paradoxical

By the definition from Tropes there are some things that worry me about season 4. It did the hackneyed "The fictional character is actually real" plot-line -- and added nothing to the character itself. (except maybe that she's one of those also hackneyed "I work alone" characters) It had the only 3 times I watched the show and in the middle of an episode I said "This is an advertisement." [breezies Rainbow Power and new home for Twily] It feels like Fluttershy's "scared" arc has gone as far as it can go without breaking. And I feel that the Breezy episode kinda felt like she was regressing. She's good with animals. EVERYBODY in the show was like, "Well, you know best Fluttershy it's animals!" and Flutters was like. "OH my Celestia, they're going to be angry at me and I can't make these little critters angry at me even though it will inevitably mean their deaths." And, though I liked "Filli Vanilli," I thought that it wouldn't be possible to get her character any more fully developed in that thread without getting rid of the fearfulness side. I even liked that she was in the middle of the crowd asking Wierd Al Sandwich about being an official Party Pony. If this isn't a transition towards shark-jumping activities, it's only because the writers are superb. (no doubts on the superb part) Twilight being OP in the finale (excluding friendship) felt like a theme change which could be for the worst. So, am I saying that MLP has jumped? No. That it will jump, probably. That we've seen signs of this jump such that bronies can point back to season four and say, "That is where the jump began!" I guess we'll have to see Season 5, which will be the true answer to this question.

I'm textbook definition (perhaps not cultural, but textbook) of fundamentalist religious. (That is I believe the religious texts as written) [Not that I don't think science is real, nor believe in hokey intelligent design, just have complex beliefs in science vs. religion]

I was going through the FiD comic again and bumped into this beauty where Rarity has to save the day! On a totally unrelated topic, what is it with Rarity and crustaceans? (Don't want to say crabs because it sounds so WRONG) That's easy https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=uuwfgXD8qV8 But a bit better looking.

OOPs opened wrong window when posting Sorry.

ties for 6 & 8 tie for 6 is Big Brother of a Way And for 8 was LiiB and Rariosity You just have to read my post correctly That shouldn't be a problem, right?

An interesting option. But if your parents want to know what you're doing -- out of parental concern -- don't twist the truth. That can be hurtful and or disconcerting. If you want to go with the less information is better idea, then tell them you're visiting. Why? Because of a con. And when they ask which con? Don't tell them some con that doesn't exist or what-not lest they check and freak out. Nothing sounds worse than I'm going over somewhere for some reason so nefarious that I can't tell you!

Well, I think you should start slow. Don't be like ILOVEPONIESANDCELESTIAISLIKEMYGODANDMYWAIFUIS ... Unless your parents are just waiting for you to say that so they don't have to bring it up, you'll freak them out. [Not that i thought you would, but I wanted to give the worst case first) How about something small. Hey, you know that show I watch sometimes (like every Saturday religiously sometimes or however often you truly do), I really like that show. Isn't life funny. Then your parents can be like if that's going to be their reaction. Possibly a "But I want grand-kids!" moment or whatnot. Then you give them -- hey it's just a cool show I watch . They look at you for a moment, then he's my kid, whatever. A few weeks later you say something like hey, wanna watch this one with me -- it's pretty cool. They'll then see that it IS cool-ish. [pick something that your parents might identify with] And they'll feel better. A few weeks later you can "happen to notice" that there's a convention and maybe you could go for a day or two or whatnot. Play it . And if they are like NOOOOOOOOOOO, then scale back for them to realize that you're not going to go out and start wearing frilly dresses 24/7. Remember your parents are people and you'll seem like Zecora did to Ponyville before the Mane 6 came around. That's my 2 bits. (you now owe me a shave and haircut)

No, but 1 your parents may be giving you space and 2 There is plenty of time isn't there?

That looks familiar Oh yeah. I see the absolute plagiarism now!

Well, Ms. Strong makes a lot of compromises in her life in order to give us the best TS that she can. [she stated in the military brony interview that for one of the conventions her daughter {or son} cried herself to sleep because her mom wasn't there.]

I think some people think that she was out of character in "always" wanting a sleepover since it's clear that b4 mane 6 she hadn't cared about making friends so much. [my explanation is that she feels like she's always known the mane 6 and from the moment after Celestia gave her the job of friend research she started by making a list of things she wanted to do with them. Competing for number 1 was sleepover) Also I think that Twily looked kinda bad in that the tree branch was there and she was like Hunh? I thought that it was something that seemed likely for her to have done. And it was a cute way for the Rarity Applejack [platonic] chemistry to progress. I got this idea that it wasn't well recieved from some reviewers. If you look at the season 1 reviews etc., here, only 6 people voted for it at all. Half said "Meh" (after I voted that I liked it).

I wanted to congratulate y'all on 1000 posts yay And I just realized I'm a total doof for not congratulating you earlier on passing Rarity and on such a close second to Twily. So congratulations -- really late.

You look great, incredible, and blow my mind .. but no offense Nick, you kinda look like a chick.

I don't know about that. I appreciated most of the characters (Discord being most notable exception) more after the contest. (Not for Rarity it wasn't a direct result, just the re-appreciating of the ponies in general) #1 practice. My butt avatar isn't something I could do overnight. #2 step one in realizing that you have a talent is be less negative about yourself. Step 2 is CMC it, within reasonable parameters. I hope you find something to cheer yourself up soon!

Best pony of the forums this year at least. Let's not get into the Mine is best and your opinion thing. . . But, Twily has definitely earned her position as best pony through all the seasons. I can't think of a moment that I didn't like her (and that includes the sleepover episode. I just understand it differently than those who didn't like it)

I think that Equestria is the most powerful nation, not because of might, but because they have just enough force to show that their dedication to harmony doesn't make them powder puffs. In other words they have such a high degree of "soft power" that their lackluster military isn't the main thing keeping them from invasion (and having all their rich soil, plentiful gems, and easygoing weather taken from them).

I don't feel like I have enough information, not having participated in the earlier rounds, to vote for half of the issues. I do have the two characters that I feel over and under-achieved, otherwise I don't feel qualified for the voting. (even if I went back and read them, it's not the same as watching it unfold)

New Twilight's first day comic out. (If y'all care) It's about Twilight's first day at camp and it's (IMNSHO) Dawwwwsome. http://muffinshire.deviantart.com/ It's a webcomic to the best first day of magic kindergarten and I thought you might want to know (about it) that the new page is up.

Evidently underachiever is Rainbow Dash. If she hadn't gone against Princess Twily, she surely would have done better. The voting seems to say "O.k. Luna, you're the new Rainbow Dash." It doesn't say that. Not a bit. It says Rainbow hit Twilight, a character which had a full season to develop and then developed apace with all the other ponies, and couldn't withstand that level of development. It's almost a shame as I might have voted season 4 Dash over Season 1 Twilight, because she's grown so much, and growth is hard. Growth in the real world takes hard, hard work. And to make growth seem real in a fictional setting is nearly a feat of magic. I've seen many series avoid it and others switch characters randomly. But Rainbow Dash's growth is realistic and frankly inspiring. So a 7th place is not what she deserves. But that's how the coin toss fell.

Congrats on your win! Totally deserved. I put a poem up in the post-contest in honor of her victory.

Semi impromptu song for Twily; To the tune of the smile song: My name is Twilight sparkle And I am here to say I'm gonna give you friendship to brighten up your day. It doesn't matter if your friends think your uncool 'cause helping out your friends is just what I am here to do Cause I want you to make some friends (friends friends) Yes I do to filly your heart with harmony and smile which it does Cause all you really need are friends (friends friends) to be happy all the time. I like to see them win I love being a team Learning from harmony is Twilight Sparkle's dream But if you're feeling grumpy Your place is out of town I'll take your idea of friendship and turn it upside down chorus. It's true some people feel lots of hatred And want you to feel bad But Twilight will be there to show you that they are just mad There's one thing that makes me happy and makes my whole life worthwhile And that's when I bring harmony without any guile I really am so friendly And hope is found in me I make a friend I get a friend and that's special to me 'Cause I love to see harmony—e.e.e. Tell me what more can I say to make you see That I do It always makes me happy, harmony e.e.e. Yes it always makes my day Come on everypony make harmony Fill your hearts up with good times good times All I really need is good ponies and these happy friends of mine x2 Yes the perfect gift for me is harmony seen for miles To make me happy as can be. It's Harmony!

Overachiever = Fluttershy. Though she didn't match up with Discord, by the end I appreciated her more to make her #4 character in MLP, not just #4 fave pony. And coming back from the dead to win 2nd in a nail biter event was kinda epic. Don't have any votes for the others as I came in about 2/3 the way through.