BronyCon 2013: Experiences, Pictures & Discussion!

[Ice Storm 1,020]

Well, I managed to get a few pictures myself, though not very many as I was constantly distracted by something, (also because of the fact that the internal memory on my phone is non-existant.) but I did manage to snag these.

 

I found this guy walking around in an Amazing Optimus Cosplay.

 

A super awesome random guy that had a super awesome plushie of Twilicorn.

 

A picture witt me and Assertive Fluttershy, (we actually got to play rockband Together. It was awesome.)

 

And this one was required by my very personalty. It's a picter of myself, my plush and someone with a full cosplay suit of Princess Luna. Because of how heavy of a role Luna plays in my character's back story, I made it a personal mission to get a picture with her.

Edited August 7, 2013 by Ice Storm

[Shrineheart 32]

I was a vendor at Bronycon this year! And oh my god it was only my second con and it was fabulous. I literally spent the whole time chained to the vendor hall BUT highlights include: 

 

- Sold a lot of prints and passed out a lot of business cards, also spent a lot of money (between three people). Got to meet a lot of nice artists and collect some nice con swag.

 

-Met the artist behind Ask Crayon. She's adorable, British, can do the voice of just about all girl ponies, and was cosplaying Doctor Whooves. It was her birthday so we gave her a free copy of my Filly in the Fireplace print. She teared up.

 

-We bought a Rarity and Applejack plush from Walmart on day two. A little girl passed by our booth and her father asked if the Applejack was for sale. We had hunted -everywhere- for ours but after a bit of discussion Rattles grinned and said "I'll tell you what. $15 and you get her and two Applejack prints." The guy looked so happy. He ran off the ATM, came back and bought them and we got to see the happiest little girl in the whole con hugging her plushie as they left the booth. It was adorable.

 

-There was a really nice Elusive cosplayer running around. Turns out he cosplayed as Elusive because he was a Diamond sponsor for the con so, since Rarity/Elusive's cutie mark is gems he thought it would be appropriate. I offered to send him free prints post con.

 

-Ran into three guys at the closing ceremony that were really excited to meet artists from the vendors hall. They took pictures with us, they recorded us, we arranged to send them prints.

 

-Had several people see our work and go "Why HAVEN'T I heard of you before?"

 

-Met some awesome military bronies (about 2-3 groups of them!) might be helping them out by offering art services for their projects.

 

-Met Kilt Man and talked to his girlfriend online who was trying to get people to take pictures of him at the con in exchange for sketches of ponies. Passed out the information to people secretly since we were down about two booths from the booth he was working at. He had no idea what the pictures were for it was great.

 

-Had three fellas from Oklahoma, two ladies from New York, a dude and lady from Louisiana, and a fellow from Pennsylvania staying with us for the duration of the con. Eight people in addition to our three.  So it was a packed house and it was nice to hang out with them!

 

I also learned, never say fun. Never. Pinkie Pies will descend upon you in a herd.

[FireFox 82]

I had the most wonderful time at BronyCon 2013.  The poniverse panel was awesome, of course.  The roast of MLP could have been better, but whose line is it anypony was funny and very well done.  When I went I had planned on this being a one time thing, but I had such a great time I'm already trying to figure out what I need to do so I can attend next year.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited August 7, 2013 by FireFox

[NavelColt 22,881]

Time for that big-ass post I promised earlier. 10,900+ characters. Prepare your bodies for the retelling of the month :3

 

--

 

I'm not quite sure what to say outside, I had a fantastic time. For not only my first pony convention, but my first convention ever, this was everything I hoped it would be and more. The convention center was huge, and simply finding panels, the vendor hall, and the other rooms and events going on throughout the days was all like a massive adventure, due to the convention's sheer size.

 

Thursday, I arrived at around 10 PM from a twelve hour train ride, that made me want to jump off said train at full 90 miles an hour and embed my face into the ground, after about seven hours of sitting and doing nothing (won't make the mistake of not bringing my laptop, next year). While my mom and Flutterdasher (friend from down the hall who joined us) hung out in the hotel and then went to some surrounding places to eat and view the scenery, I more or less wandered around the entire convention center for a few hours, stretching my cramped legs, getting an idea for what and where everything was, and most of all, desperately trying to find fellow staff or members.

 

Sadly, I did not. About the only productive thing that came from Thursday was that I got registered </3 And boy was that line long even at midnight. By the end of the night, I was very saddened. But, Chigens reminded me online that only a fraction of people were also staying in the Hilton, and that's probably why I didn't see anyone. Derp.

 

Friday, I figured out where the vendor hall was quickly, and eagerly waited in the fairly decent sized line at around 10:30, shortly after watching the initial part of the opening ceremony. Thankfully, it wasn't nearly as long a wait as registration. There, I met Artemis, Feld0, Apple Bloom and Nelson, the last of whom was doing some coding voodoo behind the booth on one of the computers. Shot the breeze with Arty for a few minutes on the side of the booth, discussed where NC, Zoop, Lumi and gang possibly were so I could meet them as well, and how things had gone so far, and only five minutes later did Feld0 have the opportunity to greet me from his busy demonstrating of things to someone else. We shook hands, he demonstrated how happy he was to meet me, as I clearly was likewise, and he handed me my customized badge and individually made business cards to hand out to people.

 

Throughout the day, I hung out at the vendor table around on the side and talked to staff and members who walked up and met us in person for the first time :3

 

After that, I went around and watched a panel or two. The first was of the voice actors, and the second was the premiering of the next Friendship is Witchraft episode. It was hilarious, and Feld0 went there too. After the table closed at around 6:30, I more or less hung with Arty, who, like me, had zero plans for each and every day, and was mostly there to hang with his fellow friends, more than seeing as many panels and such as possible. We got a lot of our enjoyment simply by absorbing the atmosphere

 

I did buy some custom artworks and other things though, the full list of which can be read, here.

 

At various points during the day, before and after the vendor hall closed, I met Zoop, Lumi, NC, Jonke, Skygunner, Lurpy, Marco and others. Some I expected them to be what I imagined, others not quite, but all of them, I loved, and enjoyed finally meeting them and laughing together.

 

Silly Marco, your badge is facing the wrong way.

 

Later on, I followed Zoop, Lumi, Jonke, Lurpy, Marco and Skygunner to their apartment, and then to the local mall to have food (pizza for most of us), where we talked and made merry. Shortly following, Zoop hunted for a toothbrush to buy as he forgot his own, but there was no apparent avail. I would later find out the Hilton had a gift shop right inside the lobby that had toothbrushes, but that's moot now

 

As night rolled around, the panelists, myself, Arty and Spoon all rehearsed the panel that was upcoming the following day, in a secluded, private corner of the convention center. That lasted for around two hours, and took much patience and sorting through the presentation and what notes needed to be made. When it finally finished, and the panelists knew what to do before the morning came, people went off to their hotels or to do other nightly activities (in Ice Storm's case, taking refuge in the Live Action Roleplaying ((LAAAARRRP)) room, and stay there all night since it's open 24 hours xD). Arty and I, surprise surprise, found ourselves bored and with nothing to do. He came back with me to my Hilton hotel room, and he, Flutterdasher myself and my mom stayed up until 4 AM chatting and having fun. Then he went home and I was sad :'c

 

Saturday was more of the same, but better :3 I hung out at the table all the more, bought even more merch than I did the previous day, and crossed the last of people on my list of people to meet, which at that point included NASCAR and Spoon.

 

I was so hungry, and then my mom showed up with random subs. SoHappy. Scuse' me guys, I'll just be nomming this while you hug, and AB plushie attacks my head.

 

As the day progressed, we rehearsed the panel in the same place as the previous night, then made our way to the Hall of the Sun, where the event took place. Many jokes regarding Ba being pathetically overtired and mountain dew took place. Zoop, in-character as always, yelled out various things a few times. By the end, though rocky in places, it went over very well, and Feld0 and friends had a little bit to answer questions.

 

And then, the impending immediate staff dinner hit Zoop in the face. NC scheduled it at around 6, and by the time the panel was done, we were already hitting that time frame. Lead by Lumi, Zoop, Jonke, myself, Lurpy, Lugia and a few others made our way down the streets of Baltimore, pony swag hanging off our backs in the form of wings, hats, buttons, etc. Apart from Zoop, who wore normal attire so that he could conveniently proclaim ignorance of knowing us, should the opportunity present itself xD

 

Despite thinking we were lost and that Lumi had purposefully led us astray at least four times with his evil alien turkey ways, we arrived at our Irish Pub and met with all our fellow staff soon enough, who arrived about twenty minutes later due to starting later from the panel's aftermath of questions. I sat at one end of the table with Spoon, Ice Storm, Arty, NASCAR and Marco, whereas Chigens, Lumi, Zoop, Jonke, Lurpy and Nelson sat at the other end. Feld0, his mom and some others were at a circular table separate from our massive one, behind me. Much fun was had. Marco was particularly distressed that NASCAR continued to put everything from sugar to crusts of bread and pickles in his drink, and later on, how everyone found it amusing how the Feld0 avatar revolution took off.

 

After that, everyone walked back to the con together for a group pic. This is more or less where our banner at the moment comes from. As Feld0's mom positioned us all on the bottom steps of one of the convention's main entrances and began to take pictures, who else but M.A Larson photo bomber us out of nowhere, with a glass of wine in one hand and his cell phone in the other, giving the best expression humanly possible. When we all scrambled around the phone to see if we caught him, we turned around to find he had vanished as quickly as he appeared.

 

Feld0 almost immediately proclaimed that, since a banner had not been made for this week anyway, and that a BronyCon banner would be all but appropriate, he commissioned Marco to make a banner via Feld0's laptop, on the spot. Courtesy to Apple Bloom, who taped almost the entire process via his phone, you may all watch. Enjoy.

 

 

After the excitement of that, we sort of goofed off there for an hour in that little encove area. At one point, we all formed a sitting circle, and demanded Feld0 join the center so we could sacrifice him as an appeasement to the gods. He refused, but sighed and eventually yielded when we sucked up and said he needed to be the 'center of our Poniverse' |'D Awkwardly sitting there with his backpack on, someone threw a paper ball at him, and it turned into a game of toss/chuck and catch. We tried to sacrifice Lumi too, but he left too quickly to return to his mothership.

 

His leave was later followed by Zoop, Nelson and Arty, who went to go get a drink from the Diamond Tavern. When it got down to just myself, Feld0, Chigens, Marco and a few others, we decided to go off and do our own thing for about half an hour, prior to meeting up for BronyPalooza (which is a gigantic rave, for those who don't know).

 

I met up Marco, Chigens, Lurpy and later Fox up outside of the palooza, and we waited for Feld0 for almost forty minutes. When he finally did arrive, so too did Arty and Nelson. We descended upon the palooza at around midnight, and stayed there until 2 AM, when it closed. I sat with Arty, Chigens and Lurpy for most of it. Tombstone was up there at one point. He really likes to clap and wave and get the audience doing it

 

After that...well, Arty, Chigens, Fox and myself more or less descended upon the Hilton Lobby until around 5 AM, mostly talking and looking at the forum in its' chaos of Feld0 avatars. It was during this period that I made this post, via Arty's account since my own was having password issues at the time. Eventually, everyone was exhausted, and we all went to bed at our own hotels. Again, I was slightly bummed that Arty didn't stay over. My inner little boy wanted to have a sleepover with my new good friend I made in person from having known online for most of a year :3

 

Sunday consisted of me mostly hanging around the vendor table and buying some last minute cheap things with whatever little money I had left, since it closed at 3:30 PM instead of 6:30 PM on the final con day. I assisted in the taking down of the table with AB, Feld0, Arty, NASCAR and others, and we all headed outside from there, after getting signatures on our Poniverse booth banner from tons of other vendors. I myself had to go on an hour long adventure with Arty (more so, he tagged along since he's the new found Element of Loyalty), where we went back and forth between the Hilton and the Mariott, a hotel across the street that I had to use for the final day due to not having the money to afford another Hilton night. When my mom finally showed up, and everything got settled, Arty dropped his stuff off in our hotel room, and we headed out to find Feld0 and friends, for our final free day to hang out, before we all inevitably headed home.

 

We found NC and Vexx chilling like bros in the Hilton lobby, and decided to sit with them whilst we waited to hear from Feld0 and the others. When we finally did, it came via a text saying that he, Marco, Ice, AB and NASCAR were hanging out at the front of the convention with a crowd of bronies who were singing. There, we all talked and had a picture taken of our Poniverse booth banner we used, which Feld0 is going to be auctioning off at BronyCAN. He also used this opportunity to talk to some other prominent people in the fanbase about Poniverse and future involvement :3

 

Then, Vexx proclaimed that food was a good thing, and we all headed off for our second unofficial staff dinner. Plus Lugia and some others. There's not much for me to say here apart from, the atmosphere was nice, and my burger was fucking delicious, if not slightly expensive. We hung out a little longer than usual due to a in-restaurant trivia game going on, but, while we got a little over halfway through, most of us became tired of sitting and we all decided to go.

 

This time, however, for good. While we would afterwords stand around outside the convention center and just chat and laugh for almost three hours into the late night and early morning, immediately after the dinner, Feld0 read to us a speech he created regarding Poniverse, his appreciation and love for the effort the staff has put into it, and how positive he is about our future together as a site <3 It was very heart-warming, and I believe NC recorded it. I'll edit this post with it if it ever gets uploaded anywhere.

 

Following the official departure of everyone one by one, I convinced Arty, at last, to spend the night at my hotel room and have an epic sleepover xP He drove Chigens back to the hotel the two were staying at, then later arrived at the Mariott, toting a large amount of newly bought MLP trading cards from the fairly recent Series 2, as well as his binder of Series 1 cards, and two new binders. Suffice to say...we spent a good hour and a half amusingly opening packs (there had to be at least 26 of them X.x), looking at them, and sorting them into his binders. All the while, my mom had Independence Day, and later on, Clash of the Titans playing on cable. Oh, and there was pizza we had ordered as well that were there <3

 

And...that about sums it up, kids. We all went to sleep, and in the morning on Monday, Arty walked us out and he departed in his own direction as well, as Flutterdasher, myself and my mom headed towards the Amtrak Train, which we nearly missed in our sleep-deprived states xD The rest was Boring Twelve Hour Train Ride, The Sequel :c

 

--

 

Altogether, there were feels of all kinds, and I know that Arty and I are now even better friends than before, after being able to hang out almost the entire convention :3 I will definitely be there next year, with even more money to buy Spitfire, Dash and Discord swag. This is easily a highlight to my entire life, and I hope to have more of them in the upcoming years for as long as this fandom lasts. I loved everyone I met, and it's been an experience I shan't forget.

 

As a small by the way, due to this con and the tons of merch I've bought, I can also happily say that I have just about reached my final form. Just a unicorn horn, or maybe some wings to match my Spitfire hat, and all shall be perfection. Maybe next year...

 

Perhaps Arty can get a Twilicorn getup and match my perfection.

 

Yay~ for BronyCon 2013!

[---------------------- 1,645]

mmm, just an FYI to all you folks, when I have a chance, I am probably gonna explain my entire experience via video. I honestly can't stand typing that much and I rather explain my experience with voice and character then just using text. This will probably be made on the 11th when I get back from my cousins house. 

[Batbrony 16,055]

The fellowship and ties that bind this fandom are honestly so amazing that I can't even be envious of all of you who got to attend BronyCon this year (well, OK, maybe just a little, but hey, nopony's perfect!  ).  Instead, reading your posts and about all of your experiences, all I can feel is immense pleasure and the greatest of joys that you all had such a wonderful time out there!  You've all convinced me that this is an experience that I simply must partake in, and so I've made it my #1 mission for next year to be to attend BronyCon 2014 and meet all you crazy guys and gals.  I anticipate that there shall be merriment all around!!!  Maybe even muffins! 

 

Once again, I couldn't be happier for you all who got to attend, and hope to read more of your stories and about your experiences in the days to come.  Wish me luck in my mission to attend next year's BronyCon!  I'm off!!! *cue dramatic exit... to BronyCon... 2014... BUCK THAT'S ONE WHOLE YEAR AWAY!!!*

 

P.S. DashForever, you sure as buck better join me in this mission or else I'll just have to drag you right along into it.  We're going to get out there buddy, just you wait and see!!! 

Edited August 7, 2013 by Batbrony

[Jonke 3,743]

  Wish me luck in my mission to attend next year's BronyCon!  I'm off!!! *cue dramatic exit... to BronyCon... 2014... BUCK THAT'S ONE WHOLE YEAR AWAY!!!*

 

Probably for the better.

 

Most of us probably need time to recover and save up for next year. With first-hand experience and good amount of time to plan out, we've the potential to make next year an even greater experience.

[sunset_sprint 190]

I spent around $300 on pony swag and that didn't even scratch the surface of what was available in the vendor hall. If I could have, I would've bought one of everything. The quailty, time, and care put into the items for sale was amazing.

Edited August 7, 2013 by sunset_sprint

[Guits 0]

I had a great time! o3o I hope to see you guys next year, there was so many awesome fans at bronycon 2013 and LOADS of fun! The panels were cool and I saw many familiar faces.  

[Lady Rarity Pony 4,892]

I had an amazing time. Too amazing for me to explain.

 

I got to meet:

• Feld0 (and his mother)
• Artemis
• Apple Bloom (second time we've met)
• NewCalamity
• Thereisnospoon303
• ~Chaotic Discord~ (got to stroke his beard)
• Marco (second time we've met; I met his mother)
• NASCARFAN160
• Chigens
• Zoop (got to rub his head [for free])
• Luminescence
• Jonke
• Fox
• Vexx3
• Skygunner
• IHazTommyWiseau (ran into him; had met him last year)
• Lord Bababa
• Ice Storm
• Ol' Sarge (second time we've met)
• Skullbuster (and his friend; second time we've met)
• ~Lugia~
• WingMcCallister
• TGAP Haven
• Dark Qiviut
• Nelson LaQuet
• Vinyl Blade
• Media Brony

 

There were a few others I met, although I can't recall their exact usernames. If I left you out, just tell me and I'll add you to the list!

 

Here are some random pictures I got:

 

Staff team picture (I'm not in it)

 

Picture of Zoop and some random girl

 

Picture of Fox and Canada Dry Ginger Ale

 

Picture of Chigens and I

 

Picture of Chigens, Marco, and I

[/spoilers]

 

 

 

Here's stuff I was given/bought at the convention

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here are some of our shenanigans:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnX5QkPrJxY&feature=youtu.be

Edited August 9, 2013 by Lady Rarity Pony

[Fox 5,330]

THis year I did not take like...ANY photos, but I did take a good chunk of video

 

Wait until you discover the small cameo/surprise I made in your video at Brony Palooza~

 

If you happen to find it, I want to see it.... X)

And which plushie would that be dear fox? You talking about my Rainbow Dash hat :3?

Speaking of which, here is a picture of all the plushies (along with a couple other things to fill up the picture) that I had purchased at the con.

 

 

20130805_165822.jpg

 

*That Apple Bloom plush is the softest thing I've ever felt X3*

 

 

I meant the RD one because that was the only one I saw, but seeing your whole collection, I'd have to fit AppleBloom in my list of favourites considering your extensive collection of plushies.

[Twiliscael 3,960]

I would just like to point out that, even I, whom did not get the opportunity to attend the convention for a handful of personal reasons, found the past weekend to be quite a joyride. So many of you whom I'm glad to consider fellow forumites and friends for the past year or more got to be together and have a jolly old time. And to be frank, that makes me quite the happy camper. Seeing the people I care about so happy and together brings a smile to my face, and really makes me feel great. I was multiple states away, but I could still feel the energy of everyone's experiences through this little magical thing we call the internet, and I got to see pictures and videos and livestreams of all of you wonderful people. At this point, skeptical as I may have once been, I am going to try with every ounce of my being to be able to attend next year's con in hopes of meeting with you and possibly making a new friend or two, while acquiring mass amounts of various pony swag. As the fandom grows bigger, it can only become a better experience :3 Anyways, I'm happy for all of you and glad that even though I wasn't there, I was able to watch these events unfold and hear all about your great personal experiences. 

 

Look, I just typed a 1047 character post about a convention I didn't even go to. What can I say, I'm easily excitable.

[Shrineheart 32]

 

Luvmysub.png

I was so hungry, and then my mom showed up with random subs. SoHappy. Scuse' me guys, I'll just be nomming this while you hug, and AB plushie attacks my head.

 

 

 

Aha! I was the booth right next to this one. I remember seeing you guys take this photo!

[PlunderSteed 1,252]

What did I learn at BronyCon?

 

I learned that one day I will marry Michelle Creber.  She just doesn't know it yet.  Also, she turns 18 in...let me see.  365 times uh...carry the hmm, that's...

 

Fuck.

1491 days from now.

[Yellow Diamond 7,574]

I guess I should throw my hat into the ring, seeing as CD has already typed out an essay on his BronyCon experiences. I need an excuse to write at length before the next semester begins this fall.

 

If anyone does not remember my previous BronyCon attendance, you may rediscover the magic (and anguish) here. Suffice it to say that I was not a happy camper after BronyCon 2012: the logistics were, in a word, horrific; the vendors were exceedingly difficult to navigate; and I walked away with a grand total of 0 autographs after having expectations of meeting Lauren Faust, John de Lancie, et al. in person. I found the whole ordeal less than appealing, if that wasn't already made sufficiently clear. Though I wanted to go to the upcoming BronyCon in 2013, I had my doubts about how things would play out in comparison to the Secaucus debacle.

 

I am pleased to say right off the bat that BronyCon 2013 was a vastly improved experience. The aforementioned logistical nightmare which befell its predecessor was nonexistent; lines were manageable, given the spacious confines of the Baltimore Convention Center. Unlike BronyCon 2012, an event which felt like a small con trying to pass itself off as a large scale convention, BronyCon 2013 proved itself to be a professional affair while maintaining the intimacy which makes Brony events so appealing. The event felt organized without being suffocating. I extend major props to the con organizers who learned their lesson(s) and responded with intelligence and foresight. Bravo!

 

But let us move away from overall summations and get down to the nitty gritty details. Why did Spoon like BronyCon so much this time? Now you will receive official answers!

 

I traveled to Baltimore from New York City by train with two good friends of mine. We are seasoned enough with cons to grasp the essentials while expanding our options beyond passive participation. Case in point: all three of us went in costume -- but we decided well in advance that we would make use of a distinctly non-MLP to further enhance our enjoyment and amusement at BronyCon.

 

Thus Bane, accompanied by Pinkie Pie cosplaying as a member of the League of Shadows, made his BronyCon debut.

 

 

(I want to quickly detail the costume for a moment, since my friends put a great deal of effort and time into making it so fantastic. The ballistic vest is of our creation: we used a combination of fabrics, military surplus gear, and Worbla Termoplastic to produce what you see here. The boots were surplus Bates boots (only about $40 for footwear typically sold at $100+) roughed up with tons of shoe polish and adorned with straps. The pants and mask were bought from other sources. We wanted to make our own mask, but time and engineering foiled us.)

 

I suspected the costume would garner some attention, given how disparate The Dark Knight Rises is from My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. What I did not expect, however, was how popular the costume proved to be. There were points where we could not walk more than 5 meters before someone would stop us and ask for a picture. Everyone who asked for a picture proved to be very courteous and receptive, and the costume's popularity allowed me to encounter other fantastic cosplays.

 

 

 

Deadpool, Iron Will, and I crossed paths prior to the voice actors' panel. The camera was panning over portions of the crowd, and some kid behind me -- one who had peppered me with questions about the costume -- said I should stand up. Once the camera locked on and displayed Bane on the main screen, the entire place erupted like a WWF crowd reacting to "Stone Cold" Steve Austin running down the ramp. That's when Deadpool and Iron Will jumped in and added to the insanity, prompting an impromptu photo shoot. The crowning moment was when Lee Tockar, responding to a question regarding the coolest moment of the convention he had seen so far, professed his overwhelming approval of the Bane cosplay.

 

That's it. I'm done. How can I top that moment? Well, it did help to have some photo ops with the man himself -- right after he came up to me in the vendors' hall and personally provided compliments.

 

 

What the heck? Why not get one with Michelle Creber, too?

 

 

I also managed to nab autographs from Nicole Oliver, Cathy Weseluck, and M.A. Larson. Their signatures will be forever immortalized on my MLP Season One DVD. Score!

 

As an aside, I apologize if I come off as awfully bigheaded right now. I am afraid of being some sort of narcissist who can't help but post pictures of himself on the internet after 15 seconds of glory. But you know what? The costume was worth it. I had a chance to enjoy being one of many focal points of attention over the course of the convention. I enjoyed being able to make people laugh and enjoy their time at the con by doing something ridiculous yet entertaining. It has given me a lot to think about as I move forward with my life. I felt good about myself in public -- a rare feeling, I might add -- and I'm pleased so many folks could receive it positively.

 

Enough about Bane (For now...). How about the Poniverse and MLP Forums? Many of you were there; don't think I have forgotten! We took our lives into our collective hands by walking the streets of Baltimore at night. Good Lord, what a sad sight much of it was. Camden Yards and the bay area are beautiful; the rest of the city... not so much. The only place I've personally been through which looks worse is Camden, NJ. Next time let's try to get reservations closer to the convention center, eh?

 

In spite of Baltimore's seedy downtown area, I quite enjoyed going out with Feld0, CD, Artemis, Ice Storm, Marco, NASCAR, and so many other members of MLP Forums for some dinner. NASCAR and Marco were harassing one another throughout the meal, like two brothers who rag on each other yet never cross the threshold of actually causing offense. It was glorious to see them banter from up close. I had a lot of fun watching them have fun.

 

As CD mentioned, I had the displeasure of sitting with he, Ice Storm, and Artemis during dinner. The three of them are funny, witty guys who never miss a beat. Nobody tried too hard to entertain one another; the meeting felt very natural. I wish I could have spent more time with everyone, just to shoot the shit, indulge in pone, and do silly things. Next year we should all gather to watch Equestria Girls or something like that. Then NC and I could riff it a la MST3K.

 

I was really impressed by Feld0 and his plans for the Poniverse. Truth be told, I was worried people might blow us off as some sort of vague, highly technical project. What he offered, however, proved to be quite the hit. I'm very eager to see how the Poniverse will expand with time. One of my friends, a typically highly critical fellow, commented afterward that Poniverse bears similarities to some of the ingenious platforms Valve has produced (i.e., Steam). I think we have the beginnings of a potentially revolutionary product. Props to Feld0, Ice Storm, Apple Bloom, and an exhausted Lord Bababa for clearly laying out what Poniverse has in store for the future.

 

And props to MLP Forums for the Feld0 memes. You guys are so random!

 

By Sunday my shoulders ached from the body armor prop not sitting correctly on my shoulders, and the drinks from the previous night left me feeling out of sorts -- yet I would do it all over again at the drop of a hat. My only major regrets were not hanging around the staff for a longer period and for completely forgetting Lady Rarity Pony when we bumped into one another at the train station in Baltimore. I have promised to repay him for my slights.

 

Before I close, if anyone from the convention staff reads this, answer this question: what was with all the contractual business with respect to the guests of honor? I don't bemoan you guys for doing your jobs, but I have never encountered a convention which strictly monitors autographs and pictures with those formally invited. Did it have to do with paying for those services through vouchers? It felt a bit weird for Lee Tockar's handler to inform us that he (i.e., the handler) was contractually the only one who could handle a camera for a sanctioned photo shoot. It was bizarre, to say the least.

 

In any event, I shall leave you all with Pixelated Scootaloo welcoming you to my laptop's desktop.

 

[Lady Rarity Pony 4,892]

Here's some more madness

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_nLNXPKAa4&feature=youtu.be

 

I did my best to say something weird to Feld0. I couldn't let it end without leaving a good impression!

[NavelColt 22,881]

Since I happened upon these from Flutterdasher's phone, figured I'd post em'. I remember I happened to get into the Hilton elevator at one point with Vinyl and Dash and their third wheel guy who played music as they walked around. Was quite the venture. Vinyl kept jumping up and down to make the elevator shake, and then I followed them to the convention center to witness much swag to be had, with fellow friends Shining Armor, Twilicorn Sparkle and Princess Vader.

 

 

 

[Batbrony 16,055]

DSC01050.JPG

 

SPANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!      You cannot escape the swift wings of justice Spane!  You may have broken me before, but I'm back and ready to defend Got-  wait, I mean, uh... Baltimore, I guess?   Now tell me, WHERE'S THE TRIGGER?!?!?!?!?!  

 

Dude, you would not believe how disappointed I was that I was not there with you guys when I saw that cosplay after the Poniverse panel on the online stream.  Fun fact, for awhile DashForever and I thought it was Zoop (or Zane as I was referring to "him" )!  If I thought there was a remote chance I could somehow afford a decent Batman costume for next year I'd encourage you to come out in the same cosplay next time so we could have an epic Bat/Bane-Brawl, but I doubt I'll manage to find any such costume at affordable prices.  Ah well, I'm still planning on doing everything I can to get out there, so hopefully we can still get up to all kinds of Batbrony/Spoony madness next year with the other forum goers.  Glad you had a great time, oh, and before I forget to mention it, major props on the sick cosplay!!! 

Edited August 8, 2013 by Batbrony

[Creamy Arty 6,252]

Let me preface all of this by saying thanks to all of the staff who did not attend BronyCon and worked diligently to keep this place in order. You were just as instrumental to everything as those working on the table and panel.
 
 
My journey began on Thursday afternoon after work. I left sometime around 5:45 in the afternoon, and headed for Arlington to give Zoop and Luminescence a lift. After braving a storm on the way up I95, fearful that I'd be late picking up Zoop and Lumi from the airport, it turned out that they had been wandering aimlessly for a while. It's good to know there are others with a sense of direction nearly as bad as mine. XD
 
After nearly taking them to New York, I managed to get us to Baltimore instead and delivered them to the wrong Sheraton. We then walked to the correct one because parking was a nightmare and I didn't want to try finding a new spot. Chigens also rode in my car quite a bit throughout our time in Baltimore. She never seemed worried despite me having to cut off a few people to avoid being forced on the wrong exit and getting slightly lost a few times. These three people are my heroes for never panicking and always putting on a brave face.
 
Thanks to being one of the table guys and therefore having a vendor pass, I had the privilege of going through a separate registration line that only took about 5 minutes. That was the first order of business after arriving. Waiting in line for what felt to be an eternity was the most common complaint I heard last year and this year. Get used to it. As the convention grows, it'll probably get worse. Comes with the territory. Surprisingly though, wait times overall seemed much shorter to me this time compared to last.
 
After I got my badge, I grabbed a whiskey sour from the bar and walked with Zoop and Lumi through the peasant's line as a gesture of solidarity. Marco arrived with Lurpy soon thereafter to stalk my companions, but since they didn't know what I looked like at the time, I just lurked behind them for a while and laughed on the inside. Chigens then arrived, who would be my roommate for the next few days. Sharing her company was a pleasure, I might add. While I'm not much of an entertainer myself, she's intelligent and has a good sense of humor; I enjoyed every minute.
  
 

Come Friday, I had my first meeting with Elvis, Ice Storm, and Feld0 as we set up the table in the vendor hall. Elvis is one of the earliest friends I had on this forum. Finally having the opportunity to meet him was one of my most anticipated events of this convention. Ice Storm, who I had not spoken to at great length beforehand, reminds me very much of my cousin Bryan in his way of talking and mannerisms. Fun guy. Feld0 came by sometime soon thereafter with our glorious Poniverse banner to be hung on the curtain at the back of the booth. After we got that up and set out our laptops, a small disaster struck. Feld0 had paid for use of the convention center's wi-fi for the duration of the convention; we didn't receive the password to it until 2 minutes before the vendor hall opened. After getting connected, we found a slight bug that needed to be addressed immediately. Thankfully we had Feld0 and Nelson at hand to work their magic and save the day.
 
With the conclusion of the opening ceremonies, the vendor hall opened and in poured the first wave of avaricious attendees. Among them was New Calamity. He, Vexx, and I spent time lounging about here and there as opportunities presented themselves. Half of the time it was over food of some sort. We walked around the vendor hall a bit as well. NC is another one of those interesting individuals with whom I feel very close and also can somehow share his company for extended periods without overly grating on his nerves. Props to Vexx as well for the same since he never seemed to be bothered by my presence. NC and I already knew each other very well due to many late-night Skype calls, IMs, and frequently playing games together. He even gave me this button of Sasha from Attack on Titan:
 

 

Everyone loves Sasha.

 
 
Several people commented on how NC was as elusive as Waldo. Nonetheless, I frequently found him.
 
Chaotic Discord made his debut sometime soon thereafter. CD and I spent a lot of time together those three days. Although he wasn't one of the vendors, he spent quite a while hanging around the table, keeping us company and making the pitch to people who stopped by. (Even when he's on a vacation he can't stop working entirely. XD) We had lots of time to talk while walking from one end of the convention center to the other countless times, eating together, watching a panel, etc. Turns out we're even more similar than I realized. We talked about everything, from the show to the fandom to the forum (I can't stop working or thinking about work on vacation either). How somebody could put up with me and my many types of awkwardness for as long as CD did, I have no idea. All I know is we now share an even stronger bond, and we'll no doubt be inseparable at BronyCon 2014. His friend Flutterdasher and his mom are equally awesome — hilarious, witty, and very hospitable. Felt as comfortable with the three of them as any of my own family. Flutterdasher also really enjoys my accent.
 
For those of you who don't know, @Fox is this forum's biggest irl troll. He came to the table on several occasions and let multiple staff members who didn't know him explain what Poniverse was before ragging on it. He's a great guy though, once you get to know him.
 
Zoop stopped by at some point that morning and I availed myself of the opportunity to rub his head for $5 in front of several witnesses. It looked something like this:
 

 
 
Sometime that evening I went with CD back to his place to chill with him, his mom, and his friend Flutterdasher. Despite how fun these people are, I was succumbing to lack of sleep and exhaustion from the day's events, dozing off even as we spoke. Thankfully, they were very understanding and didn't hold it against me.
 

Things got a bit more interesting by Saturday. Chigens and I stopped by Dunkin' Donuts before heading the con so I could pick up a dozen donuts and some coffee. Can't start the day without coffee, you know. After we got there, it was more of the same for me, standing by the table with my fellow vendors and Chaotic Discord, who stayed and traveled by my side for most of the convention. NASCARFAN160 also arrived this day. Alas, we didn't get to spend much time together personally, though we'll likely see plenty of each other in the near future as we only live an hour or so apart. His grandfather — who was a real gentleman and newcomer to our fandom — and I conversed at length on several occasions; I'm looking forward to spending more time with him as well.

 

We closed the table early that day so we could all make it to the panel and make it to dinner afterward. Dinner was at an Irish Pub called Mick O'Shea's. Drop by if you're ever in the area. It's relaxing, the food it good, the prices are reasonable, and the staff is accommodating. I ordered the O'Shea burger with sauteed mushrooms and Smithwick's Irish Ale to wash it down.
 
Several of us old guys went to a bar across the street after getting back to the con center and the fabulous banner now gracing the top of the page was put up. For as much as I enjoy booze of all sorts, Nelson's (nlaq) knowledge of all things alcoholic puts mine to shame. And not only did he give me some advice in that area, he also picked up the tab and filled my flask from his stash at his hotel. Next year I'll have to return the favor. Moving on from there, I eventually found myself at what remained of BronyPalooza with CD, Chigens and Lurpy.
 
Retiring to the Hilton's lobby following the conclusion of BronyPalooza, Fox and Chigens took naps on a couch as CD and I perused the form for a bit, with him using my account since his was on the fritz. CD's endurance was greater than mine though. Soon I found myself succumbing to exhaustion just as the aforementioned two did. Before I got to the point of having to rest my head on CD's shoulder, which nearly happened several times as my vision blurred and blacked out, Chigens and I returned to Motel 6 for the remainder of the evening.
 
 

Sunday was the final day of the con, with possibly the least activity at our table due to everyone raiding those that were actually selling things because vendors were marking almost everything down, and willing to haggle. I got a few buttons at the last minute, a box of cards and some binders, but nothing too fancy. Some of the staff and random members who happened to be around got together for an impromptu dinner that evening after the closing ceremonies. We went to an Irish Pub, but a different one from before. The food was alright, but the service was slow and things were too expensive. Feld0 grabbed this during the height of my exhaustion as I was desperate to entertain myself:
 

 
 
Several of us parted ways for the last time once dinner ended. Over 9000 group and individual hugs were had outside of the convention center as we prepared to go back to our hotels and our normal lives. That evening I stayed with CD, his mom, and Flutterdasher in their hotel and we sorted some of my newly-purchased cards. Upon checking out the following morning, I escorted them half-way or so to the train station. Alas, their path and mine diverged at an intersection, with them bound for the rails and myself for the road.
 
The last order of business was delivering Chigens from our hotel to the Hilton so Vexx could take her and a couple other passengers home. Walking away from that group was the hardest parting of ways for me, because it was the last and heralded my return to ordinary, solitary life and another year until we would all reunite. Keeping my chin up, I stalwartly hiked to my car. Upon sitting down though and briefly reflecting, the tears became uncontrollable. It wasn't until then that I could fully appreciate how much that weekend and those with whom I shared company meant to me. Took a solid 20 minutes to dry my eyes and compose myself enough to drive.
 
After that it was what you might expect — I went home. I had a three-hour, uneventful drive.
 

---

 
Alright, so that wasn't as elegant or interesting a tale as some others, but it was mine and one I thoroughly enjoyed. Please, if you're at all able to attend next year, I would encourage you to do so. Even if you aren't into the panels, games, merchandise, or any of the attractions offered by the convention itself, it's worth going simply for the spirit of camaraderie and the company of friends you've never had the opportunity to meet, and the chance to make some new ones.
 
 
Interesting fact: the first day of BronyPalooza registered a 1.6 on the Richter scale according the seismometer in the convention center's basement. Imagine what we might be able to do with a couple thousand more.

[Batbrony 16,055]

Let me preface all of this by saying thanks to all of the staff who did not attend BronyCon and worked diligently to keep this place in order. You were just as instrumental to everything as those working on the table and panel.

 

*one epic story later*

 

The last order of business was delivering Chigens from our hotel to the Hilton so Vexx could take her and a couple other passengers home. Walking away from that group was the hardest parting of ways for me, because it was the last and heralded my return to ordinary, solitary life and another year until we would all reunite. Keeping my chin up, I stalwartly hiked to my car. Upon sitting down though and briefly reflecting, the tears became uncontrollable. It wasn't until then that I could fully appreciate how much that weekend and those with whom I shared company meant to me. Took a solid 20 minutes to dry my eyes and compose myself enough to drive.

 

 *sniff* Oh, come here you.  Somepony needs a hug.  But I'm not going to give you one.  Instead... have a Bat-hug!

 

 

 

And speaking of your opening statement, I'm glad you reminded me, cause I wanted to mention them as well.  A GINORMOUS shoutout to the moderators who held down the fort here on the forums while the rest of the staff were away.  Dudes, lemme tell ya, these guys were beastly in the way they weathered whatever crap was thrown their way all by themselves while everypony else was at BronyCon.  Just goes to show how wise Feld0 and the rest of the admins have been in who they've picked to moderate the site, because I have nothing but respect for these guys after everything they did last week.  Kudos guys, ya'll did a commendable job!!! 

 

 

Batman Is Impressed

Edited August 9, 2013 by Batbrony

[WingMcCallister 368]

 

 

Upon sitting down though and briefly reflecting, the tears became uncontrollable

 

 

I know how that goes Artemis. It was a really good time, and it was damn fun to meet all the crazy folks I poke on a daily basis. It is not easy to go back to reality after that.  

[Nas 2,873]

@@Artemis Your post...just... Every time I delve on my experience (which will be posted here in the coming few days perhaps), I regret not being able to get there earlier. Seeing all my friends in real life for the first time, especially you, has made this one of the most memorable experiences in my life. I inevitable also got quite emotional at the end; albeit being satisfied enough with having seen you guys at all, I wish I could have spent much more time with everyone, especially Sunday night when everyone left. It really bums me out I wasn't a part of that, I left while everyone was still there... But the important thing is that I was thankfully able to get a hug from everyone before I saw them last, until next time. And I could not be more thankful for the fact that I live near you, one of my best friends on here. Really looking forward to hanging out with you in the future.

 

...

 

Oh, I can't help myself. *hugs*

Edited August 9, 2013 by NASCARFAN160

[Quilava 1,290]

@@Artemis

@@WingMcCallister

 

As Bronypalooza continued on saturday night, it all started piling up. The events of the day, the wonderful amount of people I met, and then the great atmosphere at the concert. Though I wasn't able to join you guys that night at the concert, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't among friends. When I got back to my hotel that night, it was quite hard to hold the feels.

 

 

 

 

 

'ts sad that things like this can't happen more often...

[WingMcCallister 368]

@, 

 

Here's one for the team, Lugia. I'm sure this will just make the memories flood back in. Are you ready for it? Here it comes... digging down deep.

http://vocaroo.com/i/s1fU6mlKOAZM

[Courageous Thunder Dash 7,824]

Ugh, I can't believe I missed it. I had family over on that weekend and it was crazy. I hope, really hope I could make it next year. Besides, it's only a 7-8 hour drive from where I am.