We should not try to convert people?

[The Crimson Cross 7,532]

We should all go door to door in our hoods and ask if people will let the magic of friendship into their hearts and start pushing it off as the JW do lol. 

 

Exuse me sir? But have you heard about the good word of Twilight Sparkle? lol. 

 

It's better if we wear something like this:

 

[Zygen 6,066]

Honestly if someone doesn't want to watch the show after some non aggressive convincing or something of that matter, then once you start trying to force them to watch the show, chances are they will not enjoy the show simply because they feel they are being forced to watch it.

 

It's kinda how like when someone might tell you to do something and the fact that a person told you to do something a certain way may make you feel less inclined to do it, or if your rebellious enough you won't want to do it at all just because they told you to do it.

 

That's how it is with trying to force MLP, heck really anything, upon people.

 

Moral of the story is forcing and converting people to try and force them to become bronies is simply not a good idea.

[Celli 4,338]

When I first joined the fandom, I told a couple of people they should check it out, but now, I don't even suggest it, because I don't want to get annoying.

[cuteycindyhoney 13,307]

Unpopular as it is to just come out and say, Bronies created their own bad press. It started with the "Mods asleep: Post Ponies" nonsense that did nothing but annoy users on sites that had nothing to do with animation. Next we have militant bronies cramming the show down everyone's throats, using the logic of "I like it, so EVERYONE ELSE must like it too!". It then progressed with the "Coming out" as a brony idiocy. That's my biggest peeve. Bronies basically mock gay and bisexual people by declaring that they're "coming out" and then sit there looking bewildered and hurt when people say they are gay because of the term.

 

I happen to love MLP:FIM, but it's just a TV show. Get over it already! It get's good ratings, so why should I run around annoying the hell out of people trying to "Convert them", as if it's some kind of religious movement? I don't care if people know I watch a half hour program. I don't care if people know I watch NCIS, or Doctor Who either, for that matter. 

 

 

One last thing. Am I the only one who thinks some of the clothing merchandise makes the wearer look kind of stupid? Tee-shirts are fine, but why do bronies pretend not to know why they're mocked when wearing a hoodie with built in pony ears, mane, and sometimes even a unicorn horn on the hood, and wings sewn onto the back?  Face it, that just looks dumb.

Edited June 18, 2014 by cuteycindyhoney

[Washougal_Otaku 1,020]

I only read the initial post, so my apologies if I'm repeating words here.

 

Fandoms can be treated like religions.  Some people have a strong passion for what they hold dear to themselves that they want to share; some will be surprised (or offended) that you don't share the same beliefs or interests that they "feel the calling" to force you into the "light" of their garbage.

 

I grew up in a Pentecostal church for most of my life, with the last 14 or so years being off-and-on with Messianic Jewish.  What has been a consistent philosophy with both is that the word of God mustn't be forced upon others.  This is an almost-guaranteed way to prevent others from converting, perhaps forever.  There would be certain cases in which we'd be going out with the intent to spread the word, but even then we weren't supposed to be forceful about it.

 

Likewise, any fandom can have a "salesman" member in it; yes, I do believe that the larger a fandom, the more likely it will have these salesmen and the more it could have.  Some of you may have noticed this being mentioned in a couple of places here (and possibly on Memebase), but this is one of the MANY reasons why I hate Pokemon and Dr. Who as much as I do.

 

Regarding this fandom, I don't give a monkey poo at the zoo about convincing others to watch the show or not.  It's not my job, responsibility, interest, or right to do that; it's the marketing teams of Hasbro Inc. and the Hub Network.

[Henny Penny Benny 936]

Eh, some folk just have no interest in watching a show intended for little girls. Just doesn't float their figurative boat. And really, it's not going to improve anyone's quality of life in any meaningful way, nor will their refusal to watch cause any wars to break out, so as far as I'm concerned, if they don't want to watch, it ain't no thing.

[Steel Accord 6,660]

Maybe not be in their face, but I still think it doesn't hurt to try your best to convince someone you know would otherwise enjoy the show and expand their mind a bit. It really just depends on a case by case basis. Some people are just so resistant to the brand that they simply can't see past it and enjoy the show. Getting them to see that it is a great show regardless of what it's history has been can serve to make that person a little more willing to try new things and really maybe give less of a care about peer pressure. That not only makes the fandom bigger and adds a new perspective to it but helps the newly christened brony as a person.

[ReverseFaller 2,483]

I agree that you shouldn't convert. It's okay to recommend the show to people, but please don't shove it down their throat. 

[SacredHooves 39]

The reality of it all stands like this; I know it was said before, but it is true.  Thanks in part to some of "the heard" we bronies are generally disliked via forcin the issue.  I know a lot about that myself being a Southern Baptist Christian, I get riffed at because people see us like JW's via some stupidic, moronic, idiots making us like that.  I've always kept it as thus; You Ask, I Tell.  It's easier that way, and frankly I dont' give a rip if someone hates me for being a Brony.  My reply? OK doesn't bother me.  I don't hate back because they are part of like the Furry Underground United Union Club (Not real as far as I know) or some stuff.

 

There is always that one person making it harder on us and other people with the acceptance of Bronies.  We like a show targeted and marketed for little girls mainly, but us bronies have come to love and support the show that we love.  The fact we have our own conventions is proof enough there is some but not everyone on the outter rings of it all is a detractor.  I for one; even after the fact people think it's weird, still am an old school gamer through and through.  I love the effects and sounds of 8-bit to 64-bit just as much as todays next gen consoles.

 

The fine line is thus here; Someone doesn't ask you don't force feed them via the shovel.  Mention the show and why you watch it then let it go.  I always love bringing new people into things like gaming anime manga and MLP, but at their pace not mine.

 

SIDE NOTE: I forget which post but I honestly could care less if I ended up labeled the "Furry Fag of the Store" at my job wearing a hoddie with pony ears, mane, and tail.  I'm a freak like that, and if you can't take my style then I'm sorry but I ain't changing.  I don't have one like that, but tbh I find MLP boxers more offensive before MLP character hoddies!

[Satsuki Kiryuin 1,155]

Why do people take this show so seriously? You shouldn't be proud to be a Brony, or "convert" people. It's not a religion, a sexuality, a gender, a race, or anything. It's a television show, and that's all it will ever be. Conversion is a classy term saying "forcing something to change or like something".

[Techite Sparkle 354]

Well on this matter I would prefer to be rather neutral on this matter. And I will explain why in one sentence. You don't make the OVERALL choices for a person, because in the end they make the final decision. Anyway I really wouldn't feel comfortable doing it either. A big reason is my best friend since I was like six is not a brony today. But is pretty cool about me being one, and I defiantly want to keep it like that xD. Sometimes he even pops in a few references into a game we are playing that I have mentioned before so its pretty nice . But other than that yeah. I guess you could give it a try but pushing it to much could be a way to push someone away from you. I would try to be polite as possible with this xD.

[Scootalove 10,689]

It's better to introduce people to the show and not to force them to or convert them too quickly, instead not converting people is better since you are not forcefully introducing the show to them and making them like it. So don't convert.

[Lionheart27 33]

It's all in how the message is delivered. Usually it's best to offer it up and let the person do with it what they will. This also applies to people seeking converts to their faith, and speaking from my experience as a Christian, we can't force someone to become one against their will.

[Washougal_Otaku 1,020]

Well said. I've looked at some posts made by the ABO (Anti-Brony-Organization), one of their reason for launching attacks on us was the fact that some of us shove ponies into people's faces. Really, that's the main problem, without it, they don't really have anything left worth standing on.

...is there a group like this that focuses on Pokemon?

[Techite Sparkle 354]

...is there a group like this that focuses on Pokemon?

There's probably some sort of hater group for every fanbase be it big small 10 people or a 1000 people.

[Washougal_Otaku 1,020]

There's probably some sort of hater group for every fanbase be it big small 10 people or a 1000 people.

Well, if there is, I wish them luck and might make a financial contribution!

 

Back on topic!

 

Spread the love amongst each other!  Don't force it on the unwilling!

 

[Tigerpop198 696]

Remember the more you try to convert people, the more they start to hate the show. Also it is quite a nuisance to do anyway.

[Duster Dawnhorse 248]

No. No you shouldn't try to convert people. It's annoying.

 

It's one thing to say "I've been watching MLP. I really like it so far." It's another to badger people into submission until they can't stand to be around you because you won't leave them alone about their interests. Relentless obnoxious fans that wouldn't step off when I said I didn't like something/didn't care/wasn't interested in checking it out have turned me off or made me actively hate fandoms before.

 

If someone shows interest, tell them where they can start. If someone goes "eh, not my thing," back off. Easy.

[88888888888888888888 129]

We should not try to convert people?

 

OK, maybe suggest the show. But don't get in their faces. Because quite frankly, some of the 'lesser liked parts' of the fandom will have them running and screaming away from you. Close minded and immature of them, but a factor nonetheless.   

 

I mean Bronies going around 'converting' people with such messages as join the herd kinda creeps me out.

 

OK, granted we Bronies don't have a massive military or political power to convert every human on the planet. But nonetheless these Bronies want more Bronies by trying to 'convert' people are kinda of creepy.

 

Our fandom is already big, and it would grow with or without this whole conversion of people into Bronies. We have to be careful, we could be labeled as something like Borg from Star Trek.

 

To put it simply, not everyone will become a Brony. Unless hypothetically, some evil overlord that's also a Brony takes over world and forces everyone to be a Brony or die.

 

And just because someone is Brony, doesn't mean they are some high moral person. They can be next Ted Bundy and still be a Brony. 

 

 

(Actually, we technically do have military power. Military bronies, y'know. And now that I think about it, we could always form a terrifying mob.)

 

Honestly, I'd just say it if it comes up.

 

For example:

 

"My Little Pony? Isn't that show for little girls?"

 

"Actually, it went under 4 generations. Generation 4 is the current generation we're in, which has all of the 'bronies'. It was originally intended for children the ages 2-11*, but older males & females began to watch the show. We enjoy the show & we basically have an amazing fandom that is not a cult in any way. I'd recommend watching the show, if 'ya want. I think it's an amazing show, you might like it if you try it."

 

*I originally thought it was within 3-10. Smaller range, yay!

 

 

 

"Why is everyone watching My Little Pony? It's so gay."

 

"Actually, I find it to be a very good show. You could always try it before you hate it, y'know. You haven't watched it, you don't know if it's good or not. You'll probably deny liking the show though, if you do.

 

"I'm not watching that !@#$! Anybody who watches that is a gay pedophile."

 

"Alright then, whatever you want. Personally, I'm straight, and I don't look up porn; but you like what you like, we like what we like."

 

 

>Implying that the conversation doesn't turn into a flame war​

No. No you shouldn't try to convert people. It's annoying.

 

It's one thing to say "I've been watching MLP. I really like it so far." It's another to badger people into submission until they can't stand to be around you because you won't leave them alone about their interests. Relentless obnoxious fans that wouldn't step off when I said I didn't like something/didn't care/wasn't interested in checking it out have turned me off or made me actively hate fandoms before.

 

If someone shows interest, tell them where they can start. If someone goes "eh, not my thing," back off. Easy.

This, basically. Show interest, but don't be obsessed.

Well said. I've looked at some posts made by the ABO (Anti-Brony-Organization), one of their reason for launching attacks on us was the fact that some of us shove ponies into people's faces. Really, that's the main problem, without it, they don't really have anything left worth standing on.

 

Yes. This. Most definitely, this.

 

I'm not sure if you guys even understand how many "anti-brony" groups there are.

 

Anonymous became MLPoison.

 

Anti-Brony Organization, the most popular, apparently. (Implying that I've seen very many of them?)

I've seen many different versions of ABO.

 

People honestly hate bronies mainly just because some people shove; i'm going to say, the Magic of Friendship into their lives.

 

(TBH with you, I can only think of 2 different types off the top of my head, one is recent.

However, there's a LOT of people who spend their days on pony-related content just stating how terrible it is. It's honestly sad.)

Edited June 20, 2014 by RailOfFire

[Sugar Pea 2,682]

It never hurts to introduce someone to a religion with open arms. It's all in the message you are trying to send.  Do what you will, but be sure that they are willing to see what your religion is all about.

 

Constantly shoving things in peoples face saying "This is the answer", "You have to believe in this because...", "Blah blah blah this is evil, that is evil, blah blah blah." is a bad thing to do. Be sure not to do this if you plan to convert an open friend into your religion. 

Let's not forget, be prepared to answer a bunch of questions if they are considering converting to your religion. They want to get the details, the answers they are looking for.

I believe converting somebody is NOT a bad thing as long as they are doing this on their own free will.
 

[Magnum Flare 553]

Try to convert? No. But trigger their interest would be better.

[Bendy 1,821]

(Actually, we technically do have military power. Military bronies, y'know. And now that I think about it, we could always form a terrifying mob.)

 

Yeah, but do we have power to kill everyone that refuses to become a Brony? As in a militant Brony group that goes "Convert to Bronyism or die." 

 

Or unleash the Reapers from Mass Effect to make everyone a Brony or die.

Edited June 20, 2014 by Rush

[kelseymarie805 301]

I don't really like the idea too much of it either, thinking about it but, people will try to convert people, that's just how someponies are, I can understand trying to get them to like it, and maybe watch it and enjoy it, but maybe not trying to force in their faces, it's not really good. Aside from that, I don't feel like something like that can really be forced, and if it is forced, whomever was "forced" into the fandom is probably going to resent it and them end up being a bitter brony because of it.