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Hmm... let me take a swing at it...
Writer's Block
Mon, Oct 22nd, 2012 16:48
No. 122937
I would argue that there is a difference between "greatness" and "popularity" and we should clearly define them before we set out to create and then decide which is the more important to us. While neither goal is, in and of itself, necessarily wrong, the methods used to achieve each of them can be wildly different. Popularity is about knowing how to reach the greatest number of people in the most effective method possible. Some stories achieve great popularity, simply by shock value. (Cupcakes, etc.) Others get it by being the first to explore a great idea (Fallout Equestria, etc.) Shoot, this whole show became popular because it achieved something none of the other seasons had: it was written by adults and could be appreciated by adults. They said to themselves, "Just because it's for little kids, doesn't mean we should shut out the rest of the audience. Let the parents have some fun, too." It’s also a matter of timing. Imagine, again, if this show had been released before 3.5. or after 1. The results would have been different, because the times would have had less to reflect on and decide how to place this show. True greatness, on the other hand, is achieved in a slightly different manner, often through the desire for a single goal. Whether that be the creation of an epic, the discovery of a tremendous truth, or even the betterment of a single soul, it is the definition of true passion. The struggle for greatness is what often separates true artists from the dime-a-dozens, because those who struggle for greatness don’t care about fame. They want to make something of themselves, or find something that will better the world, and they will work hard for that goal and bleed continually for it. It’s rare that an act of greatness becomes popular with any amount of haste, but those who wish for greatness will hold fast in their dream and strive to make sure that their creation is all it can be. Artists have often died, never popular, but their vision was so great and their willingness to stand by that vision so great, that their fame grew as the years passed and people said, “They put so much of themselves…