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I promise I don't bite. I'm glad you wanted to respond, and I'm certainly not disappointed (not that you need my approval.)

I think the nature and activities of many people who spend time on the geeky portion of the Web make Bronydom appealing. But that's another topic. FiM probably did catch the eyes of those who are interested in anime, but it was probably because a lot of people who watch anime also use geeky forums and found out about it there. It was potentially appealing due to the aesthetically pleasing art and animation.

And I do think Twilight looks a bit Asian, but they all have huge anime eyes. But that's Lauren Faust's style, period.

@Connor
I'm sorry. I don't mean to say that we're both screwed, but we are at odds with some of our values. They may have come about through our own self-discovery or our surroundings, but we certainly aren't thrilled with the preservation of humanity. We don't want it to die or anything, but it may make for some difficulties in understanding us.

As for the community, it's great. I left from my friends and family that at least humored me when I wanted to talk about anything in great detail. When I moved away, those people couldn't always be there to listen. It made for a tolerable but really boring existence, because most people here bore me to tears.
Looking forward to new pony art, instrumental music, and episodes and talking about it and the communty AT LENGTH has been amazing. And you're all so diverse and generally bright people. But most of all, generally polite and welcoming. As is KYM on the whole.

I'm not used to Internet interaction, let alone identification as being part of a fandom, but I'm certainly not regretting it.

You ask him

You're a pirate

NO! Philosophical discussion! Don't die. TYPE FASTER VERBOSE!

I can see the resemblance yeah.

Here, talk about Derpy

We are trying to have a philosophical discussion here. There will be time for ponies afterwards.

For some reason, I envision his adult voice to be that of Richard Hammond. Just a random thought.

I added some more to the previous post.

Oh, going back to the confessions (but less about the R34,) I always thought it was fascinating how either the show or the fandom has helped so many people. What is the exact mechanism by which this occurs?!

Me, for example. I didn't really consider myself a part of the fandom until maybe a month or so after I started watching the show. So essentially, I only received the rewards of watching a cartoon. But during February, I was terribly bored. Perhaps even depressed again (college was hard…) But after watching episodes and tons of reruns of FiM, I felt a lot better about myself. Not just a pick-me-up, either. I felt better about myself as a person.

HOW

(Now you analyze me!)

Verbose:

A regular frequenter. He doesn't post as often as others, but reads every post. He likes: studying culture, memes, sports, some anime, light-hearted video games, and conversation. The last part and his tendency to “overarticulate” is why he chose his username. Although others are currently aiming for it. He dislikes drama, R34 of characters ,and blatant ignorance. A fan of Read the f*cking manual. Twilight is normally his favorite pony, but Pinkie will overtake her at times. Favorite Episode is either Party of One or Feeling Pinkie Keen.
He's been hooked since he watched the third episode (The Ticket Master) on the first day he learned about FiM via KYM. This was in March.
The resident buzzkill on the forum. He types up long-winded responses and enjoy conversation. Posts images on occasion but usually with some text. Has seen tons of art and comics, so he can find you anything you're looking for. A grad student with a lot of free time in the US Central Time Zone. Knows about everyone on the KYM Pony General.

I didn't cheat btw.

It is a journey of discovery, like Daoism. (Confound this religions unit, it causes me to relate bronyism to a religion.) Also it gives people a way to socially interact with very like-minded people. It also just makes you feel good, watching something so innocent and pure, but with maturer themes.

As a side note. As the final test for our religion unit we had about 50 minutes to write a two page essay. More than half of it was about my religion. I said I was atheist, I believe in science. But I also said how I am religiously part of this community. I also likened our values and philosophy to that of other major religions.

Celestia, I love this fandom.

I think I might throw in my two cents on the whole R34 thing. Forgive me if this is short, I'm not really known to ramble on.

Basically, everyone has their different tastes. We shouldn't shun them because they differ from ours. The people who enjoy pony R34 enjoy it for a variety of different reasons, and I would suggest reading the previous page as everyone has given many interesting reasons. Most people think of pony R34 and seem to assume those who enjoy it are all "hurr durr, I clop to poneez". As we all know, the human mind isn't that simple, even the simplest of minds. I personally don't care for the unsavory stuff. I'd rather not take part in it, but I'm not gonna rally the town with pitchforks and torches just because someone else wishes to. As bronies we've taken an oath to love and tolerate everything. That includes things we don't like or don't care for. Yes, that sounds like it can be difficult. And yes, a lot of these things can warp your perception of the fandom. But that's what being a part of this fandom is about (I think that's really the only requirement needed to be part of this fandom). To shun the people who disagree with our tastes is to alienate the fandom itself, eventually walls will be built in the community. Those walls will lead to its own destruction. That's something I'd really rather not see.

And I'm done. I've got all my points down. And already I feel like I've said too much. Good day to you people.

There was a lot of TL;DR, but I'm just going to chime in real fast on the whole R34 thing, if that's what we're still talking about (if not, I'm still going to say it, just cause).

As a Christian I firmly believe that all forms of pornography, whether it's human or pony or whatever, is completely wrong because it encourages the objectivization of women (and men) and sex outside of marriage.

Sorry if this post came at a weird time. I'm distracted by tv and Facebook so I have no idea what's been going on while I've been typing.

I normally follow what Einstein once said "Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind." Plus it's just silly how one can think something is not out there but all I know is that all religions are correct. Their gods do exist. But possible in different Universes. I may sound a tad extreme when I say this but, this fandom can litarly be a hope to improve mankind if it grows big enough. I like this fandom because it's like the heaven of the internet. People are like saints to you in the fandom compared to most of the internet.

I think this fandom has good people and morals like what christians supposed to have. But good thing this fandom does mostly a better job when it comes to the internet.

We're playing now? Oh, oh, oh, oh my turn!

For me it's obvious that it was the message behind the show. Showing how something so twisted nowadays like friendship can be so valorized in a cartoon made originally for much younger people that wouldn't totally understand the depht of such thing is totally surprising. Hell, it started in 4Chan for Celestia sake. Who would imagine that in all parts of the internet cosmos it would start right there? Not even /b/tards could resist. If some of them they really felt something for the show, they would rather die in silence then addmit.

@RandomMan
…
How does he do that…

@Connor

It is a journey of discovery, like Daoism. (Confound this religions unit, it causes me to relate bronyism to a religion.)

True, true. The experience has reminded me when I read one Richard Dawkins book and identified as atheist. I actually made myself look into what I feared I'd become, because I didn't really want to be an atheist. But I learned a lot about myself, and understood what I did believe. Bronydom has been like that as well. Normally, I'd be pretty condescending of a lot of people. I'm still not great at that (again, I admire that about you.) But I've gotten better.

Also it gives people a way to socially interact with very like-minded people. It also just makes you feel good, watching something so innocent and pure, but with maturer themes.

Probably this. No need to add to it.

As a side note. As the final test for our religion unit we had about 50 minutes to write a two page essay. More than half of it was about my religion. I said I was atheist, I believe in science. But I also said how I am religiously part of this community. I also likened our values and philosophy to that of other major religions.

…You can't not be a genius, Connor. I'm convinced of it.

Dangit! Why do you guys have to start up philosophical discussions when I have to get up early tomorrow?

@RandomMan
Whow, does someone have files on us?

I find normal pornography disgusting. So I find Rule 34 of My Little Pony absolutely horrifying. This is just me, but I don't like it in the slightest. The fact that people can take something so beautiful and happy, and sexualize it like people do is just… ugh.

Verbose wrote:

…
How does he do that…

I just use my…

One of the central messages of the show is that together, ponies can overcome any challenge. The challenge of finding and keeping really close friends is something that a lot of people can relate to, especially when going off to a new school or university or a new job; that's one of the central topics in the show.

I posted earlier about people identifying with ponies, and I think that for some people (or maybe a lot, it's hard to tell), when they have identified with a character, see their struggles mirrored in the show, and think that if the ponies can do it, then so can I.

In general the show contains a lot of positive messages about life in general, and people who are feeling down can reach out and find strength in those. And then they see that there's a whole community of people who have had similar experiences, and who identify with the same things, and they can feel belonging and support and an acceptance that may not be mirrored in real life.

But we can all agree that, as a community, we help each other out and stick together, even if we don't actually know each other. The sense of support from a strong community is understandably enticing, even to those who maybe don't feel like watching girly cartoons for kids.

Why thank you Verbose. As another side note, I'm probably one of the most condescending people I know IRL, but I think I've gotten better too. Probably because I don't interact a ton outside of the internet.

I hope to be a genius, someday…

I'm surprised anyone admires me, even on the internet, I'm one messed up sonnavabitch.

Because you could take a show that was pure and innocent and corrupt it and troll with it. Then they got backlash from /b/. Then the impossible happened. They started liking the show and the fandom.

Excuse for the off topic, but…

But ok, it would be unfair to not follow this topic.

My first experience with MLP was actually on this site. How I found this site can be seen in my interview on the Moderator General, so I won't explain that.

While I was lurking the site, I discovered that MLP was definitely popular here. The trending images were still hoarded by ponies back then and we hadn't defeated Forever Alone yet, so I couldn't avoid MLP in various ways. So I decided to scroll through the article, read a bit, follow the comments, check some fanart. I was always a person who gave someone/something easily a chance. So I decided to dig into it even more and watch some episodes. I don't really remember around what episode I became addicted.

I'd like to have fun with MLP. Just mess around with it a bit and enjoy it. These pages filled with discussion are nice, but I don't mind images at all. I had my share of the internet, so also my share of Rule 34. So seriously, I don't mind Rule 34. It's the internet, of course you're gonna find it. Hell, KYM even has a Rule 34 article. A reason I made some limits on this thread for Rule 34 is because it's inappropriate, a forum everyone can join shouldn't be filled to the nock with porn. As a mod, I'm still helping in running a site here. But if I come across some Rule 34 art, I won't shut of my browser in disgust.

P.S. I don't read fanfics. I always hated reading, waste of time. So I would be crazy if I started reading fanfics. So I'm sorry for the people here who are making fanfics, but you see me giving feedback.

Heh, sorry. It's been in the works for about a day now.

I gave Connor that information. It's on his wall. He requested that we have short bios about who we are as Bronies, so any newfoals would have a quick introduction to who we are, what we know, and what we do.

CitationNeeded wrote:

I find normal pornography disgusting. So I find Rule 34 of My Little Pony absolutely horrifying. This is just me, but I don’t like it in the slightest. The fact that people can take something so beautiful and happy, and sexualize it like people do is just… ugh.

This is part of the reason why pedophilia disturbs me. The act would introduce a relatively innocent child to sex in a perverse manner. I don't find sexual matter disturbing, but that is the reason why I'm ambivalent about even humanized R34. It combines innocence with something usually presented in a perverse manner.

And @The Anti-Troll
I'm actually a Christian too, but I'm pretty liberal in terms of sexuality (and many other matters.) I believe in abstaining before marriage, because I feel like sex is (or can be) something special between two people that you haven't had with other people. I'll leave it there, because that's more about my philosophy derived from Christian beliefs (without trying to bastardize them in order to make easier.)

Faith and learning stuff is hard…

EDIT: @Connor
We're all messed up. Some people hide it better than others. And if you want me to take it down a notch, I didn't always feel that way (quite the opposite…I thought you were going to kill the thread,) and I admire a few aspects about you. Not everything (much like opinions towards me). Who knows how I'd feel if I met you outside of the fandom. But from what I see, you're alright.

Also, we need some images here and there. Imma go find some and keep talking meanwhile.

I was going to elaborate on my own position here but then I thought…..

But in reality, I think I am in the minority when I say the technical aspects of the show that drew me in, not the storylines or the personalities.

I'm a big animation buff, even if I have no artistic bones in my body, and the animation on MLP is excellent.

I keep thinking to myself…"They did this with Flash? My arch nemesis? HOOOW" every time I watch the show. They make it look like traditional animation rather than Flash which I find incredibly amazing.

and you do know what they say about opinions don't you?

Yes, Connor has.

I'm not present in them. I'm the silent guardian, the watchful protector, a dark knight.

I am the cataloger and dataminer of ALL of everypony's semipersonal information.
Can be found here.

Nah, me, you and Dr.Ray are too hipster to be on popularity lists.

I love you all, you are the greatest bunch of real stallions I will probably ever get to meet.

I would very much like to meet you IRL, Verbose (and not just because I have candy in my windowless unmarked van).

I do enjoy murdering helpless threads with porn from time to time…

I'll go look for some cute now too. Carry on.

AJ are not amused…lol

Have just a few of the many faces of Pinkie Pie; this is a pony thread after all!

Oh thanks for leaving ME out of that, I see how it is. >:(

No, but seriously. We need some color in this thread along with the discussion.

(Or maybe it's just getting late. When I start to get tired, I just want to see color and hear nice things.)

I was a little concerned about a tumblr about a down on her luck Rainbow Dash who always got injured. But this seems to be more of a lovable klutz than seeing how many different ways the author can hurt RD. I follow it…for now…

I posted earlier about people identifying with ponies, and I think that for some people (or maybe a lot, it’s hard to tell), when they have identified with a character, see their struggles mirrored in the show, and think that if the ponies can do it, then so can I.

That was the case with me to a certain extent. Instead of just being down about not being around my loved ones, I made more efforts to get in touch with them. Because I had several properly scripted and entertaining shows to remind me how important friendship is. I've gotten worse about that again, but I still try more than I once did.

In general the show contains a lot of positive messages about life in general, and people who are feeling down can reach out and find strength in those. And then they see that there’s a whole community of people who have had similar experiences, and who identify with the same things, and they can feel belonging and support and an acceptance that may not be mirrored in real life.

There's an image I'm going to try to find. Check back in this post if you're interested. Here it is. It's from an Anon from 4chan (or does a good job acting as one) who describes his experience. It's really interesting, and some of his changes are my own.

But we can all agree that, as a community, we help each other out and stick together, even if we don’t actually know each other. The sense of support from a strong community is understandably enticing, even to those who maybe don’t feel like watching girly cartoons for kids.

1. That it does. You guys are…my frrrrreeeeeehhhhhhnnnnnnnnnds (that was kinda hard to type. Not because it's isn't true, but because of me not being used to that sort of thing…) And it certainly helps to see you guys on the thread. And to casually comment with other people on Ponibooru.
2. I can't remember exactly who it was (it may have been Nintendork64/Cheedork64) who found the community appealing but not necessarily the show. I'm sure a lot of other people feel that way. A sense of belonging is actually very hard to come by. But it's something that Bronies offer. I do believe that it's become an established norm. Even after the initial warm and fuzzies go away, the community still feels the need to enforce that.

Enforcing tolerance…weird…

I'm sorry Giga, I still love you! Just put your info on my wall, I'll add you.

Well when one person thinks about it the stuff I'm into is worse then R34 believe it or not it is. I'm a crappy brony I know but this show helped me in numerous of ways I just can't stop. I just like ways to desensitize myself. But unfortunately it's nothing till you experience it in reality. It is nothing compared to the real deal. Something you love and care about is coming at you and trying to kill you the most horrible way possible, and that person you know and love is…not them anymore..all that's left is a empty shell that takes pleasure in your own pain… I don't know why but I just force myself to be in the situation to see what it might be like. I got a night terror of it. It was not pretty and I do rarely speak about em. :l
I have to go to bed now. But I don't get hallucinations in reality I just for some reason want to see these experiences first hand. Dreaming it is the closes I can get with out dieing.
This sounds like a good idea for a creepypasta too.

MOAR cyoot 4 yall… (There were no real words in that sentence.)

Hey what's going on in here? Something? Well let me interrupt for a post or two.

I'm here to tell y'all about the Know Your Meme Brony Brotherhood (KYMBB). It's a steam group made by our very own Octavia♪ .
We are a fairly large group but we are always looking for new members. We play a variety of games and occasionally have parties in said games. No matter what the game i guarantee you can find a member who plays it.
Not interested in the games? Well lucky for you we have a steam chat room that always has somepony in it. The chat is always active and always fun, from random topics to serious discussions there is always something happening.
If you're interested come check it out.

Yep, I would post some hipster glasses on the Stantz avatar I'm using, but my photoshop is lacking. As for my post, I wish I could make them longer, I really do, but my ability to do such a thing is next to nill, and the reason I said bye is because I didn't want any post directed at me since well, I wasn't here to discuss.

@Verbose
That nearly broke my tl;dr limit, but….worth it. I can honestly say that I've never once been to /b/, or even 4chan, but I agree with a lot of his points about why people become bronies. It's definitely complicated (and interesting)…

Hello everyone i hope you are doing well. I still miss all of you and hope you miss me as well. Im having some fun right now though especially today. We have had tornado touchdowns and even earthquakes today so thats something right? I hope ill still be around after today to talk to you guys lol. Anyways thats whats goin on with me and i wish you all farewell.

Maybe nice to add. The main game that is played is TF2 and we have our own server (or had, that thing is always a mystery). Since a lot of you like TF2, I thought it would be nice to tell this.

I can also be found here, although I'm not always active in chat lately, I still suggest you to join the chat, i'ts always very active and fun.

@SinisterSnuggles

Good to hear it's going better.

yea cuz natural disasters are always good lol. Luckily my state is no stranger to this stuff except maybe the earthquakes.

Verbose Wrote:

Enforcing tolerance…weird…

For real, all you guys rock.
I've always been a fail at internet communities. Never thought I'd be part of one again. But when I joined the herd, that certainlly made me realize that this was the community for me, and everyothers should be like that.

As I go, a big hug for all of you:

I think granddaddy supermonday is saying we're posting a lot today on this thread.

I signed up, but I've yet to try to navigate it (again, I don't do much stuff online, so I'm a little lost.) Also, Steam started upon my computer's start-up, but I get prompts about being low on virtual memory when it's up. So I either have to run only one program to be active there or not frequent it.

Also, my book:

And I'm gonna read it.

And I really should remember that img src code from the Textile thread to make this smaller.
EDIT: i deed it

And a big hug for you greg