How Do You Try to Convert Others to Bronydom?

[Sunbro 4 Lyfe 939]

Ehem. We are not a cult. We do not "Convert" as you say. Instead we convince them to see that bieng a brony is ok, and that they should see the show as what it is. And that is a show that teaches the correct lessons to children by using some of the best in voice acting followe by good story and animation.

[Harmonic Revelations 8,835]

I don't try to convert people to bronydom unless they're willing. I don't force being a brony upon people for the same reason I don't try to convert them to Atheism, because it's rude to shove your opinions or interests down other people's throats. If they want to be a brony, that's great, but they don't, don't force people to.

 

Besides, the more you try to force something on someone the less likely they are to legitimately enjoy it. 

 

In some cases trying to forcefully convert people to the fandom is what leads to people disliking bronies.

Edited January 5, 2013 by Harmonic Revelations

[Zach TheDane 234]

Ehem. We are not a cult. We do not "Convert" as you say. Instead we convince them to see that bieng a brony is ok, and that they should see the show as what it is. And that is a show that teaches the correct lessons to children by using some of the best in voice acting followe by good story and animation.

This is my point, really. By saying "convert", I was only using hyperbole to be humorous! Like I said before, I'm not going to chase people down and make them confess undying love for the show. I just meant that I want to introduce people to the show, show them how fun the fandom can be! You can't argue with that!

[Flicker 141]

Well, I was completely in the closet about being a brony (literally, I took my laptop into the closet to watch ponies sometimes) for several months. After a while I mentioned the show on the topic of good cartoons with my dad. Initially he was surprised and confused that I would watch a girly show when I define myself as a tomboy, but I think he's starting to turn. If I'm watching an episode he'll sit down and watch it with me. He's gotten better at identifying the ponies (That one's farm girl, right?). He laughs at some of the gags, like Spike creating thunder in the kitchen dropping pots and pans in Bridle Gossip, and he thinks that he puns like Timber Wolves are good too.

 

As for my brother, I showed him a few funny clips like Rarity whining, Flutteryay, that kind of thing. Introduce it in small steps, you know. Later I convinced him to watch Elements of Harmony to introduce him to the cast, but I skipped "Giggle at the Ghostie" because it would probably be a pitfall. I kept him interested by shouting: "Beware! The glitter poof of doom is coming! Hide your children!" at ideal times.

After that he watched Return of Harmony and said he kinda liked it. I think Discord was my ultimate win over point. After about a month of episodes from time to time he finally admitted he was a brony. He kept it secret for a long time, but now if I mention it, he'll proudly say he's a brony.

 

My best friend was the easiest. She and I have a flair for liking characters and all it took was the first two episodes.

[Scootalove 10,689]

Ok, I see no point in converting someone to be a brony. Here's why, because if you try to convert them, and they don't want to be apart of the herd don't try to convert them again. Converting someone, to something they don't like won't work obviously but if it's a close friend of yours try using the first season approach.

The way I see it, the brony community has learned a lesson in friendship from all three seasons, and well try to be steady and don't rush into the converting.

[Zygen 6,066]

Honestly I don't really try to convert anybody to doing anything, sure if I where to have mentioned it to someone I may have them try it, but if they really don't want to even watch it I won't force them to try it.

 

I don't even try to convert people to religion, I don't think I'm going to convert someone to watching a TV show. I'll offer they watch it maybe once or twice, but I won't be like "YOUR GOING TO LOVE THIS SHOW OR DIEEEEE!"

[~Asuka <3~ 867]

Converting my friends is a lost cause.  But that's alright, as long as they give it a chance, I'm fine with whatever they think about the show.  

 

As long as they don't piss me off about being a brony.  Or make fun of me.  

[~Vallo~ 409]

It's actually quite simple: Show them an episode. If they don't like, than don't bring it up anymore. It only took a couple of episodes for me to become one, so that's pretty much all it takes.

[Zarathelycan123 9]

Hmm... usually I don`t talk to people about being in the my little pony fandom, once I brought it up at school and people looked at me like I was deranged  . One time I was on roblox and I brought it up and my friend said it was too girly, I had an idea though.   I told him to watch the pilot of G1 on youtube. After a little coaxing he said he would but I have not been online to see if he liked it (to me G1 was a little more not girly)

[Wubsie 1,123]

Is this why so many people don;t like us? Because we're trying to "convert" them?

Don't do that. If you asked and he either said "no" and "not interested" then leave him/her be. Converting is forcing them and making them become a brony. If they're interested and want to watch, good.

But if they're not interested they're not interested.

[Rolls Royce 606]

I don't convert people, I ever barely bring up ponies in daily conversations outside of this site.  Everyone has their own opinions on the show, and I respect that.  If I wanted more Brony friends, I'd just go to a meetup somewhere, or use subtle hints in daily conversation, like saying "20% cooler" or something like that.  I became friends with a Brony once just because I have a cutout of insane Twilight in my windshield.  I've also befriended about 8 Bronies just from playing Black Ops 1 because I have Rarity as my emblem on there, and Octavia on Black Ops 2.

[cuteycindyhoney 13,307]

Why is it so important to try and make your friends like the same show you like? Is there any other television show out there that fans try to cram down other people's throats? This attitude of "You MUST like the show I watch if you're my friend" is a large part of what makes non-fans think Bronies are wackos.

[hawkflame 3,310]

Sneaky... but I like it! I think that if people would only get over the whole "little girl" stigma, we would have a lot more bronies! The animation alone is fantastic and original!

One way to possibly get over the "little girl" stigma is to do what I did with a friend of mine (and former girlfriend, but that's another story): 

 

Her:  You're watching My Little Pony?  What are you, a little girl? 

 

Me:  It's actually a good show.  I'll prove it to you, I'll send you some clips. 

 

Her:  But  if you can't prove it to me, I'll make fun of you until the end of time for liking My Little Pony

 

*sends her clips from Party of One and Fluttershy losing it at the Grand Galloping Gala*

 

Her:  Okay, I can't make fun of you.  That's a *kid's show*?

[morethanicecream 116]

I have gotten a huge hater to like the show. He is my brother and on this forum. I would like to keep his name anonymous for now. But, I just want my sister to understand why we watch the show and eliminate stereotypes. I think converting is fine if they agree to watching an episode. I don't like to use force cause I feel that it is their choice to accept the awesomeness of the show. I do want to convert one though. It is something that I have cried a bit thinking about. It is just a sad story and I feel like she needs to feel more happy in her life. I don't really plan on shoving it down people throats. This might be a bit off topic, but I wonder how many brohoofs I could receive for wearing an MLP shirt

[Zach TheDane 234]

Well, I have to agree with most of your suggestions.  I can't try to make people like MLP, but i will do my best to build up the show's reputation!  As a matter of fact, I just managed to get one of my good friends to join the herd!  It didn't take much; aside from a few words of "don't knock it 'till you've tried it," I sent him the link to the first episode and an article on bronies.  By the next day, he sheepishly admitted that he was hooked.  Victory!    You can't really expect this with everyone, but if you take it easy and let them try the show on their own terms, it usually works out.  After all, what's not to love?

[duidamasterXD 9,627]

Frankly, calling it conversion makes it sound kind of creepy to me. Anyhow, I try not to force MLP on anyone. If they ask me about it or it comes up then sure I'll talk about it, but I don't feel the need to have all my friends be fans as well.

However when my brother and sister asked me why my phone background was a rainbow pony saluting the American flag, I told them to watch an episode. And they did. And they liked it. We now wake up on Saturdays to watch MLP together. Success.

[Hawk 100]

Yeah I'm not out to "convert", I'd say it's more awakening others to the possiblity that you can like a show that is intended for a target audience that you are not part of and not feel ashamed of it. 

 

But like many things I have been a fan of, I just show support for it.  I wear the t-shirts, wear the Brony Bracelet on my right arm, make references to the show, post pictures/video/songs on my Facebook, etc.  I will occasionally talk about it as well.  That's all I need to do.  I've gotten quite a few people I know to try out the show just by doing that.  Even my parents finally gave the show a try when they saw how into it I was.