"HasCon" Potential Threat to Fan conventions?

[Guest]

Special thanks to Nuke for sending me this!

 

http://www.equestriadaily.com/2016/04/new-hasbro-trademark-filing-hascon.html#disqus_thread

 

So Hasbro more or less has filed a patent for what appears to be an official Hasbro Convention. In the past Hasbro actually has shut down fan conventions when they made something official, and official conventions tend to steal the spotlight from fan conventions. Now I don't think anyone didn't see this coming, but BronyCon and other conventions are more or less a paradise of unlicensed merchandise and products moving that Hasbro isn't making money on. So there's no doubt that Hasbro is trying to get in on that market.

 

This could be a threat to fan conventions down the road if not the threat of take downs, just for the threat of Hasbro is official. Official means it'll be easier for them to get their hands on top notch locations, talent from the show, merchandise and production costs. Fan merchandise while great is often expensive.

 

Not to mention the revenue Hasbro has means they can make the convention huge. They no doubt will rack in more people than BronyCon almost instantly, and this poses the threat of crushing smaller conventions and eventually bigger ones.

 

My thoughts on this?

 

I think fan conventions will co-exist for a bit before anything major happens. I think Hasbro's first one will probably drag in so many people though that it'll change the game.

 

Do I see this as a bad thing? No. I actually don't. See my logic is this: if this OFFICIAL convention becomes the "main" convention and BronyCon and such become the side conventions, I see that as a good thing. The standard should be set by the people who make the show, not the fans. Fans having too much control has kind of lead to favoritism at these conventions. Certain fans have been pushed into popularity while others who have talent are not given the time of day because all the people who control the big conventions all know each other and kind of make the decisions. Equestria Daily works heavily with BronyCon and as a result people that Equestria Daily features often get some big props at conventions.

 

Fans tend to play favorites like that, and maybe this convention will actually give new people a chance to shine because Hasbro will more than likely be unbiased about it. They will try and treat all the fans equally.

 

So I am okay with this completely.

[MAIKUN 262]

Special thanks to Nuke for sending me this!

 

http://www.equestriadaily.com/2016/04/new-hasbro-trademark-filing-hascon.html#disqus_thread

 

So Hasbro more or less has filed a patent for what appears to be an official Hasbro Convention. In the past Hasbro actually has shut down fan conventions when they made something official, and official conventions tend to steal the spotlight from fan conventions. Now I don't think anyone didn't see this coming, but BronyCon and other conventions are more or less a paradise of unlicensed merchandise and products moving that Hasbro isn't making money on. So there's no doubt that Hasbro is trying to get in on that market.

 

This could be a threat to fan conventions down the road if not the threat of take downs, just for the threat of Hasbro is official. Official means it'll be easier for them to get their hands on top notch locations, talent from the show, merchandise and production costs. Fan merchandise while great is often expensive.

 

Not to mention the revenue Hasbro has means they can make the convention huge. They no doubt will rack in more people than BronyCon almost instantly, and this poses the threat of crushing smaller conventions and eventually bigger ones.

 

My thoughts on this?

 

I think fan conventions will co-exist for a bit before anything major happens. I think Hasbro's first one will probably drag in so many people though that it'll change the game.

 

Do I see this as a bad thing? No. I actually don't. See my logic is this: if this OFFICIAL convention becomes the "main" convention and BronyCon and such become the side conventions, I see that as a good thing. The standard should be set by the people who make the show, not the fans. Fans having too much control has kind of lead to favoritism at these conventions. Certain fans have been pushed into popularity while others who have talent are not given the time of day because all the people who control the big conventions all know each other and kind of make the decisions. Equestria Daily works heavily with BronyCon and as a result people that Equestria Daily features often get some big props at conventions.

 

Fans tend to play favorites like that, and maybe this convention will actually give new people a chance to shine because Hasbro will more than likely be unbiased about it. They will try and treat all the fans equally.

 

So I am okay with this completely.

Yeah you're absolutely right. Fan conventions will co-exist!

[Discordian 6,015]

As someone who doesn't and never will go to a convention this doesn't really affect me but as a consumer I'd rather have the higher quality that typically comes from official sources.

[Megas 27,740]

Last I checked there have been plenty of Transformers fan conventions that have existed alongside BotCon, which is an official Hasbro convention. 

 

I think MLP fan conventions will be fine for the time being. On top of that this sounds like an official convention for all Hasbro brands, rather than just single franchises, in fact recently they announced that 2016's BotCon will be the last one "in it's current format", which is what I think this move is for

Edited April 18, 2016 by Megas

[Jest (Inactive) 875]

I think quite simply, if they are within their rights to host their own Con's as well as well as take down other con's which could be seen as using trademarked / copyrighted goods then that's all that needs to be said.

[Nuke87654 1,849]

While I like the idea of it cutting down control on some brown nosing politics some in the fandom likes to play as Hasbro is not going to care too much who they are. But here are my issues for it that I fear for.

 

1. Will Hasbro start sending C&D notices to brony conventions? One thing humans fear is the unknown and as a result, we tend to be pessimistic about something we don't know. Considering Hasbro now has an official convention, this would mean that hasbro is now in the same market of many of it's product's fandoms conventions. As a result, Hasbro's copyright could be threatened which can enact it to send C&D notices to them to cull or eliminate it's competitors. It may not even try though as Key sharkz mentions that none of the fan conventions have the capitol or influence Hasbro has so they can easily drown them out in that manner.

 

2. If fan conventions do survive the c&d potential threat, how they're going to compete against Hasbro? As I mentioned, Hasbro can pull of the same things these conventions do only in a much easier and far larger capacity. This would mean the other cons would have to promote something to else to garner attention.

 

3. How will the hasbro con treat fan art? Technically these are unlicensed products that they're not making money on. Will they allow them through regulations to allow them to be sold with the promise of a share of the profit?

 

4. What about the rule 34 communities? Another effect of this that the hasbro con will most certainly not include any rule 34 material or adult behavior at their con so that leaves the question that if the other cons go and perhaps Hasbro may ban any artists that post rule 34 art, where this already ostricized group will go to now?

 

These are the only things I can think of at the moment. The hasbro con can be a good idea in the long run. It's just I wish to spout my fears for this idea off first so we can view the possible consequences for this.

[Mesme Rize 15,685]

I think it's good, as long as these other conventions can co exist and it's also good that these fan conventions can't see themselves as THE conventions, when you have an official one.

 

Because to be quite frank, sometimes some Bronies tend put themselves over the show and it's creators. We might have made it big, but we are not working day in and day out to produce the toys, the comics and the show.

[Guest]

Last I checked there have been plenty of Transformers fan conventions that have existed alongside BotCon, which is an official Hasbro convention. 

 

I think MLP fan conventions will be fine for the time being. On top of that this sounds like an official convention for all Hasbro brands, rather than just single franchises, in fact recently they announced that 2016's BotCon will be the last one "in it's current format", which is what I think this move is for

 

Probably, however different communites garner different results. It really depends on how the con goes. If it's a huge success, it will likely dwindle more expensive fan conventions. Also BotCon shut down conventions in the past to become BotCon if I recall correctly.

 

 

I think quite simply, if they are within their rights to host their own Con's as well as well as take down other con's which could be seen as using trademarked / copyrighted goods then that's all that needs to be said.

 

Agreed, and honestly It might be a good thing for Hasbro to moderate these things a little.

[AlbaTross 1,586]

I somehow doubt Hasbro would go as far as to shut down fan conventions. Fans organize at conventions that may not be official Hasbro cons, but whether they're officially sanctioned by Hasbro or not, cons increase hype for MLP and its products, and even the sale of fan products generally increases interest in all MLP products, as fans will generally also buy official Hasbro merch at cons too, and maybe even contemplate buying more outside of the con setting. It's literally like letting a third party promote their products, while said third party pays all the costs associated with hosting the con in question. That's also probably why various people from DHX, IDW and even Hasbro themselves agree to host panels at all the different cons.

 

I see nothing wrong with Hasbro trying to get in on the con gig, but it sounds to me like a general con for all their products is a different sort of thing. They're probably hoping to entice a few Bronies into also checking out some of their other products, along with fans of other Hasbro IPs. Also, I highly doubt they will be hosting these cons absolutely everywhere. The advantage to fan cons is that they can be hosted anywhere around the world where there's enough interest. Hasbro probably isn't interested in hosting several in the US and Canada alone on an annual basis, let alone also hosting various cons in Europe and other such places too. I'm sure they recognize that fan cons aren't actually a threat to their bottom line, but actually beneficial to it, and if some fans have the means they will probably attend Hasbro's official con too. Plus, they also probably don't want to get on the bad side of fans, lest they lose our business.

[cmarston1 5,959]

To be perfectly honest, I don't have any problem with this.

Outside of being someone who doesn't really go to conventions, I generally don't see a lot of bad things happening because of this in the future.

For all we know this could actually benefit the fandom and as long as the other fan conventions are still able to function, I don't see why this would be really bad.

[Guest]

I somehow doubt Hasbro would go as far as to shut down fan conventions. Fans organize at conventions that may not be official Hasbro cons, but whether they're officially sanctioned by Hasbro or not, cons increase hype for MLP and its products, and even the sale of fan products generally increases interest in all MLP products, as fans will generally also buy official Hasbro merch at cons too, and maybe even contemplate buying more outside of the con setting. It's literally like letting a third party promote their products, while said third party pays all the costs associated with hosting the con in question. That's also probably why various people from DHX, IDW and even Hasbro themselves agree to host panels at all the different cons.

 

I see nothing wrong with Hasbro trying to get in on the con gig, but it sounds to me like a general con for all their products is a different sort of thing. They're probably hoping to entice a few Bronies into also checking out some of their other products, along with fans of other Hasbro IPs. Also, I highly doubt they will be hosting these cons absolutely everywhere. The advantage to fan cons is that they can be hosted anywhere around the world where there's enough interest. Hasbro probably isn't interested in hosting several in the US and Canada alone on an annual basis, let alone also hosting various cons in Europe and other such places too. I'm sure they recognize that fan cons aren't actually a threat to their bottom line, but actually beneficial to it, and if some fans have the means they will probably attend Hasbro's official con too. Plus, they also probably don't want to get on the bad side of fans, lest they lose our business.

True, but this creates a new problem:

 

If Hasbro has an official con, this could create conflict with show talent going to visit fan conventions because Hasbro may bar them from doing so. Which would be understandable because it's generally bad form to promote the competition. Fan conventions may "advertise" and spread fan love, but let's cut to brass tax here: they offer little in the way of money to Hasbro. Hasbro doesn't really "need" advertising, everyone knows who they are. There is little money in publicity for them.

 

Fan conventions promote fan work that Hasbro is making nothing off of. Promoting said fan conventions isn't really beneficial to them besides PR. And they don't really need to "promote" them to gain said good PR, they just need to not touch them, but they can DEFINITELY bar their officials from going to said conventions because Hasbro silently doesn't really want people to go to fan cons because it is money they are not making. It's encouraging people to buy fan merchandise over their own merchandise. In reality, they probably more than likely want to shut down fan conventions because it's missed money, but they know doing so will cause PR backlash so they will probably approach the issue more subtly which is what they are doing by making this convention....

 

 

Probably.

 

I mean this could all just be coincidence and such. I could be 100% wrong, but I am just saying we shouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be Hasbro kind of silently trying to kill off fan conventions.

[Gestum 2,493]

My prayers have been answered, though it's a bit late. 

 

Personally I don't think that the fan conventions can survive with this kind of competition. Maybe those outside USA might have a chance because I doubt that Hasbro will have conventions across the globe.

[BlinkZ 1,151]

I"m not sure they could BAN voice actors and artist from the show form going to conventions. I man voice actors are under contracts but I dont hink i'ev ever seen a situation where said actors were told to reject all invites that are non offical. Hell people like Delncy go to cons cause of the fans no cause he payed. well h doesn't go for free but you know what i mean.

[Guest]

 

 

I"m not sure they could BAN voice actors and artist from the show form going to conventions.

 

Actually in the past they advised their VAs against going to certain cons. And they absolutely have that power.

[Shanks 10,816]

Hasbro has a history of being a bit more reasonable than most other companies on copyright/patent/trademark stuff so I don't think they will C@D fan conventions like Bronycon and with how huge Bronycon is I highly doubt it will choke it out, it might have it this were done much much sooner but probably not now. I am completely fine with this so long as they don't do dick moves like C@Ding fan conventions, though like I said before I doubt they will do that.

[AlbaTross 1,586]

True, but this creates a new problem:

 

If Hasbro has an official con, this could create conflict with show talent going to visit fan conventions because Hasbro may bar them from doing so. Which would be understandable because it's generally bad form to promote the competition. Fan conventions may "advertise" and spread fan love, but let's cut to brass tax here: they offer little in the way of money to Hasbro. Hasbro doesn't really "need" advertising, everyone knows who they are. There is little money in publicity for them.

 

Fan conventions promote fan work that Hasbro is making nothing off of. Promoting said fan conventions isn't really beneficial to them besides PR. And they don't really need to "promote" them to gain said good PR, they just need to not touch them, but they can DEFINITELY bar their officials from going to said conventions because Hasbro silently doesn't really want people to go to fan cons because it is money they are not making. It's encouraging people to buy fan merchandise over their own merchandise. In reality, they probably more than likely want to shut down fan conventions because it's missed money, but they know doing so will cause PR backlash so they will probably approach the issue more subtly which is what they are doing by making this convention....

 

 

Probably.

 

I mean this could all just be coincidence and such. I could be 100% wrong, but I am just saying we shouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be Hasbro kind of silently trying to kill off fan conventions.

Oh, there will be PR backlash all right. Whether they silently kill off conventions or do it in an obvious manner, they will not exactly win any favours with fans, especially those like myself who like going to them. I actually have con friends that I only see once a year at BronyCAN. Also, while I know of a store that sells Olyfactory plushies(literally the only show accurate plushies I know of), they're quite a bit cheaper at BronyCAN and there's a bigger selection. I hope Hasbro isn't the super unreasonable type who would pull the plug on cons like that. People bond over cons and they're a lot of fun.

 

By the way, I'm one of those people who usually walks away with at least a handful of official Hasbro merch, which is also sold at vendor halls. They also sell comics with con exclusive covers, among other con specific merch that I'm sure Hasbro does make money on. An official, mixed con for all Hasbro stuff could work, but I don't know if it would be even close to an adequate replacement for a dedicated MLP con. Plus, on principle it wouldn't make me happy, and I'm sure a lot of other fans would feel the same. I don't think Hasbro could kill off cons in a silent enough manner to avoid getting a story about it on Equestria Daily. That said, I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume they won't touch our cons for the time being until I see evidence to the contrary.

[MAIKUN 262]

Well to be fair it might be one hell of a bad idea after all.

[DANUTERCISD 204]

i got a question, where is the next bronycon going to be?

*edit*: Never mind

I don't think it will that big of a deal, we could just go to hascon instead

Edited April 18, 2016 by DANUTERCISD

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

I think Hasbro's trying to get all ages involved in this. I kinda think the way they'll run it...it won't be as fun as the fan-run cons. Besides, there's parties and Bronypalooza to look forward to when going to bronycon...