Shame I missed whatever that was... oh well.
That said, yesterday I went to a rather large "Brony" meetup thing at a local Gameworks/mall visit This group included a local group I had already been in contact with, and I believe two others. Overall was a fun meetup, and I learned alot about the fandom through this microcasm event. Let me explain below:
The artists/graphic designers: I swear I never wanted to say this out loud, but yesterday proved it: PonyGaf artist here (like bufbaf and Myke specifically), STOP SELLING YOURSELF SHORT! Bufbaf, the group loved your remixes, and Myke, they loved your art. I know they aren't EQD but I suppose I am tried of seeing nice things be soo belittled. You guys are appreciated.
The artist, and one digital artist there were discussing this with me, and the overall feel is that yes, maybe you get the trolls, and some asses will say "your art sucks and I wouldn't pay even a dollar for that crap" But you don't listen to those ones. You listen to yourself. Sadly, I completely forgot to take pics of this lady's "scribbles", I swear were the cutest things ever. (A 'wubbu-face!' Discord with Fluttershy and some one else being stand-offish. Oh, and a very happy Scoots I requested for a certain Owl...) I mean, for a "5 minute no edit pencil to paper" drawing, I thought they were great, yet she felt as of she shouldn't charge for them. I gave her money, because I couldn't take the one she drew for free. Wouldn't be right.
The card collectors: THIS I believe is where the creepy/weird side of the fandom resides (no offence meant to anyone here please.) The two oldest guys (who were either 40 or 50) and another guy were extremely pushy, and obsessive about these things. Now, it may have been, because I had cards to trade/give away... but I really didn't like the fact that the cards weren't seen as characters by two of them.. but "Oh, that's 5, that a 22, oh, can I have that 13 dollar one?"
It was.. off-putting. Now, I must confess... I am no card guy. I do like rare cards, and after seeing a guy go nuts he found a 150 dollar card one ebay for 40, I realized this wasn't something I wished to REALLY get into. I suppose I am just that way. I have no problems giving out cards to people (ask the Owl or Myke) I don't care about worth per se.. as I just simply like the characters.. but after that.. I was put off for collecting. (still will keep the ones I have! and give out more.. if people here want.)
Crafters/plushies! Two of the people made reasonable plushes, and also were asking my brother about how to mod Brushables. These people, were both part of the.. for lack of a better phrase.. "Pinkie people" i.e. People who are happy to be out, happy to be here, and happy to talk to us. I actually didn't mind them, and was nice having a friendly debate over which clay and molding materials were the best. At least they knew what they were talking about.
Speaking of... Belle Eve was a favorite, although I am unsure if people knew who she was or not, as well as the Zed the Zony. My brother was actually confused at this, but I figured out why by asking. The bat-wing mare, despite her being more detailed (and therefore more complex) was probably seen as a typical "flashy-dash" character, whereas Zed was, for all intents and purposes, just a male zony being himself. I am hopeful that this will help both the guy who wants to make his own, and for the few interested, maybe a few commission for the future (as my brother does deserve some credit there). My own burro was played with so much... his ears kept falling off.
The plushies present were commissioned pieces that were brought to show off (I'll have pictures later). I like the Rarity one even included a fucking sofa or whatever, as the guy put it "because Rarity would never allow herself to be on a dirty old public table". Made me laugh, and the work was very good. I'm hoping my own sister goes along with her plans to make some. Would be fun...
Everyone else: There were about.. 4 or 5 guys I didn't get to talk to throughout the day, but overall it was a mix of mainly happy fans, some awkward older guys, and a couple what some would call the "creepy cloppers" but thankfully talks were limited on that subject and the meetup I thought was a nice time.
Putting this out there, as I was dared to do so: I introduced myself as a newcomer, and "probably the only guy who hates Pinkie" to the group. Although many were surprised, it wasn't a big deal as I thought, and thankfully they heard me out, and even debated on it a bit (I shan't go into too much here.. boring as you all know already). The Rarity fan and I had more of a fallout, but it was all in good fun, when he simply declared "There is not another beautiful and elegant white and purple Unicorn like Rarity." I laughed, and ended our lil discussion. It was nice to have, I must admit.
Well, hope this wasn't too off-topic. watch this space, or another for the pictures. Thanks ;p
