Why is MLP so popular?

[UserNameGoesHere]

Apparently there's interest in this since there was certainly a lot of thread derailing here http://www.flashflashrevolution.com/...d.php?t=129869

So let's make this thread. While a lot of this has already been covered in a couple of hundreds of pages threads, I don't expect people to go through hundreds of pages to find this info.

I will ask to please keep trolling to a minimum. If you aren't a fan, feel free to ask questions as long as they are relevant and not trolling. If you are a fan, stick to answering the questions, rather than posting pony memes, etc...

That said, ... ----------------------------------

Why MLP is popular is actually pretty simple. Most people started watching it as a joke like "eh, this can't possibly be any good" but found that it actually didn't suck and could be funny. Then you had the DIY community aspect which I don't see a lot of talented DIY communities but the MLP one is.

[FissionMailed1]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I really don't think a thread for this is necessary. The information is readily available, people just choose to ignore it because they are biased.

[Xx{Midnight}xX]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I was curious of why it took off in the first place.

[mrpreggers]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

the world may never know

there ya go who fucking knows

[ilikexd]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

it is a mystery

[Riotpolice]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

It's just your choice to like something or to not like something. That's basically the answer to your question.

[Charu]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

MLP is like Pokemon when it comes to why everyone likes it.

It's already been mentioned in the thread. Good/clean looking character design (Regardless of what you find "good).

Good marketing to pump potential viewers with commercials and advertisements all around the networks and Internet.

An interesting alluring universe that's not as different as reality, but follows a similar structure while adding fantasy logic to make it more interesting and appealing.

Nice, fluid, and very expressive animations that don't distract the eye too much.

Yep.

[FissionMailed1]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

Charu's post = thread o'er.

[TC_Halogen]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

Charu's post resonates with me. The one thing that somewhat disgraces the MLP community is the fact that there are a lot of people that take the show/fandom/etc too seriously. I legitimately felt terrible when I saw that dA private message about Twilight being said person's fiance... either way, I watch the show and enjoy it, and hell, my daughter likes it too so it's a win-win for me.

One of the greatest interests I have with the MLP community is the fact that a lot of them are talented artists, animators, or musicians. Those that are able to view things impartially should be able to at least be able to see that. You don't have to like MLP to realize that there's some pretty good content, and if you have enough respect to realize that, then that's awesome.

Obviously, that point is an arguable one for those who don't enjoy -anything- MLP has to offer. Whether people realize it or not, these people are utilizing skills they've obtained for things they enjoy, and that's a big positive in my eyes.

[V-Ormix]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

To me much like a lot of people who aren't into mlp it's just weird. I have nothing against it though, I mean I don't hate mlp, but I couldn't let myself get *into* it. Maybe deep down things like this that would embarrass me are only because of the negativity from most people (and I was close considering the track record of lauren faust) but for the most part it feels more of a principal to me. sort of like men don't cry but everyone knows that is just a saying that doesn't mean anything (bull shit).

btw yeah in the angry birds thread I was just looking for lulz no hate intended

edit: but yeah like AJ said, the community is a big aspect... I guess the show is just so damn cute for a lot of people iunno western kawaii?

[iironiic]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

MLP is like Pokemon when it comes to why everyone likes it.

It's already been mentioned in the thread. Good/clean looking character design (Regardless of what you find "good).

Good marketing to pump potential viewers with commercials and advertisements all around the networks and Internet.

An interesting alluring universe that's not as different as reality, but follows a similar structure while adding fantasy logic to make it more interesting and appealing.

Nice, fluid, and very expressive animations that don't distract the eye too much.

Although all of this plays a big role in MLP's "success," I don't think these points represent the main reason why MLP is so popular nowadays. "Good/interesting" is completely subjective to every individual. We could ask follow-up questions in response to this post, with a few being, "Why does MLP mainly attract male fans?" or "Why did MLP suddenly became more popular this year when it could have been popular some other year?" With the reasons provided, there is no evidence suggesting possible answers to these questions.

The main reason why I think MLP is popular nowadays is solely based on the fandom itself. People are always open to new things, so when they are confronted with MLP, they have the choice (with their own personal reasons) to appreciate the fandom or stay away from it. If I remembered correctly (don't mark my words true here), the fandom started as a joke between a group of male teenagers, which soon evolved into a more serious interest based on the reasons described in Charu's post.

The fact that it is a popular trend of interest has made MLP, and so many other things, more popular. It is similar to reasons why Justin Bieber, William Hung, P.S.Y, AMA on FFR, memes over the Internet, etc. became/become so ridiculously popular in the past. It mainly lies in the fandom itself and not necessarily in the quality/content portrayed.

[Xiz]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

To me much like a lot of people who aren't into mlp it's just weird. I have nothing against it though, I mean I don't hate mlp, but I couldn't let myself get *into* it. Maybe deep down things like this that would embarrass me are only because of the negativity from most people (and I was close considering the track record of lauren faust) but for the most part it feels more of a principal to me. sort of like men don't cry but everyone knows that is just a saying that doesn't mean anything (bull shit).

btw yeah in the angry birds thread I was just looking for lulz no hate intended

edit: but yeah like AJ said, the community is a big aspect... I guess the show is just so damn cute for a lot of people iunno western kawaii?

Respect.

And just like Halogen and Charu said, the art and talent is something you cant ignore, and perhaps in my eyes the driving force of really why it's been so sucsesful. The amount of professional level animation, stories and music that's been produced by fans and the amount still being produced by fans everyday is astonishing.

Edit: iironiic ninja'd haha

[iPatcH]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I just don't understand the concept of being called a brony if you really like MLP. I really liked powerpuff girls, another show intended for girls and that didn't require me to have a special show liking name. Why can't someone just enjoy something they find entertaining?

[Spenner]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I think to certain people who feel somewhat open to cherishing a relationship with, say, a stuffed animal as a kid, or having a certain affinity for things which have uplifting character, would more than be open to clinging to something like the ponies in MLP.

I think there's a bit of the "who can love the ponies more" going on here-- by knowing other people around the globe "love" the same character you do it kind of fights to strengthen your emotional ties with the character. If I was going steady with a girl, who I knew others also liked, I'd feel like I'd need to up my game and be even more loving and secure than I already am. Obviously not the same because we are dealing with fictional characters, but we already see the same things happen with anime waifus and the like to some extent.

I think another thing that goes on is listening to the characters in the show as if they are communicating right in front of you, or to you. To suspend one's belief this far is kind of a second step-- once you already develop a consistent relationship with the character on the show, you might start watching the show differently. Finding that the character's physical actions portray more emotion, more character, and that they are being performed FOR you, which will again strengthen your emotional bond with it.

I've only seen a small portion of the show but this is what I could dig out of it. If a brony wants to clarify him/herself then that would be also cool. I don't want to know how much you love the pony but I'm interested to know WHY you do. Clearly the show's fanbase is fuelled by the characters and the viewer's emotional ties with them. The story and setting is merely something that allows more expression, in different areas, so that someone isn't left just watching the same set of episodes over and over again. If that were the case, and there were fewer episodes to associate your character's actions with, you might feel a bit less of a real bond.

[FissionMailed1]

Re: Why is MLP so popular?

I just don't understand the concept of being called a brony if you really like MLP. I really liked powerpuff girls, another show intended for girls and that didn't require me to have a special show liking name. Why can't someone just enjoy something they find entertaining?

I really dislike the term "brony" as well. I think it's because people feel like they are a part of some counterculture, so they have to label themselves as such. "Brony" still makes me cringe though, and I wish it would just disappear.

It mainly lies in the fandom itself and not necessarily in the quality/content portrayed.

Disagree. I don't care what other people watch or like. If I like a show, I'm going to watch it, regardless of what other people think of it.