be constructive criticism being taken the wrong way.
I felt that the last two chapters have been quite in your style and pacing so for, and make sense plot-wise, so no complaints there. Given that I've read all of your stuff, I've got to say, overall, it's been pretty enjoyable.
3131110 i saw the emo gel hangover however thought it was too dues ex macina.
Again would have been to have the doubt fester before emo gel hit.
Everyone has their own tastes I have said my piece on it. I care for Goldie's work so what I said was meant to help. Sometimes a friend has to give you hard things for your benefit. That's what I did here.
I just read and enjoy your works for what it is :)
(Even since Forest Tales and everything on your website :p )
I probably would have commented in more detail about the chapter itself, but you've told us multiple times on this story that you aren't looking for long essay-like comments. I figured what I did write was pushing it as is.
I'm not worry, never judge just a chapter, you have to wait till the sorry is done.
you have nothing to be depressed about. Your a great writer.
Why do people have to be such jerks?
I suspected what the cause was, but I didn't say anything, because I wanted to let you go at your own pace. It's never good to rush an artist of any type, as you'll always get inferior work, and usually just annoy them.
Goldie, I don't say much simply because I'd just be repeating myself over and over again. I'm probably one of the few that didn't feel it was rushed, nor was I upset at the pacing. I know that this is a work that is/was commissioned, so that might be having some effect on how it is being written... I don't know. What I will say is this: put the story on hiatus, let folks simmer, and if you feel like writing, maybe do some more FT stuff (if you're not completely burned out on that either).
I could say more, mostly addressing those that somehow think you're a less accomplished author than others here, but I won't. You know what you've done, how well you've done it, and how much you've pumped out over the years. Keep up the good work, and don't let the critics get you down too far... else I might have to scrape up the money to hunt you down. ;) (I jest, of course.)
As many of the other commenters have said, I remained silent because I liked it and didn't want to sound like a broken record.
Well when you push yourself to write two chapters at once in order to offset leaving people on a cliffhanger, I would very much hope you take a break to prevent burnout!
On the other hand, while I appreciate you writing the next chapter so quickly, you shouldn't push yourself just for your own readers just because you feel that some wouldn't understand Twilight's actions without a follow-up chapter. If you're going to do a cliffhanger, do a cliffhanger. You gave sufficient clues as to why she acted the way that she did, and anyone who can't figure it out in the comments can just be admonished and told to wait for the next chapter.
"If you try to please everypony, you'll end up pleasing nopony."
3131132
If you had actually cared about his work, you would have sent him a private message and kept it just that, but no, you went and pissed him off. Just like I said would happen. I don't care if you've had to pull a story and re-write it because of downvotes. This story has tons more upvotes than downvotes. You just had to make a big stickin deal out of the emogel issue.
You, sir, just earned someone who will NEVER read any of your stories, ever! You are not a critic! Not one that I would listen to anyway. From now on, your words mean nothing to me!
And to think, I used to like what you would say on other stories. No more.
P.S. Don't bother commenting because you will be blocked and I refuse to talk to someone who can't help an author over giving overcritical comments on something he/she wrote about in THEIR story. I understand the concept of constructive criticism but what you and a couple others have done was NOT constructive in ANY way. All you did was list the issue and offered NO suggestions. Shame on you! Shame on ALL of you who did.
To Goldfur.
I'm sorry if questioning other's comments depressed you in any way. I enjoyed your chapters (both of them) immensely. To me, it seemed perfectly in-character of Twilight to fly off the handle like that. So, to me, I didn't understand why others were hating on it. This is YOUR story and you should be able to write it as YOU deem fit. You shouldn't have to pander to our wants and needs.
As for your taking time off, go for it! Everyone deserves a little break from time to time. Those of us who enjoy your story in full will be here when you continue. I'll also keep checking your personal site to see if anything updates there as I also enjoy your stories there as well. You have been one of my favorite authors since I first discovered you (Tales of the Foxtaur Clan) on another fanfiction site. Thanks for writing your stories. I, as well as others, have enjoyed them immensely.
Darkestar
3131247 I never wanted him to rush anything. This chapter came out when it came out. I rather wait a while and have the chapter done right. I want him to think carefully on what he was doing. the choice as always is ultimately his. The fact that several people made similar comments is a sit up and take notice moment.
3131354
People don't seem to realize that before the last three chapters, this was a typical length for a chapter in this story, so why does it feel "rushed"? I personally don't have a problem with it, and of course Twilight's reaction seemed extreme, not only was she recovering from a double dose of emo-gel, she was burnt out on love from feeling it so intensely. She just needed to sleep it off and get a good talking to from an expert.
3131341 I am going to comment anyway. i don't care if you block me or not. This will be read by all who read this story.
You get on me because I see and issue with ONE small part of this story. And ALL I'm asking is increase the length in time. Let the doubt fester. We litteraly went from Oh he's a changeling queen, his mother is Chrysalis, to Twilight's i hate you thing. all in one chapter.
I LOVE this story. the last thing many of us who did critize this issue is to see the story taken down. We took note of an issue. I mention my stories because i did listen to the critzism and my stories got better for it. I want this story to be the best it can be. Me and Goldie may disagree on what that looks like but guess what? THAT'S THE RIGHT OF FREE THINKING BEINGS! Whether he listens to my POV or not is his choice and so are the consequences. Despite my issue with this arc I will continue to read and enjoy it. But if anyone asking if there was a flaw in the story i will point this this part.
Goldie has written many stories. A few even published in some form. So he is a great writer and i will never say anything else. This arc just felt below his usual quality.
Heck out of those who shared my view on this arc. Did any of them say scrapped this story, your a bad writers, your a loser? NO!
So you attack me and others like me for mentioning ONE thing out of a multi chapter story. If i do see you in the comment section somewhere i will pay close attention to see if you stay6 pure or take a simialr action to me.
3131361 it's not the chapter size it's the arc of the break up. It goes so fast we are going what the heck? Consider Lesson Zero. Twilight at her worse. but even then it was a gradual thing. She first tries to find a friendship problem to solve, even going to known and likely trouble spots but it's a bust. She then asks for her friends help but they brush it off and not important and she needs to calm down, from that her desperation causes want it need it. Something that happens during the final minutes of the episode but was building during the whole thing.
That is what was lacking here. Lengthen the doubt time before emo gel and this will work better.
I'm just another voice in the peanut gallery, but I've got something to say.
For those who say the story "feels rushed", I say "welcome to reality" because that's how the real world is. If reality wants to **** your life up, it will do so swiftly, harshly, and without warning. Rarely in real life is there a slow and dramatic build-up that climaxes in some grand scene. Reality prefers to bum-rush into your life, kick you in the junk and ransack your fridge on its way out, and I'm pretty sure that Free Agent's fridge is pretty darn empty right about now.
I you think I don't know what I'm talking about, here's some perspective: I've likely spent more time in my life on back-to-back deployments around the world throughout my (happily finished) military career than many of you have spent in school. I think I know what I'm talking about when it comes to life.
Now to address a lesser problem; If you like a story that you're reading, say so to the author. Praise is a highly valued commodity to people who create things, especially when they create for the benefit or enjoyment of others, whether it be literature, art, or what-have-you. It only takes a few scant moments to write or type a positive or encouraging comment. It doesn't matter if everyone else is doing so, you'll be adding that that number. Your praising comment could be the one that hit a milestone for the creator, or it may just be another drop of water in a pond. But with enough drops, that small pond can turn into a lake or even an ocean. And the more praise from people that an artist sees for something they have spent their precious time and effort creating, the more they feel that they have truly accomplished something.
Finally, I have something for Goldfur. Sir, I've followed your art and stories for many years now and you have never ceased to fascinate me. The worlds, races, societies, and individuals that you have created throughout your many literary works are some of the most intriguing I've seen and I have always greatly enjoyed your many stories and books, published and not.
That's about all I have to say about that. Over and out.
3131384 Note that at least 2 of the critics with the issue were saying it was below is usual work.
i have nothing but praise for his work overall. I love his Chakat universe. love this MLPverse he has created. This has been my first real critizing of anything he has done.
3131382
Not even going to argue any more, just going to say, thanks for being part of what's going to delay the next chapter. Hope you're happy.
3131399 I'm not happy to the way this situation has been done. Or the fact that Goldie was so hurt by it. it may take a while for the next one to come out. But it will be a great one. While somebody churing out a good chapter everyday is awesome I don't expect that. Heck if the author takes a while then i know they are putting great thought in it. So I'm willing to wait for good quality.
Goldie has delivered that on MANY occasions.
okay seriously who in the heck would downvote this comment?
Please remember that just because we can be bull heads and forget to comment on all the little things that made us smile/laugh/facepalm/ect. in a good way, as we get engrossed in discussions of how we think a story could be even better, it doesn't mean they're not there nor went unoticed.
Do you want a list from the latest chapter?
At the top of my head:
1)
2) the whole pony kicks soldiers part, especially the end with "lesson learned"
3) Twilight as impatient as ever.
She might want to start studying gull wings.
Goldfur, one of your biggest adversaries here is that we as readers have come to expect of you.
THAT says something about how good you really are.
Don't rush, don't quit and don't ever let a bunch of internet comments get you emotionally, you're better than that, much better.
And we are many who knows that.
We'll be here, no matter how long it takes, nor if you decide on something completely else.
Why? Because when you write with that touch I know you have, it's more than just words on paper, it's an experience.
You once wrote a story, a story about an unlikely family who keept a diary. At the end, that story left me teary eyed in a way no story has since.
3131082
Ditto.
It wasn't that there wasn't people discussing, pointing out points of interest or sent happy/curious/interested smileys, but they kinda drowned in nay sayers
3131120
Or as it seemed in this case, criticism non constructive. Aka, a bunch of the comments was criticism done wrong.
You're right, when many point out the same it is usually because there's a point of improvement, problem is, people here, and I'm unfortunately among them every now and then, aren't always good at phrasing and choice of words. (especially not when they get emotionally involved with story and characters)
As I said on the latest chapter: as author here;"You need a really, really good filter.
"
All comment typed on phone and it took a freaking hour! Dammit phone. -.-;
3131410
Quality over quantity
Passion over reader satisfaction.
I agree.
Seems to me that Darke-star and m2pt5 are primarily just airing frustration.
What you may have done wrong wasn't what you said, it was how. I've made that mistake on many accounts, the one with the Canterlot Café book and "going quiet with the doors" still bother me.
God dam idoms that goes wacky in the receiving end when you use them across borders.
3131516
"I'm alright now. I've learned my lesson well.
See you can't please everyone,
so you got to please yourself."
Which, I might add, can be hard enough
Honestly, I just don't see why everyone is all up in arms about this. Then again, I was fairly patient when one of my favorite authors lead me on a random (seemingly) crusade of "Mew goes bat s*** insane for seven whole (9k word) chapters and tries to kill everyone". That story was like this in that regard, with an abrupt change in demeanor nobody could explain until after all the crud that happened. In Buwaro's defense it really did make sense, but not until everything calmed down, much like here.
We suppose it's because I already figured it out (mostly) the moment Twilight started acting all lovey dovey to everything, and it's a biological fact that the brain will automatically adjust to stimulus, especially that severe, though probably not quite so fast. It's essentially like burning your tongue with fire: ya ain't gonna taste nothin for a while after that stunt. Twilight barely avoided cooking her brain, so to speak.
I mainly read complete stories, so I haven't read A Different Perspective yet. But, when I do I'm sure I'll love it since every single story by you that I've read has ended up in my favorites bookshelf.
i.imgur.com/KyTpfmc.png
Besides, if your pacing was any slower, then there would no doubt be other people complaining that it is too slow.
well... If it's any consolation. I for one, don't think it's moving too fast. In the first place, their breakup was caused by side effects of emo-gel consumption. By no means was it supposed to be a long lasting thing. I have no clue why people think it should go faster.
3131382
I understand that you believe that this was rushed, but from how the scenes were constructed, there is very little Goldfur could do to actually lengthen the time between the revelation and eating. What was Twilight going to do, ignore the emogel until she's had time to sort her feelings out? Wouldn't Twilight be the type of person to recklessly perform experiments because she had something huge on her mind?
3131341
It's a little hard to take you seriously when you take shots at someone and then block them, and say it on the comments that you're blocking them. Why not just send them a PM, like you suggest that they do?
And how precisely would sending someone criticism via PM lessen the emotional impact of a statement vs sending a comment?
3131382 Personally, my view of the latest chapter, at least the TwilightXFree Agent part, is "Goldfur tried to quell a fuss".
I liked both chapters. I agree with you in feeling that Darkestar is throwing a bit too much of a fuss, but...
I wasn't exactly constructive in criticism. I just said, in hindsight 'this feels wrong'. Not 'why' I felt it felt wrong. I didn't give a constructive argument to have some discussion with anyone, on my first comment of Chapter 13.
And my comment of 14 was basically pointing a self-accusing finger because it felt like we, as those whom had a problem with a bit of a chapter, rushed Goldfur.
I actually went back to double-check all I said... I was apparently one of the few whom didn't like the idea of it all being resolved in a couple or three more chapters, like the fall-out just got dumped on readers for the sake of a cliffhanger or forcing, story-wise, Free to have some 'rawr, revenge, Sasuke' conflict with his mother-biologically-only. These were comments back before Chapter 14 came out, even very briefly touching on the Emo-Gel and not buying it as the issue, since as Free points out in the latest chapter, the feelings had to be THERE to be amplified or just around when positive emotions were suppressed.
I still, however, admit to being in a camp of thinking that emo-gel didn't justify Twilight Sparkle's harshness in light of new facts, since the line of 'logic' behind her condemnation and fear follows 'sins of our fathers'... or mothers in this case. That, and now 'all the goo's fault'. It felt like Goldfur felt forced to resolve the conflict to satisfy us more vocal readers.
It may be because he's a Changeling, recently revealed Queen at that, and can sense the truth of emotions, but my one issue of the latest chapter isn't thinking it's rushed (anymore, cough cough), but that... I feel that when she hurt him, Twilight hurt Free BADLY, and he may have forgiven her just a bit too soon? Again, Changeling. Emotion Sense. I could very well be wrong.
That said, after one HolyCross9 on a crossover fic defending everything on that other fic, I'm getting sick of people acting like they're on a divine crusade to 'purge' everything that doesn't praise a story blindly, because blind praise is "right". Darkestar.
Admittedly, I am not the best at constructive criticism, and I am SO SO SO SO SO SORRY for being among those that hurt you, Goldfur. You just take your time, take a break, what ever you need, okay? I still stand by encouraging words from the Disappointment blog.
Also, part with Blue Streak was awesome.
Awww. Sorry to hear this. I understand it though. Do what you need to do. And when in doubt, know that I'll still be looking forward to more of your stories and seeing Fox draw more of the art for the stories.
3131635 maybe mention more of why it bothered her. it barely gets any mention before the emo gel. It is just too short between her first feelings of doubt and the emo gel consumtion.
3131908
A good idea. I always try to make suggestions on improvement when I make criticisms. That's the whole part of constructive criticism.
I can't say if you have or not, I can't afford to read every single comment that lead to this debacle while also working, but I'm just saying people sometimes forget to look at all perspectives before making their points known. Or at least try and figure out why an author did what they did.
3131965 from he beginning I felt the emo gel was not enough for the breakup had to be more. and as I thought more it became more of timing of events.
I was first. way to OOC. Then I mentioned Whirling Cogs. THen I mention that Goldfur is a better writer then this, Then felt that the breakup is not needed for the story( You've got plateny to deal with the fact Free is a child of Chrysalis). Then I suggested a rewrite.
Never once said he was a loser, a terrible writer, or that the story should go away,
The fact that so many had issue with the event any good writer should pause at it and consider the choice they are making with the story. I certainly would.
Thinking on the event the rest of the story as we know of it could survive if this break up was taken out. Now it might be needed for a future chapter, I don't know only Goldfur does. If so then my suggestion is mention her doubts more before emo gel.
I have only called for one story's removal and it was not one of Goldfur's. The rest I have always suggested fixing it.
3131635
I really don't care what anybody thinks of me. Call me whatever you want. Sticks and stones and all that. I just think Ponyform blew this all out of porportion and trying to get him to realize that is like pulling teeth out of a chicken. As for what I've said, they are my opinions. If no one likes them, there's nothing I can do. Oh, and I'm not the only one that has commented, here, that think Ponyform is taking it too far.
3131638
I don't believe in blind praise myself but everyone that jumped on the "twilight is ooc" was calling shenanigans before Goldfur could even do anything to resolve it. If you remember, I was one of those calling for everyone to wait but no one listened to me. Then when he DOES resolve it, everyone is pissed on how its resolved. To me, that felt like a slight towards Goldfur. I mean, how would you feel if you worked your ass off to get out a chapter, see people bitching about said chapter, bust your ass to get another chapter out in a week just for those sam people to bitch about that? Me, I would have probably just thrown my hands in the air and stopped writing entirely.
But I'm done with this discussion as all its doing is going in circles.
3132326
I did not call you anything. And you have yet to answer my questions.
Please calm down and try to think rationally.
3131591
I agree with you. Emogel, like any contemporary drug that alters the brain, will have a reversal period after the initial effects where the opposite effect happens. Which, of course, was explained in the latest chapter.
I personally am satisfied with the pacing. I would have also been satisfied with a slower turnaround time, or a faster turnaround time. I am not paying to be entertained, so I am in no position to demand. I can only be entertained by the delicious changeling world-building, as I love comparing and contrasting other author's headcanon with my personal headcanon. This is why I've faced these stories (Although I should double check to see if I have them all.)
3132831 I don't think he can.
He launches an all out attack on some of us that noted something that didn't feel right to us.
Any author worth their salt would think hard when multiple people are commenting on the same issue in the same way.
AGAIN I never wanted Goldfur to rush ANYTHING. I wanted him to think about the issue. It could go either good or bad. The choice was his to make.
3132831
Sorry it's taken me this long to answer your question, but I was at work at all day and typing on a phone is a pain. Anyway, with a private message, he could have had a one on one conversation about the issue at hand WITHOUT involving multiple parties that would only blow it out of proportion. Doing it as he did, it got others involved which only compounded the issue and made Goldfur question himself. Which lead to the rushed out chapter. And while it is good to make the writer question what he/she did in their story, it should not come at the expense of the story or at the expense of the writer's mental health.
In a one on one, Ponyform and Goldfur could have hashed out the issue between themselves and both would have walked away satisfied or at least understanding of each other's PoVs. It does work. I've done it myself with stories that I've had issues with in the past. While nothing was ever changed in the story, I walked away from the conversation understanding the writer's PoV and objective.
3133243
And none of these other parties would have caused same response? Having to argue the same point in PMs to several parties with the same point would have been a better solution?
...
You know what, I'm not going to further dilute the positive comments with this drivel, and I certainly do not want to put Goldfur's mental faculties on trial. I withdraw my points.
3133299
Well sorry for stating my opinions. In any case, I'm done with this conversation. It seems I can't say anything to either you or Ponyform without a comment throwing everything back in my face.
Have a good day because I sure have!
I'm one of your watchers gold fur, and I never had any problem with how you post your stories, I just look forward to new chapters, and getting to talk with ya. ^^
remember the good times, I hope you feel better soon.
i'm also working on some art of your characters, whirring cogs, frothy brew, free agent, and long path, all in one picture. it's been a wip progress for a while but I think I might give it some more work. I like you when your happy.
*hugs* all my support to you.
Goldfur, letting us know you've read and understood those of these comments that concerns you, might not be a bad idea.
Well, I'm not adding much to this conversation, but as somebody with one semi-popular story pair that gets the SAME critiques over and over and over and over and over... yeah. I really hear you there. I've long ago stopped replying to any of them, they can just go read the many comments where I already addressed that stuff.
Honestly, I almost never take commented advice on my stories, even when it's not repetitive. I'm writing the story I want to write. If I were writing for *paid* publication, I'd be happy to listen to an editor, but as I'm writing for free... screw that!
I'd rather have a ton of fun telling a mediocre story I love than bust my ass writing by committee in hopes it'll be a little better. (And it probably won't, writing by committee can go terribly wrong.)
3134151
Smileys aside, being able to filter between what is redundant repetition, pointless arguments and actually thought through feedback can help you improve your writing.
I've seen it on several occasions.
The big problem is being able to sort out the pins in the burning haystacks.
You definitely got the right attitude though
"I'm alright now."
"I've learned my lesson well."
"See you can't please everyone."
"so you, got to please yourself."
3134017
I read and understand all comments, although I don't necessarily agree with some of them.