Macklin

It is like every other convention and trade show. There are people there who are not good people, that just comes from the odds because so many people go, you are mathematically going to hit some un-good people. That being said it is no less safe than it was last year or any other comic con, gun show, etc. There are rules that people just have to remember when going to events like this. 1. If you have minors with you, they have to stay with you. You don't have to hold hands but they shouldn't wander off without saying anything to you. Also a big one, don't assume they heard you over the din of the crowd, if you want to go to the plush booth tell them, and have them acknowledge it. So often people wander off assuming those they are with will know to follow along or that the person left at all. 2. Keep some money aside in a special pocket or place separate from your spending money in case you need a cab or something else comes up and don't just assume everything will be fine and buy that t-shirt. 3. If everyone owns cell phones, make sure they are on, and most likely on vibrate as there is a better chance you will feel it vibrating over hearing it in the dealer's room. 4. And this is a big one people seem to not pay attention to, keep electronics and money in a secure spot...I have seen so many people at the conventions I have worked crying to security because the money they kept pulling out and stuffing back into their bulky coat pocket has gone missing, or the 3ds they had sticking out of their back pocket suffered a grab and run or they just held their wallet in their hand, then they put it down on the table so they could sift through some buttons and then it was gone!

I'd try that but my singing voice is...not happiness. Let's put it that way.

I hope this is the right place to place this, if it is not I apologize to the mods/admins in advance. So last night I arrived to an appointment about half an hour early, found myself a nice bench to sit on and looking around I noticed how miserable everyone was. I was on the city's busiest street, just a block up from one of the busiest intersections and everyone going by looked angry, sad, or some other form of miserable. I started to feel uncomfortable just being around so much negativity so I whipped out my phone and started playing "Love Is In Bloom" (the 15 minute looped version). I played it loud enough so that those walking by my bench would be able to hear it clearly without it being so loud that it would be intrusive in people's conversations, heard across the street or what have you. So with this playing on my little LG I just people watched. Every single person that went by looked at me, and gave me some form of smile even if it was just a corners of the mouth smile. A smile that a lot of them kept after ( more than one person looked back at me and were still smiling) they had passed by. I was there for about half an hour and came across people of every gender, multiple races and a whole spectrum of ages. Though no one seemed to recognize the song, and if they did they didn't say anything. Normally you should have at least a couple of people who scowl at you for making noise, or they just don't want to have some bubble gum pop in their ear but nope. So later on I tried again at a mall, on the subway...same results. Got most of the people on the subway car smiling. So why am I posting about this? What's the point? Well first off the fact that something pony related can bring smiles to so many is pretty fantastic. It wasn't even "Smile, Smile, Smile" which I actual expect to generate negative results from a random cutting of the population; something I plan to test in the next couple of weeks. Secondly, I want to suggest you try something similar, and not at your normal haunts (not work, or school or whatever) in places where people don't know you. Don't have it blasting, don't wave it in people's faces but see what happens. It can be any pony song that you love though "Smile, Smile, Smile" has a big chance to back fire because people hate being told to smile randomly. But do it and see what happens. Why? Because getting someone to smile can change their whole day, and you may be making the world a better place for someone (or not as dark at least) though a small and simple act. Also, a lot of people use sociology and psychology to make you feel bad, tired, to buy stuff, to fear stuff, hate stuff, like stuff...using it for something positive is so rare we should try. Who knows maybe you will make a new friend or acquaintance? Plus making others smile tends to make us feel good so not only would it be good of you, it will be good for you!

Coming into the fandom late I have been lucky. I watched Season 1, then nothing for a couple of months, then did 2, waited a month etc etc. I haven't even caught up yet because I just finally finished season 3 and have decided I will wait till the summer to watch Season 4. For those that are suffering burnout remember you can take a break for a couple of weeks or months and then catch up. Not being up to date isn't the end of the world.

I'm actually currently in a legal fight with Hasbro right now over me reviewing things. In the country I live in (Canada) the law is very specific and Hasbro's answer has been, "We don't care, the law may give you the right but you won't take us to court." I have since told them that yes, yes I will actually. If he was doing reviews and was in any North American or European country (at least) than he has the right to use those images and sounds for his review. The law is very specific. Hasbro isn't bad for trying to protect their material, they are bad for saying "Yes you are right the law is on your side but we are big and you are small so we will bully you out." Which is what they are trying to do and have a history of doing, they go to court alot and lose research it.

Ah what the hay! I'll answer Braeburn via #3.

33... *hides behind his old pony walking cane*

Earth Pony, there is a certain built in resiliency and strength that I would love. My OC is a pegasus but that is because it suited his character. For me there is a certain pride that comes with the idea of being an earth pony, a real hooves on the ground sort.

I'm sorry to ask but the all white pegasus stallion that was paired with the pink pegasus filly. I have seen him around a lot but have no idea his name? Have they ever said his name? His cutie mark seems to be a telescope.

The picture of Stellar Eclipse being impaled and left to die is just "wonderous" Oh this fandom.

I...I can't bring myself to say I am a brony in my circles because well bronies in my town are terrifying, they spit on little kids for liking the wrong pony. They skip bathing due to MLP marathons then go about their school/work day. I do not want to be associated with that at all. But for those people that don't get it. You can watch Stra Trek and not be a Trekkie, there is a certain level of activity and devotion required to be a part of the fandom, it doesn't just come from watching a show or reading a book. You aren't automatically a Whovian, Brony or Twihard just by watching the shows/movies. There is a certain amount more required, such as OCs, fanfics, fanart etc...if you immerse yourself in something then yuo are a part of the fandom if you just enjoy watching something you are simply a fan.

I knew a pair of bronies that in preparation for the new episodes did a huge marathon, skipped showering for like two days then went to a public event just reeking. When asked if they showered they said no, they were watching MLP and didn't want to miss anything so, no shower for two days... Wasting time to shower would have been that, "a waste of time that could be used watching MLP". The other bronies nodded in agreement, as apparently choosing MLP over bathing, or eating was a common accepted practice in that group.