Keen Blade

Twilight hasn't gotten as much screentime this season, so it would seem. I remembered that was the case in Season 2 as well, and then I remembered why. In season 2, instead of giving her an equal number of episodes focusing specifically on her, they gave her the opening and finale for her episodes. Which means something stupendously huge is coming, no doubt...

That's what I'm saying. People shouldn't do that. I think we should make an effort to offer some encouragement, try to counteract the hate.

That's another thing: when a new episode comes out, I'd like to ask you all to lay off the criticism. Legitimate or not, these are people who have put a tremendous amount of time and effort into their work. However legitimate, however gently delivered, dozens of people popping up to tell you what you, a professional, got wrong, can be pretty grating, especially when you encounter it constantly.

I don't have much experience with other fandoms, but I've been doing some research on *DRAMA* in various fandoms, checking out blogs and such, seeing how people react and what they say. Bronies have had their share of that, to be sure, but I've really had the impression that overall they've handled it pretty well. I've appreciated the willingness a lot of people have shown to take the ideals of friendship, kindness, and tolerance seriously, and I've noticed that there are people who make an effort to advocate them to others. I've found that deeply encouraging and it's good to see that here, as well.

So I'm sure you're aware of some of the things that have gone on on Twitter and other places, with fans ganging up on writers, insulting and threatening them. As I saw over in the Why does everyone hate on Meghan? thread, a lot of you are as upset about that as I am. That's not how I want to be seen and that's not how I want bronies to be seen. The rich interaction between fans and staff that I've witnessed in my time following all this is one of the reasons I enjoy it so much. These are some truly talented people, no two ways about it, and their work brings a lot of happiness to a lot of people. So I hate to imagine the kind of impression they get when they have people badgering them over stupid things, accusing them of ruining the show, being unkind, hurtful, and mean. They deserve a whole lot better than that, especially with the willingness they've shown to talk to fans and in working to make a show that can appeal to people of all ages. And I have no doubt it must be draining for them to experience such a deluge of criticism all the time. So I have a proposition. I actually joined twitter for precisely this reason. Starting with this Saturday's episode, I propose we all make a point of turning out to support them. Say something like, "Great episode! I really loved the writing/story/art/whatever." Offer some encouragement, show your appreciation, and give them a reason to ignore the people shouting at them over idiotic things. Show them there are more people who appreciate what they do than there are critics condemning it. You don't have to agree with every decision they make. It's okay to have a different opinion or think something could have been better. But when someone has put months of their life into making something, whatever you may think or feel, you don't waltz in and dismiss it in 140 characters or less. Save the criticisms for another day and focus on the things you still enjoyed and take a moment to say as much to them. Let's use a hashtag in common, something like #weloveMLPstaff, something to show it's a concerted effort. The fact is, these people put a great deal of effort and passion into what they do, and they have to keep doing it despite the best efforts of critics and "fanbrats" to ruin it for them. Let them know they're appreciated. TL;DR Get your butt to Twitter this Saturday and leave the staff and writers a message of support and encouragement #weloveMLPstaff. And try to make a point to keep doing it, because someone has to counteract the negative in the world or the good things in it will be lost.