Bronies

[thomasgold19]

Herk I officially dub you an acceptable member of the MLP fandom.You have your reasons which are good and you wait to be asked. You should represent MLP not the rest of the ones that made me despise your fandom.

[Dimar]

I agree with Herk on everything she just said. Hands down, those are all why I love the show. Also, apologies for the long post commencing.

 

Hi there. Obviously I'm a brony (I use the term independent of gender; I don't like "pegasister"). I just want to say a few things, hopefully without stirring up anything. I hate arguing. :/

 

I dislike the side of the fandom with clop and porn and psychotic aggression just as much as anyone. Most of the bronies I know in RL and online are embarrassed and irritated by that side. Some people definitely do not fit the "love and friendship" concept that I (and most bronies I know) do support.

 

I used to be totally anti-pony. I discovered one day that all of my normal male friends were bronies. I refused to be converted. Until I watched an episode and it made me happy, because it was legitimately funny and had good art/vocal talent, plus a positive message. I liked that the humor wasn't crude or sexual or potty humor, which I greatly disdain and hence why I don't like much cartoons or modern shows.

 

I try not to be annoying. I try to avoid talking about MLP around non-fans. Yes, I have a pony avatar. When I came to college I bought pony shirts. But that's partially because at home, my parents would attack me for liking MLP and I felt like I had to hide things that made me feel better and get me out of depression. Same with Doctor Who. And in my senior year of high school, a teacher that I had a close relationship with suddenly initiated a verbal attack on me about being a brony, and egged on the class when they were being insulting. So maybe I am being too sensitive right now, but I'm being reminded of that.

 

I know it's impossible to avoid being judged by others thanks to a vocal, infamous minority. But it hurts anyway to be lumped in with them.

[thomasgold19]

I'm sorry to hear what happened because you were a bronie. I wouldn't do that I just plainly state I despise the concept and the fans and would prefer if you keep it to your self. With this I am leaving.

[prairiecrow]

Thank you both, Herk and Dimar, for your informative answers. I can see why a show like that would appeal to a lot of people -- it sounds really cool, and if I didn't already have four fandoms of my own I'd probably be tempted to check it out.

 

It's great to see fans of any show be so polite about talking about it, and so articulate in explaining why their show is wonderful. Good on you! *two thumbs up*

 

ETA: And to thomasgold... er, well, a thread was created dealing with their fandom, I think they have every right to speak up and talk about it in that thread. If you don't like it, there's always the option to stay out of the thread.

Edited October 14, 2013 by prairiecrow

[Jazlindreal]

Thank you both, Herk and Dimar, for your informative answers. I can see why a show like that would appeal to a lot of people -- it sounds really cool, and if I didn't already have four fandoms of my own I'd probably be tempted to check it out.

 

It's great to see fans of any show be so polite about talking about it, and so articulate in explaining why their show is wonderful. Good on you! *two thumbs up*

I agree! *two thumbs up aswell*

[Herk]

Thanks prairiecrow and Jazlindrel . I'm glad I could satisfy at least some of your curiousity. I of course voted "Bronies are awesome" because I like myself like that.

 

I also wanted to point out that (while female myself) I count myself as a brony and I love the fact that adult males have the guts to stay up and say "I love a show for girls". I usually am on the other side of the fence as a science-loving, romance-hating, comic-reading math and physics geek. Because really if something is good or you like it (two totally different things) gender shouldn't be an issue.

 

I'm also personally responsible for converting at least 4 of my pupils to the herd (3 of them male) by daring them to watch an episode before judging and I'm proud of it.

 

I also want to apologize for any typos in previous posts and ones I might have overlooked here. It's almost 4 AM local time and I need to be in bed. I hope you realize it's your fault for keeping me awake (well and that of one of my players who had still questions about today's RPG but I BLAME you )

[Qwackie]

I don't like most bronies, because most bronies shove their fandoms in your face. I know several in real life and they all get on my nerves (most of them also obsess over other fandoms, but nevermind that). Most on the internet try to make EVERYONE around them know that they're bronies. It's not just bronies that do that, but anyone who talks too much about what they like annoys me, and I've noticed that bronies do that a lot.

[Jazlindreal]

I don't like most bronies, because most bronies shove their fandoms in your face. I know several in real life and they all get on my nerves (most of them also obsess over other fandoms, but nevermind that). Most on the internet try to make EVERYONE around them know that they're bronies. It's not just bronies that do that, but anyone who talks too much about what they like annoys me, and I've noticed that bronies do that a lot.

I've defiantly noticed that too, gets annoying at times. There are still some good Bronies out there though

[Qwackie]

I've defiantly noticed that too, gets annoying at times. There are still some good Bronies out there though

Yup, I have a few friends who are "pegasisters" (I think that's the term) who are tame. You wouldn't know if they weren't to tell you. Unfortunately, the ones that people notice are the insane crazy ones who are like those girls that pretend they're married to anime characters or whatever people in fandoms do these days.

 

I've watched a few episodes of MLP with my brony friends, but I wasn't that impressed. The show was alright, I guess, for a kid's show, but I really don't see anything worthy of being Twitard-like over.

[Herk]

Yup, I have a few friends who are "pegasisters" (I think that's the term) who are tame. You wouldn't know if they weren't to tell you. Unfortunately, the ones that people notice are the insane crazy ones who are like those girls that pretend they're married to anime characters or whatever people in fandoms do these days.

 

I've watched a few episodes of MLP with my brony friends, but I wasn't that impressed. The show was alright, I guess, for a kid's show, but I really don't see anything worthy of being Twitard-like over.

Well the show isn't for everyone. If you gave it a try and weren't impressed then it's not your cup of tea. More power to you

 

I personally get very passionate about my fandoms and like to talk about them, be it MLP, Dr. Who, anything Neil Gaiman related, Hitchhiker's Guide, Tom Waits music, good comic books, LOTR, pen and paper RPGs, dragon cave, math ...

 

I guess the point where this gets annoying is different for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't want people to stop talking about things they are passionate about, just so that I won't be bothered. I personally think the word "tame" quite horrific in this context, it sounds like she is a well-behaved animal.

 

If someone only talks about one thing all day, I tend to find that annoying.

 

Do I want them to stop about stuff they love? No. I try to talk with them about other stuff. I might tell them I'm not into Vocaloids and not interested to get into them. Or I might talk to ther peope who share interests with me. But I CERTAINLY don't wnt them to stop.

 

Because: Passion is a good thing.

 

And there is a wide range between "you wouldn't know if they didn't tell you" and "clinically ill".

 

[Bacon_Strips]

I don't care about bronies.

 

Not all are terrible, just the loudest ones, like any other fandom. Some are annoying, some are not.

 

The people who treat them like crap based on what they watch are jerks.

 

All in all, we can all agree that brony fandom is a more argumentative subject than both religion and abortion combined. Source: myself.

[Herk]

All in all, we can all agree that brony fandom is a more argumentative  subject than both religion and abortion combined. Source: myself.

God - I hope not.

 

(Yes - I'm a terrible person and couldn't resist)

 

Edit: Hi Dr. Paine glad to see another brony showing his/her face here.

 

Obviously I hang around in the wrong corners of the internet, because I've seen very little bad behaviour... wait or does taht make it the right corners?

 

I just wanted to say good night.

Edited October 14, 2013 by herk

[Dr. Paine]

-cough-

 

20 year old female brony (... I'm just a sucker for fandom names and I've never been keen on 'pegasister' ) here, been a fan since the first season. (And to answer the 'why do you like it' question: It's bright, it's happy, it's got well-rounded characters, it's funny... -shrug- I just enjoy it, and this is coming after having always been pretty against it in all previous generations. That's about all the justification I can give ) I'm not... absurdly vocal, but I have a 'brony' shirt, it's... er, clearly evident from my DC graphics, and I do have quite a bit of merchandise-- it's cute, and I do like to support the show.

 

Like the other fans who've posted here, I am not going to deny that there's a seedy side to the fandom. A very bad one, and sadly, an extremely vocal/visible one; and I do fully understand why some people may want to avoid all fans at all costs because of that. It's absolutely disgusting how a minority has managed to turn something that should be for everyone, regardless of age/gender/etc, into something that can be extremely triggering and incredibly unsafe; how so many go against the core messages the show tries to get across. (And I most definitely do not condone trying to convert everyone you know into being a fan, but that falls more into general 'don't be a pushy jerk' to people...)

 

However, I can't really bring myself to abandon the fandom altogether. All my personal experiences have been positive, I've made some friends because of it, online and IRL (seriously-- best day of my entire year was back in June at a convention, I was playing a game with three people I didn't know *I'm still new to the area* and brought out my blindbag Twilight. Turns out the guy there, who was my age, had some of his own, and the other girls there were also fans, and we hung out all day and it was just really great-- plus I got to try the Rainbow Dash energy drink thanks to them, which turned out to be really good ). It's gotten me back into drawing and helped me improve my skills, it's a great place for character creation, and it's just... -shrug- It's something small, yes, but the good side of the fandom's just managed to help me be a generally happier person; and seeing what other good works have been done (charity work, the support for Kiki, things like that... and of course, the good art and fanfic! For every piece of grimdark/clop out there, there's something sweet and in-character or otherwise fantastic... at least, again, from what I've seen) really have helped inspire me to be a better person.

 

-shrug-

 

I can say more if needed, but I think I've rambled long enough. I just wanted to share my experiences and why, despite the definite dark side, I am still hesitant to give up the fandom entirely.

Edited October 14, 2013 by Dr. Paine

[Qwackie]

Well the show isn't for everyone. If you gave it a try and weren't impressed then it's not your cup of tea. More power to you

 

I personally get very passionate about my fandoms and like to talk about them, be it MLP, Dr. Who, anything Neil Gaiman related, Hitchhiker's Guide, Tom Waits music, good comic books, LOTR, pen and paper RPGs, dragon cave, math ...

 

I guess the point where this gets annoying is different for everyone, but I certainly wouldn't want people to stop talking about things they are passionate about, just so that I won't be bothered. I personally think the word "tame" quite horrific in this context, it sounds like she is a well-behaved animal.

 

If someone only talks about one thing all day, I tend to find that annoying.

 

Do I want them to stop about stuff they love? No. I try to talk with them about other stuff. I might tell them I'm not into Vocaloids and not interested to get into them. Or I might talk to ther peope who share interests with me. But I CERTAINLY don't wnt them to stop.

 

Because: Passion is a good thing.

 

And there is a wide range between "you wouldn't know if they didn't tell you" and "clinically ill".

Yeah, but there's a difference between someone having a conversation about what they wnioy and having the other participant asking quesions and discussing things, and someone rambling about something that their conversational partner clearly isn't interested in. I could go on and on for hours how much I love D&D, I can talk about my halfling rogue as if he were in the room, but would whoever I'm talking to care? Doubtful. Unless someone else is interested in the subject at hand, you shouldn't talk about it. I don't like being lectured when it's benefitial to me, why would I like it when I'm trying to have a conversation with someone and they keep bringing up their fandom? Rant aside, people shouldn't just assume others are interested in what they like. "Do you like Twilight?" "No." "BLAHBLAHEDWARTMULLEN BLAH" that's something how most of my conversations with rhe bronies I know have gone. Sure, there are people of any fandom or interest that know how to shut up. A lot don't, though, and it's a bit irritating.

(excuse the spelling errors new keyboard haha)

[Switch]

I don't really think we should make generalizations about any fandom just because there's a bad side to it? There's a bad side to literally every fandom, and of course they get more attention, but I don't think they're even the majority honestly. unu

I mean, if someone likes MLP and they're not jerks, that's great! Having things you enjoy is great and I think fandoms can be great too. It's only a problem if someone's mean. :c but like I said there's a bad side and good side to every fandom but the bad side gets more attention because that's how things always go

 

I just don't like instantly making character judgements on someone just because of the TV shows they like. ;-;

Edited October 14, 2013 by Switch

[Severus_S]

Well..yes.. its REALLY weird if adults obsess over things like ponies or pixeldragons..oops...;-).

I really think it isn't any stranger than adults playing DC or similiar things *g*.

I suppose every fandom has its jerks, but that doesn't make a fandom bad in general.

I would not be surprised at all if there was some DC fanfic somewhere *g*

[TikindiDragon]

I have voted 'No' because, lets face it, nothing anyone geeks out over can actually be described as 'cool'. Geeking out over stuff is pretty much the antithesis of cool. And I'm down with that.

 

It's not my fandom. Largely because the art style *really* annoys me - I have the same issue with anime. But, hey, if it *is* your thing I'm happy for you. Just please God don't try to convert me once I've said "Not my thing.", because that's a sure fire way to make me actively start *hating* something (see anime. Fan boys turned 'Not my thing' into active severe dislike). Yeah, I know I was that kind of person in my early teens - in my case total inability to read facial expressions meant that I didn't realise I was boring people. Now I *know* I've deliberately curbed it, so people don't get bored by dragons unless they've actually asked for it.

 

All fandoms have their bad side. This *is* the internet, and Rule 34 applies (sometimes also off the internet - lest we forget 30 Shades started as Twilight fan-fic). Some, admittedly, are more vocal about it than others. And that sucks, because it really can taint genuine enjoyment of the original by people. Don't judge a fandom by it's perverts. You would, for example, get a very warped idea of the Pern fandom if you only read the X-lists.

 

TL:DR - Bronies are not 'cool', because no fandom is actually 'cool'. Beyond that? Live and let live.

[lightbird]

Pretty much what Tikindi said.

I dislike rabid bronies the same way I dislike any rabid fans.

 

I mean, sure, there is a time and place to go gushy about your fandoms, and that is with likeminded people, at cons or on your personal blogs, among other places, but please let the non-fans live as non-fans of a thing.

Edited October 14, 2013 by lightbird

[prairiecrow]

Hey, Bronies and Pegasisters -- if I wanted to watch one episode of "Friendship is Magic", just to get a sense of what it's like and what it's all about, which episode would you recommend?

[sparkle10184]

I don't dislike bronies. But you know what I do dislike? When people lump every single person from a fandom into one big pile. Yes, some bronies are creepy. But so are some whovians or trekkies. It doesn't mean they're all the same. Some people who don't like any fandom are creeps. I am so sick of people thinking all fans are the same! TBH, this is the kind of thread I don't like. It gives people a chance to be rude and nasty and rant about other people. I don't think it's very nice.

Everyone likes different things, and as long as they aren't hurting anyone, love and let love. I might think it's creepy to be obsessed over Pokemon, but I'm not gonna go around poking into other people's business and telling them that it's weird and messed up. I think everyone should be able to like what they want and not have to worry about someone ranting and making rude comments about them!

And, to close my long rant,

I AM A BRONY AND PROUD.

Edited October 14, 2013 by sparkle10184

[Dimar]

I quite like everything TikindiDragon said.

 

Hey, Bronies and Pegasisters -- if I wanted to watch one episode of "Friendship is Magic", just to get a sense of what it's like and what it's all about, which episode would you recommend?

Gah, that's such a hard question for me. I'm not good at suggesting things. >.<

 

.... other people often advise Party of One (which is a bit darker), Dragonshy (definitely good), Sonic Rainboom (often a favorite), both parts of A Canterlot Wedding (great songs and some battle), and both parts of The Return of Harmony (John de Lancie of Star Trek!). I think those are all good episodes, with Sonic Rainboom possibly being the iffiest for new watchers.

 

You don't have to watch any, of course. MLP is definitely not everyone's cup of tea, which is totally understandable. But I tried to answer as best as I could, even if my posts tend to be long (I'm wordy with everything I say, not just this topic). Maybe some others can give you more concise suggestions.

 

 

[MasterWeavile898]

Hey, Bronies and Pegasisters -- if I wanted to watch one episode of "Friendship is Magic", just to get a sense of what it's like and what it's all about, which episode would you recommend?

*Is not brony*

The only episode I really ever liked was Sonic Rainboom

[Nall]

There's nothing wrong with liking this show. I don't see a good reason to show any hatred toward bronies or MLP. I have never met a brony as bad as how they're made out to be. I have had a friend who was a little annoying about it, but it never changed my opinion on the show or bronies in general. With that being said, this show does have a huge fandom so there will no doubt be a bad side to it as others have pointed out. And I generally try to avoid getting involved in fandoms anyway. And at first the idea that adults liked this show seemed weird to me, and it took ages for me to even consider watching the show. But I was actually never bothered that others liked it. And thanks to a few close friends, I actually gave MLP a chance, and I do think it's a fun show, with a lot of cool references, and a lot of good messages. To me it is a kids show, but it never seemed uncommon for adults to like shows aimed toward children. Maybe this is just something that is considered weird, and not normal, or even creepy. But I gave up on trying to be normal and trying to think like others years ago. It only did me more harm than good, and I don't really care anymore how others feel about what I like or don't like. It certainly has had no effect on the lives of others.

[Riverwillows]

Wow. Bunch of negativity here. My son is a Brony, did I mention he is 25 years old? Let me enlighten all of you judgmental hypocrites.

 

MLP is no different than any other fandom. It's got it's wierdos and it's "normals". Like other "fandom prone" shows, MLP has a pretty clear message about how everyone is a worthwhile person no matter what you are like, and that many Bronies find refreshing.

 

Classifying all Bronies as hairy, idiotic men with pedophilic leanings is incredibly mean-spirited. Most are men who are tired of the stereotype they must fall into of football playing, beer swilling neanderthals. MLP touches a part of them inside that society forces them to hide: the beauty of simple friendship and hope. Just for a little while, they can be innocent kids again, and believe in soft things like having friends, and fun.

 

And furries and those? Heck, you are going to get all levels from ANY fandom. MLP is a fantasy world where hope reigns. It's no different than Star Trek, Star Wars, Dr. Who, or any other fantasy show where people choose to work together and learn thru morality tales. Just because the show SAYS it is aimed at little girls, doesn't mean that no one else can't find something wonderful in the show to follow.

 

In fact, the show's creator, Lauren Faust, has even said it's great how many adults see in the show what she intended for it to be.

 

Any one who is a fan of any type of fantasy/sci fi show, who disses MLP fans if they aren't little girls, is a hypocrite. My son certainly is a very sweet, charming, and caring soul, and so are many of his friends who like the show. I went to a Brony Convention with him just recently, and most of the guys I saw there are the same.

 

As a kid in the 70's, loving Star Trek and Star Wars, I remember being viewed with the same amount of negativity. A wierdo.

Edited October 14, 2013 by Riverwillows

[Severus_S]

I just went through the Welcome thread of a german brony forum, to get an impression, so to speak...lots of people there were strategy gaming metalheads *g*.

This much for stereotypes about metalfans and bronies *g*