danksydephil

[danksydephil]

... It’s time to talk.

Nearly 3 years ago, an event happened in the brony fandom that shook it to the core: Mr. Zak Kayes, known publicly as ToonKriticY2K, was outed as a pedophile by various sources (Notably infamous brony figure “Vida”).  This is not going to be a follow-up to that story, since it’d be beating a dead Grogar at this point.  The details of what happened are all out there, and I highly recommend you watch videos to be informed so as to avoid this sorta thing for the future.  Zak has made numerous attempts to weasel his way into the fandom, but those attempts are in vain. During that time, he was a part of a Dungeons & Dragons group, run with the help of other members of what’s known as the “Brony Analysis Community.”  Since there was a large supply of episodes that were now tainted with him, the team struggled to figure out a proper answer:  Some fans argued that they should just scrap the whole thing and start over, failing to recognize that D&D games are long, expansive stories with twists and turns, and starting over would make things difficult.  Other fans were able to separate the art from the artist and were okay with the series continuing since Dungeon Master Joshua Burner was planning on killing off Zak’s character (you could argue that the timing was incredibly coincidential and lucky).  Even more fans wanted to continue the series but couldn’t stand listening to Zak’s voice. And then, there was me. I didn’t really care too much about the D&D, but I wanted to try and alleviate tensions within a relatively chill fandom.  I knew this wasn’t my place, but I always wanted to help.  Some people were angry with the situation and didn’t seem to listen to the reasoning.  The victims that came out all wanted things differently: Shiloh Connor (known as “Patchwork Heart”) wanted the entire series scrapped and was put on a pedestal for the anti-D&D crowd.  SEGASister (whose boyfriend, Zachary Weiner, (“Voice of Reason”) was in the D&D Session) was all for the series staying up and was also put on a pedestal for the pro-D&D crowd.  Mimikage was vocal that both sides were idiots and that the whole thing was stupid, and was often stereotyped as the neutral party.  There are more victims who chose not to be public, but their opinions on the series varied.  For the sake of simplicity, I don’t want to ignore them, but if they wish to come forward and give their thoughts from a time long since past, I’m always available to talk. I proposed a simple idea; to edit out the voice of Zak for a simple TTS program.  IIRC, it was in the comments of one of the D&D videos with one of the anti-D&D members.  I posted the idea, then made a really quick video of me editing out Zak’s dialogue with a simple TTS program.  I wasn’t going for “robotic,” but I did find one for free that worked pretty well.  I got the first one up relatively quickly (mostly because the audio glitched, and every time I tried to make a cut it’d remove about 10% of the audio.  Some people liked it, and I decided to continue.  My videos didn’t come from any malicious intent; they weren’t monetized (and neither is my channel).  The goal was to provide an alternative to the people that wanted it or were unhappy with what the D&D group did. I was able to pull this off at the time because it was summer and I had nothing to do; work was cutting my hours each week, my friends lived too far away, and I just wanted something to pass the time. I only had a couple of rules that I’d imposed on both myself and any viewers: 1. I was very strict on finding a TTS program that had realistic-sounding voices so as to not make the character sound like a robot.  I recall describing that as “removing his humanity.” 2. I was very clearly against what I called “weaponizing” my videos, which was primarily the act of using my videos to attack Josh and the other members because “some White guy from Minnesota did your job better than you” 3. I tried not to shamelessly plug my content unless someone was being incredibly rigid, which happened early on. And now, the reason why the videos stopped. The long and short of it is; I got tired, and it turned into a fruitless endeavor.  Doing the same thing every day, 7 days a week, for 5 months, gets tiring.  I got a new job and started my second year at college.  I also noticed that the videos weren’t going to be noticed, because the controversy drove people’s attention, and trying to alleviate it only makes things worse. However, that’s not where the story ends: Tomorrow is the first day of August 2020.  The world has been changed by a virus and I have a bit more time to myself now.  If people are still interested or see a desire, I will continue working on the edited Brony D&D series, with the intention of continuing from where I left off. I hope you all have a good evening. Mr. C. Johnson.

[danksydephil]

I don’t follow that fandom anymore after the fandom implosion of 2018.

I’ve just heard people within my friend circle say “Finn’s a nazi sympathizer because he supports Josh and continues to play DnD with him.  Finn’s greatest mistake was not siding with Xain and leaving Josh’s DnD campaign” before talking about using brute force as “the only way to get him to see the error of supporting a Nazi.”

Are there any brony analysts you'd recommend? I heard most of them are pretty bad, even the ones who used to be considered good (like Silver Quill). The only ones I follow are you and Lily (and I'm not even sure I'd call you "bronies"), and Misanthropony, which despite some problems I have with him, seems to be pretty competent and not distracted by unimportant details like Lore and worldbuilding

Finn the Pony

[danksydephil]

Isn’t Finn a Nazi or something?  Not 100% sure of accuracy, but I’ve heard people say that because of his involvement in a certain project and refusal to accept change to the winning team.

Are there any brony analysts you'd recommend? I heard most of them are pretty bad, even the ones who used to be considered good (like Silver Quill). The only ones I follow are you and Lily (and I'm not even sure I'd call you "bronies"), and Misanthropony, which despite some problems I have with him, seems to be pretty competent and not distracted by unimportant details like Lore and worldbuilding

Finn the Pony

[danksydephil]

My friend, Casey, has been helping with this for a while.  It alleviated some of the concerns... for about 5 minutes before they said “IT’S NOT ENOUGH!”

So, Casey decided to physically cross out Toon’s name (a suggestion from an anon on Lily’s tumblr).  The response? “YOU’RE WASTING YOUR TIME! QUIT BEING NEUTRAL!”

Someone: We don’t want to see Brony D&D episodes with Toon.

Us: Okay, that’s understandable considering Too-

Someone: They should remove Toon from the videos!

Us: Technically that isn’t possible because it’d make the campaign off-

Someone: If they remove Toon Kritic, then they’re sweeping it under the rug!

Us: Wait a MINUTE!

Someone: ?

Us: You say you want then to remove Toon Kritic from the videos but yet also say if they remove them, then they’re sweeping it under the rug! That makes no sense!

Someone: ….. BRONALYSIS ARE ENABLERS THEY SHOULD SUFFER!!!!

Us:……

[danksydephil]

Not sure if you've heard, but there's this nobody that's been doing Josh's work for him with recent D&D episodes while preaching a stance of "trying to maintain neutrality." I feel like that's one of the dumbest hypocrisies with this recent drama (besides, well, everything else). I want to tell them they're wrong and they should either pick a side or get back in line, but I don't know how to. Any advice?

Don’t. He’s putting in the effort, and that’s the part that matters. If he wants to be a preachy knob on top of it, he’s certainly more entitled to it than Burnout is

[danksydephil]

Brony D&D Episode 58 Edited

It’s almost done.  Episode 58 is in the final processing stages.  I hope people appreciate Casey’s attempt.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TT99QswabU&feature=youtu.be

“I appreciate the hard work that these people, and the support for these videos.”

-Casey.

[danksydephil]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8lvMRAvLMk

The next episode is done and uploaded.  Casey told me that [REDACTED]’s name is now officially crossed out (at least from the title), and now that he knows what he’s doing, he can add more visual edits alongside the audio edits.  I hope you have a wonderful day.  

Dear Patch

I kid you not, this is the third time I’ve written this letter.  I know you probably don’t want to hear me out, but the link leads to the most recent Brony D&D session.  A friend of mine named Casey edited it in a manner that (mostly, he says “with about 85% accuracy”) gets rid of the point of contention.  Casey is rather shy, especially when talking to people that he considers “higher on the theoretical totem pole,” such as you or Lily or Xain or anyone within the community.  The point is that he made an edited version of the Brony D&D session that replaced [REDACTED] with a robotic text-to-speech voice so you can enjoy the full episode without getting upset or offended, and he’s willing to work on past AND future episodes if people like it.

I know this sounds like a promotional request (Believe me, the first time I tried writing this letter, it came off as “My friend made this.  PROMOTE IT,” which is certainly not what I’m looking for).  I’m just trying to help find a middle ground in the midst of a bunch of crazy shit.

I hope you have a swell evening, my friend.

Fillipe Quemar.

—————————————

SEE?! This is the kind of thing I wanted! THIS IS COMPROMISE! THIS IS GOOD!

If Josh had brought this up in the original call I would have jumped to support it immediately!!! It removes Zak from the videos entirely and still gives the message that he isn’t welcome and never will be, but it leaves the experience of the videos in tact! THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT!!

Fucking bless!!

[danksydephil]

Brony D&D Episode 57

Casey told me that the next episode is in the uploading stages and should be finished within the next couple of hours.  He also explained that he’s done some more visual edits as well.  I got to see some of them earlier today (besides the intro), and he did pretty good in my opinion.  When it’s done uploading, I’ll post it here.

Edit: It’s done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8lvMRAvLMk&t=7s

[danksydephil]

Choose your favorite, and any additional suggestions for future episodes would be appreciated.  I don’t know if Casey can possibly top “Kross’d Out”

[danksydephil]

Who’s up for round 2?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLJCxySwxhs&feature=youtu.be

[danksydephil]

We’ve got another one inbound.  Casey told me that he just finished the editing a couple of hours ago and it’s being uploaded to his channel as we speak.

BTW, thank you for the positive support for my friend’s video.  He appreciates it.

Edit: It’s done loading

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLJCxySwxhs&feature=youtu.be

Dear Patch

I kid you not, this is the third time I’ve written this letter.  I know you probably don’t want to hear me out, but the link leads to the most recent Brony D&D session.  A friend of mine named Casey edited it in a manner that (mostly, he says “with about 85% accuracy”) gets rid of the point of contention.  Casey is rather shy, especially when talking to people that he considers “higher on the theoretical totem pole,” such as you or Lily or Xain or anyone within the community.  The point is that he made an edited version of the Brony D&D session that replaced [REDACTED] with a robotic text-to-speech voice so you can enjoy the full episode without getting upset or offended, and he’s willing to work on past AND future episodes if people like it.

I know this sounds like a promotional request (Believe me, the first time I tried writing this letter, it came off as “My friend made this.  PROMOTE IT,” which is certainly not what I’m looking for).  I’m just trying to help find a middle ground in the midst of a bunch of crazy shit.

I hope you have a swell evening, my friend.

Fillipe Quemar.

—————————————

SEE?! This is the kind of thing I wanted! THIS IS COMPROMISE! THIS IS GOOD!

If Josh had brought this up in the original call I would have jumped to support it immediately!!! It removes Zak from the videos entirely and still gives the message that he isn’t welcome and never will be, but it leaves the experience of the videos in tact! THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT!!

Fucking bless!!

[danksydephil]

@xain-russell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BEiSrVfLXU

Imma just leave this here (Episode 56 is halfway to being uploaded to YT in full).  Enjoy.

And here’s the gift that keeps on giving:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLJCxySwxhs&feature=youtu.be

Love, Fillipe & Casey.

Brony D&D is still posting episodes with a pedophile in them.

Flag. Down vote. Leave a critical comment.

https://youtu.be/vPKrd4ag1ZU

[danksydephil]

The future of Edited D&D

For those reading this, you may recall my friend Casey releasing Brony D&D Part 55 edited onto youtube.  At first, we were both afraid of the outcome, but as of writing, things have changed for the better.

For starters, Josh told Casey that it was okay to continue working on the videos.  He started the editing with no malicious intent, and Josh understood that.  With that said, Casey did specify that he’s completely against people who complain that “Casey’s doing what Josh and co. should’ve done in the first place.”  He has heard it, and politely requests that people don’t complain.  He also made a post about discontinuing the editing if people make a fuss about it.  He’s trying really hard to keep things calm and neutral.  He understands that this won’t appease everybody, but he’s willing to put in the effort.

Casey told me that he’s also interested in doing a livestream fundraiser for Patchwork Heart, SEGASister, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.  The plan is to do some work during the livestream and he’s open to talking with more people.  Any money received through donations would be split 3 ways (33% to Patch, 33% to SEGA, and 34% to the NCMEC), so that victims on both sides are treated fairly.

We both understand that this is a tricky situation, and the both of us are working to be as civil and polite as possible, especially in case of severe backlash.

[danksydephil]

Dear Patch

I kid you not, this is the third time I’ve written this letter.  I know you probably don’t want to hear me out, but the link leads to the most recent Brony D&D session.  A friend of mine named Casey edited it in a manner that (mostly, he says “with about 85% accuracy”) gets rid of the point of contention.  Casey is rather shy, especially when talking to people that he considers “higher on the theoretical totem pole,” such as you or Lily or Xain or anyone within the community.  The point is that he made an edited version of the Brony D&D session that replaced [REDACTED] with a robotic text-to-speech voice so you can enjoy the full episode without getting upset or offended, and he’s willing to work on past AND future episodes if people like it.

I know this sounds like a promotional request (Believe me, the first time I tried writing this letter, it came off as “My friend made this.  PROMOTE IT,” which is certainly not what I’m looking for).  I’m just trying to help find a middle ground in the midst of a bunch of crazy shit.

I hope you have a swell evening, my friend.

Fillipe Quemar.

—————————————

SEE?! This is the kind of thing I wanted! THIS IS COMPROMISE! THIS IS GOOD!

If Josh had brought this up in the original call I would have jumped to support it immediately!!! It removes Zak from the videos entirely and still gives the message that he isn’t welcome and never will be, but it leaves the experience of the videos in tact! THIS IS HOW YOU DO IT!!

Fucking bless!!

[danksydephil]

I went to the edited version of Brony D&D, to see how well the person that replaced Zak's voice did. And yet... His name was still in the opening credits. Baby steps, I suppose.

Only so much you can do with a downloaded video. The editor in question isn’t affiliated with Brony D&D

[danksydephil]

Do you know of any good silent protagonists in video games besides WW Link (Correct me if I'm wrong on this, because I got the impression that you liked him, though I'm still not sure.) Also, I'm trying to write a silent protagonist; any tips?

Don’t. Silent protagonists are obsolete.