What do you love about MLP and its fandom?

[Thunderchild 875]

I wondered about this for a while - for me it's about a bunch of stuff:

 

Of course, the ponies are cute-but so are lots of things in the world.

 

I think it's about magic. When you're a kid you're surrounded by magic all the time-Santa, the tooth fairy, even rooting for your

 

favorite 'Good guy' wrestler to beat up the 'bad guy'.

 

Then, as you get older, all these things disappear. Remember Christmas eve night when you were little? It was unreal. 

 

I think there's something in us that reaches out for that however old we are. This show, in some way takes us back to when things

 

 that were magic were commonplace and accepted. Of course, the ponies being cute doesn't hurt either.

[Bigmethod 239]

Hello everyone, my name is Todd, and no i have not seen this show. I have recently gotten curious to why grown males/females are interested in a show filled with talking ponies that was originally meant for 6 year olds?

 

I'm not trying to be rude, however, this seems extremely odd, so i dedicated the past hour or so to find out why, so i found this forum for all you pony people out there, and i created an account to ask why?!?!

 

Please do not give me the simple, "animation is good", please actually give me an actual reason to why people like this show. 

 

I don't actively hate on people who do, because that is immature, but this all seems a little silly to me.

 

Thank you, and have a good day, Fire.

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,467]

Umm, because it is a good show?

 

 

Actually, no, hold on, I will ask YOU a question. What exactly is so wrong about grown men liking something for children? What specifically is so terrible about that? Forget the fact that the show IS fantastic for many reasons, but just concentrate on that. What does age have to do with it? Hell, I will still watch Blues Clues because I think it is cute. Where are my haters? I want haters! Hate me!

 

Sorry, that bugs me. I honestly do not get the point to this thread though. You do not actively hate us, yet you wonder so much about why we like it. Is it such a huge concern?

[eightbithoof 518]

Well, I can't speak for anypony but myself, but I'll do my best to give you an honest answer.

 

---

 

It's not only that the show is well made (because it is), MLP:FiM is uplifting. It is always energetic and positive. Bad things happen but they can be overcome by working together. Everypony is special. Everypony can make a difference. Everypony has a destiny. The most important things in life are the positive relationships to those around you - to your friends. These are, in part, the messages the show conveys every episode.

 

Added to which, the characters are engaging, funny and they are characters with which it is easy to relate. It's easy to become lost in the story world - easy to become Lost in Equestria. To cry with Pinkie Pie when she thinks her friends have abandoned her. To laugh with Fluttershy when she overcomes her fear and joins the other Pegasus in making a tornado. To share Twilight's pride at her brother's wedding.

 

It's such a well done story and it conveys the best of ideals. It paints a better world.

[Gay Bird 421]

The show has something about it that makes it feel real. The writing gives the characters dynamic personalities and fitting situations and conflicts. The animation and character design are well done and look pleasing to the eye. The acting is well cast and the music is musical, and through the entire thing, you could tell the creators put lots of effort in to the show. It gets a little better every season. I stick around for the fan base. The bronies create beautiful works of art, animation, music, and more. We're all friendly people. Ignore the target audience and just watch the show for what it is, and you'll find something you like about it.

[Bigmethod 239]

Umm, because it is a good show?

 

 

Actually, no, hold on, I will ask YOU a question. What exactly is so wrong about grown men liking something for children? What specifically is so terrible about that? Forget the fact that the show IS fantastic for many reasons, but just concentrate on that. What does age have to do with it? Hell, I will still watch Blues Clues because I think it is cute. Where are my haters? I want haters! Hate me!

 

Sorry, that bugs me. I honestly do not get the point to this thread though. You do not actively hate us, yet you wonder so much about why we like it. Is it such a huge concern?

KK, well pardon me, but i don't think i was hostile, i am i just curious, now whats wrong with THAT? I just wanted to know why grown men find this show entertaining, because, although i have not seen it, i have become curious. I want to thank Eightbithoof for giving me a more appropriate answer.

 

I'm not familiar with these characters, the stories, or the world they are in, i was just wondering what is so appealing about this, because it just seems like any other cartoon out there. 

[Kyoshi Frost Wolf 41,467]

KK, well pardon me, but i don't think i was hostile, i am i just curious, now whats wrong with THAT? I just wanted to know why grown men find this show entertaining, because, although i have not seen it, i have become curious. I want to thank Eightbithoof for giving me a more appropriate answer.

 

I'm not familiar with these characters, the stories, or the world they are in, i was just wondering what is so appealing about this, because it just seems like any other cartoon out there.

 

Why not just watch the show for yourself then? What exactly is the point of asking? Scientific research of some kind? I just do not see the point. Also, why did you use so many exclamation points in the original post? When I see those, I see anger. Your post may not be hostile, I think, but I question the purpose of it.

[Pinkazoid 3,493]

Um, just so you know, eh, there's this one rule, about not watching the show/not being a brony on this forum, eh, not trying to kick you out or anything, just letting ya'h know x:

 

As for the thread

 

Well, I feel i can somewhat relate to the characters. The show itself reminds me of older shows I've watched, I don't watch anything on TV anymore besides maybe 2 or 3 things that are not MLP, everything on Disney/Cartoon Network/Nick seems like they're trying too hard to appeal to older audiences, as in teenagers and above, and have lost the same charm it had in cartoons when they were actually aiming for younger people.

 

As for the "Grown Male" audience thing, I think it's safe to say that a little more than 65% of people here are male, but most of them are teenagers.

[CloudFyre 848]

Hello everyone, my name is Todd, and no i have not seen this show. I have recently gotten curious to why grown males/females are interested in a show filled with talking ponies that was originally meant for 6 year olds?

 

I'm not trying to be rude, however, this seems extremely odd, so i dedicated the past hour or so to find out why, so i found this forum for all you pony people out there, and i created an account to ask why?!?!

 

Please do not give me the simple, "animation is good", please actually give me an actual reason to why people like this show. 

 

I don't actively hate on people who do, because that is immature, but this all seems a little silly to me.

 

Thank you, and have a good day, Fire.

This is a valid question that has been brought up many a time before - you certainly aren't the first to ask it.

 

At a first glance, it is indeed a show aimed at 6 or 7 year old girls. That's a given. Look underneath the surface however, and you'll find glaring references to Star Wars, Star Trek, I Love Lucy, The Big Lebowski, as well as a funny reference to "spiked" drinks on one occasion. (All of which are things that six year old girls wouldn't understand, nor even recognize in the slightest.) Are those references intended for the six year olds? I highly doubt it.

 

The storytelling is also very well thought out. It's humorous, engaging, and most of all, the characters are very relatable. (There are massive articles on the psychology of why people relate to the show characters so well, but that's for another time.) In short, 99.9% of people will probably have a very similar "vibe" or relationship with at least one of the six mane (main) characters, and most people here on the internet will stand valiantly behind their opinion on "Who is best pony?" [sic]

 

As for the show creators, they're actually very engaging and willing to talk with fans, whether it be at conventions or by email. Starting with season two, the fans actually got small little "head nods" from the animators that proved they were watching the fandom closely. Names, character cameos, etc., all ideas that the fandom created, even though it wasn't "canon" material at the time. To my knowledge, it's one of the only shows where the fans have actually directly influenced the development of character(s) and their screen time.

 

 

I personally enjoy the fact that it's a fun show, but without the gore, politics, profanities, etc. of the usual media. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy a good shooter/action film, but I also have a high amount of respect for Studio B/DHX for making a show that anyone of any age can watch without having to worry about content.

 

That's a highly condensed version, but I hope it helps!

 

Edited April 19, 2013 by CloudFyre

[Bigmethod 239]

This is a valid question that has been brought up many a time before - you certainly aren't the first to ask it.

 

At a first glance, it is indeed a show aimed at 6 or 7 year old girls. That's a given. Look underneath the surface however, and you'll find glaring references to Star Wars, Star Trek, I Love Lucy, The Big Lebowski, as well as a funny reference to "spiked" drinks on one occasion. (All of which are things that six year old girls wouldn't understand, nor even recognize in the slightest.) Are those references intended for the six year olds? I highly doubt it.

 

The storytelling is also very well thought out. It's humorous, engaging, and most of all, the characters are very relatable. (There are massive articles on the psychology of why people relate to the show characters so well, but that's for another time.) In short, 99.9% of people will probably have a very similar "vibe" or relationship with at least one of the six mane (main) characters, and most people here on the internet will stand valiantly behind their opinion on "Who is best pony?" [sic]

 

As for the show creators, they're actually very engaging and willing to talk with fans, whether it be at conventions or by email. Starting with season two, the fans actually got small little "head nods" from the animators that proved they were watching the fandom closely. Names, character cameos, etc., all ideas that the fandom created, even though it wasn't "canon" material at the time. To my knowledge, it's one of the only shows where the fans have actually directly influenced the development of character(s) and their screen time.

 

 

I personally enjoy the fact that it's a fun show, but without the gore, politics, profanities, etc. of the usual media. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy a good shooter/action film, but I also have a high amount of respect for Studio B/DHX for making a show that anyone of any age can watch without having to worry about content.

 

That's a highly condensed version, but I hope it helps!

 

Indeed it does, i really appreciate the answer. I guess my curiosity will get the best of me after all. 

[Bigmethod 239]

Hello everyone, my name is Todd, and no i have not seen this show. I have recently gotten curious to why grown males/females are interested in a show filled with talking ponies that was originally meant for 6 year olds?

 

I'm not trying to be rude, however, this seems extremely odd, so i dedicated the past hour or so to find out why, so i found this forum for all you pony people out there, and i created an account to ask why?!?!

 

Please do not give me the simple, "animation is good", please actually give me an actual reason to why people like this show. 

 

I don't actively hate on people who do, because that is immature, but this all seems a little silly to me.

 

Thank you, and have a good day, Fire.

I was exactly like you, until i actually watched the show, i then started really enjoying. It really is a fun ride with some hidden references that you can't help but laugh or smile at, its a happy/easy to watch show that keeps you entertained throughout the ride. I really suggest you at least check it out before you come to any conclusions. 

[Diamond Treasure 118]

I strted watchin the show due depression. The saved me during one of the lowest times of my life

[CloudFyre 848]

Indeed it does, i really appreciate the answer. I guess my curiosity will get the best of me after all. 

Hahaha, I'm glad I could help.

 

The first two episodes are similar, but not quite like the others; they're more or less a story on how the main characters meet. Aside from two part-ers like that, most episodes can be watched in any order, without having to worry about missing something in an earlier episode.

 

Oh, and aside from the show, I totally forgot to mention the fandom itself: it's one of the nicest, and by far and away the most productive fandom I've ever seen. Art, music, fiction works - you name it, someone has made it. And not just amateur stuff either; I've met guys who spend 60 hours on one piece of poster art, and it turns out better than some professional artists. It truly is incredible.

 

[GeneralDirection 1,050]

I've only been a fan of the show for a couple months, before that I was just like you. I had only just briefly heard of MLP, and certainly didn't have any idea of what it was like or how large the fanbase was. I actually thought it was a bit stupid. But eventually curiosity got the best of me, and I watched my first episode, S1E1, and well, I couldn't be much happier with my decision. I would recommend giving it a chance. It just makes me happy...simple as that. Even just poking around on these forums, especially after I've had a rotten day at work or school, lightens my mood.

[Wingnut 6,990]

 

 

Hello everyone, my name is Todd, and no i have not seen this show. I have recently gotten curious to why grown males/females are interested in a show filled with talking ponies that was originally meant for 6 year olds? I'm not trying to be rude, however, this seems extremely odd, so i dedicated the past hour or so to find out why, so i found this forum for all you pony people out there, and i created an account to ask why?!?!

 

Those are all very good questions.  Most member, by the time they sign up, have already reached the full fledged fan/brony/pegasister stage.  You're still in the curious onlooker phase.  Will you become a true fan also?  Time will tell.  But coming here with an open mind is a very positive sign.  I like this cartoon because it has a little something for everyone.  It has enough action and suspense to appeal to those who seek that in animation.  It has enough touching moments and tenderness.  It teaches enough life lessons but doesn't go overboard and become preachy or condescending.  Because this series has a little bit of everything, it has a better than average ability to appeal to everyone. 

[Elli 19]

I think, for me, the show is just something...different! It's different and new, but also nostalgic in a sense. ^ ^

 

When I first saw it, it didn't make me say "OMFG THIS SHOW IS AMAZING" but it made me smile. Something that most animated shows nowadays don't do. It just brought back a lot of good things for me and I still go back to the first season just feeling the nostalgia of all things good. x3

Idk, I just like it because it makes me feel happy. That and the jokes that are in some episodes really do have me laughing, while other jokes I know, are more towards the age range it was meant for at the beginning.

 

I also like it's morals. It teaches some things, like all kids shows do, but to an extent that not only kids can get the range of it, but teens and adults too. c:

[Thompson 0]

I'll just be merely broad. Its a great show and well theres no cursing its all clean humor. At first I was like NO! I'm not watching this show, two episodes later I was awake on a school night (3am) watching MLP. Its not just for kids - adults can watch it... Like Elli stated it makes him smile! It does make me smile and laugh too. 

Edited April 19, 2013 by Thompson

[Creamy Arty 6,252]

This thread appears to be related to the My Little Pony franchise and/or the Bronydom in general. Thus, it has been sentenced to Sugarcube Corner.

 

This is an automatically generated message, by the way.

[Hazardus_Havard. 479]

 

 

An understandable question.  Personally, I was like that about a year and a half ago, maybe longer.  I originally got this show for my niece to watch with her friends on my computer, but I didn't want them touching the computer.  So I stayed and watched the episodes.  It was... strange.  I was expecting tea parties and talks about dresses.  Instead, I got a cartoon that actually had interesting characters (even with flaws!), interesting story, and genuine fun to see what happens next. 

 

Yes, the beginning song is a bit off putting, and some of their songs they sing is also very awkward to watch with others in the room.  This IS a cartoon geared towards the younger female demographic after all.  Still, with Faust providing the entire thing, she managed to produce a cartoon that can cater to other people.  Much like Spongebob, this isn't just for kids.  Adults can enjoy this, but only if they get over the fact that it's about ponies...

 

It sort of went down hill towards season three though when they made Alicorn Twilight.  No matter the argument made, they had that done to make more toys to sell instead of making this a more meaningful development.  I wouldn't have cared if they did that so long as it felt like a good way to do it.  They didn't do that.  Same with the Discord episode, but that's something else.

 

Also, the fandom is pretty nice (so long as you stay out of certain areas).  I've been in nearly ALL the areas, and this site is definitely one of the good ones, if not the best place to be for the fandom.  It's ballooned so out of proportion with fan fiction, art, songs, fan made cartoons, and even video games.  It's also nice to find others that enjoy it as much as you, even if it's online.

 

If you don't care for it, I'd recommend at least watching the first two seasons, and then delve into the fandom a little.  You might find you like it a little more than you thought you would.

Edited April 19, 2013 by Hazardus_Havard

[Shanks 10,816]

I watch this show because it is actually a good show, seriously I too found it a bit odd that so many teenagers and adults were watching this show but eventually curiosity got the better of me and I watched it and got hooked. It has strong relatable characters with realistic personalities with well balanced negative and positive traits, a compelling story that is both entertaining with all sorts of jokes and references as well as informative with simple yet non preachy lessons which children as well as adults can apply to their day to day lives. And it is somehow able to bring out the inner softy in a lot of people without resorting to the stereotypical 24/7 tea party fru fru trap that cartoons geared toward young girls have fallen into.

[Thunderchild 875]

Hello everyone, my name is Todd, and no i have not seen this show. I have recently gotten curious to why grown males/females are interested in a show filled with talking ponies that was originally meant for 6 year olds?

 

I'm not trying to be rude, however, this seems extremely odd, so i dedicated the past hour or so to find out why, so i found this forum for all you pony people out there, and i created an account to ask why?!?!

 

Please do not give me the simple, "animation is good", please actually give me an actual reason to why people like this show. 

 

I don't actively hate on people who do, because that is immature, but this all seems a little silly to me.

 

Thank you, and have a good day, Fire.

Hey Todd,

 

I'm one of the older members on the site-I was drawn to the show by the internet meme-basically wondered what all the pony stuff was about and checked it out.

 

I've always been a fan of animation, and once you get over the initial resistance to the theme song the show is really enjoyable.

 

The message is good, and it's nice to step out of the world for a bit-there being so much negativity in the news and in general.

 

It's a simple, good natured bit of entertainment that some people will enjoy and others won't. Give it a try, keep an open mind and maybe you'll find the same enjoyment in it that we all have.

[Scootalove 10,689]

The writers giving the characters different personalities and backstories, also different personalities for the background ponies. The episodes, the community, the art, music, and the good factors of the show.

Especially, when we are one community who is dedicated to one show that reflects on how childhood cartoons were like when we were children. I find that the show has something special about it.

[Orablanco Account 3,707]

I'll let Moviebob explain this one for me:

 

"It's popular because it's a clever, well written show with a tremendous voice cast. I think a lot of people of

all genders respond to it for the same reason Bridesmaids was a surprise hit: It's rare and unusual to see

a primarily female cast where all of the characters are well rounded and smartly realized instead of just

staid archetypes. For example, the Ponies are all kind of equal parts screwed up, yet well intentioned, as

opposed to The Good One, The Bad One and Their Wacky Buddies."

 

Also, it's uplifting, it has some great character development going on, and the production values are really high.

[Bigmethod 239]

Hey Todd,

 

I'm one of the older members on the site-I was drawn to the show by the internet meme-basically wondered what all the pony stuff was about and checked it out.

 

I've always been a fan of animation, and once you get over the initial resistance to the theme song the show is really enjoyable.

 

The message is good, and it's nice to step out of the world for a bit-there being so much negativity in the news and in general.

 

It's a simple, good natured bit of entertainment that some people will enjoy and others won't. Give it a try, keep an open mind and maybe you'll find the same enjoyment in it that we all have.

It's good to know that i'm not the only one who had a decently difficult time getting over the theme song =)

 

But anyway, awesome show!

[Champion RD92 8,658]

Instead of coming on here and asking us why we like the show, why not just watch it and see for yourself? However, I must say, you might not like the first two episodes that much. Once I got to the third episode, that's when I started thinking the show was pretty good, and then by the end of the first season, I loved it. But that's just me.