Starlight Serenade

Welcome to the forums Axiom Crash! I hope you enjoy your stay here!

12 hours ago, shadowmoon Dancer said:

No need to worry about that with meit took me years to learn the art of being subtle because I grew with friends and family where we were always brutally honest and playful roasting with each other.

I have friends on the left side of the spectrum and friends on the right of the political spectrum.  I have friends who believe in "x" and friends who do not believe in "x".

So there is not much I haven't heard before opinion wise. 

I only block people if they are so disrespectful it's the only way to get peace or if they attempt to show or discuss things that are of a very shall we say disturbing nature.

Let me put it this way there are sides of the brony fandom that take the love for MLP a little bit much and one of my online friends was one of them.

Eventually,  we worked it out and they apologized when they realized they were ruining my ability to watch the show.

But for a very long I couldn't watch the show because it and when stuff like that happens it's time to block the person.

I'm like, "listen I think it's great you're really into MLP but I DO NOT NEED TO HEAR more about your 'AJ's forbidden fruit love' fanfic story.  I do not care stop or you get blocked."

they didn't so I blocked them. I eventually unblocked them and we discussed it as adults to work it out.  Point I do not take actions like blocking lightly and even then it likely won't be permanent. 

 

 

 

 

I have some friends who are on different sides of the political spectrum and that believe in different religions too, but I believe that we can still get along regardless. Some people don't think it's possible. 

I think it's just that there are people who don't have much respect or are mature enough that different ideas can coexist. 

As for that example you gave, I have definitely met some of those types of people already. I do find it cool that there are a lot of passionate fans and have come to accept that every fandom seems to have those types of people. Some are respectful, but others need to learn to respect your space if you don't like that stuff as you mentioned discussing things out with them. I don't think I have ever blocked anyone here yet.

On 2024-03-01 at 11:02 AM, Princess Celestia said:

See!

I really tried for a YEAR... A pony free year

Did I break free from pony addiction?

No!

Now I'm back into it again, FIM is simply for life.

“These pony characters are more like real people than some real people I know”

This I feel on a universal level my friend. I feel like they are larger than life and they are just so endearing to me.

On 2024-03-01 at 5:55 PM, shadowmoon Dancer said:

I confess that I withhold certain opinions and Information my shadow self has taught me in regards masculine and feminine powers, natures , spiritual workings,etc from my Celestianism club and in general on this site.

In other words, I withhold information if I seen it to be too near the subject of sex or gender related energies, beliefs because I don't feel like dealing with the controversy of it.

Thus I simply leave it out completely even though some of it might be some of it might be the biggest spiritual training and development any soul can learn.

As for this- I feel this as well. Especially since recently someone I met here shared their opinions on politics here in America and wanted my opinion, so I gave it respectfully. Then instead of respecting my opinion, said person went on an abusive rant and blocked me before I could say anything.

That was not the first time that has happened to me on this site. I have met some people that I thought were great here, end up ghosting me for having a different opinion too. It's very disappointing to see. I don't know how people can say that they are "open minded" or expect any progress if the first thing they do is blatantly disrespect you for having a different opinion.

No. I think I am mature enough to know that I do not want any children. In my opinion it's very irresponsible to do so considering how the current state of matters is in the world and that you need to have a great income and partner to support said children. It's a long and difficult commitment and some people think it's a game when it's not. I have dated different people and all I can say is that you need the right partner to help you in parenthood. Not everyone can be a parent much less a good one.

"Hmmm, well I waifu roll to turn him into a body pillow, and cushion my fall".

I'm laughing too hard at this little pun

For those interested:

What does a computer call it's father?

Ecstatic! I finally got my grades for my previous accounting class! I aced the final and got an A! I hope I can ride that momentum into this last accounting class.

This was a nice little Easter episode!  I don't know what I was expecting since I seemingly forgot about Easter and Twitch when I watched this episode. I laughed when it all turned out to be chocolate. As always I enjoyed seeing Posey smile at the start and Sunny's eggcellent puns! I like that Misty was using her book from the previous episode. The best is yet to come soon, but I am enjoying these little tidbits here and there.

I forgot that I was trying to find them XD Well I need to find them eventually!

Hi and Welcome ConBon! I hope you enjoy your stay and the cute ponies!

I loved how this fandom is still actively creating a lot of fun content. My favorite part is "ROUND THE MOUNTAIN" XD

3 minutes ago, Iforgotmybrain said:

Hasbro released an episode of TYT that spoiled the return of Spike and the dragons right before the release of MYM chapter 6. It seemed like they were supposed to be released in conjunction but that didn’t happen lol.

Oof. That's bad. I heard the recent episode released earlier than usual and thought it was that or something. I still have to check that one out.

13 minutes ago, ZiggWheelsManning said:

@StarlightNyars

Thinking about Invincible, is it live action?  

It's an adult animated superhero series. It's not for the faint of heart though as I know some who did not like the violence behind it.

21 minutes ago, Iforgotmybrain said:

Amazon splitting Invincible’s second season into two different 4 episode parts has to be one of the dumbest things I’ve ever seen. Even more stupid than Hasbro accidentally spoiling the final episodes of MYM by releasing a TYT episode too early. Even more stupid than Netflix splitting up the release of JoJo part 6.

Seriously, even as a huge fan of the series, splitting up an 8 episode season like that has killed all the hype I had for the show back in the Fall. We had the privilege of waiting 4 months (they just started releasing the 2nd half episodes today) for a whole 4 episodes followed by at least another year gap for the next 8 episode season.

That’s not even touching on the fact that the animation of season 2 has been a noticeable downgrade from the first season. And I’m not one to usually complain about that stuff or even notice it.

If Invincible gets canceled I’m pointing to Amazon’s mismanagement as the number one 1 reason why. It makes me so frustrated because the comics are so good, and the show’s story is too. But Amazon’s management of the show has just been borderline self-sabotage.

This. I completely forgot about Invincible second season continuation until I saw an ad on mobile earlier today. Idk about the Hasbro stuff, what's that about? Jojo Part 6's momentum was totally killed by Netflix's decision. I rather wait weekly for Jojo episodes and I hope that Part 7 is not done the same way as Part 6 because I really enjoyed Part 7.

These companies think that they will make more money by splitting up the episodes in groups every 3-6 months so that more people will have to subscribe to their platforms for a limited time, but it just works against them long term. Short term gains are not worth it. I would rather have weekly episodes or just binge the entire season at once.

SYMBIOTE STUDIOS PRINCESS LUNA PLUSHIE IS NOW AVAILABLE!!!! I NEED IT NOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Wow haven't seen the word Logorrhea in a while! The forums will be stunned by your magniloquence darling!

Anyway- Welcome GruFru! Everypony is pretty cool here, I hope you enjoy your stay here on the forums!

3 hours ago, ComanderZhabikKlavik said:

I think which profession is better to choose. I don't want to work in a factory. Three years ago, I entered the specialty of metalworking, but I don't like it. I would have been better off studying for another profession. A friend of mine started doing copywriting, and I think I'll probably do it too. Maybe it's better for me to become a programmer. I don't understand what to choose. I want to work at home, not at the factory.

I understand your position. I got my bachelors in Public Admin, but working in government is not as great and secure as some would think.

My last office job was a private company where they actually paid for me to do my masters in business even though I was interested in doing cybersecurity. I tried cybersecurity while I had my office job, got two certifications, but did not like doing that job either as it's very competitive especially with all the layoffs in the tech industry recently.

I recently went back to school for my masters in business and over half way atm. A majority of it was paid off already. It's pretty interesting, I do not know where I will be going but there is a lot of useful information and I am getting ideas of what I like. Anyway I wish you good luck!

TODAY IS PIE DAY AND NO ONE TOLD ME

I recall seeing their release a few weeks ago. There are more in depth details from their financial statements and news releases section on the Hasbro site (dated 02/13/2024):

https://investor.hasbro.com/news-releases/news-release-details/hasbro-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2023-financial

Here is an excerpt from their "Full Year 2023 Segment Details".

Full Year 2023 Segment Details

• Consumer Products Segment
  • Revenue decrease of 19% driven by business exits, category trends and inventory management.
  • Full year growth in TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE; FURBY performed well in launch year.
  • Operating margin of -2.2% and adjusted operating margin of -0.7% were driven by lower revenues and actions focused on inventory reduction to reset the business.

• Wizards of the Coast and Digital Gaming Segment
  • Revenue increase of 10% driven by increase in Licensed Digital Gaming revenue behind Baldur's Gate III from Larian Studios and Monopoly Go! from Scopely.
  • Tabletop revenue increased 1% behind growth in MAGIC: THE GATHERING with a strong performance from the Universes Beyond Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth sets.
  • Operating profit declined 2% and operating profit margin of 36.1% due to higher royalty costs associated with Universes Beyond.

• Entertainment Segment
  • Revenue decline of 31% driven by lower Film and TV revenue due to the writers' and actors' strikes; Family Brands revenue grew 6%.
  • Operating loss of $1,912 million compared to operating profit of $23 million in 2022. 2023 loss includes $1,846 million (non-cash) of goodwill and intangible asset impairment associated with the eOne Film and TV business and within Family Brands to align with a change in entertainment strategy.
  • Adjusted operating loss of $46 million compared to adjusted operating profit of $83 million in 2022 due to the impact of industry strikes on content deliveries

Here is also their 2024 Company Outlook:

2024 Company Outlook¹

For the full year, the Company expects:

• Consumer Products Segment revenue down 7% to 12% with 4 points of the decline coming from businesses shifting to an out-license model; Operating margin 4% to 6%.
• Wizards of the Coast Segment revenue down 3% to 5% decline largely driven by second half comp in licensed digital gaming; Operating margin 38% to 40%.
• Pro-Forma Entertainment segment revenue down $15 million; Adjusted operating margin of approximately 60%.
• Total Hasbro, Inc Adjusted EBITDA of $925M to $1B.
• Increased mid-term gross savings target to $750M by year end 2025 from previous target of $350M to $400M.

2024 Capital Allocation priorities:

• Invest in core business.
• Return cash to shareholders through the dividend.
• Continue to pay down debt and progress towards leverage target.

¹The Company is not able to reconcile its forward-looking non-GAAP adjusted operating profit margin and adjusted EBITDA measures because the Company cannot predict with certainty the timing and amounts of discrete items such as charges associated with its cost-savings program, which could impact GAAP results.

My quick take: So declines in Consumer Products Segment and Entertainment Segments were too big to offset for the inventory write offs and revenue increases from their digital gaming segment. From the outlook they expect it to keep to decrease. On top of this, they are trying to reduce debt owed AND pay cash dividends to shareholders which will be declared soon. They are definitely going to have more cuts coming and throw out some cash grabs probably in MTG. That huge operating loss from their eOne Film and TV business in their entertainment segment and writer's strike really did a mark on them too. It is definitely a disaster for Hasbro.

3 hours ago, North Star said:

I knew they were struggling. The reason given by this analyst is pretty depressing

Also toys getting cheaper and parents' values changing - these millennials want their toys to be less war-like apparently. 

https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/stocks-to-avoid-3-companies-you-have-no-business-buying-today-1033143623

It's future seems to be DnD, cards and AI now. Maybe the next step is MLP: Ponies n' Dragons? 

Mmmm they did announce new MTG MLP cards back in 2023 and those sold out fast. So I can see something like that.

4 hours ago, Casey Pones said:

I know this might sound like a dumb question but since G4 has ended, is it too late to mingle with fellow fans?

I just saw a video talking about MLP FIM, how the fandom was a perfect place to find friends. But since the show is over, does that mean the community will be less active and maybe fade away altogether?

My experience interacting with fellow fans on anything is very limited. I've been a fan of many different things over the years but this is the first time I've ever joined a fan-site or really participated in fandom and I've only done it recently.. So I don't know what to expect.

Did I miss my chance to regularly engage with people over this show? 

This is pretty much how I felt when I joined the forums originally over a year ago. I watched the entirety of G4 and joined the forums immediately when I saw some videos about it too. 

I recall seeing a year ago social media analytics showing that the early years of G4 were the peak period of online community interaction. I found out through a lot of videos that most people actually left the community while G4 was still airing as the seasons progressed. Why? I do not know exactly why, but I can only make speculation that they did not like how the series changed after the first few seasons. The series changed a lot after season 3 and I can see why some people lost their interest. That and as any internet fad goes(I remember hearing about bronies years ago in the mainstream news), popularity usually dies down after a while. However, after seeing the G5 social media analytics last year, there is a lot of potential of more possible interactions more than ever.

I feel that my experience with fellow fans is very limited too as it is a forum. Most of the people that I have met here are from other states or countries it seems. WHERE ARE MY CALIFORNIA PONIES AT?!?!?! I see that there are local brony groups that meetup every few months, but they meetup more far away than I would like. I wish there were more groups around Los Angeles(I'm from California, USA btw). I was seriously considering going to a meetup here, but my circumstances recently changed so I will have to hold back on that. I hope to meet some other fans in person eventually.

You did not miss your chance Casey Pones. In fact, you still have the opportunity to connect with people and hopefully you can find a local group, small convention, or maybe a meet up. I wish you good luck!

This was a nice episode in the midst of all the setup the past few episodes that we got this season. Allura is back at it again and Twitch is... going to switch sides or something? I don't know. I liked that the episodes have been bringing back some of the songs that we have heard previously. This could episode could lead to something for Hitch maybe.

Great episode! Season 2 is doing an awesome job so far! There has been a lot of set up for characters arcs, this is really great. Opaline's castle reminded me of the Castle of Two Sisters, but it sucks that it's gone now. I thought it was very cool to see the duo work together and we got some good lore.

Another Misty episode, I am loving it! Violette Rainbow showing up with a speaking role was pretty awesome. This gives me hope to see more characters show up in the future. I wonder who that mysterious voice will end up being? Everytime I see "Starlight" mentioned I immediately click hoping to see Starlight Glimmer or Comet now

Very peculiar episode. I love Misty and was glad to see that we got a little more lore. I wonder how things are going to turn out soon.  TYT is doing great so far in season 2.

I like Jazz and I found this episode to be really cute. I totally felt that anxiety when she was asking out Rocky, it was adorable. I loved how they hinted that he wanted to ask her out. I loved the entire crew's shenanigans to help Jazz too. Great episode

First day of my new accounting course. Let's get down to business.