What are your thoughts on "converting" people into bronies?

[Shanks 10,816]

I've never really understood the need that some people have to spread ponies around and to try to make people into bronies.

I think this desire stems from some deep seated loneliness and insecurity, because society has told bronies that their interest in ponies is somehow taboo the more "enthusiastic" bronies feel the need to convert others and have that security of having others in the same boat around you as a way of validating said interest. As unhealthy and unwise as it is to try "converting" anyone I do understand it as I have been on the outside before but to those who are going out of there way to do it I give them the following advice. It can be lonely being different I know that and while you should embrace that part of you don't let it be the only thing that defines you. I like ponies but I like many other things as well, as much as I like MLP it is not even my favorite show though it is in my top 10, that honor goes to both the 80's-90's version and 2003 version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

[Scootalove 10,689]

I think that converting people into bronies is okay, as long as it doesn't go too far. If it goes into the uncomfortably forceful territory, where your forcing someone to watch the show and convert them if they don't like the show or ponies in general. The thing is, if you take it too far in forcing someone to be embraced by the fandom then your hurting your possible chances in converting them. Even if, your trying to be nice I think that even if your being nice you still have to take the converting slow.

[Agent505 661]

I forced my best friend to sit down and watch the very first 2 episodes with me because I genuinely thought he would take to it. He wasn't as interested as I hoped and I have since left him alone about it. 

 

I think really, "converting" people is pretty dumb, if they dont like it and you force it on them, it's only going to come back and bite you in the ass when they become a hater. (Because let's face it, that's whats going to happen more than half the time) 

I bring it up casually every now and again just to test the waters around people, but I don't go forcing it down their throats.

[Thrashy 2,800]

 

I don't really see bronydom as a religion or anything (although some bronies, I can't speak for), so the term "convert" kind of makes me shift uncomfortably. But if I ever did want to introduce the show to someone, it'd be in a strictly passive manner, i.e., I might wear a pony tee to perhaps coax some curiosity out of them, but other than that, not much else. If they ask about the show, I'll tell them "It's a cute, funny show with quite the following. You should look into it when you find the time."

 

If they don't ask...well, hey, their loss, right?

Edited July 9, 2013 by Lowline Thrash

[Scrumpy 159]

I agree with the non-convert attitude. You can pique someones interest in the show and fandom, but ultimately they will get a fuller experience if they discover the joys of MLP for themselves.
I mean if you really need proof that trying to convert people is a d*uche move then just think back to anytime somebody tried to push something on you, bet you didn't like it. And I think it's just common courtesy to just treat people as you yourself would like to be treated as much as possible.

[tranglam 28]

If they don't like it water-board them... I know a group who acted that way. They had them over and made them watch, made them memorize the names. It was terrible and didn't work. by the end of the night I was the only person they liked out of the group, cause I wasn't mean.

 

You can't make anyone like it, you can only suggest it and see what happens. It is hilarious when someone that knows me finds out I like it. 

I'm a six-foot-something Blonde male with a beard, age twenty, with a voice a couple octaves below average. Everyone who knows me knows I worship my girlfriend and am therefor not homosexual. They find me liking the show and have no idea what just happened. 

[DITR 180]

I think it's rude and a waste of time. It's perfectly fine to recommend something you enjoy to a friend, but to make it your mission to convert everyone in existence into a brony is doing exactly what the haters expect you to do.

[Inactive01 5,299]

Here's the thing. If the people have an open mind towards the show, then it's fine to give the show to them. If they don't like it, then pushing bronydom to them is clearly going too far.

 

I've already converted two friends into bronydom and they had no ill will towards the show. At first, they thought I was slightly cuckoo, but they decided to try it for themselves and they loved it.

[Rockymoo 2,137]

It's good to at least present the notion to them so they'd think about it later, but badgering someone about it is just obnoxious and not the right way to handle it.

Everypony here became a brony on their own accord. Consciously choosing for yourself to join the herd is what makes a true brony.

[Commissar Alexer 763]

Trying to convert people into bronies is rather a bad idea. Why do you think are Jehova witnesses often hated?

 

Nope, if they are interested in the show they will come from alone.

Edited August 20, 2013 by Gefreiter

[~Silver Essence~ 2,625]

Overall? Wrong.

 

If they don't like it, don't force it, you'll get yourself in trouble or hated upon.

 

People will just come naturally who enjoy the show, so all that is needed is a good amount of patience.

[Paleopony 703]

On 2013-07-08 at 9:17 PM, Enemy Stand said:

Does anyone feel like it isn't always a good idea to try to turn people into bronies? I mean, I'm all for expanding the fandom, but if someone doesn't like the show, they should be left alone about it.

I agree with you. People shouldn't have to watch MLP if they don't want to.

[EpicEnergy 23,223]

I think it's fine to talk to someone about watching MLP, but attempting to persuade or convert them into a brony is going too far. Or in other words, it's fine to tell them about it but when you try to force them into becoming a brony, that crosses the line.

[Evil Pink One 13,507]

......

* slowly puts down a spoon full of ponies.*

........ oh..... okay...