Fan Freedom: Lets make a Change

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

Shelling out $72 dollars for the DVD's/iTunes files is showing them that you will spend money on the show.

 

Shelling out $72 dollars for shitty toys is showing them that you will spend money on their shitty toys.

 

They will do whatever makes them money. If you want to see more MLP, then buy the episodes. If you want to see more shitty toys, then by all means buy the shitty toys.

I don't think you quite understand the relationship between the show and the merch, they made the show to sell merch, so high sales on it is showing them that the show is working in that regard, If everyone bought the show and the show only, Hasbro would do even more damage by making a attempt to sell more toys at any cost.

[Fridge 382]

It's not an issue to you, because you don't understand how businesses and economics work, and you're not willing to learn. I am going to stop replying to you now, as it appears you are wasting my time.

Oh I do understand I just don't actually mind them. Although thank you for making such a blithe and sweeping statement about me.

 

You did fail to respond to how I get to watch the show without going to YouTube etc, I'm not saying this sarcastically or in any attempt to be snide or snippy. If you know something I don't, I truly would like to know. I do actually care about showing support for the show.

[Kamil 315]

You know, they sell the show on YouTube as well... It's the same price for individual episodes and right now it looks like you can get all of season one for $38. Don't know if there's any way to download, but if you want to support the show and can only use YouTube there is an option.

 

Not sure about what would be accomplished by buying the show instead of the merchandise, but if you want it is there.

[FoxyCryptid 4,330]

You know, they sell the show on YouTube as well... It's the same price for individual episodes and right now it looks like you can get all of season one for $38. Don't know if there's any way to download, but if you want to support the show and can only use YouTube there is an option.

 

Not sure about what would be accomplished by buying the show instead of the merchandise, but if you want it is there.

I think it could be damaging, actually, in the long run. Since the toys are the top money maker for Hasbro, and they made the show to sell them, no toy sales could mean "bye, bye Friendship is Magic" when they decide it's not serving it's purpose.  

Edited February 14, 2013 by Shoboni

[decoherence 183]

I think it could be damaging actually in the long run Since the toys are the top money maker for Hasbro and they made the show to sell them, no toy sales could mean "bye, bye Friendship is Magic" when they decide it's not serving it's purpose.  

 

^This. Plus we're not the target market for the toys -- we're the icing on the cake. If we don't show Hasbro our love, they're less inclined to show us theirs. Let's not forget that the episodes are available for free on YouTube -- that's a huge thing. Their legal dept has to draw a line somewhere -- which is not to say we can't encourage them to move it, but I think we should do so in a positive way. We shouldn't boycott their products just because we don't feel they're giving us enough.

 

that's my $0.02 anyway.

[O.S.U. 33]

I don't know how i should feel right now..

Upset that there was an argument here... or happy that this topic got two pages worth of comments because of it. But more importantly, why isn't there a Derpy Smiley on this forum?

Done and done!

<-- because this is how i feel right now. And the code for it could be '~'

*ahem*
@UrdiePie & Fridge: I have all sorts i can say on the argument for the both of you, but id like to keep this topic more on course. It'll be cool though where ever i eventually move all this (when i find a stand alone domain) if i could get a forum up so we all can debate and exchange ideas and feels as much as you'd like. All im going to say for right now is: Acceptance, if someone does or doesn't want to buy the merchandise and/or the episodes to watch, that's up to them. We do still need to support Hasbro to help the chance they keep the show going.

Moving right along then!~

Here's Apple Jack's themed Sig:

 

Do you all think it fits? i feel its off somehow... i should probably try for a different approach entirely.

 

Oh well, even though im having a lot of fun with the artsie stuff. I need to put it on hold and work more on the Declaration for the mission. I'll still make sigs for Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Twilight.

 

I set up a PayPal account and im going to look into buying a domain soon, im fairly capable with HTML... but i don't know anything about javascripting. So i guess i'll need to find help there too.

I'll also be setting up a Twitter and Facebook account to help with keeping in touch with everyone more easily.

[PickMeup 16]

I am creating an original PONY IP under CC-BY Attribution http://mlpforums.com/topic/49011-awesome-pony-fighting-game/

Thats should give Hasbro a run for its money. Just give me 6 months. There are some personal problems I have to deal with but after that well it should be interesting.

[O.S.U. 33]

I am creating an original PONY IP under CC-BY Attribution http://mlpforums.com/topic/49011-awesome-pony-fighting-game/

Thats should give Hasbro a run for its money. Just give me 6 months. There are some personal problems I have to deal with but after that well it should be interesting.

 

Hope you don't mind, but id like to use you as an example.

 

Alright everyone, show of hands who felt a little perplexed or disjointed about this at first? Too soon after Mane6's 'Fighting is Magic' getting shut down maybe?

 

I've noticed a few of these popping up now, and the same two feelings rise every time i see one.

+ "hell, why not, go for it!"

- "but.. Mane6 was doing it first.."

 

both conflicting, and probably something we all feel in some way or another whenever we see something similar.

 

For the most part people kinda tend to fall on the negative when similar or duplicate material comes up.

"If its been done before, stop trying to copy someones hard work!"

Stands for reason on its own, right? Makes sense in the defense that we all feel we should have when we've made something that is in some way original.

 

Here is what i feel is probably the best argument we have for the positive.

As fans, we in many ways celebrate over and over again the stuff we love. We accept cos-playing, We accept fan-fics, we accept just about everything that comes from the fandoms we belong to. Even if we have our disagreements, they still come 'to be' because its what we do. We are constantly trying to generate new material from the old to keep the memories and the feelings flowing. To keep the Fandom alive. We are alive...

 

Will MLP die? Or will it take hold and last forever like the other great fandoms? That's up to us to decide, as the fans. NOT a choice for anyone else to decide.

 

@PickMeup: If your heart is in it, and you really want to do this. Then you'll have your work cut out for you. Go get em.

Edited February 16, 2013 by Lt OneStepUp

[Kamil 315]

@, I'm pretty sure it is some kind of reaction to Fighting is Magic being shut down, but from what I understand he is planning to make a game which never uses the specific name or appearance of any MLP character or location, as well as avoiding direct references to the name My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.

 

It's pretty clearly intended as a "Screw you Hasbro" and will probably attempt to follow a similar art style to the show, but avoiding specific locations and characters in clearly recognizable manners would go a long way toward being immune to copyright/trademark violation claims.

[O.S.U. 33]

@Kamil: Oh yea, would be hard to try and convince others otherwise. Id rather it not be a shot at Hasbro though, so i hope PickMeup should consider that and make his project with lighter intentions rather then anything held with a grudge. Even a dream sparked by a grudge, if given the chance and some kindness, can become something more then it set out to be. Discord and Fluttershy could probably explain it better.

 

Remember, im in support of the whole fandom, canon or otherwise. I want to see it take its place where it can be accepted by everyone other then bronies or pegasisters.

 

p.s. How do you do that with the usernames where it acts as a link?

[Kamil 315]

 

How do you do that with the usernames where it acts as a link?

If you highlight part of someone's post a little box should appear that lets you quote just the highlighted part or mention the user without any quote.

[O.S.U. 33]

Hey all, been a while since i've made a post here. Donno if some of you will like this or not, but there have been some changes.

 

Im my 'adventures' of looking up and researching court cases to try and find some good material to use in our argument... I've come across even more that goes against. Its really sort of disheartening in our efforts, but there's more to it then that.

 

 

What brought about this:

 

I was on Everfree.net and i watched the interview with John De Lancie about the Brony Documentary he helped make. That one that got pirated... you could easily see how upset he was about it, his hopes that it would grow into something much more. Very much like our own hopes over fan-made projects being shut down.

 

After watching that, i still wasn't moved to change my mind of course so i went about researching court cases and viewing some relative questions being directed at people who work in these sort of industries to try and better understand their side.

 

Basically... it all boils down to blaming people stealing/pirating or just trying to benefit off of someone elses hard work, that we can thank for how the copyright laws are today. Yes, they are over aggressive.. but its to try and protect the lives of those who've worked/gone to school/fought to work in those industries.

 

 

Results:

 

I've come to see the reasons as to why Hasbro has done as it has. If it couldn't protect itself, the people who've worked so hard to bring us this fandom in the first place, would be without there jobs. And i think that would actually kill this fandom faster. Its not their fault 'Fighting is Magic' and all the other fan-projects got shut down, and im sure they didn't want them to be.

 

Think about what would happen if we ended up taking all the rights of MLP: FiM and tried making new episodes. How fast would we end up turning on each other? We wouldn't have the same voice actors, so they would probably fall out of the fandom. Fans would point out inaccuracies like crazy and would probably just not watch any of those episodes.

 

This fandom is what it is because of the people the copyrights are trying to protect.. and as much as it saddens me to see something great like 'Fighting is Magic' fall... Id have to (with a heavy heart) choose to not see someone like Lauren Faust or John De Lancie be out of work.

 

And as far as new episodes go, we need to believe in the story writers. That's all there is to it.

 

 

So now what?

 

Even though i feel like we still need some change to help fandoms create without infringing, the more i think about it.. the more i see a rippling effect that could ultimately cause more harm then good. Its to much to explain.. so if your curious, go on your own adventures and find out what i've seen for yourselves.

 

Creating and Signing Petitions to try and get Hasbro to change their minds is really the best thing we can do for any matter. We'd need to get them to accept our values so long as it doesn't harm theirs.

 

As for Fan Freedom.. im going to change it a bit. Instead of a mission on a war path, id like it to be more of a congregation place where fans can go to discuss their thoughts and feelings, debate topics, create and sign petitions and get signatures, share experiences and information for any matter concerning the show/fandom. Id like to make it into something of a sub-community here in MLP Forums. Or maybe even find a spot on the E.F.N. in the future.

 

 

P.S.

 

If you think about it, all the other great fandoms out there today also had to deal with copyright laws and the crap were dealing with. The best thing we can do to protect and grow our fandom is to support the show and create tons of our own OC.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

I've been about this for a while actually. I also have an idea to make a donation-based-fandom-company and buy MLP from Hasbro and make the episodes by ourselves since this is the most productive fandom I've ever known. This way, the fan can use MLP freely for their products, like games, etc. I know, I know. This was my face when I wrote this.

Still, there's some things which really bother me according to this kind of "Fan Freedom" plan. Laws are made to control people. Copyright as well. Not only controlling to limit, but also controlling to protect. I bet you understand what I mean about this.

 

Second is about professionals. Those guys in Hasbro are professionals. We don't have a well-organized group of professionals (at least yet) and we do NEED a group of professionals to make a good show and keep its quality. It's not like a bunch of people making an episode and spit all they want into it without a smart planning. It's more complicated.

 

Curse me you may. I don't even believe I can say this kind of things. I'm definitely a supporter of cyber piracy and I fight for the Open Source Revolution, but in this case, better play safe.

[O.S.U. 33]

@Sky Warden

as nice as 'Open Source' sounds, there wouldn't be very many options to making a living off talents. The Entertainment industry would fall through. Gaming, movies, music etc.. not many would pursue those dreams. And im sure the same goes for most areas where 'Open Source' would be effective.

 

I don't know about most of you.. but i hope that one day i'll find my talent and get out of working entry level jobs like Retail. Living such a hard life.. i don't want to look forward to always being stuck here.

Edited February 21, 2013 by O.S.U.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

 

Fighting is Magic being shut down

HOLD ON A SECOND! They really did that? Oh for the love of Celestia! Now my hope to finish this Pony MMORPG is (kinda) ruined. Yes, I'm working on it right now. My Celestial Engine Project is screwed, and the Equestria Online Project (the new one. The old one is dead, so we decided to use this tittle) which will use my engine will be screwed as well.

 

All hail Hasbro! For limiting the creativity of the fandom just like this programmer's!

 

Well, I don't really mind about it. I'm a pirate (I feel bad that I watch the episodes *cough* illegally). Just say that this is a challenge for me to play with their way. The way of law. I will ask for permission. Of course, that's what the laws are made for. I don't mind it at all. I can play this game alone at home after all. Enjoying my own product without sharing it and get arrested.

 

Also guys, you can ask them for permission to launch your products which use MLP as their theme.

If my memory serves me right, they will let you as long as you're not trying to get any profit from it. Not sure about asking for donation. This forum does, and it has no issue with it. Maybe donation is permitted. Ah yes, I remember. The forbidden one is selling without their permission, so maybe donations are alright. A ray of hope~

 

@Sky Warden

as nice as 'Open Source' sounds, there wouldn't be very many options to making a living off talents. The Entertainment industry would fall through. Gaming, movies, music etc.. not many would pursue those dreams. And im sure the same goes for most areas where 'Open Source' would be effective.

What I meant with Open Source isn't pirating companes-made-products to be used freely. It's about forging things, because we like it, and share it to people for free, because forging those things is our hobby. We like programming, so we write an operating system because we like it. Then we share it to people. Mainly to be tested and to get some help from others. Just like that.

 

I don't mind economies and businesses. They need to feed their children, and honestly, I can't live as a programmer who works for free or lives from donation. I need extra money for stuff. That's why I prepare myself to get a job right now.

[O.S.U. 33]

@Sky Warden

 

lol, yes they shut down 'Fighting is Magic', happened a while back. Was incredibly terrible...

Lead to me joining this forum and starting Fan Freedom and such.

 

I can see where some products can be 'Open Sourced' but also understand that the way Copyright laws are now (which i don't like and really should be altered some) if the original copyright owners don't fight for their product, they lose the rights over them if another party gets involved and openly takes claim of said product in one way or another.

 

The issue with 'Fighting is Magic', even though it made sure to say it was free and for the fans, it would have grown into a threat. Especially against any profit potential if Hasbro decided to launch a fighting game of their own, where that profit would be used to pay those they hired for the project and any possible projects that could come later.

 

Im still going to consult a Lawyer and see what i can find out from a professionals view point.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

@Sky Warden

 

lol, yes they shut down 'Fighting is Magic', happened a while back. Was incredibly terrible...

Lead to me joining this forum and starting Fan Freedom and such.

 

I can see where some products can be 'Open Sourced' but also understand that the way Copyright laws are now (which i don't like and really should be altered some) if the original copyright owners don't fight for their product, they lose the rights over them if another party gets involved and openly takes claim of said product in one way or another.

 

The issue with 'Fighting is Magic', even though it made sure to say it was free and for the fans, it would have grown into a threat. Especially against any profit potential if Hasbro decided to launch a fighting game of their own, where that profit would be used to pay those they hired for the project and any possible projects that could come later.

 

Im still going to consult a Lawyer and see what i can find out from a professionals view point.

Well, I guess that is that.

 

This stuff called law doesn't suit me. LOL. Glad that I'm not the project leader, so I don't have to deal with the copyright issue. It's the leader's job of course, and I'm just an humble engine maker.

 

All I really want is to make an MMORPG Pony game to play with Bronies. If selling my product to Hasbro is the only way to sail the game, I don't mind it. Who knows? Maybe they will officially recruit the team to handle the game (since it's an online game it will need administrators) and pay them. Fortunately, I will be the administrator since I'm the one who makes the engine.

Well, who doesn't need a development team anyway?

The only (possible) problem with that plan is for YOU BRONIES. They may force you to pay to play the game if we sell the game and they have the copyright. If I find a way to sail the game without selling it to them, I promise it will be free to play...I said if I find a way didn't I?

Edited February 21, 2013 by Sky Warden

[Shanks 10,816]

This stuff called law doesn't suit me. LOL. Glad that I'm not the project leader, so I don't have to deal with the copyright issue. It's the leader's job of course, and I'm just an humble engine maker.

The law is messy, complicated stuff I will not deny that but even though few of us here will reach the level of expertise necessary to argue cases in court I still think it is very important that we at least educate ourselves on the basics. The law needs to be changed but that will only happen with a massive grass roots movement that will take quite a number of years to build so the sooner we all get started the better.

[Sky Warden 2,243]

The law is messy, complicated stuff I will not deny that but even though few of us here will reach the level of expertise necessary to argue cases in court I still think it is very important that we at least educate ourselves on the basics. The law needs to be changed but that will only happen with a massive grass roots movement that will take quite a number of years to build so the sooner we all get started the better.

Nah. That will make us look like a group of demanders. I will prefer to play with their law instead of making a movement of raw power. It will only work if they really care about us. If not? The shame is on us. Make an organized an effective power is much better. One way to do it is to make a donation-based semi-company, gather a lot of money from the Bronies, and buy MLP for the community. Ridiculous? Of course! I told you I'm not good at law. Remember this face of mine?

 

 

It's better to ask for their permission to launch our products, or sell it to them so they can launch it for us. I like your idea about learning the basic of law. That's what we have to do as people of a country. Even though I'm not American, I'm a man who lives in a connected international world, and I have the right to play with the international laws. Well, ain't nobody got time for that.

Edited February 22, 2013 by Sky Warden