Too many Fan Projects going belly-up?

[Mand'alor Dash 2,224]

 

 

 

ENTRY I: Hi all! This is the official site of the Ponify Everything crew, the team trying to build a total conversion mod for Dragon Age: Origins. This mod will feature finely detailed pony models, a studio-quality script, and thousands of lines of original voice acting! Stay tuned for more updates.

 

 Phase 1: Optimism. You and your team are all set and rearin' to go!

 

 

ENTRY II: We just finished modeling the tip of Rarity's mane. Everything's going great here! Still no word on a erlease date, but it should be some time in the next couple years.

 

Phase 2: Early success. The team hits a milestone early on in the development process. For games, this usually means that you have the core mechanics down; for animations, it's usually a set of animation clips that you're comfortable mashing into a trailer. Either way, things are going great!

 

 

ENTRY III: Wow, it's been like 8 months since our last update. It's okay, we're still hard at work. Just typing this up to let you know that.

 

Phase 3: Downtime. No one has heard from your team in ages. Some think they've been lost in the Bermuda Triangle, but in all likelyhood, things are just really really hard and slow over there.

 

 

ENTRY IV: Bear with us!!!! Our lead programmer just started college and our texture artist is flipping burgers at Wendy's to pay child support. Real life is always getting in our way, man!

 

Phase 4: IRL. Yeah, you thought that when you took up the mantle as lead animator for Snowflake: The Movie that you'd be able to devote all your time to it, and real life would just step aside and let you work 24/7 with ponies. Ya thought wrong, buster!

 

 

ENTRY V:  The damndest thing just happened. All of our computers just simultaneously caught fire and turned into makeshift rockets. The hard drives were the first things to leave the stratosphere, so there's no chance in getting back any of our old data. This is gonna delay us a year or two.

 

Phase 5: Tragedy. This is the part where something bad happens, and a lot of that work you spent so much time on just vaporizes into thin air. And yet, most teams still refuse to accept defeat even after this. :comeatus:

 

 

ENTRY VI: Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad news, guys. Our entire art team got explosive diarrhea from eating bad Thai food, and were forced to quit the project. We wish them and their plumbers the best of luck!

 

Phase 5 1/2: Moar tragedy. This may become before or after the major setback described earlier, but it usually splits teams apart all the same.

 

 

ENTRY VII: Holy Horseapples, 2 years since I last updated you guys! We've been soooooo hard at work on this thing. We, uh... have Rarity's entire mane all modeled and ready to go! It shouldn't be long now, guys!

 

On an unrelated note, are there any writers, editors, modelers, artists, voice actors, producers, caterers, bloggers, programmers, or plumbers that would be interested in joining the team? I assure you, we have the space!

 

Phase 6: Desperation. By now, there's only one or two guys left on the project, and they've mostly lost interest in it. Anything to keep the reaper at bay for another week or so.

 

 

ENTRY VIII: Okay, no more screwing around! New boss, new team, new rules! We're gonna be on this shit like flies on... well... shit. Weekly updates! Daily progress! All that!

 

Phase 7: Revival. That spark is back. The team's back in fighting shape. Damn it, you're going to make Rarity's mane look like the best mane in all of Equestria, or you're gonna die trying!

 

 

ENTRY IX: Sorry about the lack of updates. Our lead programmer was turned into a cat by a thousand year old witch's curse, and he's left for northeastern Zanzibar to look for a cure. Damn you, real life!

 

Phase 8: Relapse. Yep. You all know what's coming by this point.

 

 

ENTRY X: We're going to be taking a short hiatus to get everything planned out! Please don't unfollow, we'll have an update for you guys soon!

 

Phase 9: Gone. Yeah, they say they're just taking a coffee break, then they never show their faces again. It's criminal that so many dates projects have to end this way, but it's just the way it is right now.

 

 

 

It sucks that fan project development cycles have gotten this tragic and predictable. The brony fandom may not be the exclusive bearers of this vicious cycle, but we have seen more than our fair share of it.

 

Do you feel this happens way to often? Do you feel like all the good projects crash and burn, or am I just exaggerating, and the state of affairs for fandom projects is just peachy?

[Moonlight 7,288]

I don't think "Phase 5" and "Phase 5 1/2" happen like that. xD

 

But, yeah, several fan projects seem to do this...which is a real shame, honestly.

 

People assume they have time to put all the work into it, hype everyone up, find out that they have other things in real life that distract them from said work, give up...and then cancel the project.

 

That's one of the most annoying things about fan projects...it's understandable, it's a lot of work to create fan-made things, but it's still severely annoying. 

 

But, for the most part, projects in this certain fandom seem to be going fine.

[Aaramus 449]

You need to add an alternative to phase 9:

 

"Sorry guys Hasbro decided to get all copyright on our project so we've been forced to cease and desist, we were only a week away from release too!"

 

Fan projects of any sort require a lot of free time, something people don't have a lot of these days. These are "fan" projects afterall, they're not coming from full time games developers for example.

[Fhaolan 4,484]

Dude, this happens to non-fan projects just as much. If *half* of the movies I've been a background actor in made it to screen, my IMDB entry would be three pages instead of one single entry.

 

Games are worse than that. It's the reason why the cost of producing games is so high; most games never make it to market so the production company has to make up the cost for those unpublished games with the one they did put out.

[Freewave 1,145]

In the music community there have have been about a dozen brony labels or promotional sites that have popped up. Each with the goal to get smaller musicians music out there.... almost all closed up within the first month because of no interest and no realistic goals. When you have sites like EQD being the ultimate deciders of how many views a song gets its pretty pointless to try to get a competing startup.  I even outlined a guide on what people would need to differently IF such a thing would work.

 

I see plenty of compilation albums that get announced, have 3 month later deadlines and then only a few people even bother to make tracks and they never make it to a completed album. I've been in a few that failed due to not having a leader that knew what they were doing or with a community that just didnt care on changing things.

 

What it shows is that a lot of teens and adults in this community are great dreamers but pretty bad with planning, leadership, and communication. There's only a handful of Twilight Sparkles in the community these days (ie leaders and organizers) and most people just overpromise and wonder why stuff fails.

[Winona the Dog 1,984]

I've only seen Hasbro shoot down one major fan project and that was Fighting is Magic. I'm not sure about the others ,but you have to understand both sides.

 

Hasbro has to protect thier copyright or risk losing it. I think the fact it was nominated at EVO prompted Hasbro to kill off the project. Though I do understand the fandom side and the hard work they put into it.

Edited September 5, 2013 by Ember The Dragoness

[Scootalove 10,689]

Creating fan projects take a lot of time and effort, some projects get shut down due to Hasbro's copyright while other projects are too over hyped then they fail when the final product is released.

[Thrashy 2,800]

 

 

That's one of the most annoying things about fan projects...it's understandable, it's a lot of work to create fan-made things, but it's still severely annoying.

 

That's pretty much why I say A.) don't bite off more than you can chew, and B.) less is more, in terms of releasing information about the project. Unless you're able to dedicate 100% of your time, effort and resources into making your projects a reality, STIFLE THE HYPE - the higher you raise expectations, the more disappointment will be generated if things fall through.

 

As far as whether or not there's more of it in this fandom than in others, I can't really say, since I've never actually been this deeply involved in other fandoms before…thus, I tend to notice it a lot more readily when brony projects get axed. Casual observation tells me that the brony fandom seems a lot more in-depth artistically than a lot of other ones (yeah, every fandom has fan art/fics, but very few that I know of have a plethora of fan music), so it's possible there are overall more projects that crop up and subsequently die out.

[Silver Letter 1,832]

I’m sure that my project is about at phase four or five by now with almost the same excuses. Not my fault of course. I've been doing nothing but waiting for a significant update from the other person. And I'll probably end up with on tenth of the work on my hooves that I created in mere days instead of months. So I can say that I know the feeling here.

[RockinRarity 1,605]

Every time I see a fan project get advertised on Equestria Daily, I kinda ignore it. I will read it if it initially sounds interesting or it involves voice acting or singing, but then I remember that I don't trust that the project will be any good and I may not have time to be involved anyways.

 

I have tried to be involved in a couple of other fan projects but eh, they never worked out.

[~Silver Essence~ 2,625]

Somewhat.

 

After all, most fan projects not only take a while, but if they gain massive attention, that's when Hasbro axes them for copyright license.

 

I do feel bad for those who worked hard, only to get axed at the last minute. 

[Dusknight Haze 161]

I've only seen Hasbro shoot down one major fan project and that was Fighting is Magic. I'm not sure about the others ,but you have to understand both sides.

 

Hasbro has to protect thier copyright or risk losing it. I think the fact it was nominated at EVO prompted Hasbro to kill off the project. Though I do understand the fandom side and the hard work they put into it.

 

They shot down MLP Online, which was already released. Dunno if it was any good or not, though.

 

Not a fan of Fighting is Magic since I both dislike fighters and the idea of an MLP fighter since that's like basically the opposite of the series, but to each their own, I guess.

[Fhaolan 4,484]

Somewhat.

 

After all, most fan projects not only take a while, but if they gain massive attention, that's when Hasbro axes them for copyright license.

 

I do feel bad for those who worked hard, only to get axed at the last minute. 

 

Only if you don't ask for permission from Hasbro first. Which several fan-projects have done, and gotten those permissions fairly easily. Legends of Equestria for their MMO, SillyFilly Studios for their animations, etc.

 

That doesn't meant the projects *finished*. Most of them failed for other reasons, but copyright infringement doesn't have to be the one that gets you. But a lot of fans get weirdly stubborn about asking permission.

[Mand'alor Dash 2,224]

Only if you don't ask for permission from Hasbro first. Which several fan-projects have done, and gotten those permissions fairly easily. Legends of Equestria for their MMO, SillyFilly Studios for their animations, etc.

I've heard about Double Rainboom getting explicit permission, but I didn't know Legends of Equestria or SillyFilly had done the same. And If that's the case, then I'm surprised that Hasbro's being so lenient with them when Fighting is Magic and MLPOnline both got canned.

[Crispy 5,563]

Another part of it is that there are so many Pony projects.  We hear about constant missteps because of the sheer volume of project attempts there are.

[Fhaolan 4,484]

I've heard about Double Rainboom getting explicit permission, but I didn't know Legends of Equestria or SillyFilly had done the same. And If that's the case, then I'm surprised that Hasbro's being so lenient with them when Fighting is Magic and MLPOnline both got canned.

 

Both Fighting is Magic and MLPOnline came to the attention of Gameloft which had *purchased* the license for MLP video games. So they complained to Hasbro who had to do something to protect the license by contract. With LoE and co. actually asking for permission *before* a licensee complained, Hasbro is able to provide them a limited license that covers everyone's ass. They can't do that after a licensee complains legally.

 

As long as LoE and co. stick within the boundaries of the limited license, Gameloft et al. can't complain. It's the same deal that allows WeLoveFine to be in the same effective market as Hot Topic and so on and so forth.

 

Hasbro doesn't actually manufacture much anymore. All MLP merch is made under different types of licenses by third-party manufactures, so going through the effort of asking Hasbro permission makes *worlds* of difference.

[RockinRarity 1,605]

Another part of it is that there are so many Pony projects. We hear about constant missteps because of the sheer volume of project attempts there are.

Holy crap so many.

 

People wanna use ponies to gain Internet fame at similar rates as the people who want to make their pony convention the biggest and the best. Although after LPU failed hard there has been a bit less of that but the comparison between fan projects and starting cons seems similar to me.

 

I look at the Nightly Roundup on EqD pretty regularly and almost every one has about 3-4 different projects being advertised.

 

It's like

 

stoooooooopppp

 

srsly

 

I look at them and they look like they are gonna be shit. Part of the problem in the first place is recruiting people on EqD. I feel like fan projects work better if you don't have to have auditions and if you have people already willing to work on the project long before you can start making announcements to the general public.

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,794]

Holy crap so many.

People wanna use ponies to gain Internet fame at similar rates as the people who want to make their pony convention the biggest and the best.

Boom. Right there.

 

Not only are there too many fan thingies running around, there could also be far too many that are inexperienced in what they are trying to do and could potentially be jumping on a bandwagon, which for it happens to crash later on. I have noticed that in this fandom, the apparent 'need' to be important within the fandom itself. A lot of people want to be good at this or that or want to create something awesome for everyone to see, but it just doesn't always work out and not everyone is even cut out for something like this. I can relate to all of those feelings, because I have felt them myself.

 

It really is a stupid feeling though. All that needs to be done as a fan in the simplest of forms is just enjoy whatever it is, the show in this case. Anything beyond that is just whatever, do what you want.

 

Hopefully I make some sense there. I do feel that could be a reason for some problems like this.

[dekutree64 713]

This fandom has produced so much and such high quality content in its 3 years of existence, it's incredible. Sure projects fail, but we're talking about people working for free. Even professional projects fail sometimes. It's normal. And enough of them have made it to completion, I think we're doing quite well.

 

Not only are there too many fan thingies running around, there could also be far too many that are inexperienced in what they are trying to do and could potentially be jumping on a bandwagon, which for it happens to crash later on. I have noticed that in this fandom, the apparent 'need' to be important within the fandom itself. A lot of people want to be good at this or that or want to create something awesome for everyone to see, but it just doesn't always work out and not everyone is even cut out for something like this.

I disagree there. I think it's great for young and/or inexperienced people to jump on the bandwagon and give a shot at making big art projects. Sure you'll probably fail the first few times, but you'll learn whether you enjoy it, and hopefully analyze what went wrong each time and learn to do better in the future. Kind of reminds me of the "spark" in episode 2... if the fandom gives people the drive to create something when they otherwise wouldn't have, that's a beautiful thing.

 

On the other hand, my brother hates MLP because DeviantArt was once filled with diversity, and now everyone just draws ponies  So, while it's great to inspire people, maybe it's better if the ones who were going to do art already would keep doing original stuff too.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

Aye, indeed. Many fan projects have ended like that. It's not completely their fault, though. Sometimes IRL stuff really pulls you away from your personal projects, and sometimes you lose interest in ponies until some periods. Other than that, there are still many reasons.

 

First, they're not organised. The fandom is strong. We have someone in any proficiency we need to finish a project. Artist? We have hundreds. Writer? Even more, but only few are 'actually' writers. Musician? Good number. Programmer? Of course. What's the problem then? Organisation. People want to make names for themselves. They want to be the leader, or at least a big part of a project so they can be famous. That's why they start their own projects instead of joining the already existing ones. New projects, more things to be done, etc.

 

These new projects also weaken the already existing ones. They suck potential human resource which may be needed by the projects in progress. Not to mention that these leader-wanna-be aren't always professional. They just want to be the initiator, not actually the leader.

 

I've seen a project which simply gathered a bunch of people and the leader just asked the team to make something. The team members didn't know what to do, of course. I wouldn't blame them. All they knew was, "I'm an artist, and the project needs an artist, so I will join to help." The leader's excuse was funny. He said that the people who joined the team were supposed to know what they're going to do, so he didn't need to direct the team. Then why the hell did they need a leader?! He just waited for the team to finish the product so he could get fame for it. Blast it! Of course those artists, programmers, etc knew how to do their stuff, but they weren't leaders. They needed direction, and this focken arse hole, who claimed himself a leader, didn't do his job.

 

Unprofessional wanna-be. They kill.

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,794]

This fandom has produced so much and such high quality content in its 3 years of existence, it's incredible. Sure projects fail, but we're talking about people working for free. Even professional projects fail sometimes. It's normal. And enough of them have made it to completion, I think we're doing quite well.

 

 

I disagree there. I think it's great for young and/or inexperienced people to jump on the bandwagon and give a shot at making big art projects. Sure you'll probably fail the first few times, but you'll learn whether you enjoy it, and hopefully analyze what went wrong each time and learn to do better in the future. Kind of reminds me of the "spark" in episode 2... if the fandom gives people the drive to create something when they otherwise wouldn't have, that's a beautiful thing.

 

On the other hand, my brother hates MLP because DeviantArt was once filled with diversity, and now everyone just draws ponies So, while it's great to inspire people, maybe it's better if the ones who were going to do art already would keep doing original stuff too.

You misunderstand. My wording sucks so that is probably why. I am not against people trying new things because of the show and the fandom, I do think that is great. The show and fandom inspired me as well. The only thing I don't like is the apparent 'need' to do something special in the fandom, as if it is a requirement or something. I know that is very vague so it is hard to pinpoint. It is just something that I do feel is in the fandom. Not with everyone, but some. I do think it is great to do something centered around something that you really enjoy. I still see diversity on Deviantart, but it doesn't bother me seeing tons of pony art. Edited September 7, 2013 by Kyoshi

[Fhaolan 4,484]

You misunderstand. My wording sucks so that is probably why. I am not against people trying new things because of the show and the fandom, I do think that is great. The show and fandom inspired me as well. The only thing I don't like is the apparent 'need' to do something special in the fandom, as if it is a requirement or something. I know that is very vague so it is hard to pinpoint. It is just something that I do feel is in the fandom. Not with everyone, but some. I do think it is great to do something centered around something that you really enjoy. I still see diversity on Deviantart, but it doesn't bother me seeing tons of pony art.

 

This seems to be a modern western culture thing, not limited to just Bronies. Due to cultural imperatives there is a serious amount of pressure for 'validation'. People seem to *need* to be told that they're important, that they're the best at what they do, that they are making a difference. They can't decide that on their own, they need others telling them or it doesn't count. Without that feedback, they will pretty much abandon any task.

 

A current example in Bronydom is Equestria Daily. I know several artists who have been rejected by Equestria Daily's art compilation posts. And some of them have abandoned their art because of that lack of validation.

 

A current example *out* of Bronydom is Tumblr. I know several artists there who started up Tumblr blogs, and five entries in gave up because nobody was 'liking' or reposting their stuff.

 

Personally, I think a lot of this can be put at the feet of the 'awards for attending' at schools, and the Skinner Box achievement systems with modern consoles. Yes it works, but it reinforces the need for constant external recognition to the point that without it, people won't do anything.

[Zygen 6,066]

Haha, i love your example to much, i giggled alot lol. .

 

Anyways, i really am not sure how many fan projects i'm aware of got canceled, normally ones that get canceled i wouldn't know about since i forget about them by that time alot of times.

 

Of course, this fandom is far from the only place fan content is canceled, it happens all the time.

 

And i can understand why, i mean even i get motivation to do something, then it dies out within a day and i no longer have the will to do it.

 

The same thing happens to fan projects especially big ones that have multiple people, because then more people have a chance to lose motivation.

 

Plus some of these projects are incredibly difficult, time consuming, and ambitious, and are far from easy, and thus have alot longer time to lose interest.

 

Alot of teams run into actual issues, or fall apart, or get busy, or stuff. It isn't like the projects are their jobs, its just something they volunteer for and eventually get tired of, and when they do the project begins to lose parts and fall to pieces.

 

So it doesn't surprise me really, i could never even attempt to do anything like some fan projects atleast try to. Its such a daunting task i'd never even try.

 

Then again i'm not one to do impressive stuff really i guess.

 

But i really don't blame them in alot of cases, as disappointing as it is, there are many things that can lead to complications or loss of motivation on a fan project.

 

In an actual game making or project type environment that isn't simply fan made, the crew is getting paid, in fan projects this typically isn't the case, so sometimes people just feel as though they have nothing after their motivation is gone.

 

Thats my thoughts atleast.

 

That said within this fandom i really haven't witnessed many shut down fan projects, so idk.