Have you created an OC pony yet?
Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
I personally don't think I'll ever be able to connect with anything other than the mane cast. Sure the Apocalypse Ponies are neat and all, but they will never come close to how amazing Twilight Sparkle is.
137 comments:
I haven't created an OC Pony yet. I read stories involving them but won't read one focusing solely on them.
ReplyDeleteSome of the art is pretty,but none has really caught my eye.
As long as they don't ruin the ones we already know, I am perfectly fine with new ponies.
ReplyDeleteI'm indifferent for the most part. OC pony art doesn't really bother me, since i can just ignore it. For fanfics, it can go either way. If it's just a self-insert for the sake of self-inserting, then i won't read it. But if the OC pony is a driving force behind a powerful plot, then that might keep my interest for much longer.
ReplyDeletePeople are entitled to their creative desires. I won't try and stop people from making OC ponies, I just don't want the entire fandom drowned in it.
Without a doubt we will see OCs burst out over the summer. If I had artistic skills I would have created my Zebra OC already what.
ReplyDeleteI only read OC stories when they are needed for the sake of the plot I.E.Memories of those we have Forgotten( Good Read)
I have yet to see anything truly catch my eye yet in terms of artwork. But one of the things when it comes to OCs design should be original not just a simple edit or recolor.
But to be honest I have to agree with you if they weren't in the show I cant connect with them unless they are fleshed out in stories enough I can picture them.
1 - No. Never. I will not go down to that shit tier.
ReplyDelete2 - No. Not interesting. I love FIM characters. And their original behaviors (that's why I'm OK with humanizations)
3 - Yes, but only because it was drawn damn good. But most of the OC pictures are very poor.
OC ponies are kind of a minefield.
ReplyDeleteIt's inevitable that fans will create characters of their own in an established universe, but, well, as long as said characters follow the same standards you'd set for creating ANY kind of fictional character, then I guess I have no problem with them.
That said I've not created any OC ponies except to fill background roles in my stories.
No problem with OCs that are well characterized, well written, obey the world rules and aren't direct author inputs.
ReplyDeleteSadly 90% of all OC ponies fail at this.
i have my own oc pony, and at one point i wanted to make a story for her, but i decided it was kind of tacky. i did give her a very brief mention in "a party cat-astrophe," but i don't think i want to go further than that.
ReplyDeleteif it's just art of oc ponies, though, then i'm all for it.
Well, considering my fic is (for all intents and purposes) ALL OCs, they don't bother me.
ReplyDeleteThough it does make me feel bad that some people might not read it just because of OC ponies :c
"but they will never come close to how amazing Twilight Sparkle is. "
ReplyDeleteYou meant GaP Trixie?
I really disliked OC ponies at first but I must say some stories with them were really good (Unicorn with broken horn for example)
Still I am not a big fan of them. OC pony must be really well done/designed for me to like it.
Otherwise I skip fics where they are main characters - unless comments say it's really good..
>Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDelete-By definition, not being a character found originally into the series, Yes. A few in fact. Not all are used, and not all have pictures or background to them, but some have and are used.
>Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
-Yes, why not ? There's so much one can do with the ponies in the show and with their personality, for the rest, there are OC ponies... That is IF they have a good personality.
>Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
-A few yes... Mostly on DA, so I can't exactly remember them all. Moka, the one used in this post, others...
Technically I have OC ponies in one of my fics. Technically.
ReplyDeleteSome of the designs for OC ponies are cool, but overall I'm a hater of OCs, simply because the vast majority of them are self-inserts and don't fit in well with the established canon.
I'm fine with the original character Donut Steel.
ReplyDeleteI gather OC ponies have always been the lifeblood of MLP, long before FIM. Just as they've been for sonic fandom, for transformers, for pokemon, furries... Everything, really... It's inevitable. I mean, come on.
ReplyDeleteAs for "liking" them, that's kind of like asking "Do you like movies?", because, well...
"Oh my god, Transformers 2 was so horrible, they should never make a new movie ever again!"
I'm Agree with every brony here. =)
ReplyDeleteHave you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDelete-->Yes, just as a handle.
Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
-->Uuuuhhhhhhhhhhhh, no. Nope. Good God No. Maybe some of the crossover stuff but jesus christ, I will never do that
Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
-->The really good stuff that usually looks like its direct from show. The massive drawfriend thread is nice to visit from tiem to time.
@Fire.Esper tl;dr: People will always make their own characters when they like something. Don't be a silly filly about it.
ReplyDeleteOC's only work when their creator is good at drawing and/or writing. Otherwise I do not like them.
ReplyDeleteNever created an OC pony for myself, nor do I got plans. I'm fine with people making their own, as long as we don't go down the Sonic fandom route, like taking one of the main cast ponies, recoloring them, making up a background story that they are the lost sister of Luna and Celestia and is more powerful than both combined, etc. I've seen some good original character drawings, and I"ve seen OC pictures of a recolored Twilight Sparkle.
ReplyDeleteI've made a few OC ponies just because I joined a few of those RP sites shown on here.
ReplyDeleteI don't read fan fiction with OCs, it just seems to miss the point of using the characters if you're just going to put your own characters into it.
I like OC art when it's good.
@nukeiffum
ReplyDeletePeople tend to forcefully associate OC with *That character is Me*, but that's much less the case than people think it is...
OC characters, the way I see it, are mostly and usually *A personality* given form...
People usually want a character to act a specific way, that the original ones can't, and so they create their own based on some specifications.
But it's still half-true that some OC are simillar to their creator, mostly because, well, when creating something new, people will usually go with a personality sharing their own values OR a complete opposite. Those OC are easier to ''control'' than more complexe OC.
I don't particularly like OC, also (as I learned when I tried to make an HTF OC years ago) i'm not good at creating OCs..
ReplyDeleteMy opinion on OC ponies is more or less this: OC ponies are fine if they don't steal the plot, don't affect the main characters more than they are meant to, are not Mary/Gary Stus, and don't know more than meant to.
ReplyDeleteSometimes OC ponies can be pulled off fine and give to the plot instead of taking from it. But to the questions:
Have you created an OC pony yet?
Yes, 2 actually. 1 is a self insert that will never actually be seen by anyone. It's fine if people have their imaginary adventures, but it's another thing if they have to write about them.
The second is a minor character who just "opens a path" for the ponies to have their own adventure.
Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Sometimes.
Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
Some.
Roleplaying with OCs is a lot easier and more open than Roleplaying with the actual characters of the show.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a big fan of a lot of OCs, from the complete lack of originality, but there are a few good ones here and there.
Fan fics with OCs on the other hand, kinda misses the point of the fanfiction. So I dont usually read them.
I got to be honest, I think the term "OC" is misleading; original character implies complete originality or at least the closest possible, so by definition, "OC" ponies aren't really OC, they're fan characters. We should be saying "Fan ponies" instead of "OC ponies".
ReplyDeleteNow, if you wrote your own story from scratch, THAT would be a true original character.
As for the questions themselves...
-Have you created an OC pony yet?
Well, yes and no. Do I have a design and name in mind? Yeah, I do actually; it shows just how much this show has resonated with me, because I don't think I would have done this before I found out about FIM. Have I taken the steps to actually crate it? Not yet; can't draw just yet (though I know I have some ability), so that would have to wait another day.
-Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
If they're well-written, I'm game. For example, Memories of Those Gone Past was good because the "OC" was obviously not a blatant self-insert and was written as an actual character.
Paradise, by definition, has to have fan ponies but it's not bothersome because they're side characters in what is really a story about Celestia and Luna.
Antipodes has nothing *but* OC but since the story takes place far after the main series, it's not as irksome as other stories with fan ponies.
Basically, the questions that needs to be asked are "How involved are the OC's", "how are they utilized", and "Are they used as vehicle for self-insertion or used as a story telling mechanic".
I'm actually a little miffed that there's so much "OC" hate going on, because I think I have a fairly decent or at least okay idea for a fan fic using an "OC" but I'm afraid the sheer disapproval would outweigh the merit of the idea, even though the "OC" in question would be as far removed as a self-insert as it could possibly get.
-Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
Actually, yes. Most of them are hand-drawn and use really out there designs. They're not trying to be characters on the show, they're just trying to be a "What if" of themselves and that's okay with me as long as they're not written into a story. There are some pretty creative designs out there if you know where to look.
I did my OC story to show how the mane cast effects the ponies around them. In this case, they made the pony rethink everything she thought she knew about herself, then indirectly helped her find the new thing she wanted to do. It's at
ReplyDeletehttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1j-WjUM-UOTGhW_jbLWcNrrnif1iXothZ0dQToBg-4bI/edit?hl=en&pli=1#
if anyone wants to read it
I would have to question what constitutes as an OC pony. Does a fan drawing count, or must the pony have back-story? If it's just a drawing, then what constitutes original content? I have drawn Joseph Stallion, does that count? TrilbyShades graciously drew me (IRL) as a pony. Am I now an OC pony?
ReplyDeleteAs for the story OC ponies, I really don't mind them that much. What I cannot stand are Mary-Sue type characters (those who play any roleplaying game should know what that means, for those who don't, look here: http://www.springhole.net/quizzes/marysue.htm). It's good to see characters who are original, who seem real and have a story that works with the universe, or is creative and ORIGINAL. Unfortunately, many OC works, pony or otherwise, fall into this trap, and that's why I generally don't like original content.
Beyond my little rant, I can't wait to see what cool and creative things the community will do to pass the time after season one. I can't wait, which is odd, since I don't want season one to ever end.
Tl:DnR
Oc, drawing or story?
I hate Mary-sue
Yay pony creativity!
>Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteNooope. I'm not against the idea, but I have no reason to do so.
>Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
If we keep in mind that "OC pony" would be any pony not from the series itself, sure, since lots of stories need these from time to time. There is an Equestria going on outside the time and space covered by the show itself, obviously, so...
That said, I've seen people (elsewhere) ship self-insert OCs with the main cast and it irked the hell out of me. More for being self-inserts than just for being OCs, though.
>Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
Not a massive amount, but a few. Mocha's awesome.
Oh yeah. I made an OC pony using the pony creator. I don't do anything with it other then use it as my facebook picture and stuff.
ReplyDeleteLook, if an OC is a good character, not a typical cliche, not a self insert, and doesn't fuck up the dynamic of the canon cast, I have no problem with it.
ReplyDeletea. Yes, I've made a few. Only two have any real background, though, as one's actually had an impact on my personality for a short while, and the other one is just bat-guano crazy.
ReplyDeleteb. Manely for proofreading and critiquing for a forum member. I would rather roleplay original ponies than buck around with the mane herd and their personalities.
c. Some, yes, but only because the art style was interesting and one I liked. I admit that my own OP art sucks. It's going to.
Well, I alredy mentioned here
ReplyDeletehttp://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/03/discussion-what-will-you-do-without.html?showComment=1300977757403#c6540414949877140274
that few months of no ponies will be golden age of OC (original content, including characters).
We will see.
Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDelete-No, not yet. As soon as my own story doesn't consist of a few scenes strung together by their teeth we'll see.
Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
-I read ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING on this site. Call it a story, post it here and I'll read it.
Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
-Mocha Delight, for one; Also Crossette, and whatever Madmax's character is called^^
im a bit worried with the oc stuff, the art's fine and some stories are fine, but if the fan don't keep em in check it could eventually choke the life out of it.
ReplyDeleteFiM has a well defined world were both the mane cast and the background ponies get equal strengths ,weakness ect. but if somepony were to make a earth pony who could use magic even the teensy bit could disrupt the balance, they also need to be careful with how they react with the entire cast.
in short im not tellin ya to quit just to keep it in check,cause remember your not the only brony out there
Personally, I'm impartial, though I admit I probably wont ever connect with one too much.
ReplyDeleteI don't care too much for the stories that involve them. You're basically looking at someone else's fantasy for the most part.
But I do have one myself. Kinda. It's a pony version of myself; the exception for me is the personal avatar. Not terribly original, but I kinda like having a pony version of myself. I'm still not sure how I feel about OC ponies, but having a pony version of myself drawn feels far more gratifying than it should be.
A unicorn with a blue-violet color, long gray mane, darker gray half lidded eyes, shirt, tie, fedora, and a bit of a personal symbol for a cutie mark.. the picture hasn't been found by the fanbase, so you probably wont find it.
I have not read any OC fanfic, but some of the artwork has really caught my eye. I kinda like the soda one I've seen, and the Night Shift pony was pretty interesting. And all the parody/crossover pony picks are just charming. Isaac Clarke pony is awesome. And Isaac Clarke with ponies is also great.
So basically: I'm not against it, and even like some of what I see, but I'm more interested in the mane cast than OCs.
Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteYes. Named her Splody. Him. It. Whichever.
Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
I pretty much don't read MLP fanfics that don't appear on this site. So no, not that I can remember.
Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
Someone drew a hookerponi. I liked that. It didn't take it over-the-top but it was silly and somewhat fitting.
I just don't care for them at all. Occasionally they produce good stories and artwork but for the most part, they just aren't as interesting as the canon ponies.
ReplyDeleteFor the record, the only ponies I've created are the ones in the MLP flash game on the HUB website.
Have you created an OC pony yet? - Yup! A few.
ReplyDeleteDo you read stories involving OC ponies? - Ehh, not really. But I don't read too much ponyfic to begin with, so.
Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye? - 'course! Some is pretty good, and it's all in good fun, so!
Eh... where is the half of my post? Anyway:
ReplyDeleteI already mentioned here
xttp://equestriadaily .com/2011/03/discussion-what-will-you-do-without.html?showComment=1300977757403#c6540414949877140274
that few month without ponies will be, probably, goled age of OC. We wil see.
> I personally don't think I'll ever be able to connect
> with anything other than the mane cast. Sure the Apocalypse Ponies
> are neat and all, but they will never come close to how amazing
> Twilight Sparkle is.
But let's say original MLP introduced Apocalypse Ponies an then some fan created Twilight Sparkle? What would happen in this case?
OC ponies are "pale horses" because there is only art/sketches. Character devepment, voiceover, animation... that's what made TS. A lot of work :P
I think we're missing a point here. You must remember that people write things to get them out of their heads, not just to entertain others. Shipping is an entirely necessary subgenre even if you don't like shipping, because it helps the author to work through his/her personal issues in a safe and productive way.
ReplyDeleteOriginal Ponies (OPs! Not OCs!) are there to allow writers to work through ideas, play with them, see where they go, and learn from them. Oh yeah, and have some fun too. Whether or not you, the reader, connect with these secondary ponies is entirely a secondary consideration and some respect needs to be had for that.
Some OC ponies are okay - the ones the artist drew, posted, and then never mentioned again. Just about everything else is Mary-Sue garbage and poor quality to boot (like that Azure Glow crap that is being spammed into dA every day now).
ReplyDeleteIMO fanfic is bad in general. OC Pony fanfic is easily the worst of it.
@Salty Fillies and gentlecolts, we have a winner.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by them, I like seeing what comes out of the imagination of others as it's usually an insight into their personality and what makes them unique.
ReplyDeleteI have one in mind even, tempted to take out a commission on that character, but the entertaining side of this is which artist one might ask, and how one might go about approaching them with such a permission.
So much room for hilarious awkwardness! Woo!
As long as they are not blatant recolors and/or self-inserts I tolerate them.
ReplyDeleteI like Grumpy Gus.
ReplyDeleteMocha is alright too.
@FightingFire
ReplyDeleteWow, I got so caught up in my little rant, I forgot to answer the questions.
I have not created anything more that OC pony art, so no.
Yes, well writen stories about actual characters are great to read.
@Batty Gloom you and I are friends now, I feel the same way about everything you just said.
As for artwork, there is a lot of good pony artwork out there. I personally love the "modification" OC ponies (again, if they qualify as OC), as it's really cool to see stuff like an Evangelion or character from my favorite show as a pony.
Played around with it in my head, but that's where he will stay. Good riddance too, I am definitely guilty of special snowflake syndrome. (And I named him Snowflake, haha. He hates it btw)
ReplyDeleteAt least this way no one else will ever know - but why would anyone want to
Well there are two kinds, OC of your self and then there are OC for stories, There are stories that have some random pony saying two lines and that pony would also be an OC just not a very important one. I don't read most OC stories but the art is neat
ReplyDelete>>Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteYes I have, a few in fact. They mostly come after watching the show and just letting my mind wander.
>>Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Sure I have. I do however stop reading the fic when the OC seems a little Mary Sue.
>>Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
Definitely. DeviantArt has plenty of really well done OC art if you search for it. Heck if I could draw I'd put up my own.
As a rule, I shy away from OC ponies. In stories, I can't help but assume they're vehicles for self-insertion. I haven't made one, and I won't make one. So there.
ReplyDeleteI've made once-human OCs, but for the sole purpose of lampooning the things in Equestria that would seem out of place on our Earth.
ReplyDeleteSeeing how Antipodes is one of my very most favorite stories on this side, I'll have to go ahead and say that I don't mind OC ponies ^-^
ReplyDeleteI mean, if a character is well designed and fun to read about, why shouldn't I? >.>
Hell, well written characters are practically what got me into this show, what with the awesome main cast and whatnot =3
*Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteOnly one of them hit a Notepad file while the other one is still standing by in my brain. If anything, I would only create OC ponies to drive a story along; never once would I consider an OC pony to become a representative of myself.
*Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Honestly, stories can go either way. If it's to satisfy your e-peen by slamming yourself with the mane cast, then you can go away. However, if the OC pony has an actual purpose that cannot be fulfilled by other ponies that have existed, then I would give it a try!
*Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
There was this one mummy-pony that I found hilarious...
OC Pony fanfic (and by relation OC Ponies) can be good assuming that the OC Pony actually fits into the story and isn't just a blatant self insert/marysue.
ReplyDeletenothing is OC. Does anyone here read the rules of the internet here?
ReplyDelete-but based on your definitions, I don't mind as long as they're well-made characters.
Nothing wrong with original ponies. But give them their own lives... don't shoehorn them into the main party.
ReplyDeleteI wrote two fic with OC's in them, only one of them made it here...which is a pity, because both mean a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteI love reading about OC's as well as the mane cast - there's something about the mane cast that makes me want to continue their journeys through others' eyes, but I also like an original character and story, when done well.
If it's convincing, fine.
ReplyDeleteIf it's a ponified character, funny.
I honestly don't really give a damn. Or two.
1: I've created an OC pony but she is already dead so it's irrelevant.
ReplyDelete2: I have, and if they're a good story that's simply set in the backdrop of "the ponyverse," I have no issues with it. I read pokemon fiction, which is almost entirely OC-based, so I have no problems.
3: Not entirely, but I'm not opposed to them either.
Mine is just an avatar of my brony name from the generator, but I've put a lot of work into it. But writing a story about it would essentially be writing a story about myself, not a new pony, if you get what I mean.
ReplyDeletehttp://goo.gl/68T0Z
ReplyDeleteI have an OC character. His name is Chopper Dave. And he is a very old, perpetually drunk male prostitute pony trying to get his mojo back by getting it on with every mare in Equestria.
ReplyDeleteI hate myself. I hate myself so very much.
The only thing I can't stand with OCs is when someone tries to be so clopping special and adds like demon wings or flaming mane or makes his pony has both wings and horn or patterned skin or glowing eyes... etc. I like OCs that look like they could actually be background ponies or side characters on the show.
ReplyDeleteJust pick one of the three normal races, pick a skin color, make some fancy hair, add maybe a modest accesory... Tadaa.
Like the one in the article, as an OC I hate it. Attention horse "i'm so different/cool!1" design. Though maybe it's just a pony crossover from something else and not an OC at all? Considering the sword cutie mark.
@Anonymous
ReplyDeletePretty much this.
Just keep the designs simple. Pick one, MAYBE two defining traits about them (an accessory, hairstyle, something) and leave it at that. If they look like they could pass as an interesting background character then they're all right.
That and they need to be kept out of the shows canon. No interaction with the mane cast, no mary sueish behavior, etc.
KEEP THEM REASONABLE, KEEP THEM OUT OF THE ACTUAL PLOT
I don't mind OC ponies as long as they're designed to be "just another inhabitant" or something, not to supplant the main cast. It's a fine line sometimes to have strong character traits without getting annoying.
ReplyDeleteOkay, this is a bit off-topic, but I'm impressed how this didn't turn into a total manure-storm. Good job, bronies!
ReplyDelete1: Yea I have an OC Pony, but it stays in my imagination where it belongs.
ReplyDelete2: Yes. If they are well written it expands the world in a good way.
3: a couple, like that one.
Honestly as long as they're realistic and fit the world I dont mind OC stuff as long as they remain secondary to the mane cast. Hell Technically Derpy and Scratch are OC.
As far as fics go, it's most difficult to have OCs (including most background ponies) interacting with the present-day Mane Cast and still have it feel natural.
ReplyDeleteArt-wise, recolors are marginally more acceptable here than in a certain other pop-culture fandom that I shall not name here.
@Cereal Velocity
ReplyDeleteThis.
I prefer to use background ponies rather than make up entirely new ones unless absolutely necessary. (For example, an out-of-towner). I've name-dropped a new pony before, but I'm not sure that counts as properly creating an OC. In any case, for a story that involves the mane cast, OCs should take a supporting role rather than be the focus of the story.
Now, of course, if you're writing in a setting that's greatly separated from Ponyville (either spatially or temporally) you've got no choice but to create all new characters. In that case, the only "fan" part of your fic is that you're using the established world. You're writing an entirely new work with fresh characters, so have at it!
Original characters aren't just inevitable, they're necessary for enjoying the series. OCs are a great vehicle for exploring and expanding on the world of Equestria.
ReplyDeletetruly original, interesting, well-developed characters are welcome in my book. take that firework pony for example. the problem, though, is that a vast majority if oc's are little else but ponysona shipping self-inserts.
ReplyDelete@MoronSonOfBoron
ReplyDeleteThis, totally
I've never wrote fan fiction up until after I got into this fandom (and found myself deprived of my previous hobbies). I have lots of ideas for stories, all related to eachother - which makes me wonder if they should be adapted to be one huge story or just individual tales that are enjoyable on their own.
ReplyDeleteI have subsequently created several new characters, but I've gone to great lengths to give them a believable personality and life story. None of the characters are pony versions of myself, but I will admit that one share's similar traits with myself. But as I've wrote more about him, both in story and in notes, he's become his own personality. Of course, I have to go back to an earlier story and completely overhaul it to reflect the character that he truly is...
I read lots of fictions, and I'm not bothered by fan-created characters. As other people have said, there is only so much one can do with the original show's cast, and some stories simply must have fan-created characters in them for the stories to work. I can see why it's a thorny subject, as I've come across stories where the fan-created character is a sore thumb in the world, and is clearly just there so the author can get with their waifu or some nonsense like that. But these stories are easy to spot, and so are easy to ignore.
The whole 'OC Donut Steel' thing I haven't seen much of in this fandom, authors have just created characters as and when they're needed, and even if the author has a major character in a story that they created themselves, they're still not attention whores and are trying to prevent other writers from using similar or same characters. Derpy Hooves is an example of the opposite taking place in this fandom, authors are actually sharing ideas between one another and adapting them into their own work. Granted, Derpy is *technically* in the show, but all the show tells us is that she is cross-eyed and possibly a little clumsy. Everything else about Derpy has been imagined by the entire fandom and agreed upon.
Coming back to the matter at hand, and my thoughts on it, fan-created ponies are fine in my book, provided they are being used to advance plots or are needed in stories, and are not being used as some way for the author to act out some really personal and/or disturbing fantasy that has no place in the view of the public.
As for artwork, the same pretty much applies, if it's not something so obviously self-insert like a fan-created character marrying one of the mane cast, for example, then it's all good.
I know what I'm saying, but I probably make nary a bit of sense to anybody sadly...
I've made a fan-dragon, but she kind of gets the "ORIGINAL CHARACTER DO NOT STEAL LOL" reaction from people because visually she's basically a small, female version of the dragon in Dragonshy... I just have a thing with trying to make all my fancharacters look as plausible as possible and we know little to nothing about dragons in the FiMverse.
ReplyDeleteI'm totally cool with fancharacters, though I'm painfully aware not all of them are created equal. I love thinking of fancharacters, just to explore the canon and see where and how far I can go with it while staying within the bounds, but usually I never, ever do anything with them past conception. I might roleplay with my dragon though.
OC ponies does not amuse or entertain me in any way.
ReplyDeleteMane & background characters (even those with <2 seconds of screen time) are totally fine.
... and derp I didn't address whether or not I read fanpony stories.
ReplyDeleteSeeing as how I'm the editor/artist for Antipodes, yes I've read at least one. I don't really read fanfiction all that much in any fandom. It's not that I'm super critical of how they're written or anything, it's just not really my thing.
Hm.
ReplyDelete1. Not yet, but I'm thinking about it.
2. As long as they either didn't overshadow the main cast, especially try to keep them side characters at best.
3. Pretty much, but that's all to say with a fandom of a franchise based around dolls of mininature horses.
@Anonymous
ReplyDeleteWhat, you mean that everything is a repost of a repost of a repost?
I think there is nothing wrong with OC as long as its a well thought out and well made character with weaknesses strengths fears and hopes.
ReplyDeleteI have OC, I read OC stories, and I like OC art.
Not a fan of OCs in any fandom, and this is no exception.
ReplyDeleteIf they're well written, fine, but nine times out of ten it degenerates into "AND THEN MY CHARACTER WITH HER STRIKING GREEN EYES AND PERFECTLY BEAUTIFUL FEATURES SOLVED EVERYONES PROBLEMS THE END"
Absolutely nothing wrong with OC ponies, when you don't try to trump the established main characters.
ReplyDeleteThus, if you bring in a competitive pegasus new to Ponyville, who tries to prove herself by ousting Dash as the fastest flier in all Equestria, don't let her succeed in that. Not only is that crass and Mary-Sueish, in the canonical sense, it's lazy.
There's a ton of potential in charting her journey from cocky optimism to stubborn rivalry to despair when she realizes she just can't hold up. You can have her flirt with cheating or undermining Dash somehow, then give her a chance to show what's her talent and what makes it valuable, until she's eventually reconciled and accepted as a member in good standing of the weather squad.
Usuaully don't pay attention to OCs unless they're in a good story. If someone shows me a good one I'll read it. I do have OCs in mind, probably wont make them til I can draw better
ReplyDeleteThe only OC pony I like is the Madmax pony.
ReplyDeleteOh, and a Lauren Faust pony if she ever appears.
I've never been one for fanfics and/or OCs of any kind. This actually changed with MLP:FiM. I'm okay with OCs, like many others have said, as long as they're not show-stealing Mary Sues or obnoxious self-inserts.
ReplyDeleteI've recently felt this inexplicable urge to try writing something sometime, but I'm a bit worried on how I'd go about it since I've never really written anything before, which brings me to a bit of a conundrum:
I'm afraid to use the established characters because I'm convinced that I wouldn't be able to properly portray them, and people wouldn't like that.
I'm also afraid to create characters because they'll either be ignored or I fear I'd end up making them too overpowered without realizing it, people wouldn't like that either.
Is it a good thing that I feel this way? Seems like quite the obstacle to work around.
My position on things like OCs partly stems from having started reading fanfiction before the big freakout over OCs/self-inserts[1]. The other source of my opinion is coming from the fact that I'm a furry, and in furfandom it is very common to write stories about your fursona.
ReplyDeleteAs with all stories, what really matters is how well they are written and how well the characters are used. A good story about an OC or an OC's interaction with a canon character is to be preferred to a bad story that only uses elements from canon.
For creating OCs for use in stories, I'd say you need to answer the following questions:
Couldn't you do this with an established character?
Does this character work in the setting?
Is the character's power level out of whack with everyone else?
Why hasn't this character shown up already?
[1] Yes, I was around for the wave of bad, mostly Mary-sue, self-inserts on raas. I also read the good story that triggered it.
[2] Don't ask when the story will come out, I only had a situation. No plot developed from it, so thus there is no story.
@Lurks-no-more
ReplyDeleteI agree with ya as well
@Anonymous
I'm in the same boat
1.Yeah i've created a few OCs still workin on a few things though. I've created one for myself but he won't appear in fiction (maybe for lulz)
2.I've only read the fireworks one so far :S...gimme some time
3.The OC art i've seen is pretty good
As an artist, I've long since preached it's better to make your own original creations then it is to use someone elses. In the case of MLP, I'm not entirely sure the same thing holds true, since it's obvious the creation still exists within the hold of a copywritten universe, but still...
ReplyDeleteAs long as you aren't denegrating the original creator's intent, I support OCs. But then, given the first story of mine posted here, that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. :D
Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteYep!
Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Yes!
Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
Eeeeeeyup!
it's like rule 34: it exists, but you don't have to expose yourself to it if you don't want to.
ReplyDeletethat said, I thought I would see more trolls spamming hate... I think that the main fanbase just seems ambivalent and will remain that way (with a few exceptions for the best OC fanfics)even during the gap between seasons. They're fans of MPL:FIM, and not some random dude's fanfic.
I have created an OC Pony, yes. As well as ponies for no less than 4 friends.
ReplyDeleteI don't care much for the stories as most people can't get their speech patterns or attitudes right in most any fandom's fanfics.
There's been a couple of OC artworks that caught my eye, yeah. I'm a big fan of worlds like FiM where you can easily create any character and, to be quite honest, they'd blend right in in the background without an afterthought. The ones that go a "bit" overboard however...
I've dabbled in OC ponies, if only because I sometimes really wish this show had a "rogues gallery" to work with. I've only ever ended up with one who I think has any true potential for adding something constructive to the show as we know it, however.
ReplyDeleteMy rule on OCs (or any fanwork for that matter) has always been "make me believe it." Do that, and I'll allow pretty much anything, even if you make some kind of all-powerful crazy thing! However, adhering to that statement requires far more work than most fanworkers want to put in.
Now, it takes an enormous amount of work to make a non-canon character fit into canon to the point where they appear "acceptable" even to those who would highly resist such a concept. Not wanting to do this work and simply have fun creating whatever and whoever is perfectly fine and understandable. The only complication comes with they start expecting adulation for turning the root series upside down. :)
But if it shows that you've put in the work to the best of your ability, then odds are I will welcome your original concept with open arms!
I haven't made an OC, but I've been playing with the idea of making an avatar of the name I use for poni, since I like having something visual to use. I haven't read any stories about OC ponies except a little bit of Yellowstar, but I'd be willing if there were something good/worth reading. Mocha Delight is adorable, and she's not the only one.
ReplyDeleteI like seeing where people go within reason; alicorn-fox mary sues generally don't strike me as creative or interesting, but we also don't have many of those for a fandom this size.
If they are a plan rip off, a recolour, long lost friend/brother/sister ect or DA ULTAMITE PONZ EVA then no.
ReplyDeletehowever if it has strengths and weakness then yes
I don't really care either way regarding OC material. For me all that matters is the quality of the work. I've seen very well done OC work, and I've seen non-OC work that should have never made it past the first draft. I simply take it one at a time and don't let the bad apples color my opinion of other work. Just because it's OC doesn't automatically make it trash.
ReplyDeleteI'm OK with OC ponies only if they follow certain rules.
ReplyDelete1. No fursonas!
2. No Mary Sues.
3. Background characters only (i.e. they must never take the limelight away from the mane cast).
4. On model/artistically in line with the show.
I enjoy OC ponies are far as alter-egos for people.
ReplyDeleteI'd just like to point out that the line separating OC ponies and background ponies can be exceedingly thin. For instance, I've got a story about Pierce (the balloon-popping unicorn from CotC) up on this site right now. Other than his physical appearance, there is no canon personality or background associated with him; I've created both essentially whole-cloth. How much different is he from an OC, really?
ReplyDeleteThe same applies to any stories involving Derpy Hooves, Dr. Hoof, Lyra (Bon-bon has at least had a few lines), and other background characters who have been central to various stories on this site. They all are, in every respect save physical description, OCs.
I'm not saying this as a comment on OCs one way or the other (though, Mary-Sues and self-inserts aside, I have no problem with them). I just want to point out that OCs lie on a spectrum of fanfiction character creation.
Actually, yeah, I have created an OC. A friend for Derpy Hooves in my fanfictions with here called Ditzy Doo. Now I suppose I could have used Cloud Kicker or Showers, but I felt like just using a background character would be the same as making an OC and I'd rather not contradict anyone's views on those background characters. Also character creation is fun.
ReplyDeleteI admit, they have to win me over quick if they're the central focus. But I have read and enjoyed some OC heavy stories.
Some, most notably Mocha Delight's.
I've created myself an OC pony and probably will use him in some of my fanarts, but I don't actually take it really seriously. (He doesn't even have a name to be honest, lol) The truth is that OC characters - in any fandom - are mostly for the creator's fun, not viewers', so I just don't give them much attention and don't really expect other fans to give attention to mine. However, I did see few that I actually liked.
ReplyDeletei did draw for myself my very own version of pony
ReplyDeletehttp://kna.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d388yg4
but i never intent to use it for more than avatar purposes.
i never enjoyed reading fanfics with OC characters... i would rather prefer a whole original story, or a full series character one.
I think you need to write to a higher standard when you're writing with an original character than you do when working with the canon cast. The reader already knows who the ponies are what they're like, so you can save a lot of time and work you'd otherwise need to spent setting up characterization for them. Also, if the reader has an idea of what they want (Dash must be shipped with EVERYONE! Time to fill in all the gaps with RAINBOWS!) then you don't need to sell them on the premise of your story either. I cannot overemphasize how much time and work this saves. With an OC you need to convince them to be interested in your creation, and that takes a LOT more work, especially when what most people want is Dash seducing some fillies.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't help that a lot of OCs tend to be poorly written self inserts, or just poorly conceived in general. ALL the characters you write should be well crafted, whether you pulled them out of the show or not. It's not like using the main cast lets you get away with being a terrible writer, all it does is save you some time building up characterization.
I'd use OCs myself only if I wanted to write a story and none of the existing characters fit the role I had in mind. I might be working on a film noir story (For example) and none of the existing characters work all that well with the setting-tropes-feel-etc, or maybe they just bring to much preexisting baggage over from all the other stuff they're used in. Since I want a clean slate, or something that just works BETTER, I'll make an OC. I don't run into this problem much though, since most of the ideas I get for ponistories seem to come out aspects of the existing cast rather than the other way around.
Maybe coming over from /tg/ has made me more inoculated against OC aversion, since the vast majority of the stories that get posted over there are populated with nothing but original characters. Being over on /co/ with the ponies was actually the first time I ever ran into the idea that a character could be bad because they were "original" was a seriously weird idea until I looked it over a bit more closely.
Does it count as an OC if they're not really flushed out as characters? I've tried drawing some original ponies:
ReplyDeletehttp://artnerdem.deviantart.com/art/Ponies-202103505
...but never written them into stories, thought up personalities, made them interact with show characters, made a self-insert, etc. I would bet that there are other people who made them like I did, just for fun and without taking them seriously.
when it really get's down to it, is there a big difference between and OC pony fic and a background pony fic? I mean, if they even have speaking parts at all, background ponies get mere seconds of characterization, so it's the same thing at the end of the day, like the argument between stupid/crazy derpy and smart derpy.
ReplyDeleteSo yeah, I don't have anything against OC's. I've made one or two, for the sake of writing, and I quite happily read something with an OC in it.
>Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteAre we limiting this specifically to FIM related OCs? If so, not really (well, Esc has slipped across to an FIM RP...). If not, then I've got an entire herd! Created for a vaugly-G1-inspired-but-largely-original fan-verse RP and not venturing into any fiction outside that setting.
>Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Yeah... if it's decent.
Im fine with them as long as they don't turn into sues. I probably wont read much that centers around OC ponies though.
ReplyDeleteThe exception to this is Derpy who I regard as our collective OC in that the only thing we know about her is her looks.
Got a bunch of OC ponies. Here's my Eridani Light Horse Dismounted Tanker Pony:
ReplyDeletehttp://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/90f7a55ce0f71b79cd120da30165df92/4199%20-%20battletech%20crossover%20original_character%20rocket_launcher.jpg
You guys will figure it out soon enough.
ReplyDelete...I hope.
@Lurks-no-More
ReplyDeleteI would read that fic.
I made an OC pony for an online RP, but I still don't read fanfiction about them, nor would I ever even consider putting her into one.
ReplyDeleteOC artwork, on the other hand, is totally fine by me. More cute ponies is always good.
I neither read nor write fanfiction, so I can't judge OCs in there.
ReplyDeleteI do, however, RP MLP, which is naturally filled with OCs. My roleplay is set pre-Nightmare Moon (as in, before the 1000 years-ago legend) and every single character is an OC. Since that's my scene, that's cool.
In most fandoms I'm not much of a fan of OCs, but MLP is one of the fandoms where they make the most sense and feel the most organic. Equestria is obviously a land with a lot of tales to be told. It's not like Buffy, where adding a OC is really blatant and awkward. To me, MLP is more like a D&D campaign. You've got a party of adventurers (the main cast), but you know other adventurers are out there and that interesting strangers will blow through town once in a while.
ReplyDeleteWhen OCs are just Mary Sues and self-insert characters, yes, they're dull. I'm not big on the "new OC shows up and becomes friends with the main cast" plot. BUT if an OC has an interesting personality and their own adventures and goals within the framework of this fantasy world, that DOES interest me (if it's well-written, of course).
I will also point out that Derpy, Lyra, Bon Bon, and Dr. Whooves are all "OCs" in terms of personality. The fanfics centered around them show how OCs can add to a story when they aren't just self-inserts.
> Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteYes, a number of them. But mostly for doodling fun as I haven't written fanfics since I was 13.
> Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
I've read a couple and enjoyed them! If ANY character (fan or canon) is well-written, developed, and has an interesting hook, I'll give it a look!
> Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
Lots of it!
Fan ponies and ponyfic have been around looooong before FiM (as all of you know). When we were little kids playing with our plastic horses, we gave them names and personalities and drew our own symbols on them in sharpie. MLP started as a children's toy.
We're SUPPOSED to use our imaginations when we play/write with them.
$0.02
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ReplyDelete(ugh didnt mean to delete that comment grrrr)
ReplyDeleteit should have said:
I think OC ponies are fine. I drew up a "self" pony that represented me in ways, not to do anything more than just satisfy my wonder of what i would look like if i was a pony.
I haven't really read much of the fanfics. The ones i did read were about the main cast, and it didn't bother me. But i agree with LM if a OC pony was introduced into the main ponies lives it wouldn't really go over well.
:3
Its my opinion that the quality of an OC pony in a fic is a direct representation of the skill of the writer. Thus I don't mind OC ponies, but I do mind terrible writers. To me it has always been the mark of a good writer if that writer can successfully create their own characters within an established fandom and have them not feel out of place.(the guards in "Luna's good will tour" are a prime example of this)
ReplyDeleteHave you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteOne. He was made when me and my girlfriend wondered what fanpony we'd want to RP as, in the off chance we'd want to do an FiM RP.
Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Nope. Not because it focuses on an OC, but because it doesn't focus on the Mane six. (Which is why I'm reading the fanfic, aren't I?)
Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
So long as it looks like a canon pony, and not a recolour.
As a side note, I believe that the majority of bronies agree that this shouldn't be the next Sonic fandom. Based off that point, I speculate that the chances of that are rather low...
That, or we'll have some internal war, and end up being the next furry fandom...
--> Have you created an OC pony yet?
ReplyDeleteYes, I have. However, considering the general hostility to OCs, I probably won't showcase her at any point.
--> Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Not yet, probably due to said hostility.
--> Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
Haven't seen any.
On the whole OC pony thing; as long as they aren't Mary Sue's, it's fine. ^^
Mary Sue = A character who's so blindingly perfect at everything that the reader wishes that they were real... so they could strangle them to death.
I don't have an OC pony... so much as I have a ponification (still not yet drawn by anyone) of my existing weird animal character who I've had for nearly 11 years. >_> Yes, I'm a furry; no, I don't think furries are ruining the enjoyment of a show featuring talking ponies. Anypony who does think that, you need to take a step back and think REAL HARD about what you're watching.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty proud of my OC pony, he's pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteBut then again, I didn't create him as a pony, his story got turned into a pony story by accident. So he kinda doesn't fit in with canon.
I haven't read any stories that much, so I don't really care.
And the artwork. I've seen some spectacular OC pony artwork on DA, and I congratulate the creators on their awesome work.
1. She's just an idea floating around in my head, and it'll likely stay that way.
ReplyDelete2. I tend to judge those kinds of stories the same way I judge most other stories. If it's got an interesting story idea or premise, I'll read it. "Memories of Those Friends Who've Gone Before Us", for example, is a great example of an OC pony done right, in my opinion.
3. Oh my, but I do believe this one called Rainy Day has caught my fancy.
I want to make a quick correction to my previous post--after posting I realized Dr. Whooves is more a crossover character than an OC. But my comment stands for Derpy and the others. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I feel like "original character" is being used to mean "persona" a lot in this thread. Persona = "pony that represents me." OC = any non-canon character. All personas are OCs, but not all OCs are personas, if that makes sense.
Since I'm posting again, I'll answer the questions posed in the original post . . .
>Have you created an OC pony yet?
You have no idea. I've been in the pony community for years and have designed many a pony. I've written stories that had nothing BUT OCs in them. And I've taken "toy" ponies that never appeared in Hasbro media (which is MOST of the pre-FIM ponies) and used them in stories, which necessitated creating personalities for them. It's great fun and I love doing it. What kind of personality would YOU give Munchy, a Hasbro-produced pony covered with hamburgers and hot dogs?
>Do you read stories involving OC ponies?
Sure do!
>Has any OC pony artwork caught your eye?
I read a story where the four "stars" who released Nightmare Moon were four other winged unicorns. One of them was Nox, I don't remember the name of the rest offhand. Anyway, I thought that was a great concept.
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ReplyDeleteI haven't made any Pony OC per se, but I did have some thoughts about my Johnny Briz character (http://foxfirestudios.net/johnnybriz/) somehow finding himself in Esquestia and making friends with the cast. Even thought up a couple sketches on how he'll interact with someone like Rarity ("Darling, I wouldn't mind improving on that jumpsuit you've got on, I felt like having a challenge today.") or surfing on top of Rainbow Dash.
ReplyDeleteI haven't created any, but I don't see a distinction between writing about Lyra (for example - or any established pony about whom we know nothing) and making up a new pony to write about. You're adding your own bits to canon either way.
ReplyDelete(and to answer the questions: I have an avatar. If a story called for a new character, I'd use one. I don't mind OCs, but don't have the same attachment to them that I do to the mane cast.)
Missed a point the first time around.
ReplyDelete"Do you read stories involving OC ponies?"
I most likely would skip over a story that announced up front that it was going to focus on original characters unless they gave me a very good reason why I would personally like the character in the same description, or unless the story were silly/funny and had a voiceover track / dramatic reading / complimentary video. Hearing a story read will almost always enhance my interest in seeing it to the end.
Almost. Crazy-symbolic poetry is the most notable exception to this for me.
This might be a bit out there, but even self-inserts can work- there is a line between a self-insert and a sue, however thin it may be. The former does not have to be the latter (though most often is). Take Conversion Bureau: Pride for instance; That features a self-insert, and the story (in my opinion) actually gained from that.
ReplyDeleteA sue is a character that sucks the life out of a story by its sheer, overwhelming presence, most often because it exists as poorly disguised wish-fulfillment. Emphasis on poorly; Many a story are wish-fulfillment, but making it interesting for others is the true challenge. Twilight Sparkle was sent to Ponyville by her teacher the PRINCESS, made a ton of friends without trying, and saved the world from eternal night- all in one day. Oh, and she redeemed the OTHER Princess along the way.
http://goddess-ofthe-night.deviantart.com/gallery/#/d39d3d9 here's a FIM flutter pony! an OC one XD
ReplyDelete'Mane cast'
ReplyDeleteI see what you did there.
I Pony-ified one of my Regular OCs as a joke, but I haven't made a serious one, or seen much art of them.
ReplyDeleteI like and appreciate many OC ponies and have certainly imagined up plenty for myself (though not being much of an artist, I've manely just doodled them in my school notes and stuff.) But yeah, while they typically can't hold a candle to the actual canon characters, they can be a lot of fun to look at, think up, draw, and/or read about!
ReplyDeleteI have had a ponysona of a winged unicorn far before Friendship is Magic ever aired (about six full years before Friendship is Magic, to be exact), but ironically, it was not created as a My Little Pony self insert, but rather a Sonic the Hedgehog insert because I wrote some stories about myself in the Sonic world--but rather than being an upright hedgehog or some crap like that, 12 year old me decided she'd rather be a quadruped unicorn with wings. So in this instance I can say yes and no to whether I have a pony OC, because my winged unicorn pony form (a shapeshifter no less, and it'll friggin' stay that way no matter who detests powers such as those) has existed far before this show but has been given a pawprint symbol on her flank in reverence to the franchise, the pawpring being symbolic of her ability to shapeshift.
ReplyDeleteNone of the stories about her in the Sonic world have been read by eyes other than my own and I have no plans to do any self insert fics about her in the friendship is magic world, although I may sometimes draw her for fun, possibly meeting Celestia at some point because I've had a funny image of that in my head for some time. My winged unicorn is not related to any of the characters in the show and is not a mary sue. Case closed.
The only existing picture of my pony OC thus far is this: http://ladyfoxling.deviantart.com/art/Jubilation-Jubilee-198582413
So long as the Character is good, and not some shallow emo with a love interest for Dash, I don't care if its OC. I mean, as much as I love the original cast, its nice to see something new.
ReplyDeleteNever really did think much about making an OC pony before, but seeing as this issue's been brought up...
ReplyDeleteI've come to think that, seeing as the general framework and appearance of an Equestrian pony is quite flexible and -- dare I say it -- VERY shapeable,
Then I guess it's inevitable that bronies can't help but try and make their own ponies.
I myself cannot bring myself to hold contempt for OC's, but can only sit back and feel a proud sting in my chest at the fact that bronies are so drawn into the fandom to the point that they'd make their own characters.
@Windchaser
ReplyDeleteOC PONIES ARE THE BEST THING EVER!
No, good writing is the best thing ever. It doesn't matter what it is. I don't care if it's a crossover, comedy, grimdark, tragedy, slice-o-life, human-in-equestria, or anything else for that matter.
It's all in the writing and nothing else. Anyone that rates a fic they have not read (And I don't care what the reason is) is just trolling or bloating. Either way, everypony needs to stop.
Also, OC ponies make for the most interesting storylines since the Mane 6 have already been explored thoroughly.
@PK
ReplyDeleteI was just reading this thread, and when I saw your comment... some familiarity clicked... so I, in turn, clicked your name... I had read Antipodes earlier, and when the page loaded I gave a quick "Ha!" of recognition. I'm just commenting because I found it interesting that I would run into your name again
@Windchaser
ReplyDeleteI have high expectations for OC ponies. I demand a good plot behind there background, good artwork that flowes correctly and isn't over done. Most important, I frown on OC With god syndrome. I don't mind power hungry, passionate, ambitious, ponies who want to be king/queen and move mountains. But god syndrome no no...plus i would want a fabulous story if you were going to play that out.
Truthfully, I really like OCs. It's not like they are better, but they are pretty cool. Their stories can be quite interesting at most times, which is what I enjoy. I still think they aren't even close to as good as our mane six ponies.
ReplyDelete