/arch/ - Twilight's Library

Since the title might be misleading, this is not a depression thread.
It's been sitting on my desk for a week now. I guess I won't think of anything else to change. I can't help but wonder if I'm the only one thinking those words, but right or wrong, I'll never know. :) This is intended to speak for all the ones who are in the same strange situation than me : I dislike the show, but like its fans.
Massive wall of text, sorry about that.
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Dear bronies,

I have looked upon the community created by the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic during a month and a half. Not such a long time, seeing how some are almost year-old veterans. Still, I think it is the right time to write to you, about us.

I, presumptuously anonymous, am someone you don't know about. I lurk, and rather stay behind the security of my screen than going public. I believe you're fine with that. I came across all of this for some reason. A video, a song. A meme image and a link is all it takes to discover yet another corner of the internet. But why would one stay here, when there is so much to discover ? It could be interesting, alright, and I've been bored for nights anyway. Maybe it's time to find a new corner to stand in. Apparently it's all about a show. I skimmed through a few episodes, but I don't like it. I find the characters annoying, the situations makes me feel uncomfortable for them and overall, it's not that funny. Yet, I feel compelled to stay a few more minutes. There are hundreds of new drawings each day, games, stories and videos once in a while. It's interesting to see up to which point all of this will go, actualy. Name changes, celebrities commenting on the subject, world records broken, it's impressive. I'm quite glad I stayed, 'Bronies' are a fun show to watch.
But a cold feeling starts to be felt. I don't like the original show, I have no right to be here. Among all those dedicated people, investing hours to get the right color for that painting, patiently adding, strip by strip, manes to plushies. All of that just for me to have a look and see something blue, something green. An eye candy eaten like a real one, without thinking much of it while I'm browsing the internet. When I ask around, the answer is always the same: "I'm fine with you". "Love and tolerance". It's hard to believe those words are spoken truthfully, but what else can I say ? I don't read minds. I know I'll leave when I'm asked to, I can only hope etiquette won't leave me in the way for too long.

As time passes, I start to discover more of the community. The years I've spent online told me that you can learn a great deal about internet persona by looking at how they deal with adversity. And how great that adversity must be, as a MLP:FiM-centered group surely undergo the mockeries of people thinking of themselves as mature enough. There are traces of such aggressions. Doubtful or honest-looking tales of the real life as well as concrete internet attacks, events come and go and shake the community. And it's kind of intriguing, really. Because the answer is quite often the same. "Love and tolerance".
A zen attitude allowing the members to leave unscathed from battles that would have left others mentally destroyed. It would almost make sense, seeing how often and how well it works. But I tried that before. There is a moment where you snap. Everyone does, at some point. Like a spring pushed too far, leaping out of your palm, there should be bursts of anger and sadness around. Look. Oh, there is, indeed. Along with their apologies letters and arm-long threads of support to the saddest ones. Holding the line together, the community hold its ground internally as well as externally. Its ability to create improve, because its given the time to, the worst of works being tolerated -even loved-. And then, I look back.
It is really still about the show in itself ? Somewhat. Not for me, it's never been anyway. It could have been a show about love between dolphins and pigs all the same. At that point, it's only a snowball effect, there haven't been any new episodes out since some time. Content is created based on fan content. Are you still on par with the show's tone, Bronies ? I can't say : I haven't seen it. I hope so, you might feel better if you can ascertain it. But at any rate, beyond Equestria lives the community. A community I feel better knowing it exist.

So thank you. Thank you for existing, and as proof of concept : Love and Tolerance can work, at least for some time. Casual trust and ceaseless positiveness can be achieved on the internet, with a serious community who knows its vulnerabilities and work against them. I still believe the show was an occasion more than a mind altering magical work. In the end, it doesn't matter to me anyway : what's done is done. Before me is an inspiring, good-willed and functional group, and it's freaking amazing ! You guys are pulling off the kind of stuff real life makes difficult, using the internet and passion. There's nothing to add.

But what of us, now ? I don't wish for the title of brony, even if I think some of you will try to give it to me. I could pretend, but you instigate honesty, among other things. I'd rather be in a darker place of the internet, where I'll be able to shine without being outlighed by such a sun. I'm egoistic like that. Oh, I'll still be lurking around, of course. Seeing you guys is always delightful and refreshing, and I know I'll be able to come back here whenever I feel the need to. And as far as our world go, it's going to be often :) . Waking up wondering what pleasant surprise awaits you is kind of cool. I'll repay you by speaking in high regards of all you've done to the ones that might be interested, and helping the community strive that way. I believe you will be fine with that.
I have my concerns for your future, too. As many have, I suppose. Fandoms are known to turn sour, fight against themselves and shun official works because it doesn't add with their universes, much like a kid who would have turned a teenager. Some others simply wither and die, unable to keep themselves fed with interesting content, new or not. Few are the ones able to live a decade, but they exist. I truly hope you bronies will stand the test of time, and become even more than what you are now.
I'll be in the forefront, with a heartfelt round of applause.


Faithfully yours,
A 'Brony Community' Fan.


Ps : That letter have probably already been written before. Twice, Thrice, dozen of times even. But some things can be told over and over, and never look diminished. Continuous good deeds such as yours should not go unpunished :) .

TL;DR: Thanks guys.