The Mystery of the Downvote

I don't have a good lead-in, but if you click below the break, you can treat yourself to some of my patented ramblings.  Today's topic?  That little thumbs-down button on FIMFiction: an entirely imaginary case study.

6-Star Reviews Part 145: Pony Psychology Series

To read the story, click the image or follow this link

Sometimes, when I read about stuff like this, I think it might be fun to go to a con or large meetup sometime, to put a few faces to (pen)names, go to some panels, and generally be in the presence of people who share this particular hobby of mine.

Then I realize that, even for the closest large convention, the costs of food, travel, lodging, ticket, and incidentals wouldn't be much less than a thousand bucks.  Oh well.

Below the break, my review of Saddlesoap Opera's Pony Psychology Series and sequel.

What to Do When Joseph Stalin Says Your Fanfic Sucks

I don't usually do the whole "reblog" thing, but I came across something I wanted to share yesterday.  Fanfic author and EqD pre-reader Aquaman posted some comments on how and how not to give and receive criticism which, while more than slightly vitriolic, is definitely worth reading.  Click below the break to read his thoughts.

Nothing Useful to Say

I'm taking a personal leave day from the blog to deal with a vague but nevertheless disconcerting case of ennui.

The kind of ennui that comes from having too much time on one's hands and too little will to find something productive to do?

Yes, Merriam-Webster, that's exactly what I'm feeling right now.  I think maybe I'll get a bowl of ice cream, then go watch some Voyager reruns or something--It's been a while since I've done that, and it sounds like a nice, low-energy, brain-relaxing thing to do.  I'm gonna start with that episode where they encounter a race that has no concept of music, and the Doctor becomes a super-celebrity.  That was always my favorite...



(Regular posts resume Friday)

Mini-Reviews Round 12

I've been feeling pretty listless, lately.  I don't know exactly why--I guess I'm just in a funk.  That being the case, I've spent more time in the last week or so idly staring out the window or fussing over cups of coffee that I only fixed in the first place to give myself something to do than I've spent actually reading.

I have done some reading, though, and a bit of it was even ponyfiction!  Click down below the break to see what's caught my eye recently, and what I thought of it.

Have Some Stuff to Read Over the Weekend

Several weeks ago, I was contacted by RBDash47, proprietor of the Pony Fiction Vault, asking if I'd be okay with having one of my stories, The Purloined Pony, inducted into (onto?) his site.  Spoiler alert: I said yes.  You should go check out his site for my interview (which should be going up sometime today; no pressure, RBD!), relevant links to and downloads of the story, and, most importantly, to take a look at some of the other entries on the site.  There are a lot of great stories collected there, and a lot of wonderful advice and insight if you look through the interviews.

Speaking of other sites, I've got the Links page all prettied up!  There are now links to all sorts of reviewers, fanfic posting and fanfic writing communities, and... well, that's pretty much it, actually.  Still, I urge you to go glance through the sites listed there and see if there's anything (or anyone!) new to you.  And as always, let me know if you're aware of any relevant sites which I haven't linked to.