My EQLA Experience
Copied from my DA but now with pictures!
I’m going to try to keep this relatively short since I wrote a freaking novel for my Bronycon summary.
I had a lot of fun at EQLA. My friend, Tom AKA feferslice, let me stay with him while I was out there since he lived relatively close to the convention center. The first thing I noticed was that it was a lot smaller than Bronycon. 1000 vs 4000 at Bronycon. I honestly think that’s one of the reasons I loved it so much. Yeah it was pretty nice. I only went to two panels though, the first panel with the VA’s and Lauren’s and they were really good. I highly recommend finding them on Youtube and giving them a look. The rest of the time was spent wandering around the vendor tables and messing around LA and Anaheim.
I managed to get to see Brenda Crichlow, Andrea Libman, Tara Strong, Michele Creber, and Lauren Faust while I was there. Now this was Brenda’s very first convention, she’s still going through the phase where she’s just learning about our little community and is astounded about how many people are passionate about the show. Because of this, she was very excited to meet everyone. She’s a real cool person. She asked me where I was from. I told her and from then on she called me “Mr. Alabama”. I thought that was the funniest thing. Tom was super excited to meet her since Zecora is his favorite character. I had to tell Brenda that fact because he was having a little trouble speaking at that time. She had to give him a big hug after I told her that. Seriously she was outstanding.
I finally got a chance to meet Lauren after my two failed attempts at Bronycon. Surprisingly, I wasn’t giddy or had any trouble speaking to her. I guess it’s because I knew exactly what I wanted to say. I pretty much just told her thanks for everything, not just MLP, but everything she worked on prior. I also told her that her and her husband were two of the biggest contributors to my childhood and thanked her for that. I also told her that I was looking forward to seeing her and her husband’s new project, Wander Over Yonder, next year. She was super nice.
I’m sorry the pics came out a little blurry. Blame Tom. He’s the one who took them. lol
Then we went to see Tara. Meeting Tara was a little different from last time. If you remember back at Bronycon, Tom was “Bronynapped” by Tara Strong and Meghan McCarthy. He flew with them on the way over and they gave him a ride to the convention center from the airport. Fast-forward to EQLA. We get up to Tara and she instantly recognizes him and then remembers me because I was his friend who missed out. She had to get up and give both of us hugs. After that we had a pretty casual conversation about how we were all doing and everything. We bought some merch from her table to help out Kiki’s Charity then went our separate ways.
The only thing we did after that was go to the Charity Auction to see how my prints would do. I was blown away. Each print was sold separately. They went for a total of $640. Let me say that again. Six hundred and forty dollars. I was expecting $200-300 at the most. Here’s how it went.
Discord - $110 (bought by Mic the Microphone)
Nightmare Moon - $130
Chrysalis - $400
I seriously couldn’t believe it. There was a bidding war for the Chrysalis print. The whole crowd got into it. Every time the price went up there was a huge cheer. I just sat there in disbelief.
After all of that was over, we went back home and chilled for the rest of the night, went to bed, and got up SUPER early for my flight back home.
I had a wonderful time out in SoCal. Again I just want to thank Tom and his mother for their hospitality and I’d like to congratulate and the rest of the EQLA staff for a very successful convention. I can’t wait to go back. Next time I’m going to stay for an entire week. I had too much fun.
EQLA Aftermath
Yeah I know it’s a little late posting about it, but let’s cut to the chase.
I would just like to point out how happy things like this make me.
I Cosplay Princess Cadence from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.
I understand why I suppose, but little girls are very attracted to my Cadence cosplay. On more then one occasion I’ve gotten little girls, or little girls and their parents coming up to me and wanting to either hug me or get a picture, whatever.
It was a little more understandable at cons, But these picture’s weren’t taken at a con. I was at a MLP gathering in Kelley Park, and this mother and daughter still came up to me like it was completely normal and the little girl wanted a high five.
I don’t know what it is about this specific instance but, I felt like that was pretty cool of the mom to actually approach me and such. The other people around where looking at us like we were insane.
But yeah. gah, this just made me so happy.
(via whywearebronies)
Source: kuri-queen-of-feels
Why The Brony Community Means Something To Me
A little over a year ago, I started my freshman year of college. It was a very difficult time for me. I was hundreds of miles away from my home, my family, and my old friends. I was honestly very scared and nervous about diving into this next stage of my life. I became very reclusive and depressed, and I wasn’t sure if things were going to get any better.
Then I became a Brony. Like many others, I started watching My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic out of curiosity. And needless to say, I absolutely loved it. Naturally, I began to communicate and associate with other fans of the show (mainly through the internet). It didn’t take long for me to “join the herd” and become a fully-fledged Brony.
Since joining this community, I have made many amazing new friends online. That in turn, gave me the confidence I needed to become more outgoing in my daily life. I’ve become much more sociable, and have even met other Bronies who go to my college as well. I fully credit the Brony fandom for helping get me out of the rut I was in at the time. I’m now a much happier person, and I’m ready to move forward with my life.
I know this community isn’t perfect. I’ve seen plenty of bad things happen in this fandom. With how big this community has gotten, it’s inevitable (if not guaranteed) that at least some people will be unpleasant. But I don’t choose to let those unfavorable things define this community for me. I define the Brony community by all the positive things we’ve done (and the positives FAR outnumber the negatives). And I will always consider myself a Brony, because being a Brony - being a part of a loving, kind community of individuals - has impacted my life for the better.
So thank you Brony community. Thank you for showing me that friendship truly is the greatest magic out there!
~ Submitted by thenegaverser
One year ago, today, is a day that I will forever hold dear. While my inception into the show is a bit blurred, and didn’t happen in just one day, it is hard for me to pinpoint when a specific anniversary would be for me becoming a brony.
This date, however, IS concrete. On this day, last year, I uploaded my first ever video pertaining to ponies. It was the start to something I had no idea would blossom to what it has become.
When I got into the show, and later into the fandom, I was mesmerized by the content and wanted nothing more than to help contribute to the footprint of creativity this fan-base was leaving. I was inspired by videos like the Pony Anthology to start pushing content. I had ideas, but with the workload with school I decided to postpone any big projects until I was on winter break. I began uploading smallish, little comedic videos with the ponies. Nothing really time consuming or anything that required much effort. Just a sign for people that my account would eventually be posting pony related content.
I am incredibly thankful for the fortunes I’ve had in this past year, and am still almost in disbelief at what it has become. The people really are what makes the difference. The friends I’ve made along the way…there’s just no comparison. I never could have predicted I would become friends with those who I have, and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to make these bonds.
To all of my fans and supporters, I really cannot thank you guys enough. You instill a drive that makes me want to make more and more, hoping to make someone laugh or make them think, touch their emotions or make them smile. Each and every one of you make the difference.
Who knows what this next year will bring…I’m excited to find out myself! Keep being awesome guys and gals. And thank you so much!
-Race
Change the World
Now, this isn’t exactly a “hope story” per se. (I’m sorry. I know this blog could use some more of them, and I hope it will receive a lot of them soon.)
However, I hope that it will help to boost morale, serve as a small source of hope, or even just inspire someone a little.
I was an attendee at the Summer BroNYCon of 2012. The weekend I spent there was quite possibly one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. I got to meet fellow MLP:FiM fans. I got autographs from Lauren, Andrea and Tara (I could tell you another awesome story about that, but I don’t want to get off-topic). And, best of all, I could let loose, have fun, and act “Pinkie Pie-Tier” crazy without caring about what anyone thought, because I knew I was among people who were just as passionate about FiM as I was. I left that convention feeling amazing, and I wouldn’t trade that weekend for anything.
But there’s one moment in particular I’d like to share with you.
The second day of the convention was coming to an end. Everyone was gathered in the “Mane Hall” for the con’s closing ceremonies. The staff members and several guests of honor each took their turns saying a short word to the audience, thanking them for attending the convention and supporting a wonderful show.
But perhaps the most magical moment was when John de Lancie, old “Daddy Discord” himself, stepped up to the podium.
Underneath the unbuttoned shirt he wore, could be seen the iconic “Brony” t-shirt. The one with Rainbow Dash’s left-facing silhouette.
The sounds of applause and the roaring cheers of some 4,000 enthusiastic Bronies filled the area before de Lancie even spoke a word.
He lowered his hands, as a conductor to a symphony.
Silence. Dead silence.
It was then that he made this statement:
“Simply put…I’m with you. You are going to change the world.”
Those words. So simple, and yet so strong. Humbling, yet empowering.
They were words of hope.
In that moment, I was moved beyond belief. I was overcome with a sensation that felt somewhat new to me.
I could change the world.
I could be a part of something wonderful.
We all could. Anyone could.
…
About four months have passed since that day. Tensions within the fandom have been rising. Things have been, to put it simply, quite ugly.
People who once called themselves Bronies started to become estranged from the fandom. More and more of us have been drifting away. Losing faith.
Even the term, “Brony,” has earned itself an unfortunate stigma due to the actions of fans who seem to have lost sight of the show’s message of friendship. Emptily repeating “Love and Tolerance” as if it were mantra, and then turning around and showing contempt and anger.
Many people who have attended the convention might not really take the time to think about it much anymore. Maybe some people have forgotten that John de Lancie ever spoke those words. Maybe a few look back on that moment and think “If only that were true,” or “Looks like you were wrong, de Lancie.”
Maybe some think it’s too late for us to “change the world.”
Perhaps you feel this way, yourself. As if our fandom is too far gone.
I would like to tell you something.
It’s not too late.
It’s never too late.
Not for you.
You…
Yes you…
The person in front of the computer screen, on their phone, on their tablet, or however they’re reading this right now…
You can change the world.
Even if others choose to continue to be prideful, hateful, or judgmental…
You can still choose to be a friend.
It will start with the little things you choose to do in your day-to-day life.
Say hello to someone. Smile. Cheer them up. Tell them they look lovely today. Be a listening ear when they need to talk to someone. Give them a hug. Let them know that they matter. Let them know that you’ll be their friend.
Likewise, continue to be a friend when things become rough.
Stay calm. Choose not to succumb to anger, even when someone is attacking you. Learn to turn the other cheek. When your friends are in trouble, lend a hand. When you’re caught in an argument, try to be a mediator. When someone is doing wrong, stand up for what’s right. Remain civil and non-judgmental no matter what.
If one of us can practice being a real friend, maybe we can convince another. And then that person will convince someone else, and so on…
We can help bring back a little bit of hope.
Through these small acts of friendship, we can help change the world.
Now, I’m not going to lie to you. This fandom may never completely lose its stigma. There’s been quite a bit of drama and mudslinging throughout, and some of the damage that’s been done by unruly fanatics might be irreversible on a certain scale. A lot of people will probably refuse to believe that there’s any good left in us.
But you can still choose to associate yourself with the values of the show that started the Brony phenomenon in the first place.
Honesty, loyalty, kindness, laughter, generosity, and most of all, friendship.
You can be an Element of Harmony, even when everyone else seems to ignore those core values.
I know I just sound like I’m “spoutin’ a lotta hooey,” as Applejack might say. Who knows? Maybe I am. Maybe I’m just a foolish ninny for believing what I say.
But I do believe it. I mean every word of it.
My friends…Those of you who have stuck by the values of friendship even when others let them fall by the wayside…
I wholeheartedly believe that you can change the world.
I believe you can be just the kind of person that John de Lancie imagined. The kind of person who motivated him to produce a documentary, don a “Brony” t-shirt, and share his dream in front of thousands of people who were listening to him in person, or were watching from home via live webcast.
Now go on. Go get started.
Start changing the world.
You can do it! I believe in you!
Your Faithful Friend,
Dreaming Dusk
~ Submitted by dreamingdusk
EQLA
…I had a lot written down, but I don’t want to bore people.
Proof. That is me. Yes… I’m the weirdo that dressed up like maid Twilight Sparkle. I will never do it again.
Little cousin. Only good picture I have of her XD
UC77 o-o…. I need to link this to everyone in the group chat. It is his message to everyone.
I will have to say… This fandom is AMAZING! There was a man who bet $2000 for 3 shiny pony trading cards. (Pinkie, RD, and Derpy) This amazing person did it because his grandmother passed away due to cancer… The charity auction was amazing to watch. I didn’t get to see what happened in the end because I had to leave for my brother’s birthday dinner. However, I also learned how amazing MictheMicrophone is. He is one of the most charismatic person I have seen, and one of the nicest.
Pinchy/tentacuddles was able to get me to jump around like an idiot at the dance party. I am not a party/jumping person btw.
(via whywearebronies)
Source: sweetstarmod
Canterlot Gardens 2012
Definitely the best convention I’ve ever been to. I got to meet Tara Strong, Andrew W.K., Michelle Creber, and Britt McKillip. Everybody was so wonderful and there were amazing cosplayers and I had so much fun I didn’t want to go home. This was my first exclusively MLP con and I can’t wait for the next one~
(via whywearebronies)
Source: everyponysmilesmilesmile
Wow. Equestria LA 2012 has definitely been the most funnest time of my life in the Brony Community. I was so sad the first day when I saw all the musicians hugging each other and talking about how it was nice to see each other in person. I really wished my graphic artists friends could’ve been there. Then I met so many awesome new friends at the IE Bronies’ meet-up and throughout the convention.
You guys really did make it the best first convention I could’ve ever been to. I got to sign the Nor-Cal Bronies flag and me and their flag bearer talked so much at the convention. He even trusted me to guard his flag while he had to leave a panel for a few. It was also nice to finally meet Solrac and to see my friend Captain! I can’t believe how chill and relaxed MA Larson is as well. Me and final draft were talking outside the con while I was taking a break from Pony Dance Party on Saturday and we walked up to MA Larson and chatted for a few. When everyone was piling out from the Dance Party, MA Larson went up to me and talked to me while waiting for the other writers to catch up with him. I can’t believe what he told me. He said he was scared that when they go to write a new episode, they feel like they have so much pleasure to please us. I told him to just keep doing what they do and they’ll please everyone. Theres always gonna be those few random haters. Also, huge shout out to Shadow (Inland Empire Bronies owner) for letting me share a hotel room with him. It wouldn’t have been possible without you! I hope I can attend the next EQLA in 2013.
(via whywearebronies)
Source: kibbiethegreat
this little girl! let me tell you about this little girl! (she wanted a picture w/ gummy!)
ths is prudence, she is six. if you went to CG, you might remember her from the panels! I met her on saturday morning while in line for autographs; she really wanted to see Gummy, so I went over and said hi to her and her mom and struck up a conversation. her mom was so sweet and friendly, and prudence was THE CUTEST!! she was shy at first, but we kept running into each other throughout the con, she would call me Pinkie Pie and would always want to pet Gummy.
the awesome thing about Prudence was just how much she was in AWE of the whole con. she had told her mom that it was so amazing and great that aaaaall these other people loved her favorite show as much as she did. and even dressed up!
she got more and more excited each time we saw each other too. it was adorable!
no one could resist how cute she was, either; all the voice actors called her up on stage with them, and she would help them answer questions, and even get the audience pumped up (“Can you ask them if they’re ready, sweetie?” “ARE YOU READY????!!!!!” )
she asked Tara Strong to sing her the BBBFF song, but since another VA sings that, we aaaaall sang it to her, everyone in the huge room. she was so excited when I met up with her later - that EVERYONE had been singing just for HER! many high-fives and tiny fist bumps were had that weekend.
anyways, CG was awesome for many reasons, and this little lady was one of them! she was so sweet and her mom was incredibly nice. good times!
Source: charmsandpandas
