Seven questions for people who like to read fanfics.

[snizox15 14]

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters?

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's?

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics? 4 What is the best fanfic you have read?

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies?

6 How many stories have you read?

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read?

[SørenWolf 227]

1) On occasion

2) Yes, several of the fanfics I read focus on OC's

3) Depends, Simi common

4) Not really sure

5) Depends on how it is written

6) Not sure, over 20 if you count fanfics with less then 5 chapters

7) I have always been a hopeless romantic, so Romance, but everyone loves a little Action now and again

 

If you are writing a fanfic my advice to you would be to write the story you want to read.

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

1: Nothing to do with either? Rarely. I hardly ever read things about even background characters.

2: Not usually, I like reading about characters who I know and have already fallen in love with so to speak.

3: Tough question. I suppose an engaging storyline with well-portrayed characters never hurts. There are lots of ways to write a good fanfic, and even more to write a bad one. Humans are used fairly often in them, but I don't generally enjoy it when they are so I avoid them, even if I'm sure some of them are really good.

4: Another tough question. Overall, maybe The Games We Play by AbsoluteAnonymous. I literally couldn't stop reading it. There are a bunch that are close though.

5: Ponies only, mainly because it feels more natural and in tune with the world the show built.

6: Too many to count, I won't even try to guess.

7: Romance and Comedy. When they're together it's even better. Probably why I read so many Pinkiedash stories .

I hope I answered all your questions well.

Edited January 10, 2013 by DashForever

[An Old Head 4,816]

1) It generally makes a more enjoyable fan fiction if ponies you know are present, because those are the ones whose personalities are the main reason you're a Brony. n.n However, I have read two or three stories where it's all OCs and characters nobody's heard of, exploring other areas of Equestria - I always find that interesting because they seem so distant from the show itself, yet so in with the pony universe.

2) I do read fanfics with OCs in them. Not all the time though, and especially not when they try to ship a Mane 6 character with their OC. That stuff is NOT enjoyable to read.

 

3) A good fan fiction should be relatively linked to the show while making sure not to go off into a much different story. I must say I don't like HiE - for me it spoils the idea that ponies are in their own universe. The only time I didn't feel like humans were out of place was in My Little Dashie, because they weren't actually in Equestria.

 

4) I would have to trade my favourite fan fiction off between Rainbow Factory and The Elements of Gaming. The former is an incredibly well-written piece and probably the most heart-wrenching I've read. (highlight to read - spoiler alert) In particular, Rainbow Dash turning insane from having to run a murder process of innocent Pegasi yet still required to keep smiles up outside the factory. The latter, on the other hand, was simply an absolutely genius portrayal of video games in Equestria. I loved everything about how the concept was handled, humorous reactions from each pony that stayed true to their character and most of all the recognition of certain parts in each game they played. Really brightens one's day.

5) Only ponies. That way it seems more true to its purpose - being a fan fiction of MLP. It keeps their own universe to themselves and feels like it could actually happen in the show, but with enough little twists to make it enjoyable.

6) I've read around sixty different fan fictions. I don't take interest in a particular theme so to speak, I just read whatever catches my eye. I'm a great fan of Pinkiedash though, as well as any fan fiction with Soarin' in it. I hate grimdarks - though one of my favourite fan fictions is a grimdark, I wouldn't read another one. Rainbow Factory was dangerously close to wrecking some of the canon imagery permanently... I wouldn't run the risk again.

7) Just realised I answered this last question I don't know how to describe genres when it comes to fan fiction, but as aforementioned I love Pinkiedash. They were made for each other. I suppose I gear more towards humorous fan fictions, ones that don't take themselves seriously. The show is happy, and a happy fan fiction to go parallel with it is a great thing.

Edited January 10, 2013 by Flipturn

[Yes-Man 597]

1.Sometimes, it really depends. If it's a shipfic(With the exception of Doc and Ditzy/Derpy) or some really gory grimdark, then no.

 

2.Sometimes,the same general rules as above. Except the shipping with the shipping it's only if canon characters are inculded, and I'm fine with gore so long as it's say.....Fallout:Equestria.

 

3.Well written, a good plot, excellent characters, same general standards most of us have for the show.

Humans?No idea.

4.Fallout:Equestria  I'm a big Fallout fan.

5.It depends, there's very few that I like like that.

 

6.A few one-shots, nothing else really big except Fallout:Equestria.

 

7.Action,mystery,anything where the character does generally good things.

[Rarietty 632]

1. Sometimes, I guess. They're not really the reason I read fanfiction, and I tend to prefer fanfiction more if it's based closely to the show. It also depends on the content itself and if it's an interesting synopsis. 

 

2. It depends on the OC. If they're realistic, likable characters, sure. Even so, I tend to enjoy stories more if they're centered around a character I already like and know about. I've read a few good ones, but, again, I can't enjoy them as much as stories centered around the mane 6.  I like if new characters are used as supporting characters however, as it adds depth. 

 

3. A good and interesting plot, no "out of character" moments if they're writing about the mane 6, good character interaction, good writing and grammar and linked to the show in some manner, descriptions... If it's a shipfic, the romance should make sense and be well developed. 

 

Humans are common, and human-in-Equestria/Ponies-on-Earth thing has been kind of done to death. I like it if it's original, but if the plot is basically "self-insert becomes a pony" or "ponies become human" I kind of find it boring. 

 

4. Oh my gosh this is hard. I really like Know Your Mare by Overload-Flinx because it's hilarious. Plus, he was able to take a random premise (ponies...playing Know Your Star) and create a decent plot out of it. As for more serious fanfics, I love Scion of Chaos by SilentBelle, Anthropology by JasonTheHuman, Mood Wings by Tchernoborg and In Memory Of by Obselescence (which, is also probably the hardest I've cried while reading a fanfic.)

 

5. I don't mind human fics, but I read fanfiction to get away from the real world and to experience new pony stories. So, ponies definitely.

 

6. I have 80 stories currently on my to-read list, I think I've probably read about the same amount, so about 80. I'm pretty sure at least 90% of them were one-shots (I tend to only read multi-chapter stories if they're completely finished already. They'll usually stay on my to-read list for a long time).

 

7. Comedy, mostly. I just like fanfics that feel close to the show. As well as that, I tend to read a lot of sad stuff...and I think I should probably stop. I like shipping if it's cute and done well. 

Edited January 10, 2013 by Rarietty

[SrFrog 927]

1- Depends on how much the story diverges from the central elements of the show. Because a story about. "anon pony" might not be all that bad if done right.

 

2- I've read some, but focusing too much on the oc's just tends to create this mess of a fanfic. Become nothing more than crappy fanservice in the end.

 

3 - A basic sense of consistency through the story, that doesn't stray from the source material. Though exceptions do exist to this, they are an uncommon thing. A large number of Hie stories exist, but rarely any of them are good.

 

4 - Somewhere Only We Know and On a Cross and Arrow. I don't really have many favorites, though I've read dozens of fics already.

 

5 - Often it doesn't even matter, unless it becomes central to the story itself.

 

6 - Having started in 2011, it's just difficult to keep track of that kind of stuff for very long. I'd estimate it somewhere along 200, if I had to guess.

 

7 - A little of everything, I don't necesarilly have a favorite genre.

[Admiral Colt 61]

1. Sometimes

2. It depends on if the fiction looks interesting
3. A strong, creative, and original storyline. Very much so, it's a popular subject in the fan fictions from what I've seen. The best 4 have to be... Rainbow Factory, Chronicle, On a Cross and Arrow, and Sins of a Celestial Empire.
5. As long as the base of the story is good it doesn't matter.
6. Not too many yet, maybe somewhere around 20.
7. A lot, Action/Adventure is probably my favorite though. If not that maybe a good mystery, or even Romance.

[morethanicecream 116]

1. I haven't read one so far

2. Nope, I like to stick to ones that I can connect to well. OC stories really don't unless I understand the character

3. A really good fanfic is one that answers my questions, along with it being written well, flowing, have good plot, storyline, and character development. Ones I can relate to are the best. My Little Dashie is the only acception to humans in fanfics that made it good.

4. Best fanfic was My Little Dashie. It connected a lot with me. Basically, the story is sort of a metaphor to some parts in my life.

5. All were ponies (except MLD)

6. I've read about 10, all were recommended.

7. I like really any genre - shipping, gore, action adventure. Shipping is pretty good, and I will love it, if you do it correctly.

[almozayaf 72]

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters?

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's?

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics?

4 What is the best fanfic you have read?

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies?

6 How many stories have you read?

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read?

1. my first fanfic was about lyra that what get me into MLP FanFic, and the truth is these FanFic better then any main6 fan fic cuz the writer have more freedom in the characters

 

2. ill like to but i didn't, as long the main idea in the summery make me want to ill like to read it, i want to read fallout for long time now

 

3. the same thing what make normal fiction good, but ill add that don't make the characters act out side they own characters like (rainbow factory , and cub cake)

 

4. i didn't read that mach but there 4 that need to be talk about

The Sisters Doo by Ponky good character study and drama with same action

My Little Pet Dashie by RapeTrain-Express do i need to say more

Naked Singularity (i can't find the link now weird)

clopfic or fanfic about twilight write clopfic, i like how it feel like a normal episode of the show, i like when i see fanfic like that

Anthropology by JasonTheHuman

my fav fanfic ever i can't say more

 

5. i don't care if it giid it good

6. less then 10

7. comedy

Edited January 12, 2013 by almozayaf

[Sky Warden 2,243]

1. Do you read fanfics that have noting to do with the mane 6 or background characters? Sometimes. Character isn't a problem for me as long as it's well written or expressed.
2. Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's? Aye. The character isn't a problem for me.
3. What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics? What makes a fanfic good to read? LOL. Of course the art. Writing is an art. The art of writing is to bring the reader to the world of the fanfic. If a fanfic fails to do this, then it's bad. No offense, but that's true. Good writing is a writing which can bring the reader to its world.
4. What is the best fanfic you have read? Can't remember. I have a bad memory. I guess it's Flitter or My Little Dashie.
5. Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies? I like only-ponies more. Personally, I don't like cross-over.
6. How many stories have you read? Can't count. Lot of fanfics for sure, but I want to mention one thing. I proof-read it, not just read it.
7. What genre of fanfic do you like to read? Grimdark with some romance in it. Don't get Grimdark wrong! Grimdark isn't gore or something like that. Grimdark is a state of 'hopeless' and awww yeeeaa. The feel man. It's about how dark the world is and the character is too powerless to fix it. It's always fun to follow the character on its journey. Especially if the writer is success on bringing the feel on the writing.

[Night Shine 767]

As an avid fanfic reader and writer...

 

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters?

I'll read either. It really depends on the concept behind the fic and writing style, not necessarily the characters.

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's?

Not usually, because most stories centered around OCs are self-inserts with ponysonas. However, I will give it a chance if said OC is just an original story character, not a ponysona.

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics?

I think the best fanfics revolve around telling a good story, plain and simple, but also the writing plays a huge part....just like with real books.

 

4 What is the best fanfic you have read?

Ooh, that's a toughie. Tie between A Tale of Sun, Moon, and Stars and Past Sins.

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies?

Again, I'll like it as long as it has a good story and writing style.

6 How many stories have you read?

Countless. :3 I don't keep track, but usually I'll read a new one every three days or so.

 

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read?

Oh, another tough one. As long as it's written well and tells a great story, I'll usually like it. However, a few notable exceptions:

-Any fic where romance plays a key role, be it a shipping, a clopfic, or just a crossover comedy

-Fics that are sad, tragic, and don't end well, ever

-Fics that portray Equestria just as corrupt as Earth, be it through sex, drugs, gore, or just a general lack of the show's innocence.

[Just some guy 1,070]

1) Every now and then,if it irks my interest.
2) Not usually.
3) Good character development is a big one for me.Doesn't matter if the character is pony,human,griffion,whatever.

4) Some troll clopfic that my friend showed me once.It was hilariously horrible and troll.
5) Eh,it depends.Either can be pure gold or utter crap.
6) About...10+?Not exactly sure.
7) Adventure,crossover (if it's good),grimdark,tragedy,and comedy usually.I'll read others if it catches my eye.

[I used to be a stranger 7,993]

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters?

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's?

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics? 4 What is the best fanfic you have read?

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies?

6 How many stories have you read?

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read?

1.) Very rarely. Without grounding to the mane cast, characterization is speculative to the point of disenfranchising.

2.) I've only read one or two like that. But whenever the focus is not on a main character, then the character is up to the author anyways, which is sort of like wearing a mask for the author if you highly identify with the character. That's not all that dissimilar from OCs.

3.) Good writing and story. How do you do that? I don't know; I'd ask Wilde but he's dead.

4.) Macintosh by TheTotalOverflow.

5.) I have never read a story with humans in it.

6.) I am not completely certain. Fewer than 20 I think.

7.) "Normal", occasionally "shipping", "comedy" is always a plus. I've never read "grimdark" and the only few I've read that actually had direct sexual reference I regretted-- each and every one of them. I've also never read (as FIMfiction calls it) a "tragedy" or an "alternate universe". The only "crossover" I read was a small portion of one with Doctor Whooves.

 

Final note, I've intentionally avoided reading My Little Dashie, Cupcakes, Fallout: Equestria, Sweet Apple Massacre and The Conversion Bureau.

[Koori 156]

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters?

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's?

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics? 4 What is the best fanfic you have read?

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies?

6 How many stories have you read?

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read?

 

1. So far I haven't read any of those unless you count Anthropology.

 

2. Well... if the story sounds good then yes.

 

3. In MLP stories, making the story sensible and, if possible, the use of canon info instead of speculation and if multiple chapters, make each chapter good and (equally) long.

 

4. Oh Celestia, there are many I've read... ... I choose "It's a Dangerous Business, Going Out Your Door" (That's how it's named at least in EQD) because of its epic length, epic story in all and managing to keep the reader in suspense throughout the entire story.

 

5. I've read a few stories with humans in them and I don't find myself hating it much. At least not in the stories I've read (all are incomplete, though).

 

6. MLP stories? ... About 30 I guess. Generally? Over 100.

 

7. Adventure kind. Comedy isn't bad either or Slice of Life - kind.

Edited January 12, 2013 by Koori

[Metatora 37]

1: I don't mind either one, so long as they're well written. 

2: No. They can be a main element, but not the primary focus. At it's core, FiM is about the Mane 6 and Celestia/Luna IMO. 

3: Any genre can be good. Slice of life, comedy, grimdark etc. As long as it's written well enough, I'll read it. And humans I think are semi-common. There's an entire sub-section of FiM fics that involve humans after all. 

4: Gonna have to give the nod to the Pony POV series. It has some of the best world building I've ever seen and is a blast to read...when it doesn't punch me in the stomach with the feels that is. 

5: Like I've mentioned before, as long as the fic is written well, it doesn't matter to me. 
6: Too many XD
7: Action/adventure and comedy are my preferred genres. Though I admit to liking the grimdark stuff as long as it's put together right.

Edited January 12, 2013 by Metatora

[DoctorWhovian1902 596]

1: Not really, no.

 

2: I haven't read any yet.

 

3: A good fanfic needs to be well written, have a good plot, and at the very least good grammar. I'm not sure if humans are that common.

 

4: My Little Dashie. No contest.

 

5: I don't mind a human being inserted into the universe, and actually kind of like it.

 

6: Completed stories? Less than 10, but I'm waiting for some updates right now. As far as stories I've followed/am following, around 15 or 20.

7: Adventure. (I know I'm bound to receive controversy for saying this, but) especially if it is mixed with the HiE or PoE subgenres.

[Megas 27,630]

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters?

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's?

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics? 4 What is the best fanfic you have read?

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies?

6 How many stories have you read?

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read?

1. No

2. NO(Sorry, but I was never much for OCs)

3. I think Fanfics are at their best when they feel like a genuine episode. As for humans, no, and if they are they're usually pretty weak

4. Most fics by Trinary are some of my favorites, by my time fav. has to be Post Nuptials. Mostly under the radar stuff

5. I read them for the ponies

6. Not much

7. Slice of life, comedy

Edited January 12, 2013 by Megas75

[Sonata18 105]

 

 

1. No... I don't mind if there are OCs, but I don't really stay as interested when it's all OCs

2. See above, lol

3. Good story development that expands past the TV show. I avoid the ones with humans and ones written like "you find yourself in ponyville, etc"

4. Allegrezza

5.  I don't really like humans in the pony world.  When I think about the stories I relate them to real (human) life, so throwing a human in kinda messes it up for me. 

6.  Probably like 10 or 12.  I can't remember

7. Romance, Slice of Life

[FancyPhoenix 197]

1. Depends on the fic, if the characters are good, I don't feel like the mane 6 have to have anything to do with the fic.

 

2. Pretty much answered in 1. I do, but the story and characters need to be well constructed. As with all stories I read, not just those focused outside the mane 6.

 

3. A good fanfic needs to have an interesting story, appealing characters, correct characterization of the mane 6 (if included in the fic) and correct grammar. I appreciate those authors who take the time to actually try and ensure their fics have as little mistakes as possible. Now, about humans in fanfics. They seem to be gaining more and more attention around fics. And no wonder! People like to escape from this reality, and human-fics offer a good chance to do just that.

 

4. I have two absolute favourites. One is called Project: Sunflower by Hoopy McGee and the other Memory Pending by Kiroberos.

 

5. My liking of a story has nothing to do with the characters' species. If the story is good and I find it interesting, and the characters are well made, I will probably like the story. Both my favourites have characters that aren't ponies, but I also like many stories that have only ponies.

 

6. Pony-fics? Sheesh.. That's a hard one.. The number probably goes somewhere between 100 and 200, but I'm not 100% sure. Might be even more... More than 100 at least.

 

7. I don't usually pay much attention to the genre, but I have a large disliking towards grim/dark fics like Cupcakes or Rainbow Factory. I've never read those, and to be honest, I never want to. Ponies and that much blood and gore are NOT compatible in my opinion. Recently, I've found myself enjoying romantic fics, but I require quality-work in these

[TailsIsNotAlone 3,695]

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters?

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's?

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics? 4 What is the best fanfic you have read?

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies?

6 How many stories have you read?

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read?

1. Sometimes. Fics about the CMC and Spike are okay. But for the most part I focus on the Mane 6.

2. Very rarely. Let's face it, most OC's aren't very good. It's a rare occasion that a writer can make one that really fits the show and serves a useful purpose. Most of the time it's "badass alicorn OC falls in love with Luna and runs around post-apocalyptic Equestria with lightsaber."

3. There are many things that make a good fanfic: characterization, plot, grammar, pacing, editing and I could go on. And yes, humans are common in ponyfics. Maybe the two most popular kinds of MLP stories are (1) shipping between two of the Mane 6 and (2) human in Equestria. The best fanfics I have read are: "Anthropology" by JasonTheHuman, "The Best Night Ever" by Capn_Chryssalid, and "Sweet Nothings" by AbsoluteAnonymous. Mind you, this list could change completely in another week.

4. Derp

5. I prefer stories with just ponies. Good human fics are almost as hard to to pull off as good OC fics. It can be done, though.

6. Oh gees, hundreds. I couldn't make a good guess.

7. I'll give anything a chance as long as it's well written and is loyal to the show. I like romance, comedy and adventure. Sometimes clopfics as well, but once again they have to be decently written.

[UJn92kwC 108]

1.) If characters match the theme/genre of the fanfic, I might like it.

2.) OC fanfics are okay in my opinion!

3.) What makes a good fanfic is when I can relate to the character's feelings, scared, happy, sad, or anything.

4.) Where is 4? :3

5.) Either way, if it's good, I love it! /)^_^/)

6.) I don't read them much, but I have read maybe 20-50

7.) My favorite genre is more dark, gore, and blood, because... Humans like me are terrible, we love to hear people in pain. My favorite fanfics are either Rainbow Factory or Cupcakes.

[Winona the Dog 1,984]

 

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters? 

 

Sometimes but only on special occasions its usually not interesting without them.

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's? 

 

Only if the OC is anything but a pony. Changelings are exceptional. Dragons and others are ok.

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics?

 

I think a good fic needs to have good paced story with good character development regardless if its a canon pony or OC. A decent moral if necessarily and decent humor. Also suspense is pretty nice to have as well as attention to detail. 

 

4 What is the best fanfic you have read? 

 

Sweeties Mansion By Moonshooter- Nice spooky atmosphere with great description and story.

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies? 

 

I prefer only pony stories but sometimes i like humans in the stories only because i like the reactions from both species seeing each other.

6 How many stories have you read?

 

200+

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read? 

 

Crossover/Random/Slice of Life

•  
•  

[The Leafeon Pinkeh 3,603]

1 Yes
2 Yes

3 Good grammar! I HATE it when there are spelling/grammatical errors in a fanfic!! Dear authors, please proofread your work!
4 I like lots of fanfic.. I don't know.
5 Just ponies
6 Ummm I don't know how many I've read. Maybe 10-30?
7 I like adventure, comedy, a little romance 

[CloudFyre 848]

1 Do you read fanfics that have noting to do wih the mane 6 or background characters?

2 Do you also read fanfics that are focused around oc's?

3 What do you think makes a good fanfic? Are humans common in fanfics? 4 What is the best fanfic you have read?

5 Do you like a story better if it has humans in it or if it is only ponies?

6 How many stories have you read?

7 What genre of fanfic do you like to read?

 

1) That kind of disqualifies most pony fics, but I read an EXCELLENT work that revolved around a Changeling once. (Letters from a Senior to Junior Changeling.)

2) Yes, though most OC's seem to be undercharacterized or too "generic". It's just part of the genre I guess.

3) Ooh, I like this question.

• No generic human vs. pony wars.
• No Lunar Empire/Solar Empire ideas.
• No overpowered humans/OC's
• A lot more "no's" (No instant relationships between humans/ponies, etc.)

   

  On the yes side:

• Unique, feasible ideas that haven't been used yet.
• Something that is tense enough to have me on the edge of my seat.
• HNNNNNGGGG inducing scenes. (Nothing graphic.)

4) Best fanfic? I can't say. There are too many good ones to count.

5) Yep, I love stories with humans in them, usually because finding a well written one is terribly hard and thus a massive achievement if you find one, and it makes the story much more relatable, as we're, well, humans.

6) I have no idea how many stories I have read...

7) Adventure fics, HiE fics, and anything that has cute/heart attack inducing chapters. (Again, nothing graphic/R34 in nature.)

Edited January 13, 2013 by CloudFyre