Today’s story cashes in on the show’s universe to teach a lesson worth its weight in gold.

Paper Promises
[Comedy] [Slice of Life] • 4,040 words

Filthy Rich has a problem. His daughter, Diamond Tiara, keeps breaking her promises to treat her classmates with more respect. In fact, she doesn’t even seem to really understand what a promise is. Since punishing her does not seem to have much effect, Mr Rich is forced to consider a more creative parenting method. But how can he make such a spoiled, materialistic little filly as Diamond Tiara see the value of a promise?

With money, of course!

FROM THE CURATORS: We were pleased to discover that this fic offers something greater than the sum of its pony parts.  “This is one of those rare stories that manages to mesh human history seamlessly with the things we like about the show,” Horizon said.  “It certainly feels true to the characters, but it combines that with a lesson so roundabout and engaging you barely realize that you’re learning about real-world economic collapse.”

The vivid writing of that central plot got our unanimous acclaim.  “The lesson itself is illustrated cleverly, and in a way that sticks thanks to how original it is,” Present Perfect said, while Chris agreed: “It’s a good message, and the ponies delivering it are suited to the task.”  AugieDog, meanwhile, found reason for nostalgia.  “I’m having flashbacks to this series of old Warner Bros. cartoons in which the virtues of capitalism are expounded upon by folks like Sylvester the Cat and Elmer Fudd,” AugieDog said. “This one worked better than those ever did for me, though, because it’s a bit larger in scope and fits in well with the world of Equestria.”

And that was far from the only thing to appreciate about the story.  “There are some nice bits of humor around the edges,” Chris said.  “Fluttershy’s bit made me grin.”  Horizon was impressed that this older fic still faithfully fit within canon post-Crusaders of the Lost Mark: “Clever move, leaving the resolution open-ended like that.”  And Present Perfect praised the character arcs: “A well-written Diamond Tiara learns an important lesson in a way that is tailor-made for her to understand,” he said.  “And for all that Filthy Rich has to confront that he’s failed as a parent at the outset, he redeems himself by the end with the little trick he plays on his daughter.”  Ultimately, that made this story not only clever but also heartwarming.  “This wonderfully showcases the breadth of fanfic, and uses the characters in ways that enrich us,” Horizon said.  “That’s worth celebrating.”

Read on for our author interview, in which Fervidor discusses alternate calendars, delusions of grandeur, and non-dramatic kidnappings.
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