My Little Pony XXVI: Applebloom to Zecora!

[Rappy]

Wellp, if the element of Honesty vouches for it, what's the worst that can happen?

*Watches the video*

... wat

*dies (from Laughter)*
Little did you suspect that, as a champion of the shapeshifter cause, I am actually the element of Deception.

http://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.jpg Works every time...

[BlasTech]

Edit:

Little did you suspect that, as a champion of the shapeshifter cause, I am actually the element of Deception.

http://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.jpg Works every time...

Little did you suspect that, as the Element of Smiles, dying from laughter only makes me MORE POWERFUL!

MWAHAHAHAHAHA! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEOpr2jai9c)

And yes, this laughter does set up a positive feedback loop!http://i.imgur.com/G8QfD.jpg

PS: Oh Celestia, I fail at getting my posts correct first time ><


"Hm?" The gold-coloured pony looked up from her own thoughts, and then reflexively bowed her head. "Good afternoon. Do not concern yourself about my wellbeing; I merely learned an important lesson about waterproofing."

The formality was crisp and practised, politeness taking absolute priority over the hint of bafflement in her eyes.


Welp, let's go nuts then shall we?

Clockwork Pony RP

A larger than usual unicorn stallion paused on the path down from Canterlot, taking in the two ponies before him. He took a moment to adjust the blue-plumed helmet he wore in an attempt to better shield his eyes from the sunlight. It was a futile gesture, as the fringe on the helmet was far too short to provide any real shade.

Not that he would complain about that, any more than he would about his charcoal grey coat. Both of these were marks of his station which he bore prominently and proudly.

Reaching into his saddlebags with his magic, he retrieved a scroll of parchment which he held up before his eyes. His gaze flitted back and forth between the paper and the travellers for several seconds before he rolled it back up into his saddlebags with a satisfied nod. No doubt one of these ponies was the one his orders pertained to.

But which one? He wondered. His orders had not been very specific after all …

Undaunted, he approached the two; snapping a salute once they noticed him.

“Well met, madam, sir” He intoned, with parade-ground precision. “Your assigned escort has arrived.”

[Kurgan]

Meet his coworker and assistant [name needed]:


Reels?



SPOILERED FOR FINANCIAL STUFF: Do not open if you care about how much money I have. (Trust me it makes sense. I just know that flashing money can be considered in very bad taste but that is not the point of this image I promise aaagh paranoia go away!)
http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/3299/allofmymoney.png

...S-Should I do it? I'm hovering over the bid button. AND I DON'T KNOW WHY.

Just for laughs, I'm going to keep saying "no" until you say you won't do it. No no no no no no no no no no- oh, you already said you won't do it? Alright, good plan. Burning through $12,000 on a single plushie just screams of a bad plan.

[Strife Warzeal]

Heck, for $1,000 you can buy a book on how to make plushes, and pick up a ton of material and filling, and make all the ponies you want...

...

Hang on I need to go buy a book.

Yeah, me too...


Reels?


I wanted to stay away from that, mostly because that just screams 'overused' for a pony name, at least to me.

You are now terrified of Fluttershy:
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/278/4/7/extreme_sniper_fluttershy_by_speccysy-d4bynnx.png Or love her more if you are into that sort of thing.

[Tectonic Robot]

Goodnight everypony!

Have some pic-a-tures:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/182/519/67579%20-%20Its_me_or_the_dog%20buttershy%20cupcake%20flutt ershy%20parody.png?1317862317
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/182/462/it_keeps_happening_by_uzumaxi-d4bwxgq.png?1317857011
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/original/000/182/461/keep_hittin___repeat_by_candyandbiffle-d4bwzyh.png?1317856956
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/182/480/tumblr_lslyhtApvy1r2tw6wo1_1280.gif?1317858418

That last gif...

Woooooooooah...

Guys... could I have an element...

Maybe?

[Titanium Fox]

Probably an old one, but still awesome:


http://chzbronies.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-brony-dont-push-my-buttons.jpg


Poor Celestia. I can't imagine what growing up must have been like if she had to deal with that the entire time.


Why?

Extremely lightweight, and speed dial is gorgeous. I can't go back to being without it.


I would think more like the list, except anything of real note could be done in a paragraph or two, rather than just a bullet point. I would also prefer we do it in tandem, if only because we each find different things important; some things we both quote, sure, but there are also differences which lead to a rounded perspective.

Given the nature of the project though, I think I'll establish a set of google docs to record the annals of pony. Annals. Two Ns. Good gracious you people are dirty-minded.

I am the quotesman, why not take it up a notch to archivist? All I need is a tutorial on how gdocs works on the iPhone, and I'm set. Or to buy that desktop Thanqol made me want.

Alright, cool. I can start working forward from here; I'll set up a google docs account specifically for pony and go from there. Hey, I already have 17 (or so) google accounts, why not one more?

And yes. Yes we are dirty minded. Very much so.


It's cool. You just triggered my contingencies with specific numbers.

Winning the lottery is a life changing event because I'm poor. Always have been. It's not even a money issue, but an outlook one. I could live the next ten years at a dead-end job I love in a $600/month one bedroom apartment, because I have what I need; integrity, friends, imagination and hobbies.

2 million in the bank at 1%+ interest (not hard to find at that level) generates 20k a year - average salary for the first 3 years somepony works. Add a job you love, and boom! Set for life. If I win the lottery, random friends and family are getting accounts worth 2mil each, and if they ever ask for a cent I'll punch their lights out XD

$10,000 USD specifically - what you considered bidding - is an adventurig fund. Get supplies (backpack, water skins, rations, walking stick, change of clothes, extra socks, prepaid phone, medkit, overcoat, hat), put $500 on your person spread out in $5-20 increments, and squirrel away the rest in a prepaid debt card. Then go backpacking across the country, with plenty of money for hotel rooms, taxis, and a flight home if you wuss out.

That is to say, it is an amount of money I have specifically put a lot of romanticized thought into, so I had an immediate idea of how you could make it more worth your while.

... More words I throw out, more condescending I sound. I really need to reevaluate my communication processes...

You don't sound condescending, it's cool man. That actually sounds really cool, and I have already said I want to hike the Appalachian trail some day...


I say the NEIGH!!

Managing to look out for my well being, and still putting in a pony pun. I applaud you.


Can I grab Element of Smiles? (If that's ok :smallsmile:)

D'awwww. I vote yes. Granted there is no voting system or like... Acceptance or nomination system. But still![/QUOTE]


Just for laughs, I'm going to keep saying "no" until you say you won't do it. No no no no no no no no no no- oh, you already said you won't do it? Alright, good plan. Burning through $12,000 on a single plushie just screams of a bad plan.

I'm aware, don't worry. But part of me, buried somewhere deep, deep inside was just going, in a monotone repeating voice...

Pooonnnnyyy...... Pooonnnnnyyy...... Pooonnnnyyy..... Poonnnyyy....


You are now terrified of Fluttershy:
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/278/4/7/extreme_sniper_fluttershy_by_speccysy-d4bynnx.png Or love her more if you are into that sort of thing.

She should have named her gun "Gala".


That last gif...

Woooooooooah...

Guys... could I have an element...

Maybe?

Of course you can! Just go on ahead and pick one!

[Thanqol]

Rogue Trader session failed due to partial attendance. In it's place, I managed to get in a session of My Little Pony: Wannabe Heroes. Used the Heroquest system, ran character gen and a quick off-the-cuff adventure.

The characters:
The guy from Monkey Island as an Earth Pony (Notable abilities: Inventory, Duck and Cover, Insult Fighting)
A pegasus pony specialised in making winter who aspires to be a Royal Guard (Notable Abilities: Reflective Golden Armour)
A unicorn named Spotlight who's basically The Great and Powerful Trixie as a showboating colt (Notable Abilities: "Stand Back, I'm Going To Try Magic" and "I meant to do that").

They arrive in the town of Bridle Shores, which is being held hostage by Thistle who is playing the role of utterly ineffective supervillain. She does, however, have a DOOM LASER aimed at the town. The party storms her doom fortress, overcoming a terrible robot and a pit trap before confronting Thistle and beating her by hitting her in the self esteem. She tries to fire the mind control laser, the pegasus uses his armour to reflect the beam back onto her, and the party instructs her to turn herself in.

Phase two is they move on to Fillydelphia where the Wonderbolts are putting on a performance. Using... that guy who plays Grills in the RP...'s suggestion, I roll a D6. 1. Which means Trollestia's in town. The ladies' colt fails his contacts roll to get tickets to the show, which means he gets the tickets - to Trollestia's private box. Now, Trollestia don't take too kindly to this, so she organises a half-time event where she volunteers Spotlight to go and perform some flying tricks. He's also informed that magic is cheating. Upon using magic anyway, he attempts to one-up Trollestia by claiming he can do a lap of the course with the entire Wonderbolts team trying to stop him.

That doesn't end so well for him.

It was a blast :smallbiggrin: An extended hilarity match between three wannabe heroes and their attempts to be big shots. There's no way I could do that justice in wordings.





Welp, let's go nuts then shall we?

Clockwork Pony RP

A larger than usual unicorn stallion paused on the path down from Canterlot, taking in the two ponies before him. He took a moment to adjust the blue-plumed helmet he wore in an attempt to better shield his eyes from the sunlight. It was a futile gesture, as the fringe on the helmet was far too short to provide any real shade.

Not that he would complain about that, any more than he would about his charcoal grey coat. Both of these were marks of his station which he bore prominently and proudly.

Reaching into his saddlebags with his magic, he retrieved a scroll of parchment which he held up before his eyes. His gaze flitted back and forth between the paper and the travellers for several seconds before he rolled it back up into his saddlebags with a satisfied nod. No doubt one of these ponies was the one his orders pertained to.

But which one? He wondered. His orders had not been very specific after all …

Undaunted, he approached the two; snapping a salute once they noticed him.

“Well met, madam, sir” He intoned, with parade-ground precision. “Your assigned escort has arrived.”


"Escort?" Charger's brow furrowed. "I'm not sure who thought that this would be funny, but I assure you I'm not quite that desperate. No offence intended."

[Titanium Fox]

Rogue Trader session failed due to partial attendance. In it's place, I managed to get in a session of My Little Pony: Wannabe Heroes. Used the Heroquest system, ran character gen and a quick off-the-cuff adventure.

The characters:
The guy from Monkey Island as an Earth Pony (Notable abilities: Inventory, Duck and Cover, Insult Fighting)
A pegasus pony specialised in making winter who aspires to be a Royal Guard (Notable Abilities: Reflective Golden Armour)
A unicorn named Spotlight who's basically The Great and Powerful Trixie as a showboating colt (Notable Abilities: "Stand Back, I'm Going To Try Magic" and "I meant to do that").

They arrive in the town of Bridle Shores, which is being held hostage by Thistle who is playing the role of utterly ineffective supervillain. She does, however, have a DOOM LASER aimed at the town. The party storms her doom fortress, overcoming a terrible robot and a pit trap before confronting Thistle and beating her by hitting her in the self esteem. She tries to fire the mind control laser, the pegasus uses his armour to reflect the beam back onto her, and the party instructs her to turn herself in.

Phase two is they move on to Fillydelphia where the Wonderbolts are putting on a performance. Using... that guy who plays Grills in the RP...'s suggestion, I roll a D6. 1. Which means Trollestia's in town. The ladies' colt fails his contacts roll to get tickets to the show, which means he gets the tickets - to Trollestia's private box. Now, Trollestia don't take too kindly to this, so she organises a half-time event where she volunteers Spotlight to go and perform some flying tricks. He's also informed that magic is cheating. Upon using magic anyway, he attempts to one-up Trollestia by claiming he can do a lap of the course with the entire Wonderbolts team trying to stop him.

That doesn't end so well for him.

It was a blast :smallbiggrin: An extended hilarity match between three wannabe heroes and their attempts to be big shots. There's no way I could do that justice in wordings.





"Escort?" Charger's brow furrowed. "I'm not sure who thought that this would be funny, but I assure you I'm not quite that desperate. No offence intended."

Oh man, that sounds like soooo much fun. I really need to run a pony campaign.

[EsperDerek]

*We need to find a way to make Midnight's life more complicated. Love triangle worked, but maybe Blueblood II could have a saucy 'improving' of their meeting published as part of a book
l

*Midnight twitches. She just....twitches.


I think we need to combine the two of these. :smalltongue:

Cause it's either that, or... Hey, Lix, would you like to play Exalted Pony Lix too? :smallbiggrin:

"Don't you encourage them!"


Hey, Midnight... :smallamused:

You keep away from my cutie mark too!


Edit: Oh and I think I am caught up on all the Midnight stories. They're all really, really good. :smallbiggrin: Even though I got confused about who wrote some of the side stories that were by other authors, heh. Oops. (I picked Derpy as an icon for more than one reason...)

Hee hee, yeah, the Midnight series is one of the few fanfiction series in the MLP to have multiple authors contributing stuff, so I can see how it can be confusing. Glad you liked them, though!

Also, Titanium, glad to see you didn't do the foalish thing and buy that. :smallsmile:

[Titanium Fox]

So as you all know, Psychoshutin is playing a Changeling that goes by "Trixie" in my current campaign, illusion specialization. So, in keeping with my OTP, I've decided that in my next campaign after the Arena Fight, Trixie's new found fame is going to kind of go to her head (we worked this out together), and that I'm also going to introduce a woman in a yellow dress that is seen in the audience who begins whooping and cheering and jumping at Trixie's most recent feats.

I need to come up with a human-esque variant of the name Fluttershy for this NPC. Actually... Would elf work better? No... Crap, I need a race now too.

Romantic interest will ensue. I am shipping ponies in a D&D campaign. In a campaign where only myself and Psycho are bronies. I feel way too accomplished at this. XD


Also, Titanium, glad to see you didn't do the foalish thing and buy that. :smallsmile:

Looking at it with sleep and coffee in my system? Me too. :smalltongue:

[EsperDerek]

So as you all know, Psychoshutin is playing a Changeling that goes by "Trixie" in my current campaign, illusion specialization. So, in keeping with my OTP, I've decided that in my next campaign after the Arena Fight, Trixie's new found fame is going to kind of go to her head (we worked this out together), and that I'm also going to introduce a woman in a yellow dress that is seen in the audience who begins whooping and cheering and jumping at Trixie's most recent feats.

I need to come up with a human-esque variant of the name Fluttershy for this NPC. Actually... Would elf work better? No... Crap, I need a race now too.

Romantic interest will ensue. I am shipping ponies in a D&D campaign. In a campaign where only myself and Psycho are bronies. I feel way too accomplished at this. XD

...

Looking at it with sleep and coffee in my system? Me too. :smalltongue:

Whilst I have absolutely zero interest in the Fluttershy/Trixie pairing, I encourage any spreading of pony to non-pony stuff, so I applaud this, and would indeed suggest that either elf or half-elf would probably be most fitting for 'D&D Fluttershy', due to her whole connection-to-nature thing.

And yeah, it sounds like your thought about that toy really was a lack-of-sleep thing. :smallwink:

[Lix Lorn]

THAT DISGUSTING THING WAS NO PART OF MY FLESH!!!


Wow. This whole conversation make me seem a little crazy...

To be fair, I tried suffocating it first but it just wouldn't die. I had no choice but to... handle it. http://i.imgur.com/D4C8X.jpg
Not arguing with that. DXD


The last time I got a shot (five years ago) I had a full blown panic attack. After which the idiot who gave me the shot told me I'd have to hurry it up cuz they neded the room.
I'm scared of needles to the point of hysteria and possibly actual phobia, and I've had panic attacks before. All of the sympathy. All of it.


Spoiler for tangent: shot update

So got that shot. It hurt and it sucked but I didnt get a panic attack which is good I guess. Got the shot because my foot problem, one that made it hard to walk or work, got so bad one day I couldn't walk without extreme pain. (I did anyway, and was promptly sent home by my manager because I was in tears)

So I got that shot of cortisone today, and now I can't walk again. First my foot was numb, like tingly-asleep-foot numb, and now it feels like I have a Charlie-horse that stretches from the middle toe to the middle fatty part of the bottom of my foot. I just can't win
(Many cuddles!)


Random query. I am has XBOX llive, but a dumb, default account name because it's only free to change once.
Should I rename it Starry Notions or WizardPony?

I defer tou your wisdom, ponythread.
Starry Notions. My little filly is named after you, after all. :smallwink:


Wellp, I've gone through and put together a chapter-by-chapter framework for the MLP/Firefly fanfic that's stuck in my head. But not 100% yet on the flow of things. Should probably go back and work on it some more before I begin drafting the chapters ... or do you guys find that you tend to re-write/change your plot significantly once you start writing?

Might post the synopsis or chapter-by-chapter framework here if anyone is interested in having a look and providing feedback =3 (Even if it's limited to "MLP/Firefly will never work because they are simply incompatible in terms of subject matter" ... because, yes, that is something that I've definitely been wrestling with, although I think I've got something workable. Even if it's a bit ambitious for a first MLP fanfic ><)
OH GOD WAAAANT


TOPICS:
*Lix successfully clones herself, self shipping ensues
:smallconfused:
I've been able to clone myself since before we had a pony thread. It's kinda my thing.

[Castaras]

The last time I got a shot (five years ago) I had a full blown panic attack. After which the idiot who gave me the shot told me I'd have to hurry it up cuz they neded the room.



I'm scared of needles to the point of hysteria and possibly actual phobia, and I've had panic attacks before. All of the sympathy. All of it.

I faint and have panic attacks when it comes to jabs. Got better recently. You have all my sympathy also. :smallsmile: *hugs* Another thing to add though... Most good nurses and doctors will be prepared for it. It isn't uncommon to have panic attacks and fainting issues when it comes to jabs, and as long as you say to them before you go in "Idon'tlikeneedlesIfeelI'mgonnafaintorpanicandIwant mypony!" they'll understand and at least attempt to accomodate you. :smallsmile: At least, that's how it's happened for me.

[Gadora]

So as you all know, Psychoshutin is playing a Changeling that goes by "Trixie" in my current campaign, illusion specialization. So, in keeping with my OTP, I've decided that in my next campaign after the Arena Fight, Trixie's new found fame is going to kind of go to her head (we worked this out together), and that I'm also going to introduce a woman in a yellow dress that is seen in the audience who begins whooping and cheering and jumping at Trixie's most recent feats.

I need to come up with a human-esque variant of the name Fluttershy for this NPC. Actually... Would elf work better? No... Crap, I need a race now too.

Romantic interest will ensue. I am shipping ponies in a D&D campaign. In a campaign where only myself and Psycho are bronies. I feel way too accomplished at this. XD

I don't suppose raptoran would work for the Fluttershy expy? As an added bonus, if she's low enough level, she can't use her wings for flight.


On a semi-related note, does anyone have experience with the Serenity RPG? I may be statting up a stage magician/snake-oil salesman based loosely on Trixie...

[Titanium Fox]

Whilst I have absolutely zero interest in the Fluttershy/Trixie pairing, I encourage any spreading of pony to non-pony stuff, so I applaud this, and would indeed suggest that either elf or half-elf would probably be most fitting for 'D&D Fluttershy', due to her whole connection-to-nature thing.

And yeah, it sounds like your thought about that toy really was a lack-of-sleep thing. :smallwink:

Probably gonna go half-elf. Full elves aren't very common in the capital city the party is stuck in.

Trixie in game is slowly developing the Show's Trixie's personality, and I kind of want the in game Fluttershy to be a catalyst. The extremely submissive personality kind of encouraging Trixie's overall dominant and boastful attitude.

Plushie Response: Definitely. I had gotten about 5 hours of sleep in three days at that point.


I'm scared of needles to the point of hysteria and possibly actual phobia, and I've had panic attacks before. All of the sympathy. All of it.

Be glad you don't have extremely bad allergies. I did allergy shots to help quell the symptoms. A shot a week for seven years. I know a lot of people in your boat and I sympathize hard. *Hugs*


:smallconfused:
I've been able to clone myself since before we had a pony thread. It's kinda my thing.

Oh no, these are just the first example topics that came to mind when I was illustrating the list format to SiuiS. Like, some of the more common things we talk about / more prominent things that have gone on since I joined the thread.


I don't suppose raptoran would work for the Fluttershy expy? As an added bonus, if she's low enough level, she can't use her wings for flight.


On a semi-related note, does anyone have experience with the Serenity RPG? I may be statting up a stage magician/snake-oil salesman based loosely on Trixie...

OOOOOH. RAPTORAN. That's perfect. And I was planning Bard if any class levels, although her first level was going to be either Commoner or Aristocrat. I am honestly going to go with Raptoran since you mention the lack of flight thing.

And sorry, I can't say I have experience with the Serenity RPG. :c

[Dexam]

It was a blast :smallbiggrin: An extended hilarity match between three wannabe heroes and their attempts to be big shots. There's no way I could do that justice in wordings.

This sounds awesome!
... I really need to get in on some pony RP action. http://i.imgur.com/jgqXQ.jpg


I need to come up with a human-esque variant of the name Fluttershy for this NPC. Actually... Would elf work better? No... Crap, I need a race now too.

Naming challenge accepted!

If you want the Elven translation of Fluttershy, it would probably be Kaurea Wilwarin (Timid Butterfly).


Guys. Guys I have to get a shot.
T_T I don't wanna shot. I don't wanna....
*bawls*

I'm scared of needles to the point of hysteria and possibly actual phobia, and I've had panic attacks before. All of the sympathy. All of it.

Oh, you sillies! You already know how to deal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WODiCCJfp94) with situations like this. http://i.imgur.com/HKmyu.jpg

[Titanium Fox]

Naming challenge accepted!

If you want the Elven translation of Fluttershy, it would probably be Kaurea Wilwarin (Timid Butterfly).

Might go with this even if the final decision is indeed Raptoran.

[Grif]

Can I grab Element of Smiles? (If that's ok :smallsmile:)


Okay!



Beeskee: Can I be the Element of Spam? :smallbiggrin:


Added you. Now to update the list.
Elements of Ponythread v2.4

Pony, EsperDerek
Insanity, Grif
Awesome, DBC
Bondage, PhoeKun
Heartburn, MCerberus
Logical Inconsistency, Shadowy
Hipster, tonberrian
Lurking, Level8Mudcrabs
Quotes, SiuiS
Happiness, Irbis
Surprise, Thanqol
Pirates, TheAmishPirate
Moustache, Sweetie Welf
Clockwork, the_druid_droid
Phantasy, Raz_Fox
Adventure, Rebelhero
Bacon, Kris_Strife
Snarking, Etcetera
Stealth, Kyouhen
Chemical Reactions, Gamerlord
Not Being Significant Enough to Be an Element, erikun
Paranoia, Titanium_Fox
Insomnia, Gadora
Great and Powerful, Trixie
Boron, Bayonet Priest
Perversion, Soft Serve
Recursion, DeadManSleeping
Apathy, Lord Raziere
Ink, InkwellPony
Hope, ScionoftheVoid
Duels, dromer
Lead, RdMarquis
Hot Pony Kisses, Benson
Killjoy, Brazen Shield
Corruption, Vent Reynold
Persuasion, Anarion
Shipping, Lix Lorn
Quietness, Lex-Kat
Compassion, Blue Ghost
Evlul Bastard Spears, Aotrs Commander
Ancient Pony History, WJMill
Demanding, Pokonic
Style, Kindablue
Silly Hats, Capt. Ido Nos
Flow, Metahuman1
Stormtrooper Academy, Kurgan
Stars, Geno9999
Hugs, Deadly
Poison Joke, Diego Havoc
Elements, Triscuitable
Dreams, Topaz
Booze, otakuryoga
Puns, Dexam
Reading, fizmat
Aliens, Dirtbag
Balance, invinible
Smiles, BlasTech
Spam, Beeskee
Deception, Rappy

Oh, and sorry for my recent inactivity. Real-life and getting caught up in writing fanfics can seriously limit one's ability to keep track of ponythread. I guess I'll continue lurking indefinitely for now.

[otakuryoga]

Whilst I have absolutely zero interest in the Fluttershy/Trixie pairing
You're just jealous of the deep, undeniable love they share. :smallwink:

[Kris Strife]

"Don't you encourage them!"

Do you really think my encouragement, or lack thereof, would actually affect Lix's decision? :smalltongue:


You keep away from my cutie mark too!

No, I meant lets go poke Celestia's, and see if that actually happens... And if it doesn't, see if we can make it happen. :smallbiggrin:


This sounds awesome!
... I really need to get in on some pony RP action. http://i.imgur.com/jgqXQ.jpg

Yes... Join us...

[Titanium Fox]

This sounds awesome!
... I really need to get in on some pony RP action. http://i.imgur.com/jgqXQ.jpg

This sounds... dirty. Confound these ponies! :smalleek:

[the_druid_droid]

"Hm?" The gold-coloured pony looked up from her own thoughts, and then reflexively bowed her head. "Good afternoon. Do not concern yourself about my wellbeing; I merely learned an important lesson about waterproofing."

The formality was crisp and practised, politeness taking absolute priority over the hint of bafflement in her eyes.



Welp, let's go nuts then shall we?

Clockwork Pony RP

A larger than usual unicorn stallion paused on the path down from Canterlot, taking in the two ponies before him. He took a moment to adjust the blue-plumed helmet he wore in an attempt to better shield his eyes from the sunlight. It was a futile gesture, as the fringe on the helmet was far too short to provide any real shade.

Not that he would complain about that, any more than he would about his charcoal grey coat. Both of these were marks of his station which he bore prominently and proudly.

Reaching into his saddlebags with his magic, he retrieved a scroll of parchment which he held up before his eyes. His gaze flitted back and forth between the paper and the travellers for several seconds before he rolled it back up into his saddlebags with a satisfied nod. No doubt one of these ponies was the one his orders pertained to.

But which one? He wondered. His orders had not been very specific after all …

Undaunted, he approached the two; snapping a salute once they noticed him.

“Well met, madam, sir” He intoned, with parade-ground precision. “Your assigned escort has arrived.”



"Escort?" Charger's brow furrowed. "I'm not sure who thought that this would be funny, but I assure you I'm not quite that desperate. No offence intended."

Clockwork Ponies:
"That is an important lesson!" The mechanical pony was quick to agree, and his eyes darted skyward, checking for signs of rain reflexively, even on this cloudless day. After he spoke, Second Hand sat quietly for a moment; there were a thousand questions he had for this unfamiliar earth pony, but something in her expression and tone seemed so determined that he was afraid of interrupting her with his own little geek-out over her curious machine.

He might have sat there, silent and uncertain for a very long time, but luckily the clip-clop of hooves began to sound behind him, cutting through the silence before it could become too awkward. As the grey unicorn approached, the clockwork pony's head swiveled on its mountings and he eyed the newcomer with mingled interest and relief.

After the unicorn's announcement, Second Hand was just about to reply, when Charger's answer caught him off-guard. "Well, the roads near Canterlot are pretty safe, but...oh! Oh, I don't think he means that kind of escort Miss...uh..." Suddenly the mechanical pony realized that he didn't know either of his new acquaintances' names, and he stopped speaking, thankful that his metal cheeks couldn't blush.


This sounds awesome!
... I really need to get in on some pony RP action. http://i.imgur.com/jgqXQ.jpg


Someone recently suggested that we should run a PbP using one of the many pony RPG systems that have popped up (or possibly just putting ponies in other systems, like in Thanqol's post). I don't have time to run one or I would, but I'm going to keep pushing this idea until someone goes for it, because it would be awesome. Now I just need some pony-themed die...


That's definitely one possible theory. I actually like it a lot. Hehe and I love the Derpy fridge raiding thing she has going on. :smallbiggrin: I've seen a few of the comics where she's staying with Carrot Top, they're adorable.


Fridge-raiding roommate Derpy is adorable, I agree completely!

[HalfTangible]

This sounds... dirty. Confound these ponies! :smalleek:

They drive me to drink. :smalltongue:

[Titanium Fox]

They drive me to drink. :smalltongue:

They also drive me to ship. And in the case of BroNYcon, they also drive me to drive. :smalltongue:

[Kris Strife]

Fridge-raiding roommate Derpy is adorable, I agree completely!

This is incorrect: All versions of Derpy are adorable, in their own special way! :smallbiggrin:

Well, except for evil genius Discorded Derpy... That one makes me sad. :smallfrown:

Honestly, most versions of most ponies are adorable.

[Titanium Fox]

This is incorrect: All versions of Derpy are adorable, in their own special way! :smallbiggrin:

Well, except for evil genius Discorded Derpy... That one makes me sad. :smallfrown:

Honestly, most versions of most ponies are adorable.

Even meanieshy was cute. In her own... evil... way.

[Capt. Ido Nos]

I totally almost just IMed a copy+paste of an entire ponythread quotepost to a coworker instead of the code snippet I thought I had in my clipboard http://i.imgur.com/CYF9U.jpg

[Dexam]

So, in between being Dr. Whooves' companion, she's the town mailmare/delivery person, Carrot Tops' fridge raiding roommate and a mother. :smallbiggrin:

And adorably awkward "third wheel" on dates:

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/242/f/5/muffins_and_chocolate_by_elosande-d48aqvp.png


This sounds... dirty. Confound these ponies! :smalleek:

http://i.imgur.com/I0AiJ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/KLXX3.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.jpg

[Bayonet Priest]

I totally almost just IMed a copy+paste of an entire ponythread quotepost to a coworker instead of the code snippet I thought I had in my clipboard http://i.imgur.com/CYF9U.jpg

Lol, that wouldn't have been good. Ponythread posts are strange enough in context, imagine what one might look like out of context.

[Grif]

Never played Assassin Creed, but this Scootaloo is awesome.
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/966be87d4d2bdc9d1fd726a760935469/67479%20-%20artist%3Anadiarodriguez%20assassin%27s_creed%20 parody%20requiscat_in_pace%20scootaloo.png

Also, a shipping chart updated to Season 2!

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/346b7b8dc1497d6ebd63383e91b48785/66951%20-%20Aloe%20Angel_Bunny%20Blues%20Bonbon%20Carrot_To p%20Cloud_kicker%20Colgate%20DJ_P0n-3%20Diamond_Tiara%20Discord%20Doctor_Whoof%20Frede ric_Horseshoepin%20Little_strongheart%20Lotus%20Ly ra%20Mrs_Cake%20Octavia%20Snails%20Soarin%27%20Swe etie_Belle%20Tom_Dan%20Trixie%20Twist%20a_lot_of_p onies%20abacus%20alcohol%20angel%20apple_bloom%20a pplejack%20aunt_orange%20berry_punch%20big_macinto sh%20braeburn%20caramel%20celestia%20chart%20cheer ilee%20daisy%20dick%20everypony%20flower_trio%20fl uttershy%20gilda%20lily%20luna%20mayor_mare%20mr_c ake%20photo_finish%20pie%20pinkie_pie%20prince_blu eblood%20rainbow_dash%20rarity%20rose%20roseluck%2 0scootaloo%20shipping%20shipping_chart%20silver_sp oon%20sir_colton_vines_iii%20snips%20spike%20spitf ire%20steven_magnet%20twilight_sparkle%20uncle_ora nge%20updated%20vinyl_scratch%20zecora.png

Triple edit! Adult Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash!
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/2c09fb71639557a5884340cc327077a6/66523%20-%20adult%20artist%3Aveggie55%20comic%20rainbow_das h%20scootaloo%20wonderbolts.png

[Eakin]

Ugh, I had a networking coffee meeting planned for today. Someone whose brain I wanted to pick about what to do after I (hopefully) pass my CISSP exam this weekend.

Last night I go into full on Twilight mode, thinking of every possible question I could ask, culling them to about 10 and ranking them.

Then this morning the wave of social anxiety hits and I've 180'd to Fluttershy, with all the ways I could screw this up running through my mind. Which is annoying since intellectually I know I'm actually fairly god damn charming after I get past any initial awkwardness.

Then I get here. The guys conference call is running long and since I have to get to work by noon eastern I can't stick around until it's done. So I get to do it all again next week.

*twitch*

[Kris Strife]

Even meanieshy was cute. In her own... evil... way.

Not who I was referring to actually...


And adorably awkward "third wheel" on dates:

http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs70/f/2011/242/f/5/muffins_and_chocolate_by_elosande-d48aqvp.png

Funny thing is, Derpy was actually on the other side of Equestria making a delivery at the time. :smalltongue:

[Dexam]

G'night everypony!

Have some adorable Pwincess Woona:

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/277/3/f/silent_terror_by_flausch_katzerl-d4bv3ly.png

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/278/0/f/the_predator_strikes_by_flausch_katzerl-d4bxtrk.png

[Titanium Fox]

Not who I was referring to actually...

Oh I know. Just the best example I could think of personally at the moment. Meanieshy wasn't exactly intended to be cute, but she still kind of was.

[otakuryoga]

Even meanieshy was cute. In her own... evil... way.

Discordshy is currently Seths favorite pony over at EQD :smallsmile:

[Grif]

Good heavens! Look at the time!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVfKvLK-OeA/To1pEJC0dxI/AAAAAAAANWo/ZZ_MF3mwrGw/s1600/great_and_powerful_timepiece_by_sugarcube_corner-d4aa5sa.jpg

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Good heavens! Look at the time!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVfKvLK-OeA/To1pEJC0dxI/AAAAAAAANWo/ZZ_MF3mwrGw/s1600/great_and_powerful_timepiece_by_sugarcube_corner-d4aa5sa.jpg
It would be difficolt for me to like this any more.

[Lix Lorn]

I faint and have panic attacks when it comes to jabs. Got better recently. You have all my sympathy also. :smallsmile: *hugs* Another thing to add though... Most good nurses and doctors will be prepared for it. It isn't uncommon to have panic attacks and fainting issues when it comes to jabs, and as long as you say to them before you go in "Idon'tlikeneedlesIfeelI'mgonnafaintorpanicandIwant mypony!" they'll understand and at least attempt to accomodate you. :smallsmile: At least, that's how it's happened for me.
You can get free ponies?


Oh, you sillies! You already know how to deal (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WODiCCJfp94) with situations like this. http://i.imgur.com/HKmyu.jpg
Laughing rarely makes needles vanish.

[Mando Knight]

Laughing rarely makes needles vanish.

Yes, but when combined with e (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NysDKXqVhjY)p (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNFm7-UgobE)i (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJo_3B5-1uk)c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLdaGXBILWk) music, it becomes a means of resisting ridiculous amounts of pain. How could the tiny pricks of a needle possibly compare?!

[Topaz]

Good heavens! Look at the time!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVfKvLK-OeA/To1pEJC0dxI/AAAAAAAANWo/ZZ_MF3mwrGw/s1600/great_and_powerful_timepiece_by_sugarcube_corner-d4aa5sa.jpg
I nominate this picture and phrase for a future thread title! http://i.imgur.com/N2nfK.jpg

[Zevox]

G'night everypony!

Have some adorable Pwincess Woona:

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/277/3/f/silent_terror_by_flausch_katzerl-d4bv3ly.png

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/278/0/f/the_predator_strikes_by_flausch_katzerl-d4bxtrk.png
So... cute...
http://i.imgur.com/Dy4NS.jpg

Zevox

[Titanium Fox]

Discordshy is currently Seths favorite pony over at EQD :smallsmile:

You sure that's not still Trixie? Actually, I'd say they're both up there, so to speak.


Good heavens! Look at the time!

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVfKvLK-OeA/To1pEJC0dxI/AAAAAAAANWo/ZZ_MF3mwrGw/s1600/great_and_powerful_timepiece_by_sugarcube_corner-d4aa5sa.jpg

WANT. ALL OF MY WANT.

And I second the thread title and opening picture suggestion.

[Trixie]

Laughing rarely makes needles vanish.

No silly, laughing only makes you shake and the needle more likely to break :P

You really want to know what makes needles vanish? -_-

Try taking enough of them per day that you need to start with a needle with painkiller for the other ones. By third day, you stop caring, especially when you have to administer them yourself, or risk total brain/heart failure from blood clots. 70? Bah, it's like nothing :P


I nominate this picture and phrase for a future thread title! http://i.imgur.com/N2nfK.jpg

Hmmm... :smallamused:

[Titanium Fox]

Hmmm... :smallamused:

Somehow I figured you'd be okay with this idea. XD

[otakuryoga]

You sure that's not still Trixie? Actually, I'd say they're both up there, so to speak.



WANT. ALL OF MY WANT.

And I second the thread title and opening picture suggestion.

yep..it was top of the writeup for the Bronyville episode 24 podcast

[tonberrian]

So, uh, this thread.

Really moves now, don't it?

[Gamerlord]

So, uh, this thread.

Really moves now, don't it?
Just wait until the Luna episode, the thread will explode.

[Titanium Fox]

So, uh, this thread.

Really moves now, don't it?

Why yes, yes it does. Although the "dead" hours are still during the times that I'm available to actually sit down and discuss... *Sad Face*


Just wait until the Luna episode, the thread will explode.

...The thought of how fast this thread will move scares me. So fast that by the time I'm done posting on page 1 there will be another new thread? XD

[MCerberus]

Just wait until the Luna episode, the thread will explode.

Like 12 sticks of dynamite during jury duty.

[tonberrian]

Luna will be in every episode from now on. Whenever the animation team needs a random pony for a scene, it will be Luna. You know that time when there were all those Derpys on the screen at once? We will get a scene that has twice as many Lunas, some talking to each other and the mane cast. Lunas everywhere.

[otakuryoga]

I just pray this isnt the only time we see her

since i figure a Halloween Nightmare Night episode may see her in "character" as whatever she dresses up as rather than her real self

just so long as they dont make her some vapid braindead "valleypony" like, ya know

PINKIE SENSE EXPLAINED!
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15psE-3PdEA/To1V56CKnWI/AAAAAAAANWM/QRTHmtuZ4XA/s1600/pinkie_pay_by_braindps-d4bw4n3.jpg

[Titanium Fox]

Luna will be in every episode from now on. Whenever the animation team needs a random pony for a scene, it will be Luna. You know that time when there were all those Derpys on the screen at once? We will get a scene that has twice as many Lunas, some talking to each other and the mane cast. Lunas everywhere.

Oh! So it's like that scene from Past Si- You know what? I'm actually gonna stop myself there.

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Heh, just saw a rageguy go on at length about how much he hates people who draw Homestuck fanart, how he hates to see people "waste" their creative talents and energy on "such a cancerous fandom" who try to extend their tendrils and influence into everything.

Wonder how he feels about bronies? http://i.imgur.com/ROEne.jpg

[otakuryoga]

So, uh, this thread.

Really moves now, don't it?

it just feels slow after the total ponysanity that was the lead-up to the season opener and response to same

[Titanium Fox]

Heh, just saw a rageguy go on at length about how much he hates people who draw Homestuck fanart, how he hates to see people "waste" their creative talents and energy on "such a cancerous fandom" who try to extend their tendrils and influence into everything.

Wonder how he feels about bronies? http://i.imgur.com/ROEne.jpg

Hahahaha. If he sees us, his head will probably detonate. On a literal level. Like in Scanners.

[Aotrs Commander]

Okay pony thread, let's try this again!

Hypothetical situation: you/a pony/a character you are watching on TV etc are/is walking down the street and you see the following head projecting from round a corner. It is obviously of a technologically-metal thing, but leaving that aside for the moment, based soley on it's phyical appearance, what would be your first impression of the entity to whom this head belongs (i.e. the creature behind the face) or any other initial reaction?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead2.png

[tonberrian]

Why does he have a mustache?

Also, I'm having trouble parsing how the eyes are supposed to be shaped.

[Trixie]

Front of a Land Raider? :smallconfused:

Seriously, at that angle, it can be anything :P

[Soras Teva Gee]

Tom got a make over from the Cutie Mark Crusaders?

And then got lost in an episode of Reboot?

[Titanium Fox]

Okay pony thread, let's try this again!

Hypothetical situation: you/a pony/a character you are watching on TV etc are/is walking down the street and you see the following head projecting from round a corner. It is obviously of a technologically-metal thing, but leaving that aside for the moment, based soley on it's phyical appearance, what would be your first impression of the entity to whom this head belongs (i.e. the creature behind the face) or any other initial reaction?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead2.png

"Oh god. Who is the evil mastermind that attempted to engineer a real life Bullet Bill?"

[tonberrian]

"Oh god. Who is the evil mastermind that attempted to engineer a real life Bullet Bill?"

Also this.

[Beacon of Chaos]

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead2.png
My brain cannot compute what it is seeing. Did this escape from the Farplane?

Sorry dude :/

[Trixie]

Hmmm, now that I think about it, it might also be a *plot* of a robot bent over? :smallconfused:

Looks like it's doing... Eh... You know :P

[Kris Strife]

Okay pony thread, let's try this again!

Hypothetical situation: you/a pony/a character you are watching on TV etc are/is walking down the street and you see the following head projecting from round a corner. It is obviously of a technologically-metal thing, but leaving that aside for the moment, based soley on it's phyical appearance, what would be your first impression of the entity to whom this head belongs (i.e. the creature behind the face) or any other initial reaction?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead2.png

It's Megatron's disfigured brother Bob?

He turns into a Liefield gun. :smallamused:

[PhantomFox]

Random pondering and Discussion question #5!

What are each pony's favorite season, and why?

[Aotrs Commander]

...

*skulldesk*

Aaaargh.

Damn, stupid human perceptions, why does this have to be so damn hard!

(Probably because what I'm trying is damned hard to do in the first place.)

Back to the drawing program...




It's Megatron's disfigured brother Bob?

He turns into a Liefield gun. :smallamused:

And ooh, harsh!

[Kurgan]

So, my students today had to turn in an artsy project for class, one of those things that isn't super educational but fun to do and fun to grade. Create an Egyptian deity, draw a picture of it, and describe it using vocab we went over in class earlier in the week.

Someone drew a picture of a horse, and said horse had a cutie mark. I am wishing right now that I had had a bunch of pony themed stickers on hand to put on that to show how awesome it was.


First of all, thanks to everypony for their best wishes, hugs, and concern.

Five weeks to go... http://i.imgur.com/NOiOY.jpg

Good luck!



Spike caught a cold at the end of Winter Wrap Up, so clearly viruses exist, and are transmissible from equine to dragon.



Does it move from one of the ponies to him or vise versa? Suppose you have a point there though.


Okay pony thread, let's try this again!

Hypothetical situation: you/a pony/a character you are watching on TV etc are/is walking down the street and you see the following head projecting from round a corner. It is obviously of a technologically-metal thing, but leaving that aside for the moment, based soley on it's phyical appearance, what would be your first impression of the entity to whom this head belongs (i.e. the creature behind the face) or any other initial reaction?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead2.png

I'm having a hard time picturing what it is.

Red stuff, eyes
Black thing, a goatee or a mouth

I'm kind of seeing an angry shark with either A) puffy lips or B) a beard or mustache.

[Kris Strife]

Random pondering and Discussion question #5!

What are each pony's favorite season, and why?

Pinkie: Summer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKjBViIt-y8)
Applejack: Right after Applebucking Season
Dash: I'm gonna say Summer too.
Fluttershy: Spring because of all the flowers and baby animals.
Rarity: She looks fabulous in any season
Twilight: Fall, cause that's when school starts. :smalltongue:

[Titanium Fox]

Random pondering and Discussion question #5!

What are each pony's favorite season, and why?

Applejack: Fall brings Applebuck Season, which seems to be Applejack's life's goal and work. As a workaholic, I can relate that the time of year where there is the most work is indeed dreadful as it creeps towards you, but there's also a strange feeling of anticipation that follows, and the feeling of getting the job done is like nothing else in the world. That satisfaction seems to be what Applejack thrives off of.

Twilight: When Winter Wrap Up is just around the corner, Twilight comes into her own preparing and organizing the event, one of the few times she can truly manage something like she did the massive library back in Canterlot. And even though she truly loves living in Ponyville with her friends, there have to be aspects of Canterlot other than Celestia herself that she looks back on with fondness.

Pinkie Pie: When's a better time for a massive outdoor festival than a cool Summer's night?

Fluttershy: Spring Bloom brings out the beauty that captivated her heart when she was a filly.

Rainbow Dash: There's less rain and other weather patterns in the Summer, so there's less work, which means better conditions and more free time to practice for the Wonderbolts.

Rarity: Everypony knows that Spring brings the height of fashion, and with it brings Rarity's biggest chance of the year to truly shine.

[Kris Strife]

And ooh, harsh!

It's not an insult to your work directly, it was just the only thing I could come up with for a disfigured G1 Megatron to turn into. :smalltongue:

[MCerberus]

Well, winter has hot cocoa.
and ice skating!
and all the treats!
plus like 2 months everypony just seems to go from one party to another!

[Strife Warzeal]

So, my students today had to turn in an artsy project for class, one of those things that isn't super educational but fun to do and fun to grade. Create an Egyptian deity, draw a picture of it, and describe it using vocab we went over in class earlier in the week.

Someone drew a picture of a horse, and said horse had a cutie mark. I am wishing right now that I had had a bunch of pony themed stickers on hand to put on that to show how awesome it was.


Do what I've been doing, pick a/several picture(s) and print them out. In this case I think this would make a good sticker http://i.imgur.com/BLHA3.jpg.

Then use some double-sided tape and cut it out. BAM! Pony (or anything else for that matter) sticker with only a minute of work. In fact I may just make some dj-pon3 stickers now.

[Aotrs Commander]

It's not an insult to your work directly, it was just the only thing I could come up with for a disfigured G1 Megatron to turn into. :smalltongue:

I know, but still, harsh, dude! You shouldn't pick on Megatron's deformed brother like that!


I'm having a hard time picturing what it is.

Red stuff, eyes
Black thing, a goatee or a mouth

I'm kind of seeing an angry shark with either A) puffy lips or B) a beard or mustache.

Aaaah. Well, I'm not there yet, but I'm also not that far out...

[Tectonic Robot]

Okay pony thread, let's try this again!

Hypothetical situation: you/a pony/a character you are watching on TV etc are/is walking down the street and you see the following head projecting from round a corner. It is obviously of a technologically-metal thing, but leaving that aside for the moment, based soley on it's phyical appearance, what would be your first impression of the entity to whom this head belongs (i.e. the creature behind the face) or any other initial reaction?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead2.png

Err... What do I think the creature behind the face looks like?

A giant stone fat man. I'M SORRY I'M SORRY


Random pondering and Discussion question #5!

What are each pony's favorite season, and why?

Twilight: Spring, because she has good memories of it.
Pinkie: Spring, because that's when people are ready for a party.
Rarity: I don't think she has one...
Rainbow Dash: Fall, it's probably pretty easy to fly during the fall.
Applejack: Erm, Winter, I think. She doesn't need to do work.
Fluttershy: Spring. She gets to see her animal friends again.

Tectonic Robot requesting the element of Noir

Because I love the midnight crew.

Holy Crap! Navy is an awesome color!

[Kindablue]

Image dump! Apropos of nothing edition!
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_locpoi6QLI1qincmao1_500.jpg (http://cutiemarkcrusaders.tumblr.com/post/7635968913)
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/b3cb850d542b8ba39652e25213a67b21/2730%20-%20apple_bloom%20brush%20mane%20mohawk%20zecora.pn g
http://www.derpyhooves.com/albums/albums/userpics/10001/normal_applejack_applebloom_bigmac_zecora_elosande .png
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LWyUg1p26E/ThUqRkq3AqI/AAAAAAAAHF4/T9oqgYZFoHo/s1600/32268+-+applejack+apple_bloom+artist+furseiseki+bellsprou t+gardening+nope.avi+pinkie_pie+sketchdump+Trixie+ zecora.png (http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6062307/)
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/9f5e1b9b072a406a4bdd0645783f9e59/8445%20-%20apple_bloom%20dat_discussion%20ugly_van_meme%20 zecora.jpg
http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkb98zNCxa1qha245o1_500.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/63cdeed8ccdccff2d53bcb6c5e854d17/2403%20-%20apple_bloom%20zecora.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/2edd94bd5c65b72378ad23b7e9bd4abc/4286%20-%20apple_bloom%20artist%3Athelivingmachine02%20hum an%20humanized%20thelivingmachine02%20zecora.jpg
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/5a953b23e1e44fbe3156e59e8c5f6091/10413%20-%20Sweetie_Belle%20apple_bloom%20chimera%20scootal oo%20spike%20zecora.jpg
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/278/e/4/apple_memorial_by_willdrawforfood1-d4byl3n.png (http://willdrawforfood1.deviantart.com/art/Apple-Memorial-261954131)

Absolutely nothing!

[BlasTech]

Okay pony thread, let's try this again!

Hypothetical situation: you/a pony/a character you are watching on TV etc are/is walking down the street and you see the following head projecting from round a corner. It is obviously of a technologically-metal thing, but leaving that aside for the moment, based soley on it's phyical appearance, what would be your first impression of the entity to whom this head belongs (i.e. the creature behind the face) or any other initial reaction?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead2.png

... To me it looks like a Roboticised Winston Churchill ... but that might be because I didn't sleep much last night. :smalltongue:




"Escort?" Charger's brow furrowed. "I'm not sure who thought that this would be funny, but I assure you I'm not quite that desperate. No offence intended."


Clockwork Ponies:
"That is an important lesson!" The mechanical pony was quick to agree, and his eyes darted skyward, checking for signs of rain reflexively, even on this cloudless day. After he spoke, Second Hand sat quietly for a moment; there were a thousand questions he had for this unfamiliar earth pony, but something in her expression and tone seemed so determined that he was afraid of interrupting her with his own little geek-out over her curious machine.

He might have sat there, silent and uncertain for a very long time, but luckily the clip-clop of hooves began to sound behind him, cutting through the silence before it could become too awkward. As the grey unicorn approached, the clockwork pony's head swiveled on its mountings and he eyed the newcomer with mingled interest and relief.

After the unicorn's announcement, Second Hand was just about to reply, when Charger's answer caught him off-guard. "Well, the roads near Canterlot are pretty safe, but...oh! Oh, I don't think he means that kind of escort Miss...uh..." Suddenly the mechanical pony realized that he didn't know either of his new acquaintances' names, and he stopped speaking, thankful that his metal cheeks couldn't blush.

Fridge-raiding roommate Derpy is adorable, I agree completely!

Clockwork RP
The guardsman blinked in confusion at the replies, at a loss of how to deal with such a complicated situation on his first assignment away from the capitol.

"I, er ... I'm not sure why she might think it funny, but my orders come from Her Royal Highness, the Light of Dawn, Princess Celestia herself!" He exclaimed, swelling with pride as did so.

Reaching into his saddlebags, he pulled out the piece of parchment containing his instructions and held it up for the two travellers to read. In barely legigible hoofwriting, it stated;


"Igneous, you moron.

Get the hay out of our barracks and go bother somepony else. In fact, why don't you go latch on to the furst first poor pony you see and leave us in peace for a while. Just go guard them for a bit instead of the mess hall okay? That way we might be able to have our lunch on time for once.

Sined

Cerulean Skies
HRH Princess Celestia"


"So as you can see" he continued, stuffing the parchment back into his saddlebags before either had a chance to respond. "my orders are quite explicit. And as you are the first people I've encountered on this road today, I am therefore at your command. Sir, Milady"

His excitement was plain on his face as he already began imagining the adventures he was going to have.

"So, where might we be headed today?"

I second fridge-raiding Derpy. Plus third wheel derpy is also adorable.

[Noctemwolf]

Image dump! Apropos of nothing edition!
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_locpoi6QLI1qincmao1_500.jpg (http://cutiemarkcrusaders.tumblr.com/post/7635968913)
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/b3cb850d542b8ba39652e25213a67b21/2730%20-%20apple_bloom%20brush%20mane%20mohawk%20zecora.pn g
http://www.derpyhooves.com/albums/albums/userpics/10001/normal_applejack_applebloom_bigmac_zecora_elosande .png
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LWyUg1p26E/ThUqRkq3AqI/AAAAAAAAHF4/T9oqgYZFoHo/s1600/32268+-+applejack+apple_bloom+artist+furseiseki+bellsprou t+gardening+nope.avi+pinkie_pie+sketchdump+Trixie+ zecora.png (http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6062307/)
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/9f5e1b9b072a406a4bdd0645783f9e59/8445%20-%20apple_bloom%20dat_discussion%20ugly_van_meme%20 zecora.jpg
http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkb98zNCxa1qha245o1_500.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/63cdeed8ccdccff2d53bcb6c5e854d17/2403%20-%20apple_bloom%20zecora.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/2edd94bd5c65b72378ad23b7e9bd4abc/4286%20-%20apple_bloom%20artist%3Athelivingmachine02%20hum an%20humanized%20thelivingmachine02%20zecora.jpg
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/5a953b23e1e44fbe3156e59e8c5f6091/10413%20-%20Sweetie_Belle%20apple_bloom%20chimera%20scootal oo%20spike%20zecora.jpg
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsnh7ygZah1qkaynko1_500.png (http://huffythemagicdragon.tumblr.com/)

Absolutely nothing!

Zecora and Applebloom... Actually, interesting. Would be an unorthodox friendship. Especially since Applebloom is still a kid and all. makes sense too, since Applebloom was helping to make the cure for those blue plant things.

And the last picture? The Apple Family sad over Steve Jobs' death? Perfect...
Except for the Steve jobs is dead part, of course. :smallfrown:

[Aotrs Commander]

Okay, how about now...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead3.png

(This is dead useful, by the way folks - daft as this may seem!)

[Tectonic Robot]

Okay, how about now...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead3.png

(This is dead useful, by the way folks - daft as this may seem!)

A giant stone gold-toothed gopher with ruby eyes.

[Beacon of Chaos]

Image dump! Apropos of nothing edition!
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_locpoi6QLI1qincmao1_500.jpg (http://cutiemarkcrusaders.tumblr.com/post/7635968913)
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/b3cb850d542b8ba39652e25213a67b21/2730%20-%20apple_bloom%20brush%20mane%20mohawk%20zecora.pn g
http://www.derpyhooves.com/albums/albums/userpics/10001/normal_applejack_applebloom_bigmac_zecora_elosande .png
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2LWyUg1p26E/ThUqRkq3AqI/AAAAAAAAHF4/T9oqgYZFoHo/s1600/32268+-+applejack+apple_bloom+artist+furseiseki+bellsprou t+gardening+nope.avi+pinkie_pie+sketchdump+Trixie+ zecora.png (http://www.furaffinity.net/full/6062307/)
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/9f5e1b9b072a406a4bdd0645783f9e59/8445%20-%20apple_bloom%20dat_discussion%20ugly_van_meme%20 zecora.jpg
http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkb98zNCxa1qha245o1_500.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/63cdeed8ccdccff2d53bcb6c5e854d17/2403%20-%20apple_bloom%20zecora.png
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/2edd94bd5c65b72378ad23b7e9bd4abc/4286%20-%20apple_bloom%20artist%3Athelivingmachine02%20hum an%20humanized%20thelivingmachine02%20zecora.jpg
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/5a953b23e1e44fbe3156e59e8c5f6091/10413%20-%20Sweetie_Belle%20apple_bloom%20chimera%20scootal oo%20spike%20zecora.jpg
http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsnh7ygZah1qkaynko1_500.png (http://huffythemagicdragon.tumblr.com/)

Absolutely nothing!

Oohh! Thanks Kindablue! I was just looking for some decent Zecora reference pics and these will do nicely!

[Beeskee]

Poor Celestia. I can't imagine what growing up must have been like if she had to deal with that the entire time.

On the other hoof, poking ponies in their cutie marks to see if they say anything funny sounds like a good hobby.

Hrm... *grins evily and starts eyeing the other ponies present*



Hee hee, yeah, the Midnight series is one of the few fanfiction series in the MLP to have multiple authors contributing stuff, so I can see how it can be confusing. Glad you liked them, though!

It was definitely a lot of fun to read, I'm looking forward to more Midnight-related stuff. I know there's a ton of Midnight RP here but 26 ponythreads of 50 pages each is a daunting thing to face. The RP I have found is really good.

And, because I can't resist: (and I know more about Midnight's character now...)

Pinkestia: Pinkestria trots over to Midnight. "Hi! I'm a princess! Are you a princess too?" (lol I am in so much trouble)



Added you. Now to update the list.
Elements of Ponythread v2.4


Oh, and sorry for my recent inactivity. Real-life and getting caught up in writing fanfics can seriously limit one's ability to keep track of ponythread. I guess I'll continue lurking indefinitely for now.

Ohno what have I done, now that's just going to encourage me. :smallbiggrin:

And no worries, it does get busy. I probably will be in the same boat in a week.



Fridge-raiding roommate Derpy is adorable, I agree completely!

Yes, yes she is. :smallbiggrin:


http://chzbronies.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/my-little-pony-friendship-is-magic-brony-you-ate-my-muffins.jpg
I couldn't find the original...



G'night everypony!

Have some adorable Pwincess Woona:

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/277/3/f/silent_terror_by_flausch_katzerl-d4bv3ly.png

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/278/0/f/the_predator_strikes_by_flausch_katzerl-d4bxtrk.png

Pwincess Woona is made entirely out of adorableness.



Okay, how about now...

Derpy: "What an odd-looking muffin..." (sorry. :)

[Strife Warzeal]

Okay, how about now...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead3.png

(This is dead useful, by the way folks - daft as this may seem!)

It kinda looks like a demon-Ood from Doctor Who with it's face-tentacle-things cut off.

[Kindablue]

Oohh! Thanks Kindablue! I was just looking for some decent Zecora reference pics and these will do nicely!

I live to serve. Myself, if I can help it, but that doesn't always work out.


Zecora and Applebloom... Actually, interesting. Would be an unorthodox friendship. Especially since Applebloom is still a kid and all. makes sense too, since Applebloom was helping to make the cure for those blue plant things.

I see her as more of a surrogate mother than a friend, which makes all the pornography I had to slog through to get to those cute little pictures even more disturbing.

[erikun]

I have a quick question for everyone. Where do you think the name "Pinkamena" from Pinkamena Diane Pie came from? Is it an obvious reference that I'm just not getting?

[Beeskee]

I have a quick question for everyone. Where do you think the name "Pinkamena" from Pinkamena Diane Pie came from? Is it an obvious reference that I'm just not getting?

I think it was supposed to go with her background, growing up on an un-fun rock farm with Amish-analog ponies, it seems natural that she wouldn't be named "Pinkie Pie" right off the bat. Googling "Pinkamena" returns a few results unrelated to MLP so it could be the team either had that in mind from the beginning, or stumbled across it while figuring out things to do for that episode. Unless they came up with it on their own, which is also possible.

I don't know if it's a direct reference to anything. It's possible, but there's so many references due to MLP now that it's hard to find.

[Kindablue]

I think it was supposed to go with her background, growing up on an un-fun rock farm with Amish-analog ponies, it seems natural that she wouldn't be named "Pinkie Pie" right off the bat. Googling "Pinkamena" returns a few results unrelated to MLP so it could be the team either had that in mind from the beginning, or stumbled across it while figuring out things to do for that episode. Unless they came up with it on their own, which is also possible.

I don't know if it's a direct reference to anything. It's possible, but there's so many references due to MLP now that it's hard to find.

Philomena? Anyway, the joke is that she has a long name that only her parents would call her by, and I don't think it's deeper than that.

I wonder how many little kids have googled Pinkamena Diane Pie (http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS380US381&gcx=c&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Pinkamena+Diane+Pie) since that Tumblr went up.

[Gamerlord]

Okay, how about now...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead3.png

(This is dead useful, by the way folks - daft as this may seem!)
G1 Megatron after a particularly bad beating.
That or a stone gold-toothed gopher.

[Strife Warzeal]

I wonder how many little kids have googled Pinkamena Diane Pie (http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS380US381&gcx=c&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Pinkamena+Diane+Pie) since that Tumblr went up.

OH GOD!!!http://i.imgur.com/VYSqq.jpg Those poor poor kids that fall into the real demographic of the show. They should not have to see that. What if they read/view the one about fluttershy!? Checking the pony emotes, is there not a "The horror, the horror" one?

[Kurgan]

Okay, how about now...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead3.png

(This is dead useful, by the way folks - daft as this may seem!)

The way that the two things come off of the "nose" (not sure it ifs actually a nose or not, thus the quote marks), it looks like it has either really pronounced cheekbones or a lot of extra weight. Eyes still look angry. The orange thing on the bottom looks more like a face cover than a mouth now, like some sort of speech or breathing mask. It is pointy, and to me looks a bit like an arrow. Just the way it is wider than it is tall makes me think of the word "chubby" when I look at it.

That's all I got, nothing specific this time.

[Trixie]

I wonder how many little kids have googled Pinkamena Diane Pie (http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS380US381&gcx=c&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Pinkamena+Diane+Pie) since that Tumblr went up.

It's morbid.

But the art is seriously good :P

[Beeskee]

I wonder how many little kids have googled Pinkamena Diane Pie (http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS380US381&gcx=c&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Pinkamena+Diane+Pie) since that Tumblr went up.

*watches everyone else freak out*

Beeskee: I thought it was hilarious.

*watches everyone else freak out more*

:smallbiggrin:

Ask Blueblood (http://askblueblood.tumblr.com) is a good one, surprisingly enough. He does interaction (http://askblueblood.tumblr.com/post/10813291944/brahumph-would-you-believe-the-nerve-just-last) with a lot of the other Ask Pony tumblrs and always keeps it funny.

[Strife Warzeal]

*watches everyone else freak out*

Beeskee: I thought it was hilarious.

*watches everyone else freak out more*

:smallbiggrin:

I actually do love that blog, but think of the real demographic of the show, the one that is composed of preteen girls. Now imagine them looking through art of Pinkie Pie doing... well we all know what happens. Now imagine the hours of therapy these young girls now need.

[Kindablue]

It's morbid.

But the art is seriously good :P

It's by an artist who calls himself Crooked Trees (http://crookedtrees.deviantart.com/), who also drew this:
http://fc06.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/244/1/8/fluttershy___untitled_by_crookedtrees-d48ku3o.png

http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/257/5/e/flawed_by_crookedtrees-d49syxb.png

He has another blog (named after a Venetian Snares album, appropriately enough) which is about forty percent pornographic digital paintings of ponies, forty percent starkly realistic digital paintings of ponies, and twenty percent starkly realistic pornographic digital paintings of ponies. It's actually very hard for me to tell if he's trying to parody that style or if he's genuinely in love with it and he just happens to really like drawing technicolor ponies. Either way, he's a fantastic artist.

[Beacon of Chaos]

I live to serve. Myself, if I can help it, but that doesn't always work out.
Hehehe!


I see her as more of a surrogate mother than a friend, which makes all the pornography I had to slog through to get to those cute little pictures even more disturbing.
While it doesn't surprise me that there is AB/Zecora stuff out there... is there really that much of it? :smalleek:


Okay, how about now...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead3.png

(This is dead useful, by the way folks - daft as this may seem!)
Looks vaguely rat-like.



Anyway, pics.

Saucy Twilight ahoy! Drawn and coloured by a couple of friends of mine from Canterlot.
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/1eb53f157fd117ba275db110082fd8a0/67566%20-%20Will_you_be_my_study_buddy%20artist%3AKudalyn%2 0artist%3Abrianblackberry%20blushing%20cute%20hoov es%20plot%20socks%20twilight_sparkle.png

Badass Spike:
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/e139e9847cae165aac904771b9ca0dfa/67086%20-%20artist%3Aequestria-prevails%20gun%20spike%20weapon.jpg

[Tectonic Robot]

The Pinkamina Diane Pie blog makes me sad when I read it.

My emotions are pliable, I suppose.

And that Spike is awesome.

[Topaz]

Someone should make an Octavia PMV to this (http://www.lyricszoo.com/toy-matinee/things-she-said/).


Random pondering and Discussion question #5!
What are each pony's favorite season, and why?

I can't really improve on Titanium Fox's reply, except to note that Twilight probably enjoys long winter days curled up to a cozy fireplace with some good books, and Pinkie Pie undoubtedly enjoys all of winter's awesome holidays with attendant parties.

[Beeskee]

I actually do love that blog, but think of the real demographic of the show, the one that is composed of preteen girls. Now imagine them looking through art of Pinkie Pie doing... well we all know what happens. Now imagine the hours of therapy these young girls now need.

True, but then again that demographic really shouldn't be browsing strange sites on the internet unsupervised, in my opinion. I know parents can't watch their kids 24/7, but the internet cannot ever be 'made safe' - at least with TV you know the Hub channel or Disney channel is not going to suddenly start showing porn or something. Sort of like the Hub website and Disney website will always be safe for kids. Anything randomly found on Google is questionable.

Since the first thing people visiting that tumblr see is a blood-stained, disturbing-looking version of Pinkie, hopefully they possess enough common sense to go somewhere else if that isn't what they wanted. That's the first thing a parent needs to teach their child before letting them browse unsupervised. I still think it's a terrible idea for a young child to have that kind of access, but if they do, then they need to know what to avoid.

[Aotrs Commander]

The way that the two things come off of the "nose" (not sure it ifs actually a nose or not, thus the quote marks), it looks like it has either really pronounced cheekbones or a lot of extra weight. Eyes still look angry. The orange thing on the bottom looks more like a face cover than a mouth now, like some sort of speech or breathing mask. It is pointy, and to me looks a bit like an arrow. Just the way it is wider than it is tall makes me think of the word "chubby" when I look at it.

That's all I got, nothing specific this time.

Got the eyes much better this time, then, that effect is working exactly as intended, at least!

Not much I can do about the "chubbyness", unfortunately; I'm already pushing the material limitations. That, with whatever else, I'm just going to have to live with... (Believe it or not, it's actually square in cross-section.)



Okay, well, anyway, I think I have about reached the limitations of what I can think of to try on you blind, so now I'll do some explaining and see if the arty among you can make some suggestions. (I might even take this to the arts & crafts thread eventually).

The orange bit at the bottom is a "mouth" of sorts (by this point, I was aiming for a fish-jaw, a sort of foward gape. Whether it actually opens or not, I'm not yet sure...) You were pretty close with "angry shark" which was roughly the sort of thing I was going for; a sort of predatory head, as sleek as the design limitations would let me go (it's only 1mm wide and tall...)

What it belongs to (nominally) is this:



http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretproj1.png

Which converts to this, for moving around:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretproj2.png

The engine below lifts it off, the head and turret lock 90º up, and the legs invert and lock to flight positions.

(This is a work in progress, and is going to be detailed a bit more in due course. Mostly, this was a first pass to see if I could do this, given the material limitations, and to fit the leg joints and such. I nominally plan to mayeb revise it to have something more like "feet", that would fold into weapons in flight mode.)

The whole thing fits with 1cm cube at 144 scale, and within a 2cm one at 72nd scale (i.e roughly D&D figure size).

It is the first part of Secret Project - secret to all my wargaming companions, that us - which is for me do design an entire army that can be scaled to use at 12mm (1:144th scale) and also at 25mm(28mm) (1:72nd or D&D figure scale), which is why it's so horribly overdetailed for the size.

This is the smallest unit (about human-ish sized), the "infantry" so to speak, of it's race, who are an evil technological-lifeform crowd.

Now, usually alien robots races are all "male" (e.g. Daleks, Cybermen, old Cylons, the Cybertanks - even the Borg sound male - etc etc etc - the Movellians of Doctor Who are about the only exception). Anyway, this crowd, are for novety, supposed to be "female". So what I was really trying to aim for - and utterly failing! - was to try a model that in a non-cartoonish way. (I realise that I could just do anything and just say it's nominally female, but I wanted to see if I could be cleverer than that. Apparently not!)

So, armed with some context, does anybody have a clue how I could improve to try and make it more "feminine" - at least nominally in suggestion, given the rather steep size limitations?

(I know this is a sodding hard thing to try to do, but I want to at least give it a shot before admitting defeat!)

[Trixie]

Hmmm, maybe I should make a list of Ask Ponies sites. If not for general usage, then at least for my own ^^"

[Beeskee]

So, armed with some context, does anybody have a clue how I could improve to try and make it more "feminine" - at least nominally in suggestion, given the rather steep size limitations?

(I know this is a sodding hard thing to try to do, but I want to at least give it a shot before admitting defeat!)

Ugh, this is going to sound sexist no matter how I write it... Try smoother curves and a less phallic weapon.

Edit: See the "female" robots from WALL-E for reference.

[Tectonic Robot]

Got the eyes much better this time, then, that effect is working exactly as intended, at least!

Not much I can do about the "chubbyness", unfortunately; I'm already pushing the material limitations. That, with whatever else, I'm just going to have to live with... (Believe it or not, it's actually square in cross-section.)



Okay, well, anyway, I think I have about reached the limitations of what I can think of to try on you blind, so now I'll do some explaining and see if the arty among you can make some suggestions. (I might even take this to the arts & crafts thread eventually).

The orange bit at the bottom is a "mouth" of sorts (by this point, I was aiming for a fish-jaw, a sort of foward gape. Whether it actually opens or not, I'm not yet sure...) You were pretty close with "angry shark" which was roughly the sort of thing I was going for; a sort of predatory head, as sleek as the design limitations would let me go (it's only 1mm wide and tall...)

What it belongs to (nominally) is this:



http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretproj1.png

Which converts to this, for moving around:

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretproj2.png

The engine below lifts it off, the head and turret lock 90º up, and the legs invert and lock to flight positions.

(This is a work in progress, and is going to be detailed a bit more in due course. Mostly, this was a first pass to see if I could do this, given the material limitations, and to fit the leg joints and such. I nominally plan to mayeb revise it to have something more like "feet", that would fold into weapons in flight mode.)

The whole thing fits with 1cm cube at 144 scale, and within a 2cm one at 72nd scale (i.e roughly D&D figure size).

It is the first part of Secret Project - secret to all my wargaming companions, that us - which is for me do design an entire army that can be scaled to use at 12mm (1:144th scale) and also at 25mm(28mm) (1:72nd or D&D figure scale), which is why it's so horribly overdetailed for the size.

This is the smallest unit (about human-ish sized), the "infantry" so to speak, of it's race, who are an evil technological-lifeform crowd.

Now, usually alien robots races are all "male" (e.g. Daleks, Cybermen, old Cylons, the Cybertanks - even the Borg sound male - etc etc etc - the Movellians of Doctor Who are about the only exception). Anyway, this crowd, are for novety, supposed to be "female". So what I was really trying to aim for - and utterly failing! - was to try a model that in a non-cartoonish way. (I realise that I could just do anything and just say it's nominally female, but I wanted to see if I could be cleverer than that. Apparently not!)

So, armed with some context, does anybody have a clue how I could improve to try and make it more "feminine" - at least nominally in suggestion, given the rather steep size limitations?

(I know this is a sodding hard thing to try to do, but I want to at least give it a shot before admitting defeat!)

I don't know much about art, but the face seems kind of too chubby to be feminine to me. Maybe remove some of those bumps?

Oh! Oh wait! I don't mean to imply that being fat isn't feminine! I just mean that physical size is more often (but not always!) associated with members of species having an xy configuration of the chromosomes.

[Kindablue]

While it doesn't surprise me that there is AB/Zecora stuff out there... is there really that much of it? :smalleek:

No, I was playing it up--they were all tongue in cheek. Searching Google images for <applebloom zecora> will give you that, what I posted, and the avatars of everyone who's ever posted in this thread.


I actually do love that blog, but think of the real demographic of the show, the one that is composed of preteen girls. Now imagine them looking through art of Pinkie Pie doing... well we all know what happens. Now imagine the hours of therapy these young girls now need.

They'll live. I was... nine? I think, when I saw The Texas Chainsaw Massacre for the first time, and I turned out alright. I don't think little girls are that much more fragile than little boys.


Hmmm, maybe I should make a list of Ask Ponies sites. If not for general usage, then at least for my own ^^"

I think MCerberus (http://askagentgummy.tumblr.com/) is following all of them.

[TheAmishPirate]

Hmmm, maybe I should make a list of Ask Ponies sites. If not for general usage, then at least for my own ^^"

Fortunately, somepony's already got that handled. I think it's pretty well-maintained.

Ask a Pony blog list. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1njTTTPv1Of4yHd6igFCNCB9JyXOhH4IHENwnt55zIWc/edit?hl=en_US)

[Aotrs Commander]

Ugh, this is going to sound sexist no matter how I write it... Try smoother curves and a less phallic weapon.

Edit: See the "female" robots from WALL-E for reference.

Can't put many more curves in (given size and program limitations) believe or not, that is about as curvy as it can afford to get. (Too many facets causes problems in converting the file for printing.)

And guns are guns. I'm not even going to try on that regard; functionality - and model practically - take presedence over artistry. (There's not a lot of room for manouvre with the guns, either for that matter; though I might add a bit more detail to that one.)


I don't know much about art, but the face seems kind of too chubby to be feminine to me. Maybe remove some of those bumps?

Unfortunately, I can't, as those bumps are the only thing keeping the head in the printable size (0.7mm), or I'd have sleeked them down much earlier. I will probably slant the "cheekbones" of a bit when I do a 25mm scale one though.


I just mean that physical size is more often (but not always!) associated with members of species having an xy configuration of the chromosomes.

Not really; it's usually the case with mammels; in reptiles and birds - and spiders for that matter, which are a far better analogue - females are generally bigger and meaner, if there's any sexual dimorphism to speak of. (Vastly so in the case of spiders!)

[Beeskee]

Hmmm, maybe I should make a list of Ask Ponies sites. If not for general usage, then at least for my own ^^"

I found a few pony tumblrs, and ended up getting a tumblr account and following a ton of them. (Mine is "beeskeepony" with no content itself.)


safe content:

http://nothingtodowithponies.tumblr.com/
http://askderpyhooves.tumblr.com/
http://ask-princess-trollestia.tumblr.com/ (oddly enough)
http://askfluttershyandpinkiepie.tumblr.com/
http://ask-derpyhooves.tumblr.com/
http://rarityanswers.tumblr.com/
http://askagentgummy.tumblr.com/
http://askdreambaker.tumblr.com/
http://askpinkie-pie.tumblr.com/
http://askrubypinch.tumblr.com/
http://ask-twilightsparkle.tumblr.com/
http://askumfluttershy.tumblr.com/
http://askthederpyhooves.tumblr.com/
http://askoctavia.tumblr.com/
http://askdrwhooves.tumblr.com/
http://askthepiesisters.tumblr.com/
http://asksurprise.tumblr.com/

unsafe content:

naughtynaughtyluna (very NSFW)
ask-berry-punch
ohdatcheerilee
askberrypnuch (not a typo)
askblueblood (mild NSFW, mostly due to interaction with NSFW pony blogs)
askprincessmolestia (no surprise there)
askpinkaminadianepie




Oh cool I'll have to check out the blog list. Thanks, TheAmishPirate! :smallsmile:

[Kindablue]

Ask Surprise is the best.
http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_lsk96pDilC1r2ulmeo1_1280.png?AWSAccessKeyId =AKIAJ6IHWSU3BX3X7X3Q&Expires=1318030734&Signature=avy8%2Bi5Mdtoo0lQiy6P1NNNPWN4%3D

[Raz_Fox]

Wheels are turning in my head. No, that's not quite right, they're churning. Turning can merely be plotting, scheming, but churning implies a disquiet, a disturbance and an inspection of the wheels themselves if you don't want the whole factory to shake apart.

(Warning: may be slightly NSFW, in that it discusses NSFW-ness.)

So. I don't even remember now how I found myself there, but I found myself looking at a tumblr blog entitled Are You Serious, Brony? I do not provide a link because it is rather unsafe for work, due to the work it showcases and rips apart: the dark underside of our fandom.

I laughed, I'll admit. Not at the blog author, but with him. I know another guy like him from a different fandom, on a different site, who has Standards and isn't afraid to be known for them, but who caustically cuts apart this kind of material instead of turning upon his fellow fandom members. I loved his sardonic sarcasm at some of the worst that our fandom has to offer.

And then I started thinking about why I'm in a fandom that tolerates this kind of stuff. That produces it in such droves. For every piece of beautiful art on Ponibooru, I guess that there's a piece of pornographic waste - as I don't browse Pb with a login, it's all hidden away. But I know it's there, and it spreads, and for every adult fan who's completely fine with it, there's a kid with an internet connection who doesn't know what the Pinkamina Diane Pie tumblr is like or comes across Naughty Naughty Luna!(tm) fanarts. And that concerns me, because I have the power to change that one bit at a time - I can't force artists to take back what they've drawn, but I can act upon my fellow fans in tiny, almost imperceptible ways. Or, perhaps, in larger ways. I am a writer, after all.

Then I read an essay that the blog author linked, written by a mother who was creeped out by the 'bronie' phenomenon. The replies started out promising, and then descended into the vicious defense that any negative Pony article gets, to the point where the original author locked the comment section because of all the insults that were being hurled her way, proving her view that bronies were borderline molesters.

And I thought some more. At first I thought, surely, surely I can say I'm clean, surely I can say I'm free of any blame, I'm not like them, the kind of bronies who sexualize this kind of thing to an abhorrent degree. And then I thought some more. Oh, wait, who was the brony who made the Haremizer Cannon in RP and had roleplayed out an attraction to an OC pony? Hint: that was me. Who was the brony that accidentally kickstarted the whole bondage craze and is currently writing a story that incorporates it in its themes, even if it is being deconstructed to an extent in said story? Hint: even more me. Who once wrote a naughty Lix/Trixie ship that he now regrets ever trying, as his first and only foray into anything even tangential to clopfic? Oh, wait, that was ME.

Do you think that any unbiased observer would believe that I don't find bondage or harems sexual, after how often they've come up in the forum RP, with me in the midst of it? (Dark secret: I like the stereotypical harem outfit, not the actual concept of a harem. And I mean like as in "I am intrigued by its aesthetics".) It's not bleeding likely. Stars and stones, do you think that any mother who stumbled across the GiantITP pony fandom, just out of the blue, would believe that the brony subculture isn't sexualized? I'm starting to have doubts.

You know how, a few pages back, we were talking about characters and how successful RP characters often come from seeds of your personality? Well, Shallow and Thoughtless Human as a title sums up part of my personality pretty well. I'll do something, and then never think about the consequences. I'll say something, and never imagine that I might regret it later. I don't see. I don't consider. If I could go back and tell myself, hey, Raz, don't write that fic for Trix'n'Lix, you'll regret it and feel as if you've failed yourself soon enough, I would, but I didn't even think about it. And I'm sure that, right this moment, there's something that I'm missing, something that will make me miss a step and tumble down the stairs painfully. It's already happened to me enough for a year in the past month or so, and I'm looking down at more stairs. It's stairs, all the way down. And the step I'm taking right now is going to make me scrape open my knee a few steps down the line, I just know it. Shallow and Thoughtless Human. Sums me up pretty well, don't you think?

But, then again, I also believe that a man has power enough to choose. He may, no, he will need help. He'll struggle. He'll fall on the way and be helped back up to his feet. But a man can change who he is, if he looks in the mirror and doesn't like what he sees staring back at him. He can comb his metaphorical hair. He can brush the yellow off his teeth. And perhaps he can't scrub that stain out of his white shirt, but he can remember, next time, that he shouldn't go for the ketchup with that metaphorical burger. And he can rally his thoughts, and give them marching orders, and focus - though it's boring, though it's hard - enough to change their course. He doesn't just have to go with the flow and take the easy course. Taking the easy course is always harder in the end. The hard course takes you straight through the briars and the brambles, but the easy course drops you down into them with no machete to cut your way out.

I'm not going to tell you all that you should stop looking at Molestia fanart or feel guilty for shipping. I'm not going to say that bronydom has been ruined for me forever. But I think it's time that the Pure and Honest Fox Raz can actually call himself that honestly, don't you think?

I think so.

And that's one step away from being the Shallow and Thoughtless Human. And if I speechify about it at length, that's even better, because speaking, well, writing, I think of this as being sort of like speaking, I take a conversational tone as if I was standing in front of you all gut-afraid but still speaking anyway, and now we're off-topic- anyway, if I write about it, I can rally up the troops, all those impulses and unconscious thoughts, and say to them, boyos, there's going to be a bit of a change around here. We're clearing house, doing autumn wrap-up and burning the rubbish, and then we can actually say about ourselves, we're pure and honest, because I'm tired as anything of being a liar about myself, to myself, to anyone who asks me, "So, Raz, are you pure and honest?" I'll smile, and say of course, and I want to be able to mean it, consarn it.

And when people ask me, "So, these Bronies, are they all sexually attracted to ponies and creepy?" I want to be able to say, with fervor and dignity, "No. No, they're not. They - well, the fans I know, at least, on my little corner of the Internet - are all amazing blokes. And I'm the most amazing one of all!" Okay, maybe not that last bit. But I probably will say it, anyway, even though I don't really mean it, because the Mountebank is a part of me, too, and he learned from Wile E. Coyote and the Doctor how to brag like a jester.

So the wheels aren't churning, anymore. They're turning, and they are groaning with the effort of making the engines run, but there's a bit of peace to me. Or, rather, all that energy, all that momentum as Thanqol says, is focused on something now. And, funnily enough, the momentum is moving me in a direction that I was already going, I've just stopped digging my heels in and resisting the motion now. I'm running. And I'll probably, in a half-mile, slow down and start panting like a dog in the Sahara, and hold my ribs and groan at the effort. But I've got friends here - real, actual friends - who I know will slap me on the back hard enough to leave five red fingers there, and tell me, "Hey, Raz, do you remember that you're running? Because you are. And it's easier to go from 60 to 80 than it is to go from 0 to 60. Keep that momentum up."

And maybe I've got your wheels churning. If you've got the time, and no siblings or children around your computer, and you're definitely not at work, take a look at that tumblr and tell me what you think. Because I think we Playgrounders are more influential on the fandom than we might think, and giving people a place to point to when they need to explain how bronies are just honest folks without any weird sexualizations is a good thing.

Gosh, I just can't end, can I? I feel like I've been sitting here for an hour, though truthfully it's just been half of one, but half is still a bit much for me right now. And I'm still rambling on, just cut it short, Raz-

[Tectonic Robot]

Not really; it's usually the case with mammels; in reptiles and birds - and spiders for that matter, which are a far better analogue - females are generally bigger and meaner, if there's any sexual dimorphism to speak of. (Vastly so in the case of spiders!)

Well, I assume the majority of the people your working with aren't spiders. :/

But your almost certainly better qualified then me to decide this.



Err, guys, could I be the element of noir?

[SiuiS]

0_0** Wow, this thing manages to go on forever. How do you guys keep it up? I'm jealous. :smalltongue:

Insanity.

No, really. My worldview is defined by pony. Well, sort of. It's more that my GUI is pony-based, as are the terms of my OS.

I guess I'm running the ol' P1TP Brony v.3 mod for HEATHEN, my base OS. Name choice is somewhat arbitrary.


Someone new (I think)! *Grab him!
But seriously, picture you are hanging out with a bunch of friends. *It doesn't matter if you have had the same exact conversation a year back, you can have it again, even referencing the old one, and still have fun. *That is the basic magic of how this thread keeps running. *That and the fact that along with the repeat stuff, people bring in new ideas and topics every day.

Eyup. Always fun digging up old stuff, actually.


What about those of us under the drinking age? That don't drink coffee?

Fun fact; drinking age is somewhat lax in the home. You can, for example, be given wine at Easter as early as 12, so long as you don't go running outside screaming to the world.

Then again, they have to care if they notice you, so maybe I only asked really cynical cops.


Tsk, even underage, I still was able to drink, it helps being a 6 foot tall teenager, nopony cards you. :smallwink:

Of course, I've been legal for over a decade now...

They had ID cards back then, Gama Midni?


Just never sleep or stop drinking then.

Of course it's so simple!


Leo hands out drinks to everypony.

http://www.geeksaresexy.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/bacon-mug.jpg

That's so gross XD
bacon is fine and dandy, friend, but the sludge looks... Ugh. Beer is gross and bready, cheese would be too much, pancakes maybe *scribbles on list* aye, actually I think I could stomach bacon-wrapped pancakes. Pun unintentional but snrk-worthy.


Why are they called girly drinks when they usually have a higher alchohol content than non-girly drinks? I've never understood that one.

Envy.


Generally because "girly" drinks are fruity and flavored, not that I would know I can't drink... for... another... five years (legally that is). Actually it's four years since my birthday's in a month.

Never really figured that one out, but its occasionally fun to walk upto the bar in a suit and ask the bartender for the girliest drink in the house and get something that taste like fruit and candy but is flammable.

I found a FiM-chan picture thread yesterday 3 days ago. Now flavored, fruity and flammable make me think of Caramel and Braeburn. :smallconfused:


Well, that certainly explains some things.

(Just for the record, I don't drink. The strongest beverages I've ever had are sodas. Though I do drink more of those than I probably should.)

Zevox

Good show. Strongest bloke in the room is the one who isn't put out by refusing drinks.


Um, thanks! But I'm, uh, vegetarian. Yeah, vegetarian! That's it. So I'm just going to set this down right here and go outside to vomi--find my car keys. Which I left outside, behind those bushes.

http://i.imgur.com/SUOfJ.jpg


Wait a minute...

If he were a vegetarian, he would have stuck with 'vomit'! He's hiding something! Get him!



If I don't shave for a few days I can get away with that, too. I've never gotten beards to work on me, though, so I don't do it often. And most places card you now even if you look like Hugh Hefner, on the off-chance that you're a nine year old with progeria and a taste for cheap vodka.

It's those Benjamin Buttons who are ruining it for the rest of us slow aging elf-folk, I tell ya. Shaved and got stopped at the movie theatre for being out after curfew.
At 24.


What? It's just beer in a bacon mug.

That poor bacon mug. It almost did something useful with it's life.:smalltongue:


Because you don't chug them, they're smaller for that content, and they take longer to make (generally) then opening a beer or pouring a shot.

And y'know the fruit and sweet flavor. If it isn't beer and doesn't clear the sinuses it isn't manly.

You don't chug girly drinks? I thought being palatable enough to breathe in fish-style was what girly drinks were for.
Ugh, I should know this stuff! I am a relatively horrible Irishman. :smallfrown:


Yeah, him! *Only it's like a female him, and he's married to her.
And she likes ponies.

This will, somehow and some way, go into my signature.


Hello ponythread,
Today was miserable, and I would like nothing more than to go whimper in a corner until I don't feel like the world and the future hate me. That said, would you perhaps have some nice pony-themed pictures to cheer me up? I'm kinda down...

I love ya mate, but I cannot make the pony pictures work right now... I'll try and remember for when I can get my systems in order. And when I'm under the character limit ^^;


0_0* Thank you? :smallsmile:
I may just start watching and pop in every once and a while I suppose.

Haha! Nopony expects the three day-late welcome wagon!


http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/06c7d0d2105a1314ea928cadd5a55a09/7961%20-%20animated%20jumping%20scootaloo.gif
http://arch.413chan.net/1288640640381.png
http://i1205.photobucket.com/albums/bb426/AwesomeHolzy/Welcome-to-the-Herd.gif
http://www.majhost.com/gallery/LordRyu/bronies/index.php.jpg
http://ponibooru.413chan.net/_images/0da1a106ff7923e0fb2630d06310c636/12549%20-%20macro%20scootaloo.jpg

Man, DBC was on to something. Dat Scootaloo! Two barrels of Scootalove to the face. Gets em every time...



Edit: And white text says... WAIT WHAT? 0_0*


Hm. You're one of those. I suppose we'll have to set you up a meeting with the Allfeather. He's the falcon with a monocle and kaiser helm, who thwarts our outlandishly outrageous attempts at World Domination through bondage.


Thanks everypony!
I actually do feel better; finally getting home and focusing on adorable things rather than work helped a lot!

It's remarkably cathartic. Ponythread existing has gotten me through some bad times, I tell you what.


Have some more for good measure


and then human luna http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/187cd9985a0170b81914f97f95b2552f/66253%20-%20artist%3Athelivingmachine02%20cute%20humanized% 20luna.jpg



That is just what happened to be open in my browser at the moment.

Neat. Never seen that one before. I'll have to check out the artist.


Ah, a sentiment with which I am intimately familiar.

For the record, it was superb. Your story does for Blueblood what Heart of Gold, Feathers of Steel did for Gilda, and that's an accomplishment.

I really recommend cleaning it up and submitting it to Equestria Daily.

Aw man! This is a common sensation and you guys write anyway?


It was rough. I caught a mess of spelling errors. And there were times when I was horribly confused.

But you know what?

You thought of a way to portray Blueblood in an entirely positive light. And that, my good sir, is a good thought indeed. You gave me a good read before bedtime, and certainly an interesting spin on the series as a whole. Certainly worth a few more rounds of editing, and I thank you for taking the time to experiment outside your comfort zone. I certainly enjoyed it.

Aye. I'm pretty sure there was a process Luna in there (wouldn't green is ponies!) and that's just what my foggy eyes could see.

A query though. What confused you? I'm in the unfortunate position of being omniscient, which means stuff is obvious to me even before it occurs. Really hard to generate a frame of reference so others can understand.


*Clicks SiuiS' spoiler box expecting an imagedump or something

Gets something legit cool instead*

My image dumps aren't Legit? I mean sure, I'm no Welf, but I

Oh who am I kidding. It's too late in the morning to even fake puppydog eyes.


Damn son! The premise is inherently a bit of a stretch, but the execution was surprisingly well done. You've certainly disproved your own 'I can't write' maxim if nothing else.

Best/worst part was finding out that writing an "emotionally charged" story requires me to be emotionally charged. Think I can utilize this for DMing.

Quite a bit of a stretch, but it's simple and sticks to premise. Blueblood is not a bad guy. Blueblood feels like crap after what he did. Mixing the two gets you what I seem to orbit around; tragedy.

Damn, Bleakbane. At first I thought the only thing you'd regret turning me into would be a vampire, but... Did you make me an author!? I may be cross with you...


I've listened to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxoGmVjAsmE) as I fell asleep every night for the past week. :(

Whyyyyyyy ponythread, what have you done to meeeeeeee. *And I still can't keep up with you! *That's why I mostly just lurk. ;-;

Nopony can keep up, really. Don't worry, we won't hold it against you. Just jump in when you can, and leave when you need to! It's like a 25/8 pool party.


I think it's time I came out of the closet.
Brony, eh? I think the term suits me.

I just spent the last three days watching the entirety of the first season. And then I marveled in the sheer AWESOMENESS that is John De Lancie as Q- I mean Discord.

Now I have no idea what to do with myself.*
I wonder how my girlfriend will react...

Hopefully her reaction will be "you're into ponies!? Oh thank heavens, now I don't have to hide it anymore!" :smallbiggrin:

It is kind of like coming out though, isn't it?


I am questioning it! I AM QUESTIONING IT!

NO you foal!


i was thinking more that derpy gave the princesses some muffins with an added "special" ingredient...next thing they know they are waking up in that pic

Deeerrrrrrrrppyyyyyy :smallfurious:

Those muffins were to be delivered to Lyra!
Now she's going to get caught and call in my debt AGAIN dice the narcomuffins didn't come through.

Ugh.


I lol'd at that one. :smallbiggrin: *Derpy blowing bubbles is just the icing on the muffin. Which would make it a cupcake, but I didn't want to go there. Except I just did. Oops.

I actually think there is a batter difference between cupcakes and muffins. Muffins are breadier and cupcakes are cakier.


*reads the other comments* *Oh gods Derpy roofied Celestia and Luna? :smalleek:

Oh, my! No! No no no.
Wherever did you get that idea?

No.

She bed-ied Celestia and Luna.



Through The Eyes of Another Pony (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/08/story-through-eyes-of-another-pony.html)

I feel obligated to point this one out a lot because even though it seems to have every element which should make it a horrible Mary Sue fanfic, it isn't one. It's like the opposite of that actually.

It could also use some ratings, so if you like it please vote for it. :smallsmile: Some folks voted low without even reading it. :smallannoyed:

Quoted for future reference maybe. And yeah, apparently there are people who one-star stuff with tags they don't like. Presumably to haze and drive away authors who don't obey their whims.

I am not a happy pony when hearing this. :smallannoyed:




I got hired today! YAY! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLTZctTG6cE) :smallbiggrin: I'm terrible at job hunting, and even worse at interviews. :smallfrown:

Woohoo! Go Go Gadget Employment!


Well, my psychology class gives us information and asks us to write up a response to it. This week's bit opens up with this sentence:

So, scientific proof that watching ponies helps make you a better person?

Excuse me for a moment while I rant.


This is dumb and patently absurd.
Thinking uses chemical transmission as well as electrical.
Thinking is brain Chemistry.
Brain chemistry is thinking.

DO YOU REALLY THINK IT'S NOVEL TO TELL ME CHANGING WHAT I THINK CHANGES WHAT I THINK?!

I mean seriously! Science, I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you this, but get over yourself. The maxim of exploring everything means investigate and report, sure. That doesn't mean you have to assume everyone who ever came before you was an idiot, a charletan, and couldn't wipe themselves if you didn't have a chart, diagram and full text explaining it.

Positive thoughts breed positive thoughts. People who are constantly in environments of strife and violence become violent on the pathological level. Depression is hard to break because being depressed makes it harder to get unrepressed. Like begets like.

Every system I've ever seen since I took an interest in learning has started with the (understandable) assumption that I am not an idiot, and this principle is true. My parents told me this; grandparents, teachers, and experience.

Why does it need to be spelled out in a scientific text?!
Don't answer that. I understand why. I even, now that this is out of my system, endorse it. I think it was a rage against blind faith in SCIENCE! that I've had building for a while now.

Ach. Rage depleted. Tired now. Need to get to level up, gain tireless rage.


Oh my god that pony looks like a ram. The white rolly parts at the back?

Wow, I really am slapstick tired, aren't I? I actually took about five minutes to stop laughing long enough to look straight at the screen again.


In your defense, it did look kind of like a ram.



Agreed. One hundred and ten percent agreed. I know they kind of took the little layer of cynicism and intolerance that was slowly starting to grow on me as I became accustomed to the post-college real world and scrubbed it clean off. They also revitalized me to be ready to tackle the horrors of the real world without having to develop a new defense mechanism that would have compromised who I was either.

Yay pony!

Eyup. I've been told recently that it's creepy that I'm being so nice sometimes. That it seems out of character.

New goal? Be so much nicer that it is my perceived character. I mean really, what would. Brave pony like Rainbow Dash do? CHARGE FORWARD, FULL STEAM!



Why would you do that to yourself?! Are you a masochist man?

It took me a I'll twenty minutes to realize this wasn't a poorly rated fic on eqD, and you meant the Myer stories.


Start it, or I'll post sad pony pics. :smallannoyed:

How's that? :smalltongue:

Uh... That's like "eat your broccoli or by god I will give you candy and buy you a new video game!" but your heart was in the right place :3


It's not really a "descent", it's more of a "surpression". It's as if a small part of my brain has been infected by a mental virus. The rest of my brain tries to keep said virus at bay, but it likes to come out and play sometimes. I know a good game. But it's not so bad. It's called "Pin the Tail on the Pony" I just have to work at it some more. You can be the Pony. http://i.imgur.com/9QvF1.jpg


... Are you coming on to me?



*reads chapter 1*
*clicks on chapter 2*
*computer restarts on it's own*
Huh... http://i.imgur.com/2E2Va.jpg
*clicks on chapter 2 again*
*computer dies*
Y U NO WORK!? http://i.imgur.com/2c0gc.jpg

Man, I hate that. Hate. haaaaaaaate.


(Did not see new thread link)

*goes to check old thread* huh. No shenanigans while we were gone? You're a college age lass. I expected a least a party.



(Didn't recognise it)


I'm too behind to draw a slack-jawed reaction picture. This may just go in my "really wish I'd drawn this on time, let's copy/paste the joke for later" file.



:smalleek:
:smallfrown:
(Hugs Blueblood)

I shall take that as approval...?


Also: Hey, Aotrs! I just found a character sheet of a lich I made. She was NE, where by 'E' I mean 'kinda a bitch'.

Never could tans the thought of Lichdom myself. By the time it would have mattered, there were always better options. Though I suppose one of them was a functional equivalent to Bleakbane's spirit binding. Hm.

-

And because I want to see Shadowy's reaction;

*sets the thread on ICE!*

HAHAHAHA!
What now, Fluttermancer?!

:biggrin:


See I thought computers ran on evil spirits which explained most of the internet in my head. *Mine is still holding up thankfully I think all the tree sap I have in there holding parts together is really what keeps it going.

Well how do you think they get the evil spirits to stay?
That's right.
Magic.

Technomancy, to be specific. (http://james.hamsterrepublic.com/technomancy/)

I have been sitting on this for years, and barely remembered when I read this li'l fight. Congrats, self; this is a ten-year callback.


Announcement:
I've been listening to tetris songs ALL DAY, ponythread. This is your fault. :smalltongue:

YAY! victory! *dances poorly and arrhythmically*


How do you star something on Equestria Daily? I've never figured it out and I want to start rating stories that I like.

Already been answered, but my stance is still "I can't". Darn apple OS doesn't work anymore, mobile or otherwise.


So... You want to have the powers of a Goddess? Actually this doesn't surprise me. Who wouldn't?

Hay, I would even take the powers of a god! Shapeshifting is a god power right? Hey look now I'm a goddess!


Wait... I'm still normal!*
*holds out hands*
AH! MY THUMBS! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY THUMBS!? http://i.imgur.com/fhwi8.jpg

Lyra took them. You would be so lucky, to sleep through the procedure.


My trick, is that while I do have a good handful of personas, they literally are all exactly me, differentiable from each other in that they are very VERY specific aspects of me and my life. I am the one who's spent the most time in my own head, heck that's where I spend MOST of my time it feels, so it's pretty natural for me to simple compartmentalize myself into the different hats that I wear on a day to day basis (which, ended up being the chief mark between myselves when I draw them). Like Ido, Ido wears his captain's hat of bemused confusion. Others, such as Zod, he's usually got his [Zod] gamertag floating above his head. Bossman took a while to find a good hat, but he eventually settled on the black and white Dr. Seuss hat he found that seemed to hold a +5 to his intimidate and serious business checks.

Ponysona... there is an opening for the brony aspect of m'self, but I put way too much work into it for that guy to show up any time soon ^^;; *Maybe... maybe before season 3 I'll have decided on his name. Until then, I'll just look wistfully from the sidelines, and continue to let the other circles have their fun :smalltongue:

Well...

In thread seven or eight we had a big thing on how to pony yourself, based partially on your name. A lot of folks read it too literally, but when they abstracted a bit it made more sense. I'll try and dig it up in the next few days.


Unrelated note, am I the only one that actually gets more sad when you see this rarity emote? http://i.imgur.com/LWZja.jpg

Nope!
Sad pony face is serious business. I try not to use it for laughs.


Man, we're gonna have to hunt a whole lot of unicorns for this...

Can't remember context. Fear for horn. Running now?



No excuses, mister! Hand them over! http://i.imgur.com/2E2Va.jpg

But... But...
Weren't we taking your thumbs?



But then how else would I play the MLP theme tune on my guitar? http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.jpg

With your hooves. Duh~
or lips! Such soft, expressive lips ponies have. Very mobile.


I'm sorry to have to break this to you, but in reality, you can't play the cello with hooves.

Pics or it isn't true.
(Jade! Get hard, hand-sized disks and put them in the socks so you have a single appendage with a hard hoof-y bottom)


That's the tabletop method! *Unfortunately I get roped in DM so much I... well don't quite remember the last time I rolled a new character.

You don't DM like this? Annoying voices and smugness are almost as good at getting players to make bad decisions as saying "Uh... Are you guys sure?" is. I don't DM like this either though, so...


I think Exalted has some good questions to ask yourself when making a character.
Spoilered for length.
• What was your family life like? Were you raised by both parents? Did one or both of them die? Do you have brothers or sisters? Are you married? To more than one person? Do you have any children? Is anyone else in your family one of the Chosen?
• Where are you from? Where your character comes from will have an impact on his appearance, his native language, and many customs and attitudes.
• When did you meet your companions? Do you get along with your companions? How long have you known them? How did you meet? Do you share any goals? Do you all work for the same city or organization? Are there rivalries among you?
• What motivates you to be a hero? Do you seek riches or undying glory? Do you simply enjoy exercising your impressive powers? Is your agenda based on revenge, social justice or ethnic and religious loyalties?
• Who or what do you worship? Has your Exaltation caused you to revere the Unconquered Sun? Do you still hold some previous set of beliefs, or do you believe mortals should worship your godlike power?
• What would drive you to commit murder? Do you casually slay anyone who denies your divinity, or is life precious and yours to protect? Is killing an Exalt or a god any more or less acceptable than killing a mortal?

Some game/setting specific stuff, but I tried to filter out what I could without butchering the grammar/point. The last question is also pretty non-pony, but it's still something to think about for general character creation.

Quoted for going to use this in short order.


Hate-flirting with a crazy shipping goddess is not the most sane thing I've ever done, but I admit, it does have its perks.

It also isn't the most insane thing either, which is somewhat more troubling.

Meh. Anything insane you survive isn't insane enough to be a problem. Until you're sucked gibbering in fear into a nether realm by lost entities, it's all just calibrating the scale.



Not mine, I'm a total hack. :smalltongue:

I am amused you think this disqualifies you :smallwink:


Equine Shenanigans. All of them forever.

Not all of them forever! We haven't invented some of them yet!

Oh, but when we do we will share with ponythread. Hm.

Yes! All of the forever equine shenanigans! Of a notably small size.



Awww. You have a kismesis? Lucky! I only have a Morail and a... Oh **** what's the word. The quadrant humans have too.


Hey, I have had all of them, and I'm...
Disqualified. Nerts.



Oh man, I hear you on the whole "oh crap so much to do" thing. I need to get a rental car back by 5 PM, I also need to make it to my second job to fix a projector, and I have to be ready for D&D by 7. Oh and the kicker? I can't start until 4 when my full time job ends.

I am so glad my boss is a Playgrounder too, just like my co-worker and I. I can very much so get away with GitP traffic, he legitimately doesn't mind. :smallbiggrin:


Wow, that's kind of neat. Does this mean your boss is a gamer geek? Will you have sessions of gaming with the boss?

My mind. She boggles.


Also, healthy doses of bondage and ponysanity.

I spent a bus ride today delicately balanced. We decided that there was no such thing as a healthy dose of bondage (some argued for more, others less) so we decided to double down on the insanity and be plural for a spell. Oh, but we missed a shot at ponysanity! Not a one of us at the time was a pony. Only about 63.7% of a pony was present for the arguing.


Attention, Ponythread!*

May I have your attention please!

Anyway, now that I have your attention, I wish to make aware of a little thing going on a few forums down in case anyone was not aware of it.*

We are currently doing a community game (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217103) right here that involves ponies, and the creation of a little town, with a little twist. *Even if you dont wish to join in proper, you can still put in your two cents on what we have done so far. *
A warning before clicking, tho: don't click if you dont like epic sagas or tales of friendship or magic.

"Message ends"

Hm. Considering looking into it.


Good god, are you kismesis to yourself?!

I am!
It's an, um, interesting road. I'm too trusting, it's so easy to sabotage myself. <<;


I have three quadrants. ^^
All I need is an/to be an auspistice.

Hm. One would think that would be easiest to accomplish. I guess it fits what I know of your character though.

Gah. Urge to read MSPA... Rising...


I thought we had something special... http://i.imgur.com/BsGGR.jpg



I want video evidence. :smallbiggrin:

I can't remember what this was about but I'm tempted to give you a membership card... How many kinds of knots do you know how to tie?


These blind bags are incredibly intriguing for me. I was such a sucker for boosterpacks back in the day when I rocked the pokemon card scene, and that 20 minute window of time when my friend tried to get me into the star trek tcg. I probably wouldn't be able to resist buying at least one blind bag if I saw it on the shelves. I've got a good enough pokerface at the checkout line I think I could pull it off :smallamused:

Hm. That's a good point. If I could actually find some good pony merch, I'd be all over it. Sadly, no free time means no mall trips means no seeing if hot topic finally relented and got ponies.



Hah! My D&D session is at 7 too. In fact, I'm just about to bum out of work for my hour long commute home to quickly level up my sheet and scramble over to the DM's house, because I can never seem to level up any sooner than exactly one hour before the session starts, ever. I'm such a good player >_>;;

Great! Now you just need to write up those letters...



I can't help but wonder if we should, not necessesarily as a part of the OP (because heaven konws Trixie already has enough to do, poor filly!) but maybe as a twice-threadly post we have a brief summary of what happened in the last 25 pages. Nothing big, just a rundown of the big ticket items.

Potentially already on it.
Also, I've been kicking around ideas for OP management for a while now. Potentially, it can be broken down into multiple posts, allowing more content and content control in each section.

But... I've been looking at the OP code every couple threads from 3 to 19, and all I can think each time is "bugger this." so I doubt it will get done XD


Aotrs went to his wargame convention, and beat the tar out of someone whom he regards as a strategic and tactical genius. *This also involved ponies riding tank brigades to victory.

Thread 26 is a quote goldmine.


No comments on my fiction fragment? :smallfrown:

Ah well, here's the finished chapter, at last: Mare in the Mirror 6 (http://adcoon.deviantart.com/art/Mare-in-the-Mirror-6-261887797)

Took way too long to write, but I think it ended up OK. If anyone follows the story, do let me know what you think. I would love the feedback.

Sorry, missed it.
I think I'll try and get to Mare in the Mirror soon. Wanted to have a couple more chapters so I could dive into it. Still working on Ponyard's Lament though.


You can do WAY better than the 1% a year return from a checking account, even playing conservatively. At 1% a year you're losing real wealth to inflation all the time. But I totally agree about using money to have an adventure or experience rather than just buying a thing. People who do that are happier according to my favorite scientific journal, Articles I Read Somewhere On The Internet One Time.

True. It was conservative, and based off of what is advertised as a standard account. 1.1% is average for just plinking money in a bank, not doing anything special. The even 20k was after using the rest of the interest to handle taxes on the principal and interest XD

I think the best I've seen was 10% annual, but you couldn't touch the money for ten years minimum (usually fifteen), and that wouldn't work very well for me.

You're right though, and I'd not really thought about it before. I truly feel experiences are better uses of money than things though. Perhaps that's why videogames are so good- they provide a common medium for engagement.


Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. I'm starting to think I should just say the high-level planning I've done so far is good enough and start getting "into the cave" so to speak and writing up chapters. However, I did see some writing advice that stated "plan plan plan plan" is the way to go for best results, hence why I wanted to check before moving off that stage.

Talk to Raz and Thanqol first. And Phoe and Esper if those two have the time for it. In depth. There are different levels of abstraction necessary for different stories, methods of telling, etc. Developing a feel for the science is an art. Rushing in too soon leads to crashing into a wall; too late leads to panicking when things don't go the way you expected. Balance is required.



That said, while I think I have a handle on the "Actions/Events" cave system I have a feeling I need to take another look at the "Character Progression" layer of things and see if that makes sense. I have a feeling that will be the harder one to plot out properly, and I've always found that to be the one that makes or breaks a story.

Interesting. I never consider character growth during writing. I always took the stance of it having to be a natural outgrowth. But then again, I'm a terrible


First of all, thanks to everypony for their best wishes, hugs, and concern.*

Five weeks to go... http://i.imgur.com/NOiOY.jpg

haven't been doing any well-wishing, but this has been foremost in my mind. Five weeks. Five weeks and you're in the clear. Just keep truckin' mate.



Spike caught a cold at the end of Winter Wrap Up, so clearly viruses exist, and are transmissible from equine to dragon.


Doesn't work. Spike caught a cold for falling into a frozen lake. Colds are common shorthand for non-serious hypothermia. Remember, people still think you can catch colds by getting cold! It's not a valid avenue for figuring out transmission vectors; at best we can assume that disease does indeed exist, but even then it's not certain unless you take everything at face value.


Reels?

For what it's worth I love this name. Reels could at least be the comically inappropriate nickname. Like calling the huge guy tiny. Because reel work is like, the only thing she doesn't*
actually do, there being no reels involved.



You are now terrified of Fluttershy:
http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/278/4/7/extreme_sniper_fluttershy_by_speccysy-d4bynnx.png Or love her more if you are into that sort of thing.

This is the third sexiest picture I have ever seen in ponythread. Cafe ole is still number one.

Number two has me confused. I don't have a definite two, but snipershy just doesn't move up to that slot... Strange, really.


Rogue Trader session failed due to partial attendance. In it's place, I managed to get in a session of My Little Pony: Wannabe Heroes. Used the Heroquest system, ran character gen and a quick off-the-cuff adventure.

Ok first; is that an actual existing system shift, or dis you just say "use these rules, but we're makin ponies"?



They arrive in the town of Bridle Shores, which is being held hostage by Thistle who is playing the role of utterly ineffective supervillain. She does, however, have a DOOM LASER aimed at the town. The party storms her doom fortress, overcoming a terrible robot and a pit trap before confronting Thistle and beating her by hitting her in the self esteem. She tries to fire the mind control laser, the pegasus uses his armour to reflect the beam back onto her, and the party instructs her to turn herself in.


Poor girl, hit in the insecurity...

I just wanted Blueblood to love me! According to Ms. Sparkle's books, oppressing the ponytariat is one of his interests!

... Somepony confiscate her library card, please?




You keep away from my cutie mark too!

Hirr Hirr Hirr.



Hee hee, yeah, the Midnight series is one of the few fanfiction series in the MLP to have multiple authors contributing stuff, so I can see how it can be confusing. Glad you liked them, though!

Also, Titanium, glad to see you didn't do the foalish thing and buy that. :smallsmile:

Midnight Continuity is the only series wherein the original author inspires fanwork, that fanwork inspires fanwork, and a later story by the original author is posted as fanwork of the fanwork. I got such a huge kick out of that.

I seriously love what Midnight's stories have done. They are a little slice of pony heaven.


So as you all know, Psychoshutin is playing a Changeling that goes by "Trixie" in my current campaign, illusion specialization. So, in keeping with my OTP, I've decided that in my next campaign after the Arena Fight, Trixie's new found fame is going to kind of go to her head (we worked this out together), and that I'm also going to introduce a woman in a yellow dress that is seen in the audience who begins whooping and cheering and jumping at Trixie's most recent feats.

I need to come up with a human-esque variant of the name Fluttershy for this NPC. Actually... Would elf work better? No... Crap, I need a race now too.

Romantic interest will ensue. I am shipping ponies in a D&D campaign. In a campaign where only myself and Psycho are bronies. I feel way too accomplished at this. XD:


Racially, you want Fluttershy to be as close to standard as possible. I would suggest either avariel (winged elf variant; use the low raptoran rules to reflect her reticence to fly) or a changeling who becomes a winged elf. As a changeling, you could even have the deep psychological exploration of how the kind, dainty elf is her facade, but still she has wings- what interplay requires a demure disguise that has a stand-out feature?

Classes. I wanted to say healer. Not combat effective, but able to soothe hurts outside of fights. Skills would be domestic; *profession (cook), heal (fun fact; healing checks can be used to enhance tissue healing by increasing the hp recovered per day. Massage is a viable technique for increasing tissue growth and promoting healthier scar tissue and avoiding reoccurring injury :smallbiggrin:), housekeeper, etc.

Bard works best, however, and I have to defer whether I like I or not. Make her a third level bard, and skip the NPC class. Give her bardic knack and jack of all trades feat - Fluttershy now has a rank and a half in every skill. She is capable of healing stuff, but is somewhat a novice (see a bird in the hoof). She is able to do performances but isn't exactly awesome (sonic rainboom). She's not a fashionista but can roll high on dressmaking.

Give her the obtain familiar feat, and her familiar is a bunny :3
Now here is the fun part- a familiar is technically an NPC. Which means they can have their own skills and feats, and are intelligent. Angel Bunny needs to be better than Fluttershy at 2 skills, Bluff and Sense Motive. Sense motive is because he knows Fluttershy better than she knows herself. Bluff...

Bluff is the skill tied to innuendo. This means Angel bunny can deliver messages without having to talk. And he has all of Fluttershy's skills, including - wait for it - perform (pantomime). So you have an intelligent white rabbit who mimes things and the party gets to roll sense motive against his bluff to see if they get the message. If they fail by enough, they get comically wrong ideas.

Sound familiar? :smallwink:

Also, DMG II pages 157-160 have unique traits to give NPCs. The first one of import is Naturebond. Free speak with animals forever, and character appropriate. The second is lifemate. I'll let you read up on that, or contact me for full details if needed.



I faint and have panic attacks when it comes to jabs. Got better recently. You have all my sympathy also. :smallsmile: *hugs* Another thing to add though... Most good nurses and doctors will be prepared for it. It isn't uncommon to have panic attacks and fainting issues when it comes to jabs, and as long as you say to them before you go in "Idon'tlikeneedlesIfeelI'mgonnafaintorpanicandIwant mypony!" they'll understand and at least attempt to accomodate you. :smallsmile: At least, that's how it's happened for me.

Wish I had doctors like that. Last needle I freaked out about had the doctor leave me waiting for half an hour (maybe less, certainly felt like it) and after I was calm he came in and freaked me out by repeating the swab and "just relax" speech.

Oddly, my last dentist visit had him remarking on how well I took the shots. They were nothing compared to why I was at the dentist though, so maybe it's a matter of comparison.


This sounds awesome!*
... I really need to get in on some pony RP action. http://i.imgur.com/jgqXQ.jpg


Hinthint Thanqol :smallwink:



Naming challenge accepted!

If you want the Elven translation of Fluttershy, it would probably be Kaurea Wilwarin (Timid Butterfly).


I'll be honest, as soon as I heard 'elf Fluttershy' I was waiting to hear what you'd come up with :smallsmile:
It's a beautiful name. Fitting, methinks.


Oh, and sorry for my recent inactivity. Real-life and getting caught up in writing fanfics can seriously limit one's ability to keep track of ponythread. I guess I'll continue lurking indefinitely for now.

Aye, real life will do that ...


This sounds... dirty. Confound these ponies! :smalleek:

It does now. Darn it Jade!


I totally almost just IMed a copy+paste of an entire ponythread quotepost to a coworker instead of the code snippet I thought I had in my clipboard http://i.imgur.com/CYF9U.jpg

Sweet. That would have been hilarious.
"hey, I need directions for this code"
"sure! [random pony chaos]"
"what the &%?@ was that!?"
"oh Uh, sorry. Most people cant actually read code. I just type gibberish and hope they don't notice."
"you type gibberish about ponies?"
"*liarjack emote*"


Lol, that wouldn't have been good. Ponythread posts are strange enough in context, imagine what one might look like out of context.

Having gone through this while half asleep, I totally know what you mean. I'll look at something and occasionally my only response is "should I feel violated?"


Also, a shipping chart updated to Season 2!

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/346b7b8dc1497d6ebd63383e91b48785/66951%20-%20Aloe%20Angel_Bunny%20Blues%20Bonbon%20Carrot_To p%20Cloud_kicker%20Colgate%20DJ_P0n-3%20Diamond_Tiara%20Discord%20Doctor_Whoof%20Frede ric_Horseshoepin%20Little_strongheart%20Lotus%20Ly ra%20Mrs_Cake%20Octavia%20Snails%20Soarin%27%20Swe etie_Belle%20Tom_Dan%20Trixie%20Twist%20a_lot_of_p onies%20abacus%20alcohol%20angel%20apple_bloom%20a pplejack%20aunt_orange%20berry_punch%20big_macinto sh%20braeburn%20caramel%20celestia%20chart%20cheer ilee%20daisy%20dick%20everypony%20flower_trio%20fl uttershy%20gilda%20lily%20luna%20mayor_mare%20mr_c ake%20photo_finish%20pie%20pinkie_pie%20prince_blu eblood%20rainbow_dash%20rarity%20rose%20roseluck%2 0scootaloo%20shipping%20shipping_chart%20silver_sp oon%20sir_colton_vines_iii%20snips%20spike%20spitf ire%20steven_magnet%20twilight_sparkle%20uncle_ora nge%20updated%20vinyl_scratch%20zecora.png

Hehe.

http://i1229.photobucket.com/albums/ee468/WizardPony/c7174394.jpg

Even the chart can't keep track XD


Laughing rarely makes needles vanish.

Silly Lixie, laughing makes fears go away. So you aren't afraid anymore. Laughing doesn't make threats go away. Blustery displays or excessive force make treats go away.

I do not endorse scaring or harming your doctor however.


You sure that's not still Trixie? Actually, I'd say they're both up there, so to speak.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3XCjyz1tpfc/Tocm03G_8yI/AAAAAAAACCo/swufLOkUhC4/s1600/trixieandsethfull.png (http://www.equestriadaily.com/2011/10/tails-from-office.html?m=1)

I'm going to go with this, here.
Midni! Clicky the piccy. Go down about 30 or so comments, you'll see what I mean :3
*is absurdly pleased with having a unique-ish nickname for Midnight*


And I second the thread title and opening picture suggestion.

Interesting. We have plenty of clocks, we should jut randomly post them as we go.


So, uh, this thread.

Really moves now, don't it?

Noooooooooooo
Don't leeeeeeeaavee uuuuuuuusssssss T^T

Yes, it goes fast, it does, but we can make it work! tonberrian, come on, we can make it work. We can make it work!


Why yes, yes it does. Although the "dead" hours are still during the times that I'm available to actually sit down and discuss... *Sad Face*

Gimme a window in GMT-8 and I'll see what I can do. I myself am now going to bed around 01:00 to 03:00, and am thread-viable from 19:00 to 21:30 for sure.



...The thought of how fast this thread will move scares me. So fast that by the time I'm done posting on page 1 there will be another new thread? XD

That almost happened to me once. I started to catch up on like, page 11, and we were at 43 when I caught up.

Because of a three hour lull :smalleek:


Luna will be in every episode from now on. Whenever the animation team needs a random pony for a scene, it will be Luna. You know that time when there were all those Derpys on the screen at once? We will get a scene that has twice as many Lunas, some talking to each other and the mane cast. Lunas everywhere.

Och. LIX LORN! I know you at least glance at star trek. Prime directive, filly! Ponies don't need jutsu!
If I have to rotate back the stars to fix this, that's going to be a good three weeks of reality alteration I could be spending on ponythread! Promise me you won teach any more non-OC ponies anything that isn't native to Equeatrian Cosmology, please?


Heh, just saw a rageguy go on at length about how much he hates people who draw Homestuck fanart, how he hates to see people "waste" their creative talents and energy on "such a cancerous fandom" who try to extend their tendrils and influence into everything.

Wonder how he feels about bronies? http://i.imgur.com/ROEne.jpg

Wonder if this guy does any art himself? You learn a lot by refining even stick figures, provided you think about it enough.*


it just feels slow after the total ponysanity that was the lead-up to the season opener and response to same


Okay pony thread, let's try this again!

Hypothetical situation: you/a pony/a character you are watching on TV etc are/is walking down the street and you see the following head projecting from round a corner. It is obviously of a technologically-metal thing, but leaving that aside for the moment, based soley on it's phyical appearance, what would be your first impression of the entity to whom this head belongs (i.e. the creature behind the face) or any other initial reaction?

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead2.png

Wizard of oz has upgraded to armor rather than holograms.
A shark, mayhap?

I still think you could benefit from telling an artistic pony what you're going for, and having them corroborate on which designs would best convey that. You asked about what tech level it reminds me of; is it composed of metal plates riveted together? A holographic projection? Is it on par with the graphics in the newest transformers iteration?

You're going for something too specific for us to get it dry. Your group has the advantage of knowing you, at least. Those are my impressions at least.


"Oh god. Who is the evil mastermind that attempted to engineer a real life Bullet Bill?"

Commander. Commodore. Bleakbane.

Please attack someone at your table with a real-life bullet bill in the next few years.


...

*skulldesk*

Aaaargh.

Damn, stupid human perceptions, why does this have to be so damn hard!

(Probably because what I'm trying is damned hard to do in the first place.)

Back to the drawing program...
And ooh, harsh!

It would be better if you gave us multiple angles. 3/4, frontal, side view. Helps us generate a three dimensional mental representation.

On a related note...

THANQOL! Get a camera phone or digital camera, at least six mega pixels.
Look at a room. Then hold up the camera and use it to look at the room. I did this last night by accident, and where my eyes saw a room, the phone removed the benefits of binocular vision; I was struck by this crazy diagonal, lopsided perspectivist nightmare.

Remember somepony saying don't use pictures for drawing, use real life whenever possible? This effect is why. Seeing a 2d representation of a 3d space is entirely different on a process level from just seeing a 3d space.


Okay, how about now...

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u172/AotrsCommander/secretprojhead3.png

(This is dead useful, by the way folks - daft as this may seem!)

Gonna reiterate shark. Or really angry bullet.

-


Fifty-eight isn't in pony form so it's a little liquidy. Don't tip anything over, okay? I mean, I don't know what you're doing, but just don't tip anything over.

My response?
"I am so writing this down."

[Excession]

OOOOOH. RAPTORAN. That's perfect. And I was planning Bard if any class levels, although her first level was going to be either Commoner or Aristocrat. I am honestly going to go with Raptoran since you mention the lack of flight thing.

If you want flight and elf-ish-ness, perhaps an Avariel (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Avariel_%283.5e_Race%29) or Half-Avariel? They're basically winged elves, with less bird like appearance than the Raptoran. Images:

http://www.worldofazolin.com/wiki/images/thumb/7/74/Avariel.jpg/379px-Avariel.jpg
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tYei7p8tpv8/TFEkU5uWXqI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/jyPLhO8Bc2s/s1600/gencon2005_avariel_elf.jpg

[Shadowy]

@SiuiS: My reaction was actually impassive to that, as I had failed to set that thread on fire earlier. As a result, I was as bad a the heresies I punished and was forced to turn in my official Fluttermancer Flamethrower.

In the bunker:
So, now I need to answer a few questions of Science! that have somehow appeared. I'm really hoping I'm not the one who created them, because the answer to that is either the crazy alternate personality is generating his own crazy alternate personality, or he's somehow circumvented the security systems.
1. How were you setting things on fire without leaving your elaborate underground bunker? Answer: Robotic out-sourcing.
2. How would you feel if the original poster, having built this bunker, managed to circumvent the coma-state you put him in and is now standing behind you, ready to make you a voice in his head like you originally were? Answer: Well, I'd feel......Wait a second.
3. Guess. Who's. Back. Answer: *CENSORED*
4. Where did you even learn that word. Answer: I've been busy.
5. Bye bye! Answer: Rassafrassin' saucy monkey potato flinger!

*Sigh*
I actually really like to RP, but I feel nervous about joining something already established, the same about starting something new, so I'm forced into my one fall-back which is to RP against myself. How did you even escape anyway? My one excuse for this is that I came up with it first.

And I always feel like I'm intruding on the thread when I post......

Sorry again.

[Kurgan]

I see someone posted the Pinkamena tumblr, but nobody has bothered with the Scootaloo (http://askscootaloothesadist.tumblr.com/)one. For shame my fellow ponies, for shame.



So, armed with some context, does anybody have a clue how I could improve to try and make it more "feminine" - at least nominally in suggestion, given the rather steep size limitations?

(I know this is a sodding hard thing to try to do, but I want to at least give it a shot before admitting defeat!)

Oh god, is it bad that my mind went instantly to slap a few breasts on to them? :smallbiggrin:

Joking aside, you have three choices:

1) Keep them monogendered, where it wouldn't be noticeable if the robot was "male" or "female".
2) Female is smaller and less threatening than male. In this case, keep it small and scale back its weapons/armor a bit.
3) Female is terrifying, and will destroy the male with relative ease: add some claws and such to it.

Also wow, looking at the thing in context now, the face of it looks a bit like the aliens from the first season of the new Dr. Who. The green guys in people suits who wanted to slag earth to sell the waste for construction material.


Can't put many more curves in (given size and program limitations) believe or not, that is about as curvy as it can afford to get. (Too many facets causes problems in converting the file for printing.)

And guns are guns. I'm not even going to try on that regard; functionality - and model practically - take presedence over artistry. (There's not a lot of room for manouvre with the guns, either for that matter; though I might add a bit more detail to that one.)

Could you perhaps lose the giant gun on the top and make two or three smaller guns in the torso itself, that are built inside of the machine? Perhaps without the need of a life support system, they could slide some guns into the body.

[SiuiS]

Raz_Fox.

I am of two halves of separate minds (not quite two minds, you see).

On the one hand I agree with you, this stuff should be done in private if at all.
On the other,

Media Discussions Talk about books, movies, TV, or music here, safe from the judging eyes of the outside world.


Nothing is ever secure once it hits the net. No amount of security would actually give Anypony any security to talk about stuff ever. Not online.

But still. Fall seen times, get up eight times. A daimyo should never trust a retainer who hasn't failed him at least once. Converts are always more zealous than folks raised with a belief system.

So I don't have a solid opinion yet. I may never; while I can certainly see your point, I'm just now finding out about myself things that never would have come to light otherwise. This risqué pony thing is so novel to me because I expected to have an entirely different, more conservative reaction. It's a struggle I'll have for a while.

But if there is anything i can do, it's support a friend. Whether after this we mee as friends, enemies or otherwise, go with grace. I'll support you all the way, hell or high water. Now to go find this blog...

[erikun]

I see someone posted the Pinkamena tumblr, but nobody has bothered with the Scootaloo (http://askscootaloothesadist.tumblr.com/)one. For shame my fellow ponies, for shame.
http://i.imgur.com/CXTge.jpg http://i.imgur.com/DrMmg.jpg http://i.imgur.com/xNUoP.jpg http://i.imgur.com/kdR94.jpg

[Thanqol]

Clockwork Ponies:
"That is an important lesson!" The mechanical pony was quick to agree, and his eyes darted skyward, checking for signs of rain reflexively, even on this cloudless day. After he spoke, Second Hand sat quietly for a moment; there were a thousand questions he had for this unfamiliar earth pony, but something in her expression and tone seemed so determined that he was afraid of interrupting her with his own little geek-out over her curious machine.

He might have sat there, silent and uncertain for a very long time, but luckily the clip-clop of hooves began to sound behind him, cutting through the silence before it could become too awkward. As the grey unicorn approached, the clockwork pony's head swiveled on its mountings and he eyed the newcomer with mingled interest and relief.

After the unicorn's announcement, Second Hand was just about to reply, when Charger's answer caught him off-guard. "Well, the roads near Canterlot are pretty safe, but...oh! Oh, I don't think he means that kind of escort Miss...uh..." Suddenly the mechanical pony realized that he didn't know either of his new acquaintances' names, and he stopped speaking, thankful that his metal cheeks couldn't blush.


Clockwork RP
The guardsman blinked in confusion at the replies, at a loss of how to deal with such a complicated situation on his first assignment away from the capitol.

"I, er ... I'm not sure why she might think it funny, but my orders come from Her Royal Highness, the Light of Dawn, Princess Celestia herself!" He exclaimed, swelling with pride as did so.

Reaching into his saddlebags, he pulled out the piece of parchment containing his instructions and held it up for the two travellers to read. In barely legigible hoofwriting, it stated;


"Igneous, you moron.

Get the hay out of our barracks and go bother somepony else. In fact, why don't you go latch on to the furst first poor pony you see and leave us in peace for a while. Just go guard them for a bit instead of the mess hall okay? That way we might be able to have our lunch on time for once.

Sined

Cerulean Skies
HRH Princess Celestia"


"So as you can see" he continued, stuffing the parchment back into his saddlebags before either had a chance to respond. "my orders are quite explicit. And as you are the first people I've encountered on this road today, I am therefore at your command. Sir, Milady"

His excitement was plain on his face as he already began imagining the adventures he was going to have.

"So, where might we be headed today?"

Charger looked from the paper back to the guardpony, looking for any sense of irony. When it didn't present itself, she briefly looked to see if he happened to have walleyes.

Well, there were two options - either he was that simple, or he was aware of the absurdity of the situation and deciding to go ahead with it out of duty. Either case, he could not be blamed, so she may as well be civil. "Introductions should come first; I am Charger."


Philomena? Anyway, the joke is that she has a long name that only her parents would call her by, and I don't think it's deeper than that.

I wonder how many little kids have googled Pinkamena Diane Pie (http://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GGGE_enUS380US381&gcx=c&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=Pinkamena+Diane+Pie) since that Tumblr went up.

I'm pretty sure the Internet has been lethal to childhood innocence for way longer than ponies have been around.


Wheels are turning in my head. No, that's not quite right, they're churning. Turning can merely be plotting, scheming, but churning implies a disquiet, a disturbance and an inspection of the wheels themselves if you don't want the whole factory to shake apart.

(Warning: may be slightly NSFW, in that it discusses NSFW-ness.)

So. I don't even remember now how I found myself there, but I found myself looking at a tumblr blog entitled Are You Serious, Brony? I do not provide a link because it is rather unsafe for work, due to the work it showcases and rips apart: the dark underside of our fandom.

I laughed, I'll admit. Not at the blog author, but with him. I know another guy like him from a different fandom, on a different site, who has Standards and isn't afraid to be known for them, but who caustically cuts apart this kind of material instead of turning upon his fellow fandom members. I loved his sardonic sarcasm at some of the worst that our fandom has to offer.

And then I started thinking about why I'm in a fandom that tolerates this kind of stuff. That produces it in such droves. For every piece of beautiful art on Ponibooru, I guess that there's a piece of pornographic waste - as I don't browse Pb with a login, it's all hidden away. But I know it's there, and it spreads, and for every adult fan who's completely fine with it, there's a kid with an internet connection who doesn't know what the Pinkamina Diane Pie tumblr is like or comes across Naughty Naughty Luna!(tm) fanarts. And that concerns me, because I have the power to change that one bit at a time - I can't force artists to take back what they've drawn, but I can act upon my fellow fans in tiny, almost imperceptible ways. Or, perhaps, in larger ways. I am a writer, after all.

Then I read an essay that the blog author linked, written by a mother who was creeped out by the 'bronie' phenomenon. The replies started out promising, and then descended into the vicious defense that any negative Pony article gets, to the point where the original author locked the comment section because of all the insults that were being hurled her way, proving her view that bronies were borderline molesters.

And I thought some more. At first I thought, surely, surely I can say I'm clean, surely I can say I'm free of any blame, I'm not like them, the kind of bronies who sexualize this kind of thing to an abhorrent degree. And then I thought some more. Oh, wait, who was the brony who made the Haremizer Cannon in RP and had roleplayed out an attraction to an OC pony? Hint: that was me. Who was the brony that accidentally kickstarted the whole bondage craze and is currently writing a story that incorporates it in its themes, even if it is being deconstructed to an extent in said story? Hint: even more me. Who once wrote a naughty Lix/Trixie ship that he now regrets ever trying, as his first and only foray into anything even tangential to clopfic? Oh, wait, that was ME.

Do you think that any unbiased observer would believe that I don't find bondage or harems sexual, after how often they've come up in the forum RP, with me in the midst of it? (Dark secret: I like the stereotypical harem outfit, not the actual concept of a harem. And I mean like as in "I am intrigued by its aesthetics".) It's not bleeding likely. Stars and stones, do you think that any mother who stumbled across the GiantITP pony fandom, just out of the blue, would believe that the brony subculture isn't sexualized? I'm starting to have doubts.

You know how, a few pages back, we were talking about characters and how successful RP characters often come from seeds of your personality? Well, Shallow and Thoughtless Human as a title sums up part of my personality pretty well. I'll do something, and then never think about the consequences. I'll say something, and never imagine that I might regret it later. I don't see. I don't consider. If I could go back and tell myself, hey, Raz, don't write that fic for Trix'n'Lix, you'll regret it and feel as if you've failed yourself soon enough, I would, but I didn't even think about it. And I'm sure that, right this moment, there's something that I'm missing, something that will make me miss a step and tumble down the stairs painfully. It's already happened to me enough for a year in the past month or so, and I'm looking down at more stairs. It's stairs, all the way down. And the step I'm taking right now is going to make me scrape open my knee a few steps down the line, I just know it. Shallow and Thoughtless Human. Sums me up pretty well, don't you think?

But, then again, I also believe that a man has power enough to choose. He may, no, he will need help. He'll struggle. He'll fall on the way and be helped back up to his feet. But a man can change who he is, if he looks in the mirror and doesn't like what he sees staring back at him. He can comb his metaphorical hair. He can brush the yellow off his teeth. And perhaps he can't scrub that stain out of his white shirt, but he can remember, next time, that he shouldn't go for the ketchup with that metaphorical burger. And he can rally his thoughts, and give them marching orders, and focus - though it's boring, though it's hard - enough to change their course. He doesn't just have to go with the flow and take the easy course. Taking the easy course is always harder in the end. The hard course takes you straight through the briars and the brambles, but the easy course drops you down into them with no machete to cut your way out.

I'm not going to tell you all that you should stop looking at Molestia fanart or feel guilty for shipping. I'm not going to say that bronydom has been ruined for me forever. But I think it's time that the Pure and Honest Fox Raz can actually call himself that honestly, don't you think?

I think so.

And that's one step away from being the Shallow and Thoughtless Human. And if I speechify about it at length, that's even better, because speaking, well, writing, I think of this as being sort of like speaking, I take a conversational tone as if I was standing in front of you all gut-afraid but still speaking anyway, and now we're off-topic- anyway, if I write about it, I can rally up the troops, all those impulses and unconscious thoughts, and say to them, boyos, there's going to be a bit of a change around here. We're clearing house, doing autumn wrap-up and burning the rubbish, and then we can actually say about ourselves, we're pure and honest, because I'm tired as anything of being a liar about myself, to myself, to anyone who asks me, "So, Raz, are you pure and honest?" I'll smile, and say of course, and I want to be able to mean it, consarn it.

And when people ask me, "So, these Bronies, are they all sexually attracted to ponies and creepy?" I want to be able to say, with fervor and dignity, "No. No, they're not. They - well, the fans I know, at least, on my little corner of the Internet - are all amazing blokes. And I'm the most amazing one of all!" Okay, maybe not that last bit. But I probably will say it, anyway, even though I don't really mean it, because the Mountebank is a part of me, too, and he learned from Wile E. Coyote and the Doctor how to brag like a jester.

So the wheels aren't churning, anymore. They're turning, and they are groaning with the effort of making the engines run, but there's a bit of peace to me. Or, rather, all that energy, all that momentum as Thanqol says, is focused on something now. And, funnily enough, the momentum is moving me in a direction that I was already going, I've just stopped digging my heels in and resisting the motion now. I'm running. And I'll probably, in a half-mile, slow down and start panting like a dog in the Sahara, and hold my ribs and groan at the effort. But I've got friends here - real, actual friends - who I know will slap me on the back hard enough to leave five red fingers there, and tell me, "Hey, Raz, do you remember that you're running? Because you are. And it's easier to go from 60 to 80 than it is to go from 0 to 60. Keep that momentum up."

And maybe I've got your wheels churning. If you've got the time, and no siblings or children around your computer, and you're definitely not at work, take a look at that tumblr and tell me what you think. Because I think we Playgrounders are more influential on the fandom than we might think, and giving people a place to point to when they need to explain how bronies are just honest folks without any weird sexualizations is a good thing.

Gosh, I just can't end, can I? I feel like I've been sitting here for an hour, though truthfully it's just been half of one, but half is still a bit much for me right now. And I'm still rambling on, just cut it short, Raz-


*Googles, finds, reads* To be completely honest, I'm looking at this and thinking this guy has lost perspective.

Look, people, this is The Internet. That doesn't excuse what The Internet does, but the Internet's gonna bloody well do it anyway because that's what it does. It's as dumb as all hell and it's got it's habits. This has been going on for as long as there's been an internet and, yeah, sure, it's happened and is gonna keep happening to ponies. So, frankly, what?

All through reading that post and writing this one I've been listening to what amounts to pony sex music that was cheerfully provided to me by the music shuffle button. And it's fantastic. I love it, every time I hear it it makes me grin. And the guys who made it? IBringTheLulz is a fantastic person who basically turned around the life of a fellow internet rapper and they've got an adorable bromance going on right now. TarbyRocks is one of my favourite internet musicians ever and he's covered topics from one of the most heartbreaking AppleDash ships on acoustic guitar to a downright wonderful inspiration song for Scootaloo. They're good folks and I'm an enormous fanboy for both of them.

So basically ponies and adult themes are all tangled up in my mind and have been for a remarkably long time. And I like it that way. I'm pretty discerning when it comes to quality, but stuff that I identify as quality I tend to appreciate regardless of what it's rating is. It's easy to encounter bad stuff in the fandom and then dismiss it all as the 'dark underbelly' of the fandom, the corruption's that driving away ponies and could eventually corrupt the entire thing and ruin it for everyone. But I unironically like parts of it. I tend to keep it to myself, sure, and the stuff I produce doesn't touch on it. But I might some day chose to for whatever reason. Does that make me part of the corruption? Heck, I coloured a Lixie/Mask pic and I think it's one of the best put together pony pictures I've done.

The way I see it, dodging the bad stuff is easy. And dodging bad links is a skill you absolutely should develop if you want to survive on the internet. Look at the broad strokes; the pony fandom came of of /b/ and the fact that the leading pony website is rated pg13, as is the vast majority of the content, is amazing when you consider what /b/ is like. Been there recently? "Candy vag" was around from episode 1. This is just what the Internet does.

Now that I've defended the guys who rule 34 ponies (didn't think that was how I was gonna start this morning), I want to say that evidently the thought seems quite powerful to you, and the commitment and decision can be a good thing. Just be absolutely sure you're aiming at the right target before you release. Is your plan genuinely to, what, convince the GiantITP crowd to use it's influence to reject adult content, or write stories that don't use adult content? Seems kinda... impossible. Or should we build walls in our minds and never cross them for fear of what people who don't understand us would think if they knew? That's the mask wearing you.

It's a touchy topic, yes, and one that's as weird as all hell to explain. We're in the same circles as things we may not be comfortable with. Sometimes one clicks the wrong link and has to unthink something. Sometimes we'll cross a line in our heads we didn't know was there. I think the solution is to master thyself. Not reject something comprehensively, that's not mastery, that's fear. Think it through, figure out what about the dark things bothers you. Fear of what other people will think? Fear that it might influence your own sexual identity? Fear of what that hypothetical mother who stumbles across the pony thread might think?

I certainly advocate self improvement, and I'm sure that you're capable of seeing your resolution through and asserting discipline on your mind. It's a decision that has power and traction in your mind, and I respect that. I want to be sure you understand it, and I'm not sure you do. Not entirely.

[Shadowy]

From all the ranges we go to, from debating, to NSFW pony blogs, everything and everywhere it's been.....All through a common link of liking ponies.

Thank you all, and good night.

[Thanqol]

From all the ranges we go to, from debating, to NSFW pony blogs, everything and everywhere it's been.....All through a common link of liking ponies.

Thank you all, and good night.

I warned you about them ponies, dog.

[tonberrian]

Noooooooooooo
Don't leeeeeeeaavee uuuuuuuusssssss T^T

Yes, it goes fast, it does, but we can make it work! tonberrian, come on, we can make it work. We can make it work!

There's a joke here something like the Pony thread is an old girlfriend who I keep coming back to. I'm not going to make it, but there it is.

[Kris Strife]

So, armed with some context, does anybody have a clue how I could improve to try and make it more "feminine" - at least nominally in suggestion, given the rather steep size limitations?



Oh god, is it bad that my mind went instantly to slap a few breasts on to them? :smallbiggrin:

Kurgan's suggestion is the same one as mine...


And guns are guns. I'm not even going to try on that regard; functionality - and model practically - take presedence over artistry. (There's not a lot of room for manouvre with the guns, either for that matter; though I might add a bit more detail to that one.)

You could always have the gun barrels hidden under a protective dome, only the tip sticking out. It keeps those pesky, super strong enemies from bending the barrel. :smallbiggrin:


Wheels are turning in my head. No, that's not quite right, they're churning. Turning can merely be plotting, scheming, but churning implies a disquiet, a disturbance and an inspection of the wheels themselves if you don't want the whole factory to shake apart.

(Warning: may be slightly NSFW, in that it discusses NSFW-ness.)

So. I don't even remember now how I found myself there, but I found myself looking at a tumblr blog entitled Are You Serious, Brony? I do not provide a link because it is rather unsafe for work, due to the work it showcases and rips apart: the dark underside of our fandom.

I laughed, I'll admit. Not at the blog author, but with him. I know another guy like him from a different fandom, on a different site, who has Standards and isn't afraid to be known for them, but who caustically cuts apart this kind of material instead of turning upon his fellow fandom members. I loved his sardonic sarcasm at some of the worst that our fandom has to offer.

And then I started thinking about why I'm in a fandom that tolerates this kind of stuff. That produces it in such droves. For every piece of beautiful art on Ponibooru, I guess that there's a piece of pornographic waste - as I don't browse Pb with a login, it's all hidden away. But I know it's there, and it spreads, and for every adult fan who's completely fine with it, there's a kid with an internet connection who doesn't know what the Pinkamina Diane Pie tumblr is like or comes across Naughty Naughty Luna!(tm) fanarts. And that concerns me, because I have the power to change that one bit at a time - I can't force artists to take back what they've drawn, but I can act upon my fellow fans in tiny, almost imperceptible ways. Or, perhaps, in larger ways. I am a writer, after all.

Then I read an essay that the blog author linked, written by a mother who was creeped out by the 'bronie' phenomenon. The replies started out promising, and then descended into the vicious defense that any negative Pony article gets, to the point where the original author locked the comment section because of all the insults that were being hurled her way, proving her view that bronies were borderline molesters.

And I thought some more. At first I thought, surely, surely I can say I'm clean, surely I can say I'm free of any blame, I'm not like them, the kind of bronies who sexualize this kind of thing to an abhorrent degree. And then I thought some more. Oh, wait, who was the brony who made the Haremizer Cannon in RP and had roleplayed out an attraction to an OC pony? Hint: that was me. Who was the brony that accidentally kickstarted the whole bondage craze and is currently writing a story that incorporates it in its themes, even if it is being deconstructed to an extent in said story? Hint: even more me. Who once wrote a naughty Lix/Trixie ship that he now regrets ever trying, as his first and only foray into anything even tangential to clopfic? Oh, wait, that was ME.

Do you think that any unbiased observer would believe that I don't find bondage or harems sexual, after how often they've come up in the forum RP, with me in the midst of it? (Dark secret: I like the stereotypical harem outfit, not the actual concept of a harem. And I mean like as in "I am intrigued by its aesthetics".) It's not bleeding likely. Stars and stones, do you think that any mother who stumbled across the GiantITP pony fandom, just out of the blue, would believe that the brony subculture isn't sexualized? I'm starting to have doubts.

You know how, a few pages back, we were talking about characters and how successful RP characters often come from seeds of your personality? Well, Shallow and Thoughtless Human as a title sums up part of my personality pretty well. I'll do something, and then never think about the consequences. I'll say something, and never imagine that I might regret it later. I don't see. I don't consider. If I could go back and tell myself, hey, Raz, don't write that fic for Trix'n'Lix, you'll regret it and feel as if you've failed yourself soon enough, I would, but I didn't even think about it. And I'm sure that, right this moment, there's something that I'm missing, something that will make me miss a step and tumble down the stairs painfully. It's already happened to me enough for a year in the past month or so, and I'm looking down at more stairs. It's stairs, all the way down. And the step I'm taking right now is going to make me scrape open my knee a few steps down the line, I just know it. Shallow and Thoughtless Human. Sums me up pretty well, don't you think?

But, then again, I also believe that a man has power enough to choose. He may, no, he will need help. He'll struggle. He'll fall on the way and be helped back up to his feet. But a man can change who he is, if he looks in the mirror and doesn't like what he sees staring back at him. He can comb his metaphorical hair. He can brush the yellow off his teeth. And perhaps he can't scrub that stain out of his white shirt, but he can remember, next time, that he shouldn't go for the ketchup with that metaphorical burger. And he can rally his thoughts, and give them marching orders, and focus - though it's boring, though it's hard - enough to change their course. He doesn't just have to go with the flow and take the easy course. Taking the easy course is always harder in the end. The hard course takes you straight through the briars and the brambles, but the easy course drops you down into them with no machete to cut your way out.

I'm not going to tell you all that you should stop looking at Molestia fanart or feel guilty for shipping. I'm not going to say that bronydom has been ruined for me forever. But I think it's time that the Pure and Honest Fox Raz can actually call himself that honestly, don't you think?

I think so.

And that's one step away from being the Shallow and Thoughtless Human. And if I speechify about it at length, that's even better, because speaking, well, writing, I think of this as being sort of like speaking, I take a conversational tone as if I was standing in front of you all gut-afraid but still speaking anyway, and now we're off-topic- anyway, if I write about it, I can rally up the troops, all those impulses and unconscious thoughts, and say to them, boyos, there's going to be a bit of a change around here. We're clearing house, doing autumn wrap-up and burning the rubbish, and then we can actually say about ourselves, we're pure and honest, because I'm tired as anything of being a liar about myself, to myself, to anyone who asks me, "So, Raz, are you pure and honest?" I'll smile, and say of course, and I want to be able to mean it, consarn it.

And when people ask me, "So, these Bronies, are they all sexually attracted to ponies and creepy?" I want to be able to say, with fervor and dignity, "No. No, they're not. They - well, the fans I know, at least, on my little corner of the Internet - are all amazing blokes. And I'm the most amazing one of all!" Okay, maybe not that last bit. But I probably will say it, anyway, even though I don't really mean it, because the Mountebank is a part of me, too, and he learned from Wile E. Coyote and the Doctor how to brag like a jester.

So the wheels aren't churning, anymore. They're turning, and they are groaning with the effort of making the engines run, but there's a bit of peace to me. Or, rather, all that energy, all that momentum as Thanqol says, is focused on something now. And, funnily enough, the momentum is moving me in a direction that I was already going, I've just stopped digging my heels in and resisting the motion now. I'm running. And I'll probably, in a half-mile, slow down and start panting like a dog in the Sahara, and hold my ribs and groan at the effort. But I've got friends here - real, actual friends - who I know will slap me on the back hard enough to leave five red fingers there, and tell me, "Hey, Raz, do you remember that you're running? Because you are. And it's easier to go from 60 to 80 than it is to go from 0 to 60. Keep that momentum up."

And maybe I've got your wheels churning. If you've got the time, and no siblings or children around your computer, and you're definitely not at work, take a look at that tumblr and tell me what you think. Because I think we Playgrounders are more influential on the fandom than we might think, and giving people a place to point to when they need to explain how bronies are just honest folks without any weird sexualizations is a good thing.

Gosh, I just can't end, can I? I feel like I've been sitting here for an hour, though truthfully it's just been half of one, but half is still a bit much for me right now. And I'm still rambling on, just cut it short, Raz-

Well, I can't speak for everypony, but I think a lot of the "physical attraction" might come from their personalities, rather then their bodies. Who wouldn't want to hug Fluttershy, party with Pinkie, have Twilight for a tutor, etc? Depending on personal interests, they might be the kind of person someone would actually be interested in dating. Admittedly, it's hard to tell the difference some times, and I know there are people who are more into the physical stuff. And you know what? As long as it doesn't actively hurt anyone, I don't have a problem with it.

The haremizer and the bondage stuff was all for laughs, as far as I could tell. Same with the whole "Ponies wearing clothes is naughty" stuff. Plus, because the characters in the show have actual personalities, I would not be surprised if there's a section of the Equestrian population, that hopefully we will never see in show, who's actually into bondage/harem outfits.

It really doesn't matter anyways. Even in a series with characters designed to promote sexual fantasies, there would still be people who'd complain every time they saw or read something involving the characters doing sexual stuff. So don't let some in jokes with friends make you feel bad, especially since someone winding up inexplicably tangled in rope is a comedy staple.


That's so gross XD
bacon is fine and dandy, friend, but the sludge looks... Ugh. Beer is gross and bready, cheese would be too much, pancakes maybe *scribbles on list* aye, actually I think I could stomach bacon-wrapped pancakes. Pun unintentional but snrk-worthy.

No comment on the contents possibly being gravy? :smalltongue:

I agree with you on the cheese, but most beer tastes terrible anyways, so making it taste bacony might be an improvement.


That poor bacon mug. It almost did something useful with it's life.:smalltongue:

Making beer taste at least 20% better doesn't count?


Excuse me for a moment while I rant.


This is dumb and patently absurd.
Thinking uses chemical transmission as well as electrical.
Thinking is brain Chemistry.
Brain chemistry is thinking.

DO YOU REALLY THINK IT'S NOVEL TO TELL ME CHANGING WHAT I THINK CHANGES WHAT I THINK?!

I mean seriously! Science, I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you this, but get over yourself. The maxim of exploring everything means investigate and report, sure. That doesn't mean you have to assume everyone who ever came before you was an idiot, a charletan, and couldn't wipe themselves if you didn't have a chart, diagram and full text explaining it.

Positive thoughts breed positive thoughts. People who are constantly in environments of strife and violence become violent on the pathological level. Depression is hard to break because being depressed makes it harder to get unrepressed. Like begets like.

Every system I've ever seen since I took an interest in learning has started with the (understandable) assumption that I am not an idiot, and this principle is true. My parents told me this; grandparents, teachers, and experience.

Why does it need to be spelled out in a scientific text?!
Don't answer that. I understand why. I even, now that this is out of my system, endorse it. I think it was a rage against blind faith in SCIENCE! that I've had building for a while now.

Ach. Rage depleted. Tired now. Need to get to level up, gain tireless rage.

I think it was more the fact that choosing to act differently can make it so those actions become genuine. Basically the actual scientific explanation for "going native" I guess?


Uh... That's like "eat your broccoli or by god I will give you candy and buy you a new video game!" but your heart was in the right place :3

Are you saying you like seeing ponies cry?


Quoted for going to use this in short order.

Always glad to help. :smallsmile:


I am amused you think this disqualifies you :smallwink:

Just giving fair warning. :smalltongue:


Promise me you won teach any more non-OC ponies anything that isn't native to Equestrian Cosmology, please?

...*discreetly hides the stack of fliers offering to teach Terrestrial/Celestial Martial Arts*



*Sigh*
I actually really like to RP, but I feel nervous about joining something already established, the same about starting something new, so I'm forced into my one fall-back which is to RP against myself. How did you even escape anyway? My one excuse for this is that I came up with it first.

And I always feel like I'm intruding on the thread when I post......

Sorry again.

Non-sense! Seriously, just randomly jump in. I don't think anypony will bite you. That usually costs extra. :smallwink:

But yeah, I know how you feel. Every post I make, I get a "I bet I just crammed my foot so far in my mouth I can kick myself" feel. :smalltongue:

[Beeskee]

Wheels are turning in my head. No, that's not quite right, they're churning. Turning can merely be plotting, scheming, but churning implies a disquiet, a disturbance and an inspection of the wheels themselves if you don't want the whole factory to shake apart.

I think it's a matter of going with the good and ignoring what doesn't appeal to you. There will be things anyone can find negative about any fandom. Harry Potter is technically a children's book/movie series but there's probably tons of erotic fan fiction written about the characters which parents wouldn't want their kids to read. I'm sure there's Pixar movie fanfics where innocent characters like WALL-E have all sorts of specialized attachments that I don't even want to try to imagine. Just avoid that material if it's not what you are interested in.

I took a look at that blog you mentioned. I think that, sort of like the "bad news" channels that only tell you how many people died in the latest natural disaster, it focuses so heavily on the negative aspects of the fandom it might start to convince you that is all there is to it. There isn't.

For every 'clopfic' there seems to be, there's a hundred well-written fan fics which don't involve sex in any way, not even the "fade to black" kind which most fics use when they do include intimacy. For every creepy picture of an over-sexualized pony, there's a hundred perfectly innocent pics. Even in the list of tumblr blogs I posted, the SFW far outnumbers the NSFW, and I follow the latter for the 'lulz' - same thing in the google doc list of tumblrs, SFW far outnumbers NSFW. Even then, the authors of the SFW tumblrs play along and do (innocent, non-sexual) RP with some of the NSFW blogs, and vice-versa, and they all get along fine. They get along MUCH better than some other communities online. Part of the magic of ponies, I guess.

If you focus just on the bad, that's all you'll start to see. Focus on the good. On the other hoof, don't think that you have to somehow "clean up" the pony community. There's just always going to be some sexualized aspect of anything in a fan community. There's porn of WoW (http://penny-arcade.com/comic/2006/10/06). (Edit: SFW link) There's porn of Spongebob. (Edit: a board I frequented got trolled with THAT gem) There's probably Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street porn out there. There's porn of everything. (Rule 34, right?) With the adult fanbase is going to come more mature material, whether it's outright porn or just 'blue' jokes. Heck, I posted about a blue joke pic earlier, a pic that showed Luna, Derpy, and Celestia in bed together presumably after something intimate had happened. I thought it was funny. I still think it is, and I think enjoying that kind of risque humor is fine for adults.




I actually think there is a batter difference between cupcakes and muffins. Muffins are breadier and cupcakes are cakier.


Oh, my! No! No no no.
Wherever did you get that idea?


Quoted for future reference maybe. And yeah, apparently there are people who one-star stuff with tags they don't like. Presumably to haze and drive away authors who don't obey their whims.

I am not a happy pony when hearing this. :smallannoyed:


Woohoo! Go Go Gadget Employment!

The cupcakes thing was a reference to the cupcakes story. :smallbiggrin: But you're right, cupcakes are basically frosted muffins. There's some other minor differences too but they're pretty similar. (As long as they're not made from ponies anyway.) Completely mis-read what you wrote, lolfail. Again, I chose Derpy as an icon for more than one reason. :smallwink:

I think the roofie thing was a reference to something someone else said. I don't remember now, lol.

Yeah some folks will downrate stories they haven't read. They aren't much better than folks who go "lol ponies" without ever having watched the show. If they read the story and thought it was badly written (or watched the show and thought it was horrible) then I'm fine with that, since that's an opinion actually formed by them personally as opposed to them filling in the blanks. I personally just skip stories that I don't want to read or that aren't my thing, and don't rate them up or down.

I'm happy, I definitely don't like being unemployed, and I'm no good at jobhunting. Any taxpayers present will probably be pleased to hear that I wasn't actually on unemployment though. I just lived off my savings. Which was probably a bad idea, but oh well.

[Tectonic Robot]

Wheels are turning in my head. No, that's not quite right, they're churning. Turning can merely be plotting, scheming, but churning implies a disquiet, a disturbance and an inspection of the wheels themselves if you don't want the whole factory to shake apart.

(Warning: may be slightly NSFW, in that it discusses NSFW-ness.)

So. I don't even remember now how I found myself there, but I found myself looking at a tumblr blog entitled Are You Serious, Brony? I do not provide a link because it is rather unsafe for work, due to the work it showcases and rips apart: the dark underside of our fandom.

I laughed, I'll admit. Not at the blog author, but with him. I know another guy like him from a different fandom, on a different site, who has Standards and isn't afraid to be known for them, but who caustically cuts apart this kind of material instead of turning upon his fellow fandom members. I loved his sardonic sarcasm at some of the worst that our fandom has to offer.

And then I started thinking about why I'm in a fandom that tolerates this kind of stuff. That produces it in such droves. For every piece of beautiful art on Ponibooru, I guess that there's a piece of pornographic waste - as I don't browse Pb with a login, it's all hidden away. But I know it's there, and it spreads, and for every adult fan who's completely fine with it, there's a kid with an internet connection who doesn't know what the Pinkamina Diane Pie tumblr is like or comes across Naughty Naughty Luna!(tm) fanarts. And that concerns me, because I have the power to change that one bit at a time - I can't force artists to take back what they've drawn, but I can act upon my fellow fans in tiny, almost imperceptible ways. Or, perhaps, in larger ways. I am a writer, after all.

Then I read an essay that the blog author linked, written by a mother who was creeped out by the 'bronie' phenomenon. The replies started out promising, and then descended into the vicious defense that any negative Pony article gets, to the point where the original author locked the comment section because of all the insults that were being hurled her way, proving her view that bronies were borderline molesters.

And I thought some more. At first I thought, surely, surely I can say I'm clean, surely I can say I'm free of any blame, I'm not like them, the kind of bronies who sexualize this kind of thing to an abhorrent degree. And then I thought some more. Oh, wait, who was the brony who made the Haremizer Cannon in RP and had roleplayed out an attraction to an OC pony? Hint: that was me. Who was the brony that accidentally kickstarted the whole bondage craze and is currently writing a story that incorporates it in its themes, even if it is being deconstructed to an extent in said story? Hint: even more me. Who once wrote a naughty Lix/Trixie ship that he now regrets ever trying, as his first and only foray into anything even tangential to clopfic? Oh, wait, that was ME.

Do you think that any unbiased observer would believe that I don't find bondage or harems sexual, after how often they've come up in the forum RP, with me in the midst of it? (Dark secret: I like the stereotypical harem outfit, not the actual concept of a harem. And I mean like as in "I am intrigued by its aesthetics".) It's not bleeding likely. Stars and stones, do you think that any mother who stumbled across the GiantITP pony fandom, just out of the blue, would believe that the brony subculture isn't sexualized? I'm starting to have doubts.

You know how, a few pages back, we were talking about characters and how successful RP characters often come from seeds of your personality? Well, Shallow and Thoughtless Human as a title sums up part of my personality pretty well. I'll do something, and then never think about the consequences. I'll say something, and never imagine that I might regret it later. I don't see. I don't consider. If I could go back and tell myself, hey, Raz, don't write that fic for Trix'n'Lix, you'll regret it and feel as if you've failed yourself soon enough, I would, but I didn't even think about it. And I'm sure that, right this moment, there's something that I'm missing, something that will make me miss a step and tumble down the stairs painfully. It's already happened to me enough for a year in the past month or so, and I'm looking down at more stairs. It's stairs, all the way down. And the step I'm taking right now is going to make me scrape open my knee a few steps down the line, I just know it. Shallow and Thoughtless Human. Sums me up pretty well, don't you think?

But, then again, I also believe that a man has power enough to choose. He may, no, he will need help. He'll struggle. He'll fall on the way and be helped back up to his feet. But a man can change who he is, if he looks in the mirror and doesn't like what he sees staring back at him. He can comb his metaphorical hair. He can brush the yellow off his teeth. And perhaps he can't scrub that stain out of his white shirt, but he can remember, next time, that he shouldn't go for the ketchup with that metaphorical burger. And he can rally his thoughts, and give them marching orders, and focus - though it's boring, though it's hard - enough to change their course. He doesn't just have to go with the flow and take the easy course. Taking the easy course is always harder in the end. The hard course takes you straight through the briars and the brambles, but the easy course drops you down into them with no machete to cut your way out.

I'm not going to tell you all that you should stop looking at Molestia fanart or feel guilty for shipping. I'm not going to say that bronydom has been ruined for me forever. But I think it's time that the Pure and Honest Fox Raz can actually call himself that honestly, don't you think?

I think so.

And that's one step away from being the Shallow and Thoughtless Human. And if I speechify about it at length, that's even better, because speaking, well, writing, I think of this as being sort of like speaking, I take a conversational tone as if I was standing in front of you all gut-afraid but still speaking anyway, and now we're off-topic- anyway, if I write about it, I can rally up the troops, all those impulses and unconscious thoughts, and say to them, boyos, there's going to be a bit of a change around here. We're clearing house, doing autumn wrap-up and burning the rubbish, and then we can actually say about ourselves, we're pure and honest, because I'm tired as anything of being a liar about myself, to myself, to anyone who asks me, "So, Raz, are you pure and honest?" I'll smile, and say of course, and I want to be able to mean it, consarn it.

And when people ask me, "So, these Bronies, are they all sexually attracted to ponies and creepy?" I want to be able to say, with fervor and dignity, "No. No, they're not. They - well, the fans I know, at least, on my little corner of the Internet - are all amazing blokes. And I'm the most amazing one of all!" Okay, maybe not that last bit. But I probably will say it, anyway, even though I don't really mean it, because the Mountebank is a part of me, too, and he learned from Wile E. Coyote and the Doctor how to brag like a jester.

So the wheels aren't churning, anymore. They're turning, and they are groaning with the effort of making the engines run, but there's a bit of peace to me. Or, rather, all that energy, all that momentum as Thanqol says, is focused on something now. And, funnily enough, the momentum is moving me in a direction that I was already going, I've just stopped digging my heels in and resisting the motion now. I'm running. And I'll probably, in a half-mile, slow down and start panting like a dog in the Sahara, and hold my ribs and groan at the effort. But I've got friends here - real, actual friends - who I know will slap me on the back hard enough to leave five red fingers there, and tell me, "Hey, Raz, do you remember that you're running? Because you are. And it's easier to go from 60 to 80 than it is to go from 0 to 60. Keep that momentum up."

And maybe I've got your wheels churning. If you've got the time, and no siblings or children around your computer, and you're definitely not at work, take a look at that tumblr and tell me what you think. Because I think we Playgrounders are more influential on the fandom than we might think, and giving people a place to point to when they need to explain how bronies are just honest folks without any weird sexualizations is a good thing.

Gosh, I just can't end, can I? I feel like I've been sitting here for an hour, though truthfully it's just been half of one, but half is still a bit much for me right now. And I'm still rambling on, just cut it short, Raz-

Well, are you really surprised? My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic isn't that special. People will do whatever they want with whatever they want, and they'll show it to everyone else. It's like that for pokemon and kirby and sesame street and dora the freakin' explora.

I suppose I'm ok with this due to me being a christian, and coming into the fandom with the basic belief that humanity is basically screwed up. But still, I don't think there's any reason to think deep, dark thoughts about it.

Of course, you can if you want to, which you might, and.....

Oh crap, I haven't offended you, have I? Sorry, sorry. I think your pretty cool, if that means anything.

[Kindablue]

Insanity.

Tell me about it. Do you really type all that out on your phone?



I'm pretty sure the Internet has been lethal to childhood innocence for way longer than ponies have been around.

Don't think I said that, did I?

[kpenguin]

At the risk of sounding pedantic, I'd like to chime in on the "cupcakes vs. muffins" issue.

Muffins and cupcakes are different. There's a fuzzy wuzzy line between them, to be sure, and suffice to say that there are things that could fall into either category. However, to characterize cupcakes as frosted muffins, or muffins as unfrosted cupcakes, is to disservice to both baked goods.

Muffins are denser and more breadlike. Cupcakes are lighter and more cakelike. They're cooked at different temperatures, have different degrees of flour used in them, and are generally different in texture.

I recall an interesting experiment conducted in which similar muffin and cupcake recipes were used to bake a batch of both. They were then given to testers, unlabeled, and the testers were then asked to decide which was a muffin and which was a cupcake.

In one group, both the muffins and the cupcakes were frosted and while the testers were able to determine a difference between the two baked goods, they were unable to determine which was a muffin and which was a cupcake.

In another, both muffins and cupcakes were unfrosted and the testers were able to tell right away which was a muffin and which a cupcake. The difference in textures gave it away right away.

[Rappy]

I suppose I'm ok with this due to me being a christian, and coming into the fandom with the basic belief that humanity is basically screwed up. But still, I don't think there's any reason to think deep, dark thoughts about it.
And as a Unitarian Universalist, I'm fine with "odd" parts of fandoms on the policy of "live and let live, unless you are directly harming others". So funny how people get to the same end conclusion from different starting arguments.

On an unrelated note: It is almost Friday, which means one more day to new pony.

[Gamerlord]

On an unrelated note: It is almost Friday, which means one more day to new pony.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but no ponies until the 15th.

[tonberrian]

Yep, I agree with kpenguin. There are distinct differences between cuppins and mufcakes.

[Thanqol]

At the risk of sounding pedantic, I'd like to chime in on the "cupcakes vs. muffins" issue.

Muffins and cupcakes are different. There's a fuzzy wuzzy line between them, to be sure, and suffice to say that there are things that could fall into either category. However, to characterize cupcakes as frosted muffins, or muffins as unfrosted cupcakes, is to disservice to both baked goods.

Muffins are denser and more breadlike. Cupcakes are lighter and more cakelike. They're cooked at different temperatures, have different degrees of flour used in them, and are generally different in texture.

I recall an interesting experiment conducted in which similar muffin and cupcake recipes were used to bake a batch of both. They were then given to testers, unlabeled, and the testers were then asked to decide which was a muffin and which was a cupcake.

In one group, both the muffins and the cupcakes were frosted and while the testers were able to determine a difference between the two baked goods, they were unable to determine which was a muffin and which was a cupcake.

In another, both muffins and cupcakes were unfrosted and the testers were able to tell right away which was a muffin and which a cupcake. The difference in textures gave it away right away.

Stop trying to blur the lines with your uncited, unscientific study! If a group of random fools was unable to determine the difference between the great and powerful muffin and a weak and inferior cupcake, then you have obviously discovered a weak and wretched sub-breed of humanity which is unfamiliar with the perfection of baked goods! Under no circumstances can your so-called test harm the unquestionable superiority of the muffin! Who are you going to believe, your lying data or your trustworthy muffin?

[Rappy]

Sorry to burst your bubble, but no ponies until the 15th.
Is it now? I need to keep up with scheduling.

[Beeskee]

Derpy: I like both, but I like muffins more. :smallredface:

[Tectonic Robot]

And as a Unitarian Universalist, I'm fine with "odd" parts of fandoms on the policy of "live and let live, unless you are directly harming others". So funny how people get to the same end conclusion from different starting arguments.

On an unrelated note: It is almost Friday, which means one more day to new pony.

Well, ok then. Live and let live, eh?

I'M GOING BAAAACKPAAAACKING.

And thus will miss the glorious new episode until Monday.

I expect you fellows to be at thread 666 by the time I'm back, and I reserve the right to demand to know what happened while I was gone.

[Kris Strife]

mufcakes.

This word sounds horribly dirty and inappropriate for polite conversation, especially out of context. I would not be surprised to get slapped for saying "I like eating mufcakes." :smalltongue:

[the_druid_droid]

Clockwork RP
The guardsman blinked in confusion at the replies, at a loss of how to deal with such a complicated situation on his first assignment away from the capitol.

"I, er ... I'm not sure why she might think it funny, but my orders come from Her Royal Highness, the Light of Dawn, Princess Celestia herself!" He exclaimed, swelling with pride as did so.

Reaching into his saddlebags, he pulled out the piece of parchment containing his instructions and held it up for the two travellers to read. In barely legigible hoofwriting, it stated;


"Igneous, you moron.

Get the hay out of our barracks and go bother somepony else. In fact, why don't you go latch on to the furst first poor pony you see and leave us in peace for a while. Just go guard them for a bit instead of the mess hall okay? That way we might be able to have our lunch on time for once.

Sined

Cerulean Skies
HRH Princess Celestia"


"So as you can see" he continued, stuffing the parchment back into his saddlebags before either had a chance to respond. "my orders are quite explicit. And as you are the first people I've encountered on this road today, I am therefore at your command. Sir, Milady"

His excitement was plain on his face as he already began imagining the adventures he was going to have.

"So, where might we be headed today?"

I second fridge-raiding Derpy. Plus third wheel derpy is also adorable.


Charger looked from the paper back to the guardpony, looking for any sense of irony. When it didn't present itself, she briefly looked to see if he happened to have walleyes.

Well, there were two options - either he was that simple, or he was aware of the absurdity of the situation and deciding to go ahead with it out of duty. Either case, he could not be blamed, so she may as well be civil. "Introductions should come first; I am Charger."


RP:
There was a slight click as the clockwork pony's eyes adjusted to read the letter presented by the guard. By the end, he was struggling to hold back a laugh, but instead he managed a friendly smile. Whether the unicorn was oblivious or simply very faithful, there was something charming about his optimism.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both! My name's Second Hand, although my friends sometimes call me Sek. I was just headed to see a mechanic friend of mine who lives on the far side of Canterlot. I'd be glad for some company, if you don't mind heading that way." Here the mechanical pony glanced between Igneous and Charger, hoping his invitation was clear.


Making beer taste at least 20% better doesn't count?


May I humbly submit that there are good beers out there? Some are actually quite enjoyable; I've had Belgians (and one English Cask Ale) that I would legitimately describe as delicious, and actually slightly sweet, though not in a disgusting way.


At the risk of sounding pedantic, I'd like to chime in on the "cupcakes vs. muffins" issue.

Muffins and cupcakes are different. There's a fuzzy wuzzy line between them, to be sure, and suffice to say that there are things that could fall into either category. However, to characterize cupcakes as frosted muffins, or muffins as unfrosted cupcakes, is to disservice to both baked goods.

Muffins are denser and more breadlike. Cupcakes are lighter and more cakelike. They're cooked at different temperatures, have different degrees of flour used in them, and are generally different in texture.

I recall an interesting experiment conducted in which similar muffin and cupcake recipes were used to bake a batch of both. They were then given to testers, unlabeled, and the testers were then asked to decide which was a muffin and which was a cupcake.

In one group, both the muffins and the cupcakes were frosted and while the testers were able to determine a difference between the two baked goods, they were unable to determine which was a muffin and which was a cupcake.

In another, both muffins and cupcakes were unfrosted and the testers were able to tell right away which was a muffin and which a cupcake. The difference in textures gave it away right away.

I'm convinced that all this talk of muffins has been a secret conspiracy to get me to fire up the oven and haul out the muffin mix that's been lurking in my pantry for a while now...

So hungry for muffins...

Also, have some pictures! Pictures of ponies!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29gJ94RkBPw/To4vQkiuaGI/AAAAAAAANW4/aHGvp4msZ-0/s1600/applejack_and_crew_by_eternal_equilibrium-d4byjs2.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y-H_rAqoD0I/To4vSwh-4bI/AAAAAAAANXI/fYTzouExYm0/s1600/67590+-+artist+Mr-1+bucket+no+no_coffee+twilight_sparkle.png
Bukkit!Twilight is adorable
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfU_0IFLXb0/To4vXn87E-I/AAAAAAAANXk/Py6IndxKrOc/s1600/at__equestria__s_melody_by_mewball-d4by1mm.png

[tonberrian]

This word sounds horribly dirty and inappropriate for polite conversation, especially out of context. I would not be surprised to get slapped for saying "I like eating mufcakes." :smalltongue:

I watch ponies for the mufcake. And the applesauce.

[Kris Strife]

May I humbly submit that there are good beers out there? Some are actually quite enjoyable; I've had Belgians (and one English Cask Ale) that I would legitimately describe as delicious, and actually slightly sweet, though not in a disgusting way.

Oh, I know there are, I like Guinness alright, but I live in America, so 95% of all available beers are crud. I don't really drink though. And as long as we're on the topic of alcohol, I have something for you Midnight. Show it to Twilight. :smallwink:

http://askprincesscelestia.tumblr.com/post/7406092334

[SiuiS]

Ok, read some of the tumblr.


It did nothing to change my stance one way or another.
See, any group culture will have it's bad spots. Ironically, the tumblr linked is also a contributing black spot on the fandom. Deriding and demonizing bad stuff makes sense, but it's like murdering a murderer. You're not coming out ahead. This guy isn't out to hang anything, he's just decided to be a moral high ground troll instead of a rapefic troll or ecchi art troll. Yes, I'm using troll incorrectly, but you know what I mean. So the tumblr is a no go as an argument.

You have a case all on your own though. First, some assessments.

I feel vaguely judged. That's 99% my own insecurity and I'll fully admit it, but still. I'm being put not the defensive and it colors my argument. Ive been on both sides, see. Remember me arguing that certain things should be kept behind closed doors? Part of me feels this is behind closed doors. Part of me feels like cud for allowing my standards to slip for a guilty pleasure.

I also feel a bit defensive because there is an air of Sweet Sorrow. That is, of partings. I worry that maybe we are going to lose you, and even though that may be the best thing for you, I'll be losing another friend here and I want to selfishly shoot down your attempts to go. I won't! Goodness knows I'd do all sorts of selfless things just to pine afterwards. Too many books like the Book of Three, you see. So yes, I want you to shut up and stay. I want you to grow as a person, and do the right thing so much more, and that's what I'll help you with.

I think you, too, are acting defensively. It's driven home because you realize, to your horror, you have slippery-sloped into doing something that six, eight months ago you'd be upset for someone accusing you of. You tolerate actions (read: don't actively condemn) that are obviously against your moral structure. Is tolerance the same as active support?

That's where things fall apart. An old Irish bit of morality is that every situation deserves to be measured and judged on it's own merits, and I've always loved that. So while yes, tolerating say, rape is bad. Tolerating risqué innuendo is trickier. Then you have to branch out further.
How far are they taking this? Should I infer these people are actually considering relations with ungulates, or should I consider it a joke? Well, that's too broad, you have to break it down by poster. With me, you'd have to break down how serious I am by time of day, weather, season and such. I wish I were kidding.

It looks a lot like you're considering avoiding any sort of grade whatsoever ou of fear you'll find one that you'll slide down, and that's terrible. As Garth Brooks put it, you'd be standing outside the fire. I truly wouldn't wish that on anypony.

That beig said, I'm not so sure as I may sound. I readjust my scale all the time. I can certainly agree that we may not give the best impression at casual glance, but is that a valid rubric? Casual glance I mean. We have moral discussions that don't derail, literature seminars, math help, and civil discourse. If a Mrs. Jones stumbles upon us and can only see immature adults getting excited over horse sex, that says more about mrs. jones than us. Which would again, be demonization, because the guy who spends all his time focused on how sick and wrong those pedophiles are and wants to hurt the pedophiles and punish them for their pedophilia...

He has pedophilia on the brain, to a higher degree, than his chosen targets.

Now I don't want to imply you're anywhere near this range. Far from it, you are one of the most level berks I've met on this here internet. Whatever you eventually decide on, I'm sure it's going to be the best path for you.

But you want to clean up the playground? I don't know that I can say objectively that it needs it. What needs cleaning? As an actual question. I'm sitting here waiting to act on your wisdom. What do I do? I think knowing how you would have me act specifically would give me insight into his, your trouble.

Commodore, reverse everypony's advice. Rectangles are masculine, curves are feminine... Traingles and sharp points are insectile, which is also feminine.

RebelHero, read a bit of Ponyard's Lament. I am on the fence as to whether it's no my cup of tea or I've just been too stressed to relax into the story. I suspect it's the latter, luckily.

However, I do see what you mean (or another meant, can't recall) about your pronoun use. I'm going to use an overcomplicated symbol thingy to explain.

When nailing boards down, you don't want too many nails. They actually weaken the structure. Similarly, when nailing down perspective, don't over-do it. Ponyard only needs to be referenced a bit, and then you have to trust that the audience sees things from his point of view. Using he, him, his, Ponyard's, or Kipling's every sentence weakens the structure. The first time you establish POV. Then, instead of letting the audience know they are seeing from that POV and moving on, you continue to reference it, and it becomes distracting.

Does that make sense? I mean, I'm one of the last guys to give literary advice, but I figured I couldn't tell you I was going to read it then not say anything. Also note I'm not done, so I may view it differently nex time.

[Raz_Fox]

Welp. I knew that would be a controversial topic. To clarify:

First and foremost, I wish to assure you that I am not going to go on a crusade, creating the Playground Pony Protection Program and hunting down the unbelievers. This is an intensely personal thing, and my conviction is centered around my own being rather than the community as a whole.

See, I think there are two ways that you can get people to act in a way that you find proper. You can force them to do so, yell or threaten or bribe, or you can give them an example to live up to. And it's highly improbable that I could coerce the entire fandom to think like I do, but the way I act will influence other people - for good or bad. Which leads back to me again, and my own actions.

See, I've been ruminating lately over a couple of topics: how our actions belie our ideals, how we effect those around us through our actions, how we can shape ourselves through our thoughts and acting upon our beliefs, how too often I act on instinct without thought of the consequences, and then this comes along and ties all of those together in a way that hits me right there in the gut. The catalyst for the churning wasn't, "Look at all these horrible, horrible people," (though, to be honest, there's still that reflex down in my gut that says that) but, "I'm glad I'm not this kind of waiiiiiiiiiiit a sec..."

So, to answer Thanqol, about what my goals are with that big ol' ramble: names have power. I could be the Shallow and Thoughtless Human who acts without consideration of how my actions will shape me, and what I will become, or I can actually be the Pure and Honest Fox Raz. Which, you know, could be more than a winking joke of a name.

What that will practically mean, I'm not quite sure yet, but you can bet your last dollar that I'll be putting a bit more thought into how I post, and how I present myself, and how I interact with the fandom as a whole. As Thanqol said, it's about mastery of self (with assistance), and realizing that I wasn't satisfied with how I've acted thus far, in accordance with my own ideals.


Talk to Raz and Thanqol first. And Phoe and Esper if those two have the time for it. In depth. There are different levels of abstraction necessary for different stories, methods of telling, etc. Developing a feel for the science is an art. Rushing in too soon leads to crashing into a wall; too late leads to panicking when things don't go the way you expected. Balance is required.

What, talk to me? I'm... well, I sometimes feel like that guy who can squeeze off a perfect bullseye without being able to explain exactly how he can, just because he's been studying guns since he was seven and shooting for a little while now, and because he's also getting some tweaks on his technique from more experienced shooters. I've got talent, and some technique, but not nearly enough to actually be able to tell someone how to write.

Unless they're looking for basic advice like "Use the right sentence length, and let your thoughts roll together, so it's not choppy - use and, but, semicolons and dashes to keep your sentences long and flowing," or "The difference between the right word and the nearly-right word is like the difference between the lightning and the lightning-bug".


*Sigh*
I actually really like to RP, but I feel nervous about joining something already established, the same about starting something new, so I'm forced into my one fall-back which is to RP against myself. How did you even escape anyway? My one excuse for this is that I came up with it first.

And I always feel like I'm intruding on the thread when I post......

Sorry again.

Shadowy. Shadowy, look at me. Look at me.

You are NOT intruding on the thread. That's like intruding on a party. Everyone here wants to meet you. Sure, there are a couple of celebrities in the center of the room with their fancy multi-quotes and fanfics, but there's always a conversation going on between interested parties, and who knows when your off-hand comment will spark a discussion?

Now socialize, my good pony, and thrive in the endless party that is Ponythread!


The haremizer and the bondage stuff was all for laughs, as far as I could tell. Same with the whole "Ponies wearing clothes is naughty" stuff. Plus, because the characters in the show have actual personalities, I would not be surprised if there's a section of the Equestrian population, that hopefully we will never see in show, who's actually into bondage/harem outfits.

It really doesn't matter anyways. Even in a series with characters designed to promote sexual fantasies, there would still be people who'd complain every time they saw or read something involving the characters doing sexual stuff. So don't let some in jokes with friends make you feel bad, especially since someone winding up inexplicably tangled in rope is a comedy staple.

See, that is, to an extent, still my opinion. It was fun, it opened up avenues of discussion and pulled the main partiers of the party that is the thread further together. It's just that when I step back and ask myself, "So, would I be able to admit to anyone that I'd just had a short RP involving ponies in harem outfits that tied each other up, but it wasn't anything naughty, really?"

Secrets and lies, it's all secrets and lies with this pony.

On the one hand, fun. It was fun. On the other hand, it's important not only to abstain from that which stains the clothes of this life, but that which gives the impression of it, as well. And an ideal held, which never impacts one's life, is worse than useless.

Aia, aia. Making choices over one's actions isn't always easy.


[COLOR="Green"]It did nothing to change my stance one way or another.
See, any group culture will have it's bad spots. Ironically, the tumblr linked is also a contributing black spot on the fandom. Deriding and demonizing bad stuff makes sense, but it's like murdering a murderer. You're not coming out ahead. This guy isn't out to hang anything, he's just decided to be a moral high ground troll instead of a rapefic troll or ecchi art troll. Yes, I'm using troll incorrectly, but you know what I mean. So the tumblr is a no go as an argument.

You have a case all on your own though. First, some assessments.

I feel vaguely judged. That's 99% my own insecurity and I'll fully admit it, but still. I'm being put not the defensive and it colors my argument. Ive been on both sides, see. Remember me arguing that certain things should be kept behind closed doors? Part of me feels this is behind closed doors. Part of me feels like cud for allowing my standards to slip for a guilty pleasure.

I also feel a bit defensive because there is an air of Sweet Sorrow. That is, of partings. I worry that maybe we are going to lose you, and even though that may be the best thing for you, I'll be losing another friend here and I want to selfishly shoot down your attempts to go. I won't! Goodness knows I'd do all sorts of selfless things just to pine afterwards. Too many books like the Book of Three, you see. So yes, I want you to shut up and stay. I want you to grow as a person, and do the right thing so much more, and that's what I'll help you with.

I think you, too, are acting defensively. It's driven home because you realize, to your horror, you have slippery-sloped into doing something that six, eight months ago you'd be upset for someone accusing you of. You tolerate actions (read: don't actively condemn) that are obviously against your moral structure. Is tolerance the same as active support?

That's where things fall apart. An old Irish bit of morality is that every situation deserves to be measured and judged on it's own merits, and I've always loved that. So while yes, tolerating say, rape is bad. Tolerating risqué innuendo is trickier. Then you have to branch out further.
How far are they taking this? Should I infer these people are actually considering relations with ungulates, or should I consider it a joke? Well, that's too broad, you have to break it down by poster. With me, you'd have to break down how serious I am by time of day, weather, season and such. I wish I were kidding.

It looks a lot like you're considering avoiding any sort of grade whatsoever ou of fear you'll find one that you'll slide down, and that's terrible. As Garth Brooks put it, you'd be standing outside the fire. I truly wouldn't wish that on anypony.

That beig said, I'm not so sure as I may sound. I readjust my scale all the time. I can certainly agree that we may not give the best impression at casual glance, but is that a valid rubric? Casual glance I mean. We have moral discussions that don't derail, literature seminars, math help, and civil discourse. If a Mrs. Jones stumbles upon us and can only see immature adults getting excited over horse sex, that says more about mrs. jones than us. Which would again, be demonization, because the guy who spends all his time focused on how sick and wrong those pedophiles are and wants to hurt the pedophiles and punish them for their pedophilia...

He has pedophilia on the brain, to a higher degree, than his chosen targets.

Now I don't want to imply you're anywhere near this range. Far from it, you are one of the most level berks I've met on this here internet. Whatever you eventually decide on, I'm sure it's going to be the best path for you.

But you want to clean up the playground? I don't know that I can say objectively that it needs it. What needs cleaning? As an actual question. I'm sitting here waiting to act on your wisdom. What do I do? I think knowing how you would have me act specifically would give me insight into his, your trouble.

First: I'm not going anywhere. Well, okay, I am trying to wean m'self off the compulsive thread-checking so that I can focus on stuff that's actually important, but you're stuck with me for a while yet. The fandom still has a million amazing things before tea, and I still love you all, bondage and haremization and all, it's just struck me that my own place in it isn't exactly where I'd like it to be. I'm acting without thought, without consideration, and I know I've used those words way too many times but I'll keep using them anyway.

Second: if anything, I think I was less defensive and more flagellating. I have a tendency, when I find something out-of-order in my life, to blame myself first and foremost. I get angry at myself, upset at myself, etcetera. Combined with the asking myself about ideals and how I've acted upon them... yeah, it probably comes off as defensive, but I'm not angry or disappointed with anyone here. Just myself, and how I present myself, and how my brainpan reacts when it sees, say, Princess Molestia fanart on the 'booru.

I'm also young enough, and foolish enough, and know enough about my youthful foolishness, to put my foot down when I come across a grade, slope, what-have-you. Because I know, from experience, that if I don't step back I'll continue on down. That is How I Work. So if I see a line I don't want to cross, a front that I can't continue to present, I'll ramble at length about it in front of an audience that won't give me weird looks every time we pass in the hall, so that I feel indebted to you all. That I can't backslide and say to myself, later, "Well, maybe that line isn't so bad, after all, I can put one foot on the slide and stay up here just fine," when I put it on the line before such a collection of people I value so well.


On an unrelated note: It is almost Friday, which means one more day to new pony.

Heh. Aheheheh. Ahahahahehehehahahehehahahahahahahahahahahahaha! AHAHAHAHAHAEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHAHAHAHAHA!!!

[Kindablue]

Excuse me for a moment while I rant.


This is dumb and patently absurd.
Thinking uses chemical transmission as well as electrical.
Thinking is brain Chemistry.
Brain chemistry is thinking.

DO YOU REALLY THINK IT'S NOVEL TO TELL ME CHANGING WHAT I THINK CHANGES WHAT I THINK?!

I mean seriously! Science, I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you this, but get over yourself. The maxim of exploring everything means investigate and report, sure. That doesn't mean you have to assume everyone who ever came before you was an idiot, a charletan, and couldn't wipe themselves if you didn't have a chart, diagram and full text explaining it.

Positive thoughts breed positive thoughts. People who are constantly in environments of strife and violence become violent on the pathological level. Depression is hard to break because being depressed makes it harder to get unrepressed. Like begets like.

Every system I've ever seen since I took an interest in learning has started with the (understandable) assumption that I am not an idiot, and this principle is true. My parents told me this; grandparents, teachers, and experience.

Why does it need to be spelled out in a scientific text?!
Don't answer that. I understand why. I even, now that this is out of my system, endorse it. I think it was a rage against blind faith in SCIENCE! that I've had building for a while now.

Ach. Rage depleted. Tired now. Need to get to level up, gain tireless rage.
See, that's the thing.

The Consequence of Errors (http://www.nature.com/embor/journal/v6/n4/full/7400389.html)

Ancient Greek philosophers laid the groundwork for the scientific tradition of critical inquiry, but they nevertheless missed out on one aspect important to modern science. Many philosophers obtained their results through a tradition of contemplation and thought rather than experimental procedure, which, not surprisingly, led to errors. Aristotle's belief that the brain is a cooling organ for the blood was definitely not based on anything that scientists today would consider scientific evidence. He also thought that in humans, goats and pigs, males have more teeth than females, a notion easy enough to correct. His statement that flies have four legs was repeated in natural history texts for more than a thousand years despite the fact that a little counting would have proven otherwise.

Stating the obvious is important, much more so than explaining the esoteric. People take the obvious for granted, they don't think about it, and they get it wrong pretty consistently. That doesn't make them dumb, of course, it makes them people. It doesn't mean that I think ancient people were charlatans just because I want to test their claims empirically. The whole purpose of science is to make sure that what we know is true, so that we don't just have to accept Facts as facts and Truth as truth.

You can't have faith in science. You can have faith in scientists, but the good ones qualify everything they say and it can get very hard to worship that kind of cautious indecisiveness. You're doing it jokingly, but you're personifying a method of systematic investigation (I just mean, "let's double check our work") like it has feelings or bias, like it cares whether Aristotle knew how many legs flies had or not. It doesn't. The community has problems, and information gets lost on it's way to the outside world a lot, but the method is simple and honest. Let's make sure this is right. That's all it boils down to. That's reasonable, isn't it?

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Noooooo.

Everyone in my office is sick. I was one of maybe five people to NOT get it. Now... I'm afraid my immune system is losing the good fight. :smallsigh:

Time to go to sleep and drink a gallon of OJ in the morning. We'll see how productive I end up being, whether or not Ido being sick means more or less pony while at work.

Oh, I drew a crappy discord over in my drawthread, if anyone's interested in taking a look. I'm literally too tired to post the link myself right now...

Night all.

[Beeskee]

If it helps the discussion any, I'll point out that I was reluctant at first to read any kind of pony fiction just because I knew there was erotic material out there and I didn't want it to spoil my enjoyment of teh ponies. Since then, I've read a ton of wonderful, deeply-moving stories.



And I always feel like I'm intruding on the thread when I post......

Sorry again.

I feel that way every single time I post. Every Single Time. Even now. Just relax and enjoy yourself. I also need to tell myself that more often.

[tonberrian]

Noooooo.

Everyone in my office is sick. I was one of maybe five people to NOT get it. Now... I'm afraid my immune system is losing the good fight. :smallsigh:

Time to go to sleep and drink a gallon of OJ in the morning. We'll see how productive I end up being, whether or not Ido being sick means more or less pony while at work.

Oh, I drew a crappy discord over in my drawthread, if anyone's interested in taking a look. I'm literally too tired to post the link myself right now...

Night all.

Man, I get you. I've been from allergies to sore throat to fine to different sore throat these past few weeks, and it has not been pleasant.

[SiuiS]

Actually, Raz, I would appreciate any opinions you have on that Blueblood isn't a Gilda spiel I did some pages ago. I mean, if anypony knows how painful rewriting can be, it's you and Thanqy. I trust you guys to have the right level of gentle and brutal.

I'd also like to say that you clarified, but I would still like answers to specific questions I posed, if it's not too much trouble.

Shadowy, he's totally right mate. Don't make me RP at you, I'll come up with some convoluted stuff. Nopony wants another Sea of Dreams debacle.

Ugh. Beeskee, no! No! Not intruding, being included!
Here's a secret. I felt the same way, once. Then I said something about just shutting up and letting the smart ponies talk, and just agree when one of them says my opinion better than I myself could.
And then either Druid Droid or Amishpirate (I think Amish? Avatars were different back then) said "you are one of the smart ponies". It kinda changed my perspective, so here goes...

Shadowy, Beeskee, you guys are the thread. You cNt intrude on yourself! Even Fluttershy can't do that. I've gone asking around when you disappeared, Shadowy, and I've told you, Beeskee, that you needn't feel weird about posting. It's all true.

So let's PARTY!

Kindablue. It is entirely reasonable, and I am getting mad at a concept because some of the folks who conceptualize are bonkers. I've jut been dealin with a lot of this (http://dresdencodak.com/2011/04/19/dark-science-09/) lately. It's aggravating.

[tonberrian]

Also, I has a question. It's in the shiny new spoiler in my sig.

[SiuiS]

Also, I has a question. It's in the shiny new spoiler in my sig.

Nope :3

I've been wondering where Berry Ann went off to, actually.

[otakuryoga]

I watch ponies for the mufcake. And the applesauce.

you dont watch it for the plot?

[Raz_Fox]

[color="green"]Actually, Raz, I would appreciate any opinions you have on that Blueblood isn't a Gilda spiel I did some pages ago. I mean, if anypony knows how painful rewriting can be, it's you and Thanqy. I trust you guys to have the right level of gentle and brutal.

I'd also like to say that you clarified, but I would still like answers to specific questions I posed, if it's not too much trouble.

Ugh, I am entirely too tired, because all the questions you posed look rhetorical to m'eyes. Would you mind PMing me the specific questions y'want answered? Gracias.


I am way too tired to go over a full grammar/spelling check, but I must point out that the iPhone will always substitute it's for its. This is a recurring problem. Also, you often refer to the main character as Prince, rather than Blueblood or Prince Blueblood or the Prince.

Storywise? You had me sold on it the first time I read it. It flows well, it makes Blueblood sympathetic (though at the cost of Celestia's character in the fic, I feel- one must rise, another must fall), and it never felt contrived. Well, the sudden "I'm in love" at the end was, indeed, sudden, but that may be the effect you're going for. Also, the main conflict - Blueblood vs. himself - might need a bit more emphasis so that the reader understands what the story is really about.

I liked it, and I was going to say that it might be a bit short for a EqD-published story, but it's actually probably longer than my own first two stories, so clean up the spelling and grammar and you'll have something worth publishing here.

[Kris Strife]

See, that is, to an extent, still my opinion. It was fun, it opened up avenues of discussion and pulled the main partiers of the party that is the thread further together. It's just that when I step back and ask myself, "So, would I be able to admit to anyone that I'd just had a short RP involving ponies in harem outfits that tied each other up, but it wasn't anything naughty, really?"

Secrets and lies, it's all secrets and lies with this pony.

On the one hand, fun. It was fun. On the other hand, it's important not only to abstain from that which stains the clothes of this life, but that which gives the impression of it, as well. And an ideal held, which never impacts one's life, is worse than useless.

Aia, aia. Making choices over one's actions isn't always easy.

I can see how it could be taken as something dirty, but I don't think it was meant that way? Along with the getting tangled up, being put in funny or body type/gender/situation inappropriate clothing is another comedy staple. Don't worry about it, it was all in good fun, it was entertaining and has created lots of humor.

I don't think we've had anything in pony thread that's actually crossed the line to inappropriate, at least in that sense. Plus, taking a deeper look at and considering the ramification of things that aren't fully explained is a normal part of discussing a show. Doesn't matter if it's physics, biology of a fictional species or parts of the society, including what they do for bedroom fun time. :smalltongue:

Lauren Faust said that all ponies reproduce in typical mammalian biological fashion, maybe with some magic involved, so that tells us that yes, ponies do these things. Should they be part of the show? Absolutely not! Okay, maybe a bit of the biology in an episode about growing up and the changes that come with that. And only as far as "This is a natural part of growing up, don't worry. It happens to everypony" type thing, maybe ending with telling them that it's okay to ask their parents or doctor about these things if they're worried and they'll explain things. Or maybe somepony (Scootaloo maybe?) finding out they're going to have a little brother or sister. Beyond that, it really shouldn't come up in the show, because of the target audience.

That said, having a discussion about it? A little strange, but well. We're all a little strange here. :smallwink:

As long as there's nothing graphic being posted, simply discussing, or acknowledging that these things might exist in Equestria, and discussing how they're different in that setting then they are with humans is perfectly fine. Just like any other discussion about Equestrian society, it helps flesh out the setting and the society a bit more, and, might help someone write a story or create a background for their character. I certainly wouldn't have been able to come up with Leo's background without some of the stuff posted in earlier threads about pony combat, or discussions about the innate magical abilities of Earth Ponies and Pegasus Ponies. Also a certain, rather grimdark comic.

Please note that all of this is opinion and conjecture. Except for the stuff about Leo specifically.

[PhoeKun]

Welp. I knew that would be a controversial topic. To clarify:

First and foremost, I wish to assure you that I am not going to go on a crusade, creating the Playground Pony Protection Program and hunting down the unbelievers. This is an intensely personal thing, and my conviction is centered around my own being rather than the community as a whole.

See, I think there are two ways that you can get people to act in a way that you find proper. You can force them to do so, yell or threaten or bribe, or you can give them an example to live up to. And it's highly improbable that I could coerce the entire fandom to think like I do, but the way I act will influence other people - for good or bad. Which leads back to me again, and my own actions.

See, I've been ruminating lately over a couple of topics: how our actions belie our ideals, how we effect those around us through our actions, how we can shape ourselves through our thoughts and acting upon our beliefs, how too often I act on instinct without thought of the consequences, and then this comes along and ties all of those together in a way that hits me right there in the gut. The catalyst for the churning wasn't, "Look at all these horrible, horrible people," (though, to be honest, there's still that reflex down in my gut that says that) but, "I'm glad I'm not this kind of waiiiiiiiiiiit a sec..."

So, to answer Thanqol, about what my goals are with that big ol' ramble: names have power. I could be the Shallow and Thoughtless Human who acts without consideration of how my actions will shape me, and what I will become, or I can actually be the Pure and Honest Fox Raz. Which, you know, could be more than a winking joke of a name.

What that will practically mean, I'm not quite sure yet, but you can bet your last dollar that I'll be putting a bit more thought into how I post, and how I present myself, and how I interact with the fandom as a whole. As Thanqol said, it's about mastery of self (with assistance), and realizing that I wasn't satisfied with how I've acted thus far, in accordance with my own ideals.

I think you know in your heart what kind of person you are. Occasionally we can lose sight of who we are, and when that happens we look in the mirror and frown at the face that is reflected back. Self improvement is a wonderful thing, but I want to make sure that you are separating that desire from the fear of the way that others might perceive you.

In your original announcement you talked about how if a concerned mother looked in on this thread she would see you as a part of that big scary faceless anomaly called "Bronies". Those sick, weird perverts. Don't lose sight of the fact that you are responsible for your own actions, and that at the end of the day those will be the things that reflect back on you. It's not the company you loosely keep by dint of sharing a single interest in. It's not pictures or cartoons or fanfiction. The thing that reflects upon you is you and only you.

You are not The Thoughtless and Shallow Human. You are not The Pure and Honest Raz_Fox. These are masks. These are playthings. Don't let them become you. Understand, and carve it into your heart that there is a difference between a couple of quips on an internet forum or the plotline of a fanfic and the actual, factual you. Do they corrupt you? Do they define you? Sometimes it's hard to tell, isn't it? Because when you get so up close to the issue it's tough to keep perspective on everything else.

Let me give you an example. You say that you've thought to yourself, "I'm glad I'm not that kind of waaaaaaaiiiiiit a sec..." But when I look at all the stuff you've done and said since I've known you, I don't see any wait a secs. You're a smart young man, charming and wonderfully creative. You shoot from the hip and always stop to wonder how it is you hit your mark. You're happy to look to others for guidance when you see their expertise, and you're not so wrapped up in yourself that you don't see the ways in which you can improve. But with all the harem pants and shipping, there has never been a single nanosecond that the name Raz_Fox has entered my head and I've thought, "now there's a pervert."

So there may in fact be a lot less wrong here than you're worried there is. I'm glad you're examining things: that's good. Thinking is good. Just please remember to take the time to examine it all thoroughly. Being a good person is a lot like being on a diet: there is no magical point at which you ever get to stop and say, "now I don't have to bother with it anymore". It's been a part of every moment of your life to now and it'll stay a part of your life until the end. So don't feel like you have to sprint, ok?

Just know that I care about you and want you to be happy. I'm not the only one. Take care.

Ick, forum posts. I'm exhausted.

[tonberrian]

Nope :3

I've been wondering where Berry Ann went off to, actually.

This was a recording. The real Berry Ann, well, she's ... around. Someone assured me that stone dungeons have adequate ventilation, so I'm sure she's fine after being put in a dungeon in that place she was banished to.

[Kris Strife]

Nopony wants another Sea of Dreams debacle.

I'm potentially okay with this! Guess that makes me Nopony...

Anyone know a cyclops that needs blinding? :smallbiggrin:

Also, it's a Phoe!

[tonberrian]

you dont watch it for the plot?

The joke I was making. You missed it.

[otakuryoga]

The joke I was making. You missed it.

i was playing off of it actually....hmmm maybe too subtle...shoulda wrote this


you dont watch it for the excellent plots?

and i totally mean the storylines http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3623/applejackliar.png remember...the word PLOT has an entirely new definition thanks to us here in the playground

[Beeskee]

Ugh. Beeskee, no! No! Not intruding, being included!
Here's a secret. I felt the same way, once. Then I said something about just shutting up and letting the smart ponies talk, and just agree when one of them says my opinion better than I myself could.
And then either Druid Droid or Amishpirate (I think Amish? Avatars were different back then) said "you are one of the smart ponies". It kinda changed my perspective, so here goes...

Shadowy, Beeskee, you guys are the thread. You cNt intrude on yourself! Even Fluttershy can't do that. I've gone asking around when you disappeared, Shadowy, and I've told you, Beeskee, that you needn't feel weird about posting. It's all true.

So let's PARTY!

It took me years to get comfortable interacting with people even a little, so yeah while I can make myself post, it takes effort. I'm still not too good at interaction either. I'm like Fluttershy in RL, lol.

You are definitely one of the smart ponies, thank you for your advice. :smallsmile: And a party sounds good. :smallbiggrin:


Also, I has a question. It's in the shiny new spoiler in my sig.

I think they're both cute. The artists also did a good job emulating the FiM pony style.

[tonberrian]

i was playing off of it actually....hmmm maybe too subtle...shoulda wrote this


you dont watch it for the excellent plots?

and i totally mean the storylines http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/3623/applejackliar.png

But but but...

I was saying that mufcake was plot, or something very similar. Also referencing a pic that SiuiS posted waaaaaaaay back like 10 threads ago.

[Bayonet Priest]

[color="green"]

Here's a secret. I felt the same way, once. Then I said something about just shutting up and letting the smart ponies talk, and just agree when one of them says my opinion better than I myself could.

Ahh get out of my brain! How did you sum up my entire posting philosophy in these 3 sentences? Are you a wizard? O.O

That is exactly what I do, I drop in with a comment here or there, rarely doing more than letting the smart, creative ponies know that they did something smart or creative. I'm often afraid to say more, to drop in with an idea of my own for fear that my idea sucks and if it was good you guys would probably come up with it on your own anyway.

To learn that SiuiS, master of the omniposts and all around awesome guy, felt in any way similar to this is... well I don't know but I know I didn't expect it.

I certainly don't post anywhere near as often as my time lurking these threads would indicate, maybe I should change that.

[SiuiS]

avast, a Phoe!

Don't like forum posts? No fun. That's like, my only viable avenue of communication right now. Alas.

I would like to take this time to point at Phoe's post and say "pretend that's in green". Her ability to speak my mind better than me is uncanny. Luckily, I've since learned to take notes rather than complain :3

tonberrian. That's uh, that's a rather good answer. Um. Why did you banish her and put her in a dungeon in the place she was banished to?

Nine o'clock. Time to draw a diamond dog.

[tonberrian]

tonberrian. That's uh, that's a rather good answer. Um. Why did you banish her and put her in a dungeon in the place she was banished to?

Isn't that what everybody does to their previous avatars?

[Beeskee]

Isn't that what everybody does to their previous avatars?

Eep! Not when they're ponies!

Do we need to arrange a rescue mission?

[MCerberus]

Important science we need to figure out:

Winona: Great fictional... I don't know... border collie? or best fictional herding dog of disputable breed?

[tonberrian]

Eep! Not when they're ponies!

Do we need to arrange a rescue mission?

No no, she's fine! She's in a stone dungeon, so she has plenty of air, and I even left her some food and water!

Well, apples and apple juice, but it's the same thing, right?

[Kindablue]

What, talk to me? I'm... well, I sometimes feel like that guy who can squeeze off a perfect bullseye without being able to explain exactly how he can, just because he's been studying guns since he was seven and shooting for a little while now, and because he's also getting some tweaks on his technique from more experienced shooters. I've got talent, and some technique, but not nearly enough to actually be able to tell someone how to write.

Unless they're looking for basic advice like "Use the right sentence length, and let your thoughts roll together, so it's not choppy - use and, but, semicolons and dashes to keep your sentences long and flowing," or "The difference between the right word and the nearly-right word is like the difference between the lightning and the lightning-bug".

I know what you mean, but explaining something that you understand instinctively to someone who doesn't at all really forces you to examine everything you're doing. I think it's the best way to master a skill.


Also, I has a question. It's in the shiny new spoiler in my sig.

A little bit, yeah.


Kindablue. It is entirely reasonable, and I am getting mad at a concept because some of the folks who conceptualize are bonkers. I've jut been dealin with a lot of this (http://dresdencodak.com/2011/04/19/dark-science-09/) lately. It's aggravating.

I see where you're coming from, but that's not peer review, it's opinion polling, and it doesn't have anything to do with science. I originally got interested in skepticism not because I thought everyone else was an idiot and I wanted pointers on explaining that to them, but because I was tired of exactly that kind of thing. I was tired of newspapers and faceless institutions telling me what was right without telling me how they knew what was right was right.

This is a weird tangent. Not as weird as the "what have we become" discussion, which I feel partially responsible for, but still pretty weird.

[Thanqol]

@ Raz: Names have power but masks are traps. You are more than the sum of any amount of purity or honesty or anything you could possibly possess, and limiting yourself to only those parts of your mind does you no favours.

I'd say more but Phoe is best pony, listen to her.


RP:
There was a slight click as the clockwork pony's eyes adjusted to read the letter presented by the guard. By the end, he was struggling to hold back a laugh, but instead he managed a friendly smile. Whether the unicorn was oblivious or simply very faithful, there was something charming about his optimism.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both! My name's Second Hand, although my friends sometimes call me Sek. I was just headed to see a mechanic friend of mine who lives on the far side of Canterlot. I'd be glad for some company, if you don't mind heading that way." Here the mechanical pony glanced between Igneous and Charger, hoping his invitation was clear.

Charger was quiet for a long moment. Then she asked, "What's a 'hand'?"


I know what you mean, but explaining something that you understand instinctively to someone who doesn't at all really forces you to examine everything you're doing. I think it's the best way to master something.

Best way to learn is to teach.

[Roninhirox]

Blarg so much pony thread to catch up on, and then at the end personal philosophy stuff. Ok so I had a big old post planned and started writing and then kinda fell flat. I think my brain has decided being stressed about new job, and trying to set myself back onto a third shift sleep schedule while going to school is a dumb idea so its making me dumb. On that note I am going to watch ponies until I feel upto writing more and then I am going to work on my first ever fanfic. Not sure what it is that ponies did to my brain but in my 25 years of being a huge nerd I have never really read any fanfics and now not only am I reading several I am trying to write one. Confounded ponies they drive me to try and create. Oh also what episodes should I watch tonight?

[MCerberus]

Alright so I get back at what can be described as an intellectually draining 5 hour whiteboard session. Get into the computer chair...

HAHA! Time for...
zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Bayonet Priest]

Oh also what episodes should I watch tonight?

All of them! brainisfullofpony.jpg

oh wait, that's terrible advice. How about Boast Busters? Trixie is funny. Party of One is always hilarious too.

[TheAmishPirate]

If it helps the discussion any, I'll point out that I was reluctant at first to read any kind of pony fiction just because I knew there was erotic material out there and I didn't want it to spoil my enjoyment of teh ponies. Since then, I've read a ton of wonderful, deeply-moving stories.




I feel that way every single time I post. Every Single Time. Even now. Just relax and enjoy yourself. I also need to tell myself that more often.

The amount that you're mirroring my own entry into the ponythread is kinda scary. I was exactly the same about fanfiction (going so far as to look down on those who wrote it as "lesser authors" :smallfrown:) until I read some truly moving pieces. Now I write it myself when I have the free time.

That feeling of being new and obstrusive? It goes away, trust me. I'm rather introverted and antisocial, and have trouble thinking of myself as a decent, contributing member of a community. But there's always a point, after I've spent enough time around people (or ponies, as it were) where it all just clicks. I finally can tell myself, "Yes, these are people who accept me, and I can speak my mind around them." It always takes time, but if the people are good folks, it always happens. So just keep posting, and soon you'll be compleat.


EDIT:

Blarg so much pony thread to catch up on, and then at the end personal philosophy stuff. Ok so I had a big old post planned and started writing and then kinda fell flat. I think my brain has decided being stressed about new job, and trying to set myself back onto a third shift sleep schedule while going to school is a dumb idea so its making me dumb. On that note I am going to watch ponies until I feel upto writing more and then I am going to work on my first ever fanfic. Not sure what it is that ponies did to my brain but in my 25 years of being a huge nerd I have never really read any fanfics and now not only am I reading several I am trying to write one. Confounded ponies they drive me to try and create. Oh also what episodes should I watch tonight?

Yay! It always makes me happy to see somepony else try their hand at writing. If you ever need help, guidance, proofreading, or people to get on your case when you slack off, you know where to find us. :smallwink:

[Kindablue]

Best way to learn is to teach.

Yes, but that axiom forms a rather troublesome paradox with another. If those who can't do, teach, what does a student who can't learn do? Do they teach doubly as well or half as well? Or do they just forget the whole thing and get a business degree?

I think I need to go to sleep now.

[Eakin]

All of them! brainisfullofpony.jpg

oh wait, that's terrible advice. How about Boast Busters? Trixie is funny. Party of One is always hilarious too.

No, I second all of them.

Especially now that you can watch EVERY EPISODE OF SEASON ONE AT ONCE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a25ERFjygOA)

Or just Sonic Rainboom. Or just Party of One. Or just Dragonshy. Or just Winter Wrap Up. Really, pick a pony, and go hit the episodes that center around them.


Yes, but that axiom forms a rather troublesome paradox with another. If those who can't do, teach, what does a student who can't learn do? Do they teach doubly as well or half as well? Or do they just forget the whole thing and get a business degree?

I think I need to go to sleep now.

They teach themselves of course:smallsmile:
Seriously though, "teach" can just mean "explain to someone else the basic concepts involved." I've always thought it worked because you had to force yourself to put all the pieces you've learned individually together into a coherent whole, and it exposed where the weaknesses in your own understanding are

[Bayonet Priest]

Hugs all the ponies

Good night ponythread, I am up too late and have class in the morning.

[Beeskee]

No no, she's fine! She's in a stone dungeon, so she has plenty of air, and I even left her some food and water!

Well, apples and apple juice, but it's the same thing, right?

Beeskee: Beeskee just stares at tonberrian. "How could you? Think of that poor little pony, all aloney!" He looks around at the other ponies. "We need to form a rescue party. I'll bring the balloons."



Oh also what episodes should I watch tonight?

Swarm of the Century is fun. :smallbiggrin: If you really need to relax, pick your all time most favorite episode and watch it. I find that helps me a lot.



The amount that you're mirroring my own entry into the ponythread is kinda scary. I was exactly the same about fanfiction (going so far as to look down on those who wrote it as "lesser authors" :smallfrown:) until I read some truly moving pieces. Now I write it myself when I have the free time.

That feeling of being new and obstrusive? It goes away, trust me. I'm rather introverted and antisocial, and have trouble thinking of myself as a decent, contributing member of a community. But there's always a point, after I've spent enough time around people (or ponies, as it were) where it all just clicks. I finally can tell myself, "Yes, these are people who accept me, and I can speak my mind around them." It always takes time, but if the people are good folks, it always happens. So just keep posting, and soon you'll be compleat.

There have been some fics which I just can't get enough of. I'm sitting in the chat of one of them right now, trading Pinkestia quotes with the other users and hoping it updates tonight. I've mentioned it a lot so I won't reference it this time, since I feel a little bad that I haven't drawn enough attention to some of the other good fics out there. I may even try my hoof at writing some fiction myself, but I'll have to wait until I get a really good idea for a story.

Hopefully other ponies will know from reading this conversation that these feelings are not something only they experience, either. And yeah it does take time and effort to overcome it. Some people socialize easily, it's like their RL cutie mark. It isn't mine though, so it's a lot of work for me. One reason I make the effort is because I know that if I don't, I won't get any better.

[Kindablue]

No, I second all of them.

Especially now that you can watch EVERY EPISODE OF SEASON ONE AT ONCE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a25ERFjygOA)

At about five minutes in, all three of the songs (and my favorite piece of BGM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_HWaTaUVns)) are playing at the same time. Never noticed that before, but I wonder if Hasbro told them to put them all early in the episodes or if it just happened like that organically.

[Thanqol]

One of the players from the MLP: Wannabe Heroes tabletop sent me this email:


G’day,

Work is being dull for the moment, so I’m compiling a list of things Spotlight thinks you should believe…I’ll send them your way just in case you’re looking for a plot hook or a way to have his past bite him in the back.

Also, if you can think of anything else that should be on the list, I’m happy to take suggestions.

Anyway, to the list!

Spotlight...



won the "Most Judicious use of Hooves" award for punching Prince Blueblood in the face.

captured the Great Gator of the Manehattan sewers.

is the world record holder for enduring aerial assaults.

survived Trollestia's Lulz, armed only with a dysfunctional flying machine and a bucket of tree sap.

recovered the Golden Bridle from the ruins of Damarescus.

defeated the Molasses Beast of Calcolta, feeding the masses there for a year.

has had three different lovers in the Canterlot Royal Family.

thwarted the perverse apocalyptic plans of the Great Clopping Cult.

is the most decorated civilian to survive the Gelatin Invasion.

may only be a pony, but is hung like a horse.

singlehoofedly held the line for three days straight in Gallopoli.

learned whippery in a dojo hidden high in the Himarelaya.

invented the sport of avalanche rodeo.

drowned the automaton army of Thistle the Odious.

was only mildly confused by a lecture by Stephen Hayking.

Some of these claims are probably quite accurate, as for the others…at the very least, Spotlight was in the vicinity of an event that involved things related to the claim.

[Roninhirox]

EDIT:

Yay! It always makes me happy to see somepony else try their hand at writing. If you ever need help, guidance, proofreading, or people to get on your case when you slack off, you know where to find us. :smallwink:
I am certainly going to trying, its been about 4 years since I have writen anything that is not related to Dungeons and Dragons related, so trying my hand at something a bit more slice of life will be weird.


All of them! brainisfullofpony.jpg

oh wait, that's terrible advice. How about Boast Busters? Trixie is funny. Party of One is always hilarious too.

Oh its been awhile since I watched Boast Busters and Trixie is awesome.



No, I second all of them.

Especially now that you can watch EVERY EPISODE OF SEASON ONE AT ONCE (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a25ERFjygOA)


I tried that one time I think I got like 3 minutes in before I blacked out and woke up in a field outside of town, I am not sure if I blame being over whelmed by friendship, magic, and ponies or what but it was weird.

Oh I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and Rod Sterling came up, for anyone that doesn't know who that is he is the creator of the Twilight Zone, and all I could think of was placing ponies into all the old episodes of that show.

[BlasTech]

First off ... blargh. I had a reply all ready to go and then had to go to a meeting, as a result I apologise for the below being about 90 minutes out of date (which, given how fast ponythread moves is equivalent to about 1-2 pages)


Wheels are turning in my head. No, that's not quite right, they're churning. Turning can merely be plotting, scheming, but churning implies a disquiet, a disturbance and an inspection of the wheels themselves if you don't want the whole factory to shake apart.

(Warning: may be slightly NSFW, in that it discusses NSFW-ness.)

So. I don't even remember now how I found myself there, but I found myself looking at a tumblr blog entitled Are You Serious, Brony? I do not provide a link because it is rather unsafe for work, due to the work it showcases and rips apart: the dark underside of our fandom.

I laughed, I'll admit. Not at the blog author, but with him. I know another guy like him from a different fandom, on a different site, who has Standards and isn't afraid to be known for them, but who caustically cuts apart this kind of material instead of turning upon his fellow fandom members. I loved his sardonic sarcasm at some of the worst that our fandom has to offer.

And then I started thinking about why I'm in a fandom that tolerates this kind of stuff. That produces it in such droves. For every piece of beautiful art on Ponibooru, I guess that there's a piece of pornographic waste - as I don't browse Pb with a login, it's all hidden away. But I know it's there, and it spreads, and for every adult fan who's completely fine with it, there's a kid with an internet connection who doesn't know what the Pinkamina Diane Pie tumblr is like or comes across Naughty Naughty Luna!(tm) fanarts. And that concerns me, because I have the power to change that one bit at a time - I can't force artists to take back what they've drawn, but I can act upon my fellow fans in tiny, almost imperceptible ways. Or, perhaps, in larger ways. I am a writer, after all.

Then I read an essay that the blog author linked, written by a mother who was creeped out by the 'bronie' phenomenon. The replies started out promising, and then descended into the vicious defense that any negative Pony article gets, to the point where the original author locked the comment section because of all the insults that were being hurled her way, proving her view that bronies were borderline molesters.

And I thought some more. At first I thought, surely, surely I can say I'm clean, surely I can say I'm free of any blame, I'm not like them, the kind of bronies who sexualize this kind of thing to an abhorrent degree. And then I thought some more. Oh, wait, who was the brony who made the Haremizer Cannon in RP and had roleplayed out an attraction to an OC pony? Hint: that was me. Who was the brony that accidentally kickstarted the whole bondage craze and is currently writing a story that incorporates it in its themes, even if it is being deconstructed to an extent in said story? Hint: even more me. Who once wrote a naughty Lix/Trixie ship that he now regrets ever trying, as his first and only foray into anything even tangential to clopfic? Oh, wait, that was ME.

Do you think that any unbiased observer would believe that I don't find bondage or harems sexual, after how often they've come up in the forum RP, with me in the midst of it? (Dark secret: I like the stereotypical harem outfit, not the actual concept of a harem. And I mean like as in "I am intrigued by its aesthetics".) It's not bleeding likely. Stars and stones, do you think that any mother who stumbled across the GiantITP pony fandom, just out of the blue, would believe that the brony subculture isn't sexualized? I'm starting to have doubts.

You know how, a few pages back, we were talking about characters and how successful RP characters often come from seeds of your personality? Well, Shallow and Thoughtless Human as a title sums up part of my personality pretty well. I'll do something, and then never think about the consequences. I'll say something, and never imagine that I might regret it later. I don't see. I don't consider. If I could go back and tell myself, hey, Raz, don't write that fic for Trix'n'Lix, you'll regret it and feel as if you've failed yourself soon enough, I would, but I didn't even think about it. And I'm sure that, right this moment, there's something that I'm missing, something that will make me miss a step and tumble down the stairs painfully. It's already happened to me enough for a year in the past month or so, and I'm looking down at more stairs. It's stairs, all the way down. And the step I'm taking right now is going to make me scrape open my knee a few steps down the line, I just know it. Shallow and Thoughtless Human. Sums me up pretty well, don't you think?

But, then again, I also believe that a man has power enough to choose. He may, no, he will need help. He'll struggle. He'll fall on the way and be helped back up to his feet. But a man can change who he is, if he looks in the mirror and doesn't like what he sees staring back at him. He can comb his metaphorical hair. He can brush the yellow off his teeth. And perhaps he can't scrub that stain out of his white shirt, but he can remember, next time, that he shouldn't go for the ketchup with that metaphorical burger. And he can rally his thoughts, and give them marching orders, and focus - though it's boring, though it's hard - enough to change their course. He doesn't just have to go with the flow and take the easy course. Taking the easy course is always harder in the end. The hard course takes you straight through the briars and the brambles, but the easy course drops you down into them with no machete to cut your way out.

I'm not going to tell you all that you should stop looking at Molestia fanart or feel guilty for shipping. I'm not going to say that bronydom has been ruined for me forever. But I think it's time that the Pure and Honest Fox Raz can actually call himself that honestly, don't you think?

I think so.

And that's one step away from being the Shallow and Thoughtless Human. And if I speechify about it at length, that's even better, because speaking, well, writing, I think of this as being sort of like speaking, I take a conversational tone as if I was standing in front of you all gut-afraid but still speaking anyway, and now we're off-topic- anyway, if I write about it, I can rally up the troops, all those impulses and unconscious thoughts, and say to them, boyos, there's going to be a bit of a change around here. We're clearing house, doing autumn wrap-up and burning the rubbish, and then we can actually say about ourselves, we're pure and honest, because I'm tired as anything of being a liar about myself, to myself, to anyone who asks me, "So, Raz, are you pure and honest?" I'll smile, and say of course, and I want to be able to mean it, consarn it.

And when people ask me, "So, these Bronies, are they all sexually attracted to ponies and creepy?" I want to be able to say, with fervor and dignity, "No. No, they're not. They - well, the fans I know, at least, on my little corner of the Internet - are all amazing blokes. And I'm the most amazing one of all!" Okay, maybe not that last bit. But I probably will say it, anyway, even though I don't really mean it, because the Mountebank is a part of me, too, and he learned from Wile E. Coyote and the Doctor how to brag like a jester.

So the wheels aren't churning, anymore. They're turning, and they are groaning with the effort of making the engines run, but there's a bit of peace to me. Or, rather, all that energy, all that momentum as Thanqol says, is focused on something now. And, funnily enough, the momentum is moving me in a direction that I was already going, I've just stopped digging my heels in and resisting the motion now. I'm running. And I'll probably, in a half-mile, slow down and start panting like a dog in the Sahara, and hold my ribs and groan at the effort. But I've got friends here - real, actual friends - who I know will slap me on the back hard enough to leave five red fingers there, and tell me, "Hey, Raz, do you remember that you're running? Because you are. And it's easier to go from 60 to 80 than it is to go from 0 to 60. Keep that momentum up."

And maybe I've got your wheels churning. If you've got the time, and no siblings or children around your computer, and you're definitely not at work, take a look at that tumblr and tell me what you think. Because I think we Playgrounders are more influential on the fandom than we might think, and giving people a place to point to when they need to explain how bronies are just honest folks without any weird sexualizations is a good thing.

Gosh, I just can't end, can I? I feel like I've been sitting here for an hour, though truthfully it's just been half of one, but half is still a bit much for me right now. And I'm still rambling on, just cut it short, Raz-

The whole thing just confuses me. Well, the more extreme parts of it do at least. I mean they are frigging marshmellow ponies ... anything that attempts to sexualise them like that just doesn't look right and makes it much easier for me to ignore. It's like the artist's/authors are trying too hard to anthropomorphise what are essentially featureless colourful BLOBS that I just can't take it seriously.

And to paraphrase Lauren Faust "When stuff gets too icky, I just move on"

That said, stuff like the ponies in socks, half the conversations in ponythread and the whole rope thing ... That sort of stuff I just find funny. It's not meant to be taken seriously. Or if it is, there's some psychological block due to the above marshmellow thing that renders me incapable of doing so.

So I laugh ... because it's just that silly.




Interesting. I never consider character growth during writing. I always took the stance of it having to be a natural outgrowth. But then again, I'm a terrible

Terrible? Terrible what? :smalltongue: I disagree with that self-labelling in any event.

I kind of feel that I need to consider that angle (if only from a double checking point of view) in order to ensure that the characters come out of the adventure with some kind of change or realisation ... otherwise what's the point?



*Sigh*
I actually really like to RP, but I feel nervous about joining something already established, the same about starting something new, so I'm forced into my one fall-back which is to RP against myself. How did you even escape anyway? My one excuse for this is that I came up with it first.

And I always feel like I'm intruding on the thread when I post......

Sorry again.

http://www.determinismsucks.net/archive/pull_up_a_chair_pony-(n1299933507853).jpg

No, really .... JOIN USSSSSS!!!!

In all seriousness, it was only about two threads back where I compulsively made it a point to *relurk* at the end of every post for pretty much this reason. Unfortunately, or fortunately, ponythread is just too much fun to keep bothering with doing that after every post.:smallbiggrin:


From all the ranges we go to, from debating, to NSFW pony blogs, everything and everywhere it's been.....All through a common link of liking ponies.

Thank you all, and good night.

EEyup. Just a side-effect of ponies taking over everything.


And as a Unitarian Universalist, I'm fine with "odd" parts of fandoms on the policy of "live and let live, unless you are directly harming others". So funny how people get to the same end conclusion from different starting arguments.

On an unrelated note: It is almost Friday, which means one more day to new pony.

Sorry to burst your bubb-


Sorry to burst your bubble, but no ponies until the 15th.

^ Yeah that.



Charger looked from the paper back to the guardpony, looking for any sense of irony. When it didn't present itself, she briefly looked to see if he happened to have walleyes.

Well, there were two options - either he was that simple, or he was aware of the absurdity of the situation and deciding to go ahead with it out of duty. Either case, he could not be blamed, so she may as well be civil. "Introductions should come first; I am Charger."


RP:
There was a slight click as the clockwork pony's eyes adjusted to read the letter presented by the guard. By the end, he was struggling to hold back a laugh, but instead he managed a friendly smile. Whether the unicorn was oblivious or simply very faithful, there was something charming about his optimism.

"It's a pleasure to meet you both! My name's Second Hand, although my friends sometimes call me Sek. I was just headed to see a mechanic friend of mine who lives on the far side of Canterlot. I'd be glad for some company, if you don't mind heading that way." Here the mechanical pony glanced between Igneous and Charger, hoping his invitation was clear.



Clockwork RP

"Guard-Private (First Class) Igneous, at your service Ma'am" He said, with a slight bow of the head and a doff of the helm.

"Pleasure to meet you too Master Second Hand, feel free to call me Igneous, Iggy or "Dumb Rock" if it pleases you. All my friends do that too after all, though most prefer the latter." At this, he turned back to regard the path that lead back towards the clifftop city.

"Well, if Canterlot is our destination on this fine day then I'll be happy to accompany you back up the hill. In fact that makes things alot easier since I won't need any of the maps or food I packed!" He gave a slight, happy, hop at this realisation before catching himself.

"Ah." he said, in a vain attempt to regain his composure "That is to say, is there any further assistnace I might provide at this time? Would you like me to carry that mechanism for you ma'am?"

[Kindablue]

Oh I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and Rod Sterling came up, for anyone that doesn't know who that is he is the creator of the Twilight Zone, and all I could think of was placing ponies into all the old episodes of that show.

There's something on the wing of this plane!


And it's adorable.

[SiuiS]

EDIT:darn 503


Eep! Not when they're ponies!

Do we need to arrange a rescue mission?

Yes. Yes we do.
SHADOWY! here's a bag with an indeterminate amount of btw, requisition us a ship. Beeskee, I need you to get us supplies. I'll post a flyer sayif we need a crew.

Berry Ann is possibly in Scoltland, the only way I know to get there reliably is by taking a convoluted passage through the dreamscape, find a submarine, and tail it until it docks!

Onward, me hearties, TO ADVENTURE
now do I roll this in-thread as an FFRP, or do we decide to try and break out one of the pony RP systems?
in the morning that is. I'm gonna need sleep and it'll take a spell to get a crew together.

Heaven willing, we may actually succeed rather than all just die of scurvy! Horrible thing, ponies getting scurvy.


Blarg so much pony thread to catch up on, and then at the end personal philosophy stuff. Ok so I had a big old post planned and started writing and then kinda fell flat. I think my brain has decided being stressed about new job, and trying to set myself back onto a third shift sleep schedule while going to school is a dumb idea so its making me dumb. On that note I am going to watch ponies until I feel upto writing more and then I am going to work on my first ever fanfic. Not sure what it is that ponies did to my brain but in my 25 years of being a huge nerd I have never really read any fanfics and now not only am I reading several I am trying to write one. Confounded ponies they drive me to try and create. Oh also what episodes should I watch tonight?

Fun huh?

Relax though, mate. Trust me, getting stressed over "keeping up" doesn't work. You can't. Quite literally no one can.

Just relax. Ponythread is a good book. The never-ending story. Sure sometimes the plot gets wimpy or they leave threads and red herrings everywhere, but that's just this particular author's style.

I've found that needing to "keep up" stems from worrying that I won't get my opinion in fast enough, ponies won't realize I'm smart or opinionated or able to contribute, and they'll forget about me if I stop posting so fast.

But I haven't forgotten Evil DM mm. 3 yet. Or SSJ4 Vegeta. Or entertainer 13, or the here-again-gone-again Irbis, or Coidzor, or the occasionally present metahuman, or Jahkaivah, or Lex Kat, or Trazoi who may not have been here since thread 1, or even Xanatos, who has almos no Internet presence anymore. Soft Serve who was Kyuubi, Glass mouse, even CurlyKitGirl.

You are immortalized in the annals of the thread. We will keep a candle lit for you. If you need to stop, go to bed, offer some sort of palate-cleansing away from ponies... We'll still be here when you come back. But if you aren't enjoying the pace, don't worry about it. You can't lose a footrace if you don't run, right? And we're all friends here. With the occasional nemesis, kismesis, and all that.

And a magitech space lich.

[Noctemwolf]

Removed. (Insuring length so as I can edit successfully).

[kpenguin]

So, um, I don't know if any of you guys listen to Super Ponybeat, but I made a quartet of covers for it, sent it to Eurobeat Brony, and lo and behold all four of them showed up on his latest songvideo. I am inordinately pleased.

[Grif]

So, um, I don't know if any of you guys listen to Super Ponybeat, but I made a quartet of covers for it, sent it to Eurobeat Brony, and lo and behold all four of them showed up on his latest songvideo. I am inordinately pleased.

Wait. What? I demand a link. LINK!

[Kris Strife]

So, um, I don't know if any of you guys listen to Super Ponybeat, but I made a quartet of covers for it, sent it to Eurobeat Brony, and lo and behold all four of them showed up on his latest songvideo. I am inordinately pleased.

Awesome! :smallbiggrin:

Kpenguin, do you think you could stat up some Pony themed characters in M&M? Mane 6, Spike, Big Mac, Soarin and Spitfire, Celestia, Luna, Trixie and Zecora, with the CMC as sidekicks? They don't need to be ponies or anything, just thematically matching. :smallamused:

[Beeskee]

Yes. Yes we do.
SHADOWY! here's a bag with an indeterminate amount of btw, requisition us a ship. Beeskee, I need you to get us supplies. I'll post a flyer sayif we need a crew.

I was watching THIS (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_X_LQ9EOE4) horror again, so I read that as "Yes yes yes we do" at first, lol.

Beeskee: Beeskee nods, and trots off toward the shops. He returns shortly afterward, wearing two large saddlebags that look to be stuffed full of supplies. He also has what looks like a hundred balloons tied to himself, and with each step he floats for several seconds before coming back down to the ground. "All set!"

[Thanqol]

Clockwork RP

"Guard-Private (First Class) Igneous, at your service Ma'am" He said, with a slight bow of the head and a doff of the helm.

"Pleasure to meet you too Master Second Hand, feel free to call me Igneous, Iggy or "Dumb Rock" if it pleases you. All my friends do that too after all, though most prefer the latter." At this, he turned back to regard the path that lead back towards the clifftop city.

"Well, if Canterlot is our destination on this fine day then I'll be happy to accompany you back up the hill. In fact that makes things alot easier since I won't need any of the maps or food I packed!" He gave a slight, happy, hop at this realisation before catching himself.

"Ah." he said, in a vain attempt to regain his composure "That is to say, is there any further assistnace I might provide at this time? Would you like me to carry that mechanism for you ma'am?"

RP:

The machine let out a crackle, sending another slight electrical shock through Charger. She shook her head to clear the tingling feeling from her brain. "No, thank you. It's rather unstable right now, you see, and if anypony has to carry it, it should be I."


So, um, I don't know if any of you guys listen to Super Ponybeat, but I made a quartet of covers for it, sent it to Eurobeat Brony, and lo and behold all four of them showed up on his latest songvideo. I am inordinately pleased.

Wow, congratulations! Links us!

[BlasTech]

Blarg so much pony thread to catch up on, and then at the end personal philosophy stuff. Ok so I had a big old post planned and started writing and then kinda fell flat. I think my brain has decided being stressed about new job, and trying to set myself back onto a third shift sleep schedule while going to school is a dumb idea so its making me dumb. On that note I am going to watch ponies until I feel upto writing more and then I am going to work on my first ever fanfic. Not sure what it is that ponies did to my brain but in my 25 years of being a huge nerd I have never really read any fanfics and now not only am I reading several I am trying to write one. Confounded ponies they drive me to try and create. Oh also what episodes should I watch tonight?

This story sounds incredibly familiar ... :smalleek: are you sure you're not me?

As for what episode, depends on what character you want to watch about I guess. Or you can just watch the two-parters again since they include all ponies!


Hugs all the ponies

Good night ponythread, I am up too late and have class in the morning.


Good night! *hugs*

[kpenguin]

Wait. What? I demand a link. LINK!

Here you go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDMGv3hNMes)

My covers are the first four. The last, and most spectacular one, is not mine. I wish it was. It is spectacular.


Awesome! :smallbiggrin:

Kpenguin, do you think you could stat up some Pony themed characters in M&M? Mane 6, Spike, Big Mac, Soarin and Spitfire, Celestia, Luna, Trixie and Zecora, with the CMC as sidekicks? They don't need to be ponies or anything, just thematically matching. :smallamused:

Uh, sure? Maybe? I'll see what I can do when I have time.

[Gaelbert]

Hello folks. I haven't been here for a while, probably not since the season ended (thread 15 or so? Maybe?), and I'm afraid I don't have the time to keep up with you all anymore. So if someone could answer this question, I'd be much obliged: When does the new season start? Do we know?
Here's a picture just for funsies.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z270/coolcalbert/130075712672.png
Thanks!

[Noctemwolf]

Hello folks. I haven't been here for a while, probably not since the season ended (thread 15 or so? Maybe?), and I'm afraid I don't have the time to keep up with you all anymore. So if someone could answer this question, I'd be much obliged: When does the new season start? Do we know?
Here's a picture just for funsies.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z270/coolcalbert/130075712672.png
Thanks!

You mean Season 2?
It's already started.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn0j1PVk30k

and the picture? Got a chuckle out of me. :smallwink:

[Kris Strife]

Uh, sure? Maybe? I'll see what I can do when I have time.

Thanks! I'm sorry if it's a burden, but you have the best M&M system mastery of anyone I know. And as far as I know, the only pony fan that I know plays M&M. You don't have to if it's going to be a big hassle, its just something I think would be kind of awesome. :smallsmile:

[Topaz]

Um, to my tastes filly-tonberrian is slightly cuter than Berry Ann, because she's got that slightly shy schoolfilly look going and I find that cute. Berry Ann is attractive, just not in a way that I would characterize as 'cute'.

That may just be the way I categorize different pony mare looks, though:

Twilight is adorkable.
Rarity is elegant.
Rainbow Dash is athletically cute (and is potentially gorgeous, but doesn't care).
Applejack is classic girl-next-door pretty.
Fluttershy is moe as [REDACTED]. Totally believable as a top model.
Pinkie Pie -- has a nice personality.
Celestia is regal.
Octavia is beautiful.

[Eakin]

Hello folks. I haven't been here for a while, probably not since the season ended (thread 15 or so? Maybe?), and I'm afraid I don't have the time to keep up with you all anymore. So if someone could answer this question, I'd be much obliged: When does the new season start? Do we know?
Here's a picture just for funsies.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z270/coolcalbert/130075712672.png
Thanks!

You mean the one that started three weeks ago?

You're two episodes behind :smallsmile:

[Noctemwolf]

So, um, I don't know if any of you guys listen to Super Ponybeat, but I made a quartet of covers for it, sent it to Eurobeat Brony, and lo and behold all four of them showed up on his latest songvideo. I am inordinately pleased.

Love the song. Love the Art! Man, I so want to show to my friends...

[Grif]

Here you go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDMGv3hNMes)

My covers are the first four. The last, and most spectacular one, is not mine. I wish it was. It is spectacular.



Uh, sure? Maybe? I'll see what I can do when I have time.

So. Awesome.

http://i.imgur.com/Dy4NS.jpg

Oh, and the music is awesome too.

[Eakin]

Here you go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDMGv3hNMes)

My covers are the first four. The last, and most spectacular one, is not mine. I wish it was. It is spectacular.


That's awesome man, it's a great track.

[BlasTech]

RP:

The machine let out a crackle, sending another slight electrical shock through Charger. She shook her head to clear the tingling feeling from her brain. "No, thank you. It's rather unstable right now, you see, and if anypony has to carry it, it should be I."



"If you insist ma'am, however you shouldn't worry about this instability. I'm told I'm a well grounded individual, you might say it's my special talent!" He replied, with a little chuckle.

[SiuiS]

There's something on the wing of this plane!


And it's adorable.

Haha!


Here you go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDMGv3hNMes)

My covers are the first four. The last, and most spectacular one, is not mine. I wish it was. It is spectacular.


Sweet!


Um, to my tastes filly-tonberrian is slightly cuter than Berry Ann, because she's got that slightly shy schoolfilly look going and I find that cute. Berry Ann is attractive, just not in a way that I would characterize as 'cute'.

That may just be the way I categorize different pony mare looks, though:

Twilight is adorkable.
Rarity is elegant.
Rainbow Dash is athletically cute (and is potentially gorgeous, but doesn't care).
Applejack is classic girl-next-door pretty.
Fluttershy is moe as [REDACTED]. Totally believable as a top model.
Pinkie Pie -- has a nice personality.
Celestia is regal.
Octavia is beautiful.

Poor Pinkie Pie XD

I see Berry Ann as a like, barely-has-her-mark child holding a lantern out of moxy, being all brave and such. It colors her cuter in my mind.

[Noctemwolf]

Finished reading Through The Eyes of Another Pony... It was very, very good, actually 0-0*

And for some reason I had an urge to write immediately afterwards.

I thought I might share what i wrote here 'cause, hey... If it was inspired by ponies...

Within this land where Darkness warps everything it touches lies one glimmer of hope... But will even that be enough?



The Great Palace, whose walls have remained resolute and strong, slowly crumbles as the last of humanities resolve fades, the will to fight diminished in the face of an overwhelming enemy that gnaws at the very core of what we are.



The battle's grow arduous, and many question,

"Why even fight?"

Gnawing on our logic.

It's Hopeless...

Feeding on our Fear.

We're Better than this!

Our sense of Pride.

This is your fault!

Our Anger.

I hate you.

Our Love.



Such an unconquerable foe. A sickening Dread that veils our eyes and constricts our throats like serpents as we finally realize; we never stood a chance.



How do you stop that which you cannot touch?



How do you comprehend something unseeable?



Why do you still cling to hope when all vestige of it has shredded away and torn, Withered and dissolved into the blank Depths of the force that hunts you from the outside and the inside?



I can't take this!

Our Sanity.

Just let me die.

Our Life.

Why was I even born?

Even the meaning behind that Life.



It knows so perfectly who you are

Because it is you.

It knows how to make you laugh, cry, sing, scream, jerk, and moan.

Your own Worst enemy.

Because in the end,

You can't defeat Yourself.







Persistence... That voluminous, Dark cloud that hangs over our heads, holding away the dark thoughts that keep a man from Trying.

Hope, even when it's hopeless. Love, even when you have no more to share. Laugh, even when Deathly Serious. Be honest, even when the truth is hard to hear.

Even when a foe seems undefeatable,

It takes as strong an ally to oppose.

[Topaz]

Berry Ann is possibly in Scoltland, the only way I know to get there reliably is by taking a convoluted passage through the dreamscape, find a submarine, and tail it until it docks!

Onward, me hearties, TO ADVENTURE

Dreamscape? Do you need a navigator?


Thanks! I'm sorry if it's a burden, but you have the best M&M system mastery of anyone I know. And as far as I know, the only pony fan that I know plays M&M. You don't have to if it's going to be a big hassle, its just something I think would be kind of awesome. :smallsmile:
Over at the Atomic Think Tank forums Murkglow wrote up a set of PL5 versions of the Mane 6 for M&M3 starting here (http://www.atomicthinktank.com/viewtopic.php?p=833136#p833136), if that helps at all.

[otakuryoga]

There's something on the wing of this plane!


And it's adorable.

I finally have time to read all these books
----glasses fall and break----
No no it's just not fair its just
Meh, screw it, im just gonna go party with some ponies!

http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/deb8da1e499a9fb7355149d149bf84d8/12965%20-%20Blues%20Bonbon%20DJ_P0n-3%20Lightning_Bolt%20Lyra%20OPPP%20Scratch%20Yello wstar%20artist%3APonyshot%20artist%3Atopshot%20ber ry_punch%20caramel%20cheerilee%20derpy_hooves%20ev erypony%20fluttershy%20party%20pokey_pierce%20spik e%20thunder_rush%20vinyl_scratch.png

[Topaz]

Oh I was having a conversation with a friend the other day and Rod Sterling came up, for anyone that doesn't know who that is he is the creator of the Twilight Zone, and all I could think of was placing ponies into all the old episodes of that show.

"You're a Bad Pony. You're a Bad, Bad Pony. I'm going to banish you... To THE MOON!" http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg62/HybridFeline/th_NightmareShrugEmote.png

[Eakin]

http://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.jpg Twilight Zone is the best Zone

[Beeskee]

Here you go (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDMGv3hNMes)

I love it, that rocks. :smallsmile:



Finished reading Through The Eyes of Another Pony... It was very, very good, actually 0-0*

And for some reason I had an urge to write immediately afterwards.

I thought I might share what i wrote here 'cause, hey... If it was inspired by ponies...

Good stories tend to do that.

And that is definitely an interesting piece of writing, I'd love to see more of it.



Dreamscape? Do you need a navigator?

Beeskee: "I would say yes, but I don't even know what that is." He sorts through his bags, double-checking over the supplies.



zomg he has ponies in there? What is this I don't even

I'd appreciate it if someponies checked the colors on these two and let me know which one you prefer. I have zero artistic skills, and have to check a color wheel just to know what matches.

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2137/beeskeeponybeeskee.png

http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/4692/beeskeeponybeeskeealtco.png

They both look like they came out too "blue" and not enough "slate" to me, so if anyone is particularly inspired and wants to try flood-filling them with better colors, go for it. It doesn't have to have a blue theme to it either, I just liked the way SlateBlue looks as a text color. I think on the pony though it makes it look like he's a Wonderbolt wannabe. :smallyuk:





http://i.imgur.com/Lz5uj.jpg Twilight Zone is the best Zone

It would be funny if they did a "Twilight Zone" episode. :smallbiggrin:

[Noctemwolf]

Good stories tend to do that.

And that is definitely an interesting piece of writing, I'd love to see more of it.



That was everything I wrote immediately after. :smalleek:
Suddenly, I'ver got an idea for a story... Not a fan fic, but perhaps a short story....

[Gaelbert]

You mean Season 2?
It's already started.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn0j1PVk30k

and the picture? Got a chuckle out of me. :smallwink:


You mean the one that started three weeks ago?

You're two episodes behind :smallsmile:

Well excellent! I know exactly what I'm doing when I finish my work. Looks like I'll be spending more time here soon then. Glad to be back.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z270/coolcalbert/3077-rainbow_dash.jpg

[EsperDerek]

Hi, everpony.

Just got back from my very first TV Assisting a remote (gettin' paid for it too). A heck of a lot of fun, but also exhausting, I put in a twelve hour day plus transit time. About to drop off here, so no main details.

There was that one post about Pinkelestia asking Midnight something. The response:

Uhm...yes, Cestya. You were there. You helped introduce me. Don't you remember? And...and what's with the pink?

Goodnight now *thud*

[Roninhirox]

EDIT:darn 503

Relax though, mate. Trust me, getting stressed over "keeping up" doesn't work. You can't. Quite literally no one can.

Just relax. Ponythread is a good book. The never-ending story. Sure sometimes the plot gets wimpy or they leave threads and red herrings everywhere, but that's just this particular author's style.

I've found that needing to "keep up" stems from worrying that I won't get my opinion in fast enough, ponies won't realize I'm smart or opinionated or able to contribute, and they'll forget about me if I stop posting so fast.

But I haven't forgotten Evil DM mm. 3 yet. Or SSJ4 Vegeta. Or entertainer 13, or the here-again-gone-again Irbis, or Coidzor, or the occasionally present metahuman, or Jahkaivah, or Lex Kat, or Trazoi who may not have been here since thread 1, or even Xanatos, who has almos no Internet presence anymore. Soft Serve who was Kyuubi, Glass mouse, even CurlyKitGirl.

You are immortalized in the annals of the thread. We will keep a candle lit for you. If you need to stop, go to bed, offer some sort of palate-cleansing away from ponies... We'll still be here when you come back. But if you aren't enjoying the pace, don't worry about it. You can't lose a footrace if you don't run, right? And we're all friends here. With the occasional nemesis, kismesis, and all that.

And a magitech space lich.

Thanks for the advice and ya i have kinda realized keeping with with all these crazy ponies, and space liches, and various other beings is an impossible feat, but that doesn't mean i am going to dump far to much time into trying despite knowing better.


This story sounds incredibly familiar ... :smalleek: are you sure you're not me?

As for what episode, depends on what character you want to watch about I guess. Or you can just watch the two-parters again since they include all ponies!


I can say with complete certainty that I am not sure if I am not you, questions like that are to much for my pony addled brain. Also now I am watching the ones with songs in them cause they are fun.


Um, to my tastes filly-tonberrian is slightly cuter than Berry Ann, because she's got that slightly shy schoolfilly look going and I find that cute. Berry Ann is attractive, just not in a way that I would characterize as 'cute'.

That may just be the way I categorize different pony mare looks, though:

Twilight is adorkable.
Rarity is elegant.
Rainbow Dash is athletically cute (and is potentially gorgeous, but doesn't care).
Applejack is classic girl-next-door pretty.
Fluttershy is moe as [REDACTED]. Totally believable as a top model.
Pinkie Pie -- has a nice personality.
Celestia is regal.
Octavia is beautiful.

I agree completely, except on Pinkie Pie but my world view doesn't allow for any of the characters to not be pretty.


"You're a Bad Pony. You're a Bad, Bad Pony. I'm going to banish you... To THE MOON!" http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg62/HybridFeline/th_NightmareShrugEmote.png

"A sickness known as ponies. Not a virus, not a microbe, not a germ. Highly contagious. Adorable in its effects. Don't look for it in the Twilight Zone. Look for it in the forum. Look for it before your monitor goes out for the night"

[otakuryoga]

they expanded the great little filly Luna comic from a short bit ago....
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/fc6b7f95bfa61aa6864eac2c7e84299a/68007%20-%20artist%3Aflausch-katzerl%20butterfly%20celestia%20comic%20edit%20fi lly%20luna%20moon%20sisters.jpg

[Zevox]

Random thought brought on by that comic: when/why did the fandom decide that filly Celestia's hair was just plain pink instead of the four-color version she has now? Seems a strange thing to do, but it's very consistent across fan art from what I've seen.

Zevox

[Beeskee]

That was everything I wrote immediately after. :smalleek:
Suddenly, I'ver got an idea for a story... Not a fan fic, but perhaps a short story....

That happens, something that takes you a while to write can be read in a few minutes. I hear all artists/creators suffer from that though.



they expanded the great little filly Luna comic from a short bit ago....
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/fc6b7f95bfa61aa6864eac2c7e84299a/68007%20-%20artist%3Aflausch-katzerl%20butterfly%20celestia%20comic%20edit%20fi lly%20luna%20moon%20sisters.jpg

Adorable! I loved the first few parts, and the rest is even more hilarious. :smallsmile:



Hi, everpony.

Just got back from my very first TV Assisting a remote (gettin' paid for it too). A heck of a lot of fun, but also exhausting, I put in a twelve hour day plus transit time. About to drop off here, so no main details.

There was that one post about Pinkelestia asking Midnight something. The response:

Uhm...yes, Cestya. You were there. You helped introduce me. Don't you remember? And...and what's with the pink?

Goodnight now *thud*

Oh wow, congrats. :smallsmile:

Pinkestia: She shifts her pink wings a bit. "My wings are so pretty!" (What did you expect her to say, something coherent? ;) Tho I feel a little bad that, out of all the ponies here, you took time to respond to HER before passing out.)

G'night! Probably time for me to get some sleep too. Though every time I think that, I end up staying up late and doing something involving ponies.

[otakuryoga]

Random thought brought on by that comic: when/why did the fandom decide that filly Celestia's hair was just plain pink instead of the four-color version she has now? Seems a strange thing to do, but it's very consistent across fan art from what I've seen.

Zevox

some things just click and spread like wildfire....such as the Luna uses an abacus thing thats in so many fanfics

[erikun]

Re: People Posting
I like it when people post. I like seeing posters I haven't seen in awhile, even if they don't have anything momentous to say. Heck, they let me post here, and just look at what I end up talking about. :smallbiggrin:

Re: Berry Ann
I like the design, but tonberrian gets the advantage of not trying to stab me. Seriously, I don't care how you look, threatening bodily harm over pears tends to make you rather not-cute. :smalltongue: Just don't tell her about the blueberry-banana-strawberry pie I made recently. Or the apple-cinnamon-rhubarb one. Actually, just don't mention pies in her general direction.

SideNote: Am I the only one who does not like Cruller (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruller)shy Cruelershy? On the one hand, this may be the same as with Twilight Sparkle, where a lot of others like her but aren't very vocal about it. On the other hand, I'm only hearing about how people liked her meaner version. Yes, it was certainly fitting for discorded Fluttershy, but the reason I liked it in the episode is the same reason I dislike the personality.

SideSideNote: I'll keep using the cruller pun until I see a Cruelershy image with her hair done up like crullers. It will happen someday!

Re: Are You Serious, Brony?
If this is supposed to be a critique of the worst of Bronydom, then it is rather unimpressive. Yes, it digs up some rather disturbing parts of the fandom, but it's also digging up... human Applejack and an image six background ponies. Well-drawn, fully clothed Applejack, and his critique of the six is that he isn't familiar with them.

Seriously? I can understand how Fluttershy sucking Rarity's horn is going to be inappropriate for just about any audience, but is Lyra and BonBon sitting funny something that we should honestly be concerned about allowing children to see? I hope it's not intended to be taken too seriously.

Re: Season Two
The first two episodes have already been shown; episode 3 will apparently be airing on the 15th.


Random thought brought on by that comic: when/why did the fandom decide that filly Celestia's hair was just plain pink instead of the four-color version she has now? Seems a strange thing to do, but it's very consistent across fan art from what I've seen.

Zevox
The storybook beginning of the first episode show young Celestia with plain pink hair.

[Dexam]

So, my students today had to turn in an artsy project for class, one of those things that isn't super educational but fun to do and fun to grade. Create an Egyptian deity, draw a picture of it, and describe it using vocab we went over in class earlier in the week.

Someone drew a picture of a horse, and said horse had a cutie mark. I am wishing right now that I had had a bunch of pony themed stickers on hand to put on that to show how awesome it was.
Clearly the students are starting to steal your thoughts. I recommend lining your stormtrooper helmet with tin foil to keep out the Brain-theft Ray-o-tron.
:smalltongue:


Does it move from one of the ponies to him or vise versa? Suppose you have a point there though.
I'd say it's transmissable in either direction, much like avian, swine, and human influenza is transmissable among all three species; because there were no other dragons around during Winter Wrap Up, it couldn't have been a dragon -> dragon vector.




http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/9f5e1b9b072a406a4bdd0645783f9e59/8445%20-%20apple_bloom%20dat_discussion%20ugly_van_meme%20 zecora.jpg


Seems legit!


Saucy Twilight ahoy! Drawn and coloured by a couple of friends of mine from Canterlot.
http://img.ponibooru.org/_images/1eb53f157fd117ba275db110082fd8a0/67566%20-%20Will_you_be_my_study_buddy%20artist%3AKudalyn%2 0artist%3Abrianblackberry%20blushing%20cute%20hoov es%20plot%20socks%20twilight_sparkle.png
http://i.imgur.com/pi5Ee.jpg Confound that saucy Twilight Sparkle!


Wheels are turning in my head. No, that's not quite right, they're churning. Turning can merely be plotting, scheming, but churning implies a disquiet, a disturbance and an inspection of the wheels themselves if you don't want the whole factory to shake apart.


Just a very brief, random thoughts on this: basically, we are all human, and MLP:FiM has a broad range of appeal - as was intended by Lauren Faust and the rest of the FiM team. With that appeal, you're going to attract the full spectrum of humanity, and everything that brings with it. It's the price we pay for greatness - it will attract detractors, subverters, converters, and corrupters. But like also attracts like - it will inspire others to do great things and the MLP:FiM fandom constantly astounds and astonishes me in how it has done this. It truly is amazing. There is no way you can really weed out the "bad stuff" in the fandom, but what you *can* do is drown it in a sea of "good stuff".

Ramblings aside, one of my new favourite "Ask ponies" Tumblr accounts is Ask The Pie Sisters (http://askthepiesisters.tumblr.com/).



haven't been doing any well-wishing, but this has been foremost in my mind. Five weeks. Five weeks and you're in the clear. Just keep truckin' mate.

Thanks for the concern. To say things have been a bit stressful is a bit of an understatement. :\ And in five weeks, the fun *really* starts. :smallsmile:



Doesn't work. Spike caught a cold for falling into a frozen lake. Colds are common shorthand for non-serious hypothermia. Remember, people still think you can catch colds by getting cold! It's not a valid avenue for figuring out transmission vectors; at best we can assume that disease does indeed exist, but even then it's not certain unless you take everything at face value.

Virus transmission does not work that way! Goodnight! </Morbo>
As you are obviously well aware. But cross-species transmission is entirely plausible - the recent N1H1 swine flu outbreak virus was traced backwards from humans -> pigs -> birds -> pigs -> humans.

I guess that it's possible that Equestria is operating on Cartoon Virology, as much as it appears to be operating on Cartoon Physics.



I'll be honest, as soon as I heard 'elf Fluttershy' I was waiting to hear what you'd come up with :smallsmile:
It's a beautiful name. Fitting, methinks.

Am I that predictable? :smallsmile:
Anyway, thanks!


Noooooo.

Everyone in my office is sick. I was one of maybe five people to NOT get it. Now... I'm afraid my immune system is losing the good fight. :smallsigh:

Time to go to sleep and drink a gallon of OJ in the morning. We'll see how productive I end up being, whether or not Ido being sick means more or less pony while at work.

All this talk of viruses has clearly affected you. Fight the wee blighter! Take no prisoners!


Random thought brought on by that comic: when/why did the fandom decide that filly Celestia's hair was just plain pink instead of the four-color version she has now? Seems a strange thing to do, but it's very consistent across fan art from what I've seen.
In the "Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria..." book that Twilight Sparkle is reading at the start of the very first episode, it shows Celestia with an all pink mane ruling side by side with Luna, and later battling Nightmare Moon. Obviously sometime after NMM was banished, Celestia's hair changed colour. My personal theory it was the result of magical backlash from using all six of the Elements of Harmony by herself.

[Kris Strife]

Hi, everpony.

Just got back from my very first TV Assisting a remote (gettin' paid for it too). A heck of a lot of fun, but also exhausting, I put in a twelve hour day plus transit time. About to drop off here, so no main details.

There was that one post about Pinkelestia asking Midnight something. The response:

Uhm...yes, Cestya. You were there. You helped introduce me. Don't you remember? And...and what's with the pink?

Goodnight now *thud*

Leo gently puts a blanket over Midnight, and places a pillow under her head. He then lures Pinklestia into a trap by laying out a trail of candy leading to a box propped up by a stick. Once Pinklestia falls asleep (it's dark, so it must be nighttime), he tapes the box shut and gets the real Celestia to trap her on the moon. He also gets her to send a piece of paper that reads "To escape Moon, see other side" on both sides.

"Well, that should keep her busy for a while."

[Deadly]

Sorry, missed it.
I think I'll try and get to Mare in the Mirror soon. Wanted to have a couple more chapters so I could dive into it. Still working on Ponyard's Lament though.

No worries. I'd be happy for any feedback if you do read it, of course.

[Aotrs Commander]

Okay, first off, let's get this out of the way, so I can go back to being civil (for a measured version of "civil.")

Uh oh. rant incoming; brace yourselves everypony!


On the tumblr thingy-issue wostit Raz brought up earlier, all I have to say is this:

Let me for once be extremely an uncharacteristically serious, and direct this comment and following rant unilaterally to every single person in existance, past present and future.

You. Do. Not. Rag. On. Other People's. Hobbies.

EVER.

YOU DO NOT.

Unless such a thing is actually illegal and is causing harm to anyone else, you suck it the frak up and keep your mouth shut. NO-ONE has the right to decide what someone's interests and hobbies are, NO-ONE.

It doesn't matter how silly or stupid or pointless or squicky you think it is, you do NOT get to disapprove and tell them they can't (so long as they don't abuse the priviledge by making people who aren't interested uncomfortable; in which case they can go do it in private - but they don't have to stop doing it unless, as stated, it is illegal or harmful). Note that "the thought of it creeps me out" does not, in ANY WAY, give you ground to disapprove.

People get their jollies in all kinds of ways, and it's not our place to judge. There are people who get off on eating poo, fer cryin' out loud. I might find it grosse personally, but damn it, they have the right to do what they damn well please in the privacy of their own homes and it is neither your - nor my - place to judge them on it. I might not agree with it, but damn it, it I will defend their right to do it to the death (by which I mean, "the death of the people trying to take their right" not mine, obviously. "Death" if they are lucky. I do not tolerate bigotry in ANY stripe. AT ALL.)

So damn, if people get their jollies from pony - sexually or otherwise - they have the right. (They do not get to flaunt it at inappropriate places, granted, but in their own bit of the internet, they are quite entitled.)

The people who are made uncomfortable by adults just watching and liking a cartoon show need to get the FRAK over themselves, shut up and learn some tolerance; because if you're gonna be intolerant, than I'll be even more intolerant of you, and one of us has a rocket launcher, a star fleet and no qualms about the sanctity of life, if you catch my meaning.

That brand of bigoted arrogance - almost always from the "ohh, you can't do that!" crowd, the same sort that say computer games are behind violence, cartoons are only for children and roleplaying is pathetic and/or outright evil (or in really extreme cases, claim cinema and TV/Harry Potter/Pokemon is the actualwork of the devil) etc etc makes me really and geninuely furious.



I will say this again, because it bears repeating:

What one (or more) sentient/sapient creatures gets up to on their own time is nobody's business but their own, so long as it is legal and is not causing harm or damage to anyone else.



Right. Calm now. Rant over. You can come out of your bomb shelters now.




Oh god, is it bad that my mind went instantly to slap a few breasts on to them? :smallbiggrin:

Kinda, yeah, since assigning mammalian sexual characteristics to nonmammals drives me to rocket launchers (see: dragonborn)...


Joking aside, you have three choices:

1) Keep them monogendered, where it wouldn't be noticeable if the robot was "male" or "female".
2) Female is smaller and less threatening than male. In this case, keep it small and scale back its weapons/armor a bit.
3) Female is terrifying, and will destroy the male with relative ease: add some claws and such to it.

That's not quite what I'm going for. Usually, all alien robots are (even if technically "its" usually assigned, if not a male identity, at the very least, a male voice (as this seems - not really very correctly - to be the default assumption). I am attempting to fight this trend by having this crowd of alien robots be "female" in the same way the Daleks, say, are "male".

Now, I could simply design them and just say that (which is, I suspect, what I will end up doing in the end); but because this is not the "default" preconception, I thought I might be worth at least trying to see if I could invoke some sense of "female" in their structure to reinforce this, with the same sort of subtlety as Lauren Faust did with the ponies.


Could you perhaps lose the giant gun on the top and make two or three smaller guns in the torso itself, that are built inside of the machine? Perhaps without the need of a life support system, they could slide some guns into the body.

The gun is there for several very good reasons.

1) You wouldn't see smaller guns on the torso.

2) It can cover the widest range of fire (maximum elevation).

3) It can simply lock to the vertical for flight mode.

Like I say, functionality first, then asthetics.


Commodore, reverse everypony's advice. Rectangles are masculine, curves are feminine... Traingles and sharp points are insectile, which is also feminine.


Interesting point. I might give that a try, just to see the comparison.


And a magitech space lich.

Damn straight!

[Thanqol]

Okay, first off, let's get this out of the way, so I can go back to being civil (for a measured version of "civil.")

Uh oh. rant incoming; brace yourselves everypony!


On the tumblr thingy-issue wostit Raz brought up earlier, all I have to say is this:

Let me for once be extremely an uncharacteristically serious, and direct this comment and following rant unilaterally to every single person in existance, past present and future.

You. Do. Not. Rag. On. Other People's. Hobbies.

EVER.

Love and tolerance. Yo.


Kinda, yeah, since assigning mammalian sexual characteristics to nonmammals drives me to rocket launchers (see: dragonborn)...

The irony of the above rant paired with this statement is sublime. :smallwink: Particularly given how that's pretty much my thing, right there.

[Kris Strife]

The irony of the above rant paired with this statement is sublime. :smallwink: Particularly given how that's pretty much my thing, right there.

Not only that, but I gave him a perfectly justifiable reason for including such a thing in this case... He didn't bother to quote my response though... :smalltongue:

[Nameless]

Wheels are turning in my head. No, that's not quite right, they're churning. Turning can merely be plotting, scheming, but churning implies a disquiet, a disturbance and an inspection of the wheels themselves if you don't want the whole factory to shake apart.

(Warning: may be slightly NSFW, in that it discusses NSFW-ness.)

So. I don't even remember now how I found myself there, but I found myself looking at a tumblr blog entitled Are You Serious, Brony? I do not provide a link because it is rather unsafe for work, due to the work it showcases and rips apart: the dark underside of our fandom.

I laughed, I'll admit. Not at the blog author, but with him. I know another guy like him from a different fandom, on a different site, who has Standards and isn't afraid to be known for them, but who caustically cuts apart this kind of material instead of turning upon his fellow fandom members. I loved his sardonic sarcasm at some of the worst that our fandom has to offer.

And then I started thinking about why I'm in a fandom that tolerates this kind of stuff. That produces it in such droves. For every piece of beautiful art on Ponibooru, I guess that there's a piece of pornographic waste - as I don't browse Pb with a login, it's all hidden away. But I know it's there, and it spreads, and for every adult fan who's completely fine with it, there's a kid with an internet connection who doesn't know what the Pinkamina Diane Pie tumblr is like or comes across Naughty Naughty Luna!(tm) fanarts. And that concerns me, because I have the power to change that one bit at a time - I can't force artists to take back what they've drawn, but I can act upon my fellow fans in tiny, almost imperceptible ways. Or, perhaps, in larger ways. I am a writer, after all.

Then I read an essay that the blog author linked, written by a mother who was creeped out by the 'bronie' phenomenon. The replies started out promising, and then descended into the vicious defense that any negative Pony article gets, to the point where the original author locked the comment section because of all the insults that were being hurled her way, proving her view that bronies were borderline molesters.

And I thought some more. At first I thought, surely, surely I can say I'm clean, surely I can say I'm free of any blame, I'm not like them, the kind of bronies who sexualize this kind of thing to an abhorrent degree. And then I thought some more. Oh, wait, who was the brony who made the Haremizer Cannon in RP and had roleplayed out an attraction to an OC pony? Hint: that was me. Who was the brony that accidentally kickstarted the whole bondage craze and is currently writing a story that incorporates it in its themes, even if it is being deconstructed to an extent in said story? Hint: even more me. Who once wrote a naughty Lix/Trixie ship that he now regrets ever trying, as his first and only foray into anything even tangential to clopfic? Oh, wait, that was ME.

Do you think that any unbiased observer would believe that I don't find bondage or harems sexual, after how often they've come up in the forum RP, with me in the midst of it? (Dark secret: I like the stereotypical harem outfit, not the actual concept of a harem. And I mean like as in "I am intrigued by its aesthetics".) It's not bleeding likely. Stars and stones, do you think that any mother who stumbled across the GiantITP pony fandom, just out of the blue, would believe that the brony subculture isn't sexualized? I'm starting to have doubts.

You know how, a few pages back, we were talking about characters and how successful RP characters often come from seeds of your personality? Well, Shallow and Thoughtless Human as a title sums up part of my personality pretty well. I'll do something, and then never think about the consequences. I'll say something, and never imagine that I might regret it later. I don't see. I don't consider. If I could go back and tell myself, hey, Raz, don't write that fic for Trix'n'Lix, you'll regret it and feel as if you've failed yourself soon enough, I would, but I didn't even think about it. And I'm sure that, right this moment, there's something that I'm missing, something that will make me miss a step and tumble down the stairs painfully. It's already happened to me enough for a year in the past month or so, and I'm looking down at more stairs. It's stairs, all the way down. And the step I'm taking right now is going to make me scrape open my knee a few steps down the line, I just know it. Shallow and Thoughtless Human. Sums me up pretty well, don't you think?

But, then again, I also believe that a man has power enough to choose. He may, no, he will need help. He'll struggle. He'll fall on the way and be helped back up to his feet. But a man can change who he is, if he looks in the mirror and doesn't like what he sees staring back at him. He can comb his metaphorical hair. He can brush the yellow off his teeth. And perhaps he can't scrub that stain out of his white shirt, but he can remember, next time, that he shouldn't go for the ketchup with that metaphorical burger. And he can rally his thoughts, and give them marching orders, and focus - though it's boring, though it's hard - enough to change their course. He doesn't just have to go with the flow and take the easy course. Taking the easy course is always harder in the end. The hard course takes you straight through the briars and the brambles, but the easy course drops you down into them with no machete to cut your way out.

I'm not going to tell you all that you should stop looking at Molestia fanart or feel guilty for shipping. I'm not going to say that bronydom has been ruined for me forever. But I think it's time that the Pure and Honest Fox Raz can actually call himself that honestly, don't you think?

I think so.

And that's one step away from being the Shallow and Thoughtless Human. And if I speechify about it at length, that's even better, because speaking, well, writing, I think of this as being sort of like speaking, I take a conversational tone as if I was standing in front of you all gut-afraid but still speaking anyway, and now we're off-topic- anyway, if I write about it, I can rally up the troops, all those impulses and unconscious thoughts, and say to them, boyos, there's going to be a bit of a change around here. We're clearing house, doing autumn wrap-up and burning the rubbish, and then we can actually say about ourselves, we're pure and honest, because I'm tired as anything of being a liar about myself, to myself, to anyone who asks me, "So, Raz, are you pure and honest?" I'll smile, and say of course, and I want to be able to mean it, consarn it.

And when people ask me, "So, these Bronies, are they all sexually attracted to ponies and creepy?" I want to be able to say, with fervor and dignity, "No. No, they're not. They - well, the fans I know, at least, on my little corner of the Internet - are all amazing blokes. And I'm the most amazing one of all!" Okay, maybe not that last bit. But I probably will say it, anyway, even though I don't really mean it, because the Mountebank is a part of me, too, and he learned from Wile E. Coyote and the Doctor how to brag like a jester.

So the wheels aren't churning, anymore. They're turning, and they are groaning with the effort of making the engines run, but there's a bit of peace to me. Or, rather, all that energy, all that momentum as Thanqol says, is focused on something now. And, funnily enough, the momentum is moving me in a direction that I was already going, I've just stopped digging my heels in and resisting the motion now. I'm running. And I'll probably, in a half-mile, slow down and start panting like a dog in the Sahara, and hold my ribs and groan at the effort. But I've got friends here - real, actual friends - who I know will slap me on the back hard enough to leave five red fingers there, and tell me, "Hey, Raz, do you remember that you're running? Because you are. And it's easier to go from 60 to 80 than it is to go from 0 to 60. Keep that momentum up."

And maybe I've got your wheels churning. If you've got the time, and no siblings or children around your computer, and you're definitely not at work, take a look at that tumblr and tell me what you think. Because I think we Playgrounders are more influential on the fandom than we might think, and giving people a place to point to when they need to explain how bronies are just honest folks without any weird sexualizations is a good thing.

Gosh, I just can't end, can I? I feel like I've been sitting here for an hour, though truthfully it's just been half of one, but half is still a bit much for me right now. And I'm still rambling on, just cut it short, Raz-

Well, I'm not a fan of the pornographic and sexualised side of it. They're freaking ponies, you know? :smalltongue: But the thing is, you get it with almost every cartoon that has a strong fanbase, so it really doesn't surprise me. For me, it was more of a "Oh, for **** sake, this one too? Can I enjoy one cartoon without thinking about this stuff?" I want to watch this show and feel like a kid again for 20 minutes.

I'm quite a liberal person, so I'd never ask someone to stop doing their art. As long as they're not hurting anyone, I'm fine with it. You don't have to look at it. (Although it's hard to avoid at times). Personally, I just find it annoying more then anything. I actually wouldn't be surprised if Lauren Faust felt the same way.



... Are you coming on to me?

Yes.
*strokes your cheek*



Man, I hate that. Hate. haaaaaaaate.

To be fair, my computer is about 6 years old.



But... But...
Weren't we taking your thumbs?

I thought my hands were turning into hooves.
I've lost track of this conversation now. http://i.imgur.com/2c0gc.jpg



With your hooves. Duh~
or lips! Such soft, expressive lips ponies have. Very mobile.

Who do you think I am? Hendrix Hooves? http://i.imgur.com/EAqtS.jpg


Pics or it isn't true.

You want a pic of me... not playing a cello? http://i.imgur.com/4sZHM.jpg



I can't remember what this was about but I'm tempted to give you a membership card... How many kinds of knots do you know how to tie?


Errr... I can do a butterfly not! http://i.imgur.com/EvxT1.jpg





In other news, I now this this one my wall. http://i.imgur.com/xJr4u.jpg
http://images.wikia.com/mlp/images/0/06/My_Little_Pony_Friendship_is_Magic_Comic_Con_2011_ poster.jpg

[Aotrs Commander]

The irony of the above rant paired with this statement is sublime. :smallwink: Particularly given how that's pretty much my thing, right there.

I direct your attention to the very first sentence of that rant. That's all I'm going to say.




Not only that, but I gave him a perfectly justifiable reason for including such a thing in this case... He didn't bother to quote my response though... :smalltongue:

I was deliberately ignoring that particular suggestion...

Because if I didn't, I'd be forced to hurt you.



Ask yourself this... do you all really want me to go off on another screaming rant about how, never mind about mammals (see: ponies) only primates - and, more over, specifically humans - have breasts and as such assigning them to every nonhuman female in existance is immensely and rather arrogantly humanocentric, not too mention irritating and often lacking in creative artistry?

(Just because it is hard to do, doesn't mean everyone gets to be lazy about it...)



Also, just because I might beat you to a wet, pulpy mess with my rocket launcher for something on any other day does not mean, if it really came down to the crunch, that I wouldn't defend you to the hilt, e.g. if some arrogant sod came along and told you it was immoral or something equally stupid.

Even if it made me cry a little bit inside.



Case in point: the sheer stupidity of sex (which is generally considered to be a pleasant pastime or even an expression of love between two (or more) people) having more of a taboo than violence (which is generally considered to be an unpleasant thing) especially in movies/on TV. Even I think that's fraktardedly backwards, and I prefer it this way around.

[Kris Strife]

I was deliberately ignoring that particular suggestion...

Because if I didn't, I'd be forced to hurt you.



Ask yourself this... do you all really want me to go off on another screaming rant about how, never mind about mammals (see: ponies) only primates - and, more over, specifically humans - have breasts and as such assigning them to every nonhuman female in existance is immensely and rather arrogantly humanocentric, not too mention irritating and often lacking in creative artistry?

(Just because it is hard to do, doesn't mean everyone gets to be lazy about it...)



Also, just because I might beat you to a wet, pulpy mess with my rocket launcher for something on any other day does not mean, if it really came down to the crunch, that I wouldn't defend you to the hilt, e.g. if some arrogant sod came along and told you it was immoral or something equally stupid.

Even if it made me cry a little bit inside.



Case in point: the sheer stupidity of sex (which is generally considered to be a pleasant pastime or even an expression of love between two (or more) people) having more of a taboo than violence (which is generally considered to be an unpleasant thing) especially in movies/on TV. Even I think that's fraktardedly backwards, and I prefer it this way around.

Like I said, it's not designed to be implicit of any anatomical structure. It's simply a design to protect the barrel of the gun (it could also contain additional cooling mechanisms, as air is a terrible conductor and doesn't dissipate heat well). Any resemblance to organic structures is entirely coincidental, as its shape was chosen for the strength of the arch shape.

See, entirely motivated by mechanical engineering, it's not your fault if dirty minded hominids see something else!

Also, I have no problems with it. I find your rants to be fascinating honestly. :smallsmile:

[Thanqol]

Ask yourself this... do you all really want me to go off on another screaming rant about how, never mind about mammals (see: ponies) only primates - and, more over, specifically humans - have breasts and as such assigning them to every nonhuman female in existance is immensely and rather arrogantly humanocentric, not too mention irritating and often lacking in creative artistry?

(Just because it is hard to do, doesn't mean everyone gets to be lazy about it...)

Also, just because I might beat you to a wet, pulpy mess with my rocket launcher for something on any other day does not mean, if it really came down to the crunch, that I wouldn't defend you to the hilt, e.g. if some arrogant sod came along and told you it was immoral or something equally stupid.

Even if it made me cry a little bit inside.

Right, so you'll call my tastes arrogant, uncreative and irritating, but you'll defend me against someone who calls them immoral. Good to know where the line is! :smallwink:

Edit: Mostly messin' with ya, I don't exactly advocate a world where one can't have opinions.

[Tectonic Robot]

'Aight, 'Aight, heavy stuff going on in this thread. I skimmed through most of it, sorry, I'll read it in full, but I needed to check if anyone had posted this wonderful work of awesomeness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=jDMGv3hNMes

I nearly exploded twice upon listening.

[Aotrs Commander]

Right, so you'll call my tastes arrogant, uncreative and irritating, but you'll defend me against someone who calls them immoral. Good to know where the line is! :smallwink:

Damn striaght!

Just 'cos I like you doesn't mean you doesn't mean you can't have silly ideas! (I mean, some of my friends don't like ponies! What's with that? Some of them even play football!)

Though I might reserve the right to beat everyone who doesn't agree with my opinons to a bloody pulp (because of course, I remind you my opinion, is of course, subjective fact), it's in a joshing-around, exasperated sort of bloody violence.

But when I do the same to would-be moral crusaders/bigots/what-have-you, the difference is - I'm not nice about it...



Uncharacteristically serious for a moment: as you may have noticed, I have two modes, normal and Serious (the latter always being specifically stated by "being uncharacteristically serious"). If I have to go to the latter, I stop being Affably Evil and start being just Evil; I am not nice, I am not pleasant, and I am not merciful. (As I've occasionally warned people in the past, you do not want to see me be serious.)

I mean, Hopereaver and I banter and exchange violence all the time. But put us in an actual combat situation, something important, something where it actually matters, and we'll close ranks quicker than you can even blink.

[Kris Strife]

Some of them even play football!)

You mean real football right? Not the watered down version of rugby where they wear hard plastic armor and someone losing an ear delays the game for 30 minutes? :smallwink:

[Tectonic Robot]

Uncharacteristically serious for a moment: as you may have noticed, I have two modes, normal and Serious (the latter always being specifically stated by "being uncharacteristically serious").

Oh pish-posh, you have more modes then that. Maybe depressed, or happy, or something else. Like the mode you'd probably go into after listening to Eurobeat Brony: Discord.

SERIOUSLY I AM ALREADY IN LOVE WITH THAT SONG

[Grif]

You mean real football right? Not the watered down version of rugby where they wear hard plastic armor and someone losing an ear delays the game for 30 minutes? :smallwink:

There can be only one football! And that one is played with 22 men, 1 round ball and studs. :smallbiggrin:

[Aotrs Commander]

Oh pish-posh, you have more modes then that. Maybe depressed, or happy, or something else. Like the mode you'd probably go into after listening to Eurobeat Brony: Discord.

SERIOUSLY I AM ALREADY IN LOVE WITH THAT SONG

Modes, not moods...

...

That raises a point, though! Why I haven't got an awesome theme song?! That plays everytime I do something awesome?! Which is everything!? Because I deserve one!

Because you can't sing.

Not the point! The Emporer couldn't sing, either, and he gets awesome music! And Orochimaru etectra! I command you to make me a cool theme song!

...

You mean me?

Do you see anybody else that I'm pointing at?

*sigh* Fine...

[Kris Strife]

Modes, not moods...

...

That raises a point, though! Why I haven't got an awesome theme song?! That plays everytime I do something awesome?! Which is everything!? Because I deserve one!

Because you can't sing.

Not the point! The Emporer couldn't sing, either, and he gets awesome music! And Orochimaru etectra! I command you to make me a cool theme song!

...

You mean me?

Do you see anybody else that I'm pointing at?

*sigh* Fine...

A suggestion? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYC3as3rwLk)

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Eeeyup, definitely sick.

At work anyway X___X

[tonberrian]

So what kind of fic would have the title "In-laws and Outlaws"?

[Eakin]

So what kind of fic would have the title "In-laws and Outlaws"?

Wacky sitcom antics among a family of thieves?

Or a fic centering around someone's attempt to impress their SO's parents, but all their attempts escalate out of their control until SWAT teams are called in to control the surprise 65th birthday party they were trying to throw?

That's what I get from the name, at least.

[Titanium Fox]

You know, I was just starting in on a quote-post at work, because generally if I don't I can barely keep up with you folks.

And then I remembered tomorrow is the beginning of the weekend, and that the CEO of my company is here.

I will see you all tonight my bronies.

And don't worry, I've read some of the responses to the Fluttershy idea, and I'm slowly formulating a character already. :P

[Aotrs Commander]

A suggestion? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYC3as3rwLk)

I think that's a bit too sweeping for personal use; I think it'd fit better as sort of army theme, something that plays as our carefully planned trap is revealed and all of the Aotrs vehicles and starship sweep into attack positions and our enemies brick themselves...

You listening, Hopereaver it needs to be like Pokemon or Naruto's action theme only cooler (I guess between 20 and 63.5%) and more Evil. Like an Evil version of the Touch or something! But with ominous chantning!

Yeah, yeah, I'lll get right on that.



So what kind of fic would have the title "In-laws and Outlaws"?

Rarity having a discussion on the aesthetic merits of the current range of available Light Anti-armour Weapons and which ones will go best with this season's attire?

Because if it isn'tabout that, it should be.

[Capt. Ido Nos]

So what kind of fic would have the title "In-laws and Outlaws"?
Either way, it's going to include at LEAST the Apple family.

[EsperDerek]

What one (or more) sentient/sapient creatures gets up to on their own time is nobody's business but their own, so long as it is legal and is not causing harm or damage to anyone else.

I have to say, I'm pretty much with the lich on this one. I don't care what anypony else gets up to, as long as it's not hurting anypony else, and I expect the same courtesy.

And since my OC was spawned from a threesome where there was a lot of sex magic used (offscreen), I wouldn't have any room to talk about sexual stuff. :smallbiggrin:

(Plus the horn being sensitive has lead to some hilarious comics.)

[erikun]

So what kind of fic would have the title "In-laws and Outlaws"?
Appleloosan family reunion? Somehow, I'm think six-shooters might be involved. (What would they shoot? Muffins, I guess.)

[Geno9999]

(Plus the horn being sensitive has lead to some hilarious comics.)
Which doesn't make a lot of sense to me, since when I think of horns, I think of a Rhino's horns, which is more or less a giant fingernail growing off of its face. Unless, there's probably some nerves going through the middle of it, which would make breaking your horn off a VERY painful experience.

[Gadora]

Ahh get out of my brain! How did you sum up my entire posting philosophy in these 3 sentences? Are you a wizard? O.O

That is exactly what I do, I drop in with a comment here or there, rarely doing more than letting the smart, creative ponies know that they did something smart or creative. I'm often afraid to say more, to drop in with an idea of my own for fear that my idea sucks and if it was good you guys would probably come up with it on your own anyway.

To learn that SiuiS, master of the omniposts and all around awesome guy, felt in any way similar to this is... well I don't know but I know I didn't expect it.

I certainly don't post anywhere near as often as my time lurking these threads would indicate, maybe I should change that.
I seem to run in cycles, and that's one stage. It seems to go from "It's rather awkward to post," to "Screw it, I'm gonna post anyway," followed by "Ponies!" before I suffer burnout and lurk for a bit before restarting the whole cycle.

As far as feeling like I lack useful things to say? Yeah, that definitely is there to some extent. These days, I'm trying to remember that yes, I have in fact had a bit of an impact on the thread. I may not be one of the smart posters, or one of the more eloquent posters, but I do seem to have been the first person in the thread to think that it might be worth it to throw "pony emoticons" into Google.
...And that was back in April, twenty three threads ago. Now I'm all sad again.



I think that's a bit too sweeping for personal use; I think it'd fit better as sort of army theme, something that plays as our carefully planned trap is revealed and all of the Aotrs vehicles and starship sweep into attack positions and our enemies brick themselves...

You listening, Hopereaver it needs to be like Pokemon or Naruto's action theme only cooler (I guess between 20 and 63.5%) and more Evil. Like an Evil version of the Touch or something! But with ominous chantning!

Yeah, yeah, I'lll get right on that.
It doesn't have any chanting, but I'd certainly be frightened if this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4TedkQP_hM) played every time you walked into a room. Mostly because you'd be about to enact horrible vengeance upon whoever was responsible. I should get running, shouldn't I?


So what kind of fic would have the title "In-laws and Outlaws"?
Sounds like something that would involve Sheriff Silverstar. Probably a meet-the-parents scenario.

[tonberrian]

Possibly best spinning Apple Bloom ever, it's Topmare (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZN0FZM9Q1c)!

[TheAmishPirate]

You know what I haven't done in at least 24 hours? An image dump.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/original/000/183/065/mlp_by_mutagorou0w0-d3zgz5c.jpg?1317976718

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/183/064/mlp_by_mutagorou0w0-d3zgev7.jpg?1317976698
I love these designs for the pegasi. Unfortunately, the other mane 6 didn't come out nearly as nice.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/183/032/tumblr_lsnl00Nzsy1r0biauo1_1280.png?1317962955

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/182/988/prince_luna_by_johnjoseco-d3gbt60.jpg?1317956239

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/182/981/tumblr_lracll0IDR1qklre6.gif?1317955485
What is this, I don't even

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/photos/images/newsfeed/000/182/978/tumblr_lrqjw6JJSi1qgkq6mo1_500.jpg?1317955273

Now off to finals/final projects/oh gosh shoot me now :smallfrown:

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Now off to finals/final projects/oh gosh shoot me now :smallfrown:
*sneezes on amish*

I'm helping http://i.imgur.com/LxdwA.jpg

[Deadly]

Can't get enough ships? How about 4851 of them, in one graph?

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/280/0/b/4851_ships_by_adcoon-d4c2yb7.png

Go here for the full 4600x4600px graph. (http://adcoon.deviantart.com/art/4851-Ships-262157875)

I don't know what motivated me to make this graph. Sooo many possibilities, though.

[Capt. Ido Nos]

Clyde Pie and Owloysius?? http://i.imgur.com/DrMmg.jpg

[Deadly]

Clyde Pie and Owloysius?? http://i.imgur.com/DrMmg.jpg

Exactly! ^^

I couldn't help but smile a little when I placed Bloomberg and Tom next to each other.

[Nameless]

Can't get enough ships? How about 4851 of them, in one graph?

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/280/0/b/4851_ships_by_adcoon-d4c2yb7.png

Go here for the full 4600x4600px graph. (http://adcoon.deviantart.com/art/4851-Ships-262157875)

I don't know what motivated me to make this graph. Sooo many possibilities, though.

Argh... My eyes. WHHHHYYYY...? http://i.imgur.com/2c0gc.jpg


Exactly! ^^

I couldn't help but smile a little when I placed Bloomberg and Tom next to each other.

Yay. I share a name with a rock.

[Lix Lorn]

*goes to check old thread* huh. No shenanigans while we were gone? You're a college age lass. I expected a least a party.
I have a harem forum. Who needs parties?


I'm too behind to draw a slack-jawed reaction picture. This may just go in my "really wish I'd drawn this on time, let's copy/paste the joke for later" file.
Sorry? XD


I shall take that as approval...?
Indeed. :smallmad:


Never could tans the thought of Lichdom myself. By the time it would have mattered, there were always better options. Though I suppose one of them was a functional equivalent to Bleakbane's spirit binding. Hm.
It's not the best option, but it's not terribad


YAY! victory! *dances poorly and arrhythmically*
As punishment, have some candy and a videogame! MWAHAHA!


Hay, I would even take the powers of a god! Shapeshifting is a god power right? Hey look now I'm a goddess!
Important loophole to remember.


Hey, I have had all of them, and I'm...
Disqualified. Nerts.
Why are you disqualified?


I am!
It's an, um, interesting road. I'm too trusting, it's so easy to sabotage myself. <<;
xD


Hm. One would think that would be easiest to accomplish. I guess it fits what I know of your character though.
It's really not. Both Kismesis and Auspistices are based on hatred, and I try to avoid that. Even my kismesis is only a joke.


Gah. Urge to read MSPA... Rising...
===> SiuiS: Fail to resist the urge.


Silly Lixie, laughing makes fears go away. So you aren't afraid anymore. Laughing doesn't make threats go away. Blustery displays or excessive force make treats go away.

I do not endorse scaring or harming your doctor however.
(wonders how many explosions it takes to scare the average doctor away)


Och. LIX LORN! I know you at least glance at star trek. Prime directive, filly! Ponies don't need jutsu!
If I have to rotate back the stars to fix this, that's going to be a good three weeks of reality alteration I could be spending on ponythread! Promise me you won teach any more non-OC ponies anything that isn't native to Equeatrian Cosmology, please?
You're looking at this from the wrong angle.

Enough Luna's that all of the theories and all of the ships are simultaneously true.
http://i.imgur.com/N2nfK.jpg


@SiuiS: My reaction was actually impassive to that, as I had failed to set that thread on fire earlier. As a result, I was as bad a the heresies I punished and was forced to turn in my official Fluttermancer Flamethrower.

In the bunker:
So, now I need to answer a few questions of Science! that have somehow appeared. I'm really hoping I'm not the one who created them, because the answer to that is either the crazy alternate personality is generating his own crazy alternate personality, or he's somehow circumvented the security systems.
1. How were you setting things on fire without leaving your elaborate underground bunker? Answer: Robotic out-sourcing.
2. How would you feel if the original poster, having built this bunker, managed to circumvent the coma-state you put him in and is now standing behind you, ready to make you a voice in his head like you originally were? Answer: Well, I'd feel......Wait a second.
3. Guess. Who's. Back. Answer: *CENSORED*
4. Where did you even learn that word. Answer: I've been busy.
5. Bye bye! Answer: Rassafrassin' saucy monkey potato flinger!

*Sigh*
I actually really like to RP, but I feel nervous about joining something already established, the same about starting something new, so I'm forced into my one fall-back which is to RP against myself. How did you even escape anyway? My one excuse for this is that I came up with it first.

And I always feel like I'm intruding on the thread when I post......

Sorry again.
Spontaneous RP
So, you think a bunker is enough to hide you away safely, hmmm? Surely you know NOTHING is a proof against ponies.


At the risk of sounding pedantic, I'd like to chime in on the "cupcakes vs. muffins" issue.

Muffins and cupcakes are different. There's a fuzzy wuzzy line between them, to be sure, and suffice to say that there are things that could fall into either category. However, to characterize cupcakes as frosted muffins, or muffins as unfrosted cupcakes, is to disservice to both baked goods.

Muffins are denser and more breadlike. Cupcakes are lighter and more cakelike. They're cooked at different temperatures, have different degrees of flour used in them, and are generally different in texture.

I recall an interesting experiment conducted in which similar muffin and cupcake recipes were used to bake a batch of both. They were then given to testers, unlabeled, and the testers were then asked to decide which was a muffin and which was a cupcake.

In one group, both the muffins and the cupcakes were frosted and while the testers were able to determine a difference between the two baked goods, they were unable to determine which was a muffin and which was a cupcake.

In another, both muffins and cupcakes were unfrosted and the testers were able to tell right away which was a muffin and which a cupcake. The difference in textures gave it away right away.
Playground mods are the best mods.



Also, I has a question. It's in the shiny new spoiler in my sig.
Avvie is cuter.


No no, she's fine! She's in a stone dungeon, so she has plenty of air, and I even left her some food and water!

Well, apples and apple juice, but it's the same thing, right?
...you monster.


Kinda, yeah, since assigning mammalian sexual characteristics to nonmammals drives me to rocket launchers (see: dragonborn)...
Dragonborn are justified, actually, cause they're basically just recolored from their original mammalian bodies.
In 3.5e, anyway.

[Strife Warzeal]

Can't get enough ships? How about 4851 of them, in one graph?

http://fc03.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/280/0/b/4851_ships_by_adcoon-d4c2yb7.png

Go here for the full 4600x4600px graph. (http://adcoon.deviantart.com/art/4851-Ships-262157875)

I don't know what motivated me to make this graph. Sooo many possibilities, though.

You forgot 4 possible choices. I didn't see Madame Le Flour, Rocky, Mr. Turnip, Sir Lintsalot. If you put Tom and Bloomberg you have to put them.
TomxRocky OTP.

[Deadly]

You forgot 4 possible choices. I didn't see Madame Le Flour, Rocky, Mr. Turnip, Sir Lintsalot. If you put Tom and Bloomberg you have to put them.
TomxRocky OTP.

Dammit, how could I miss those? 103 characters doesn't sounds as nice as 99, though :(

[Aotrs Commander]

It doesn't have any chanting, but I'd certainly be frightened if this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4TedkQP_hM) played every time you walked into a room.

...


Mostly because you'd be about to enact horrible vengeance upon whoever was responsible. I should get running, shouldn't I?

Yes.

Yes, you should.

...

Hopereaver?

Rocket launcher.

[tonberrian]

...



Yes.

Yes, you should.

...

Hopereaver?

Rocket launcher.

Johnny Rocketlauncher?

[Aotrs Commander]

Johnny Rocketlauncher?

tonberrian, my dear pony, how would you like to part of an experiment? You see, I've developed a new spell, since my level up, and I'm looking for some one to test it out. It's called Intestinal Fortitude, and it's effect is to render you completely immune to digestory poisons and whatnot.

It does this by giving you a cast-iron stomach.

[tonberrian]

tonberrian, my dear pony, how would you like to part of an experiment? You see, I've developed a new spell, since my level up, and I'm looking for some one to test it out. It's called Intestinal Fortitude, and it's effect is to render you completely immune to digestory poisons and whatnot.

It does this by giving you a cast-iron stomach.

Hmm.

Lich - check!

Angry - check!

Will result in death - probably check!

Does casting this spell involve you hitting me, possibly with an excessively large, heavy, and durable object?

[Mando Knight]

It does this by giving you a cast-iron stomach.

Literally.

However, you now need to watch the pH of your diet, as your stomach has lost a significant portion of its resistance to corrosion.