Manestream

I see some valid points here that i'll take into consideration; but let me go over the original reasoning so everyone knows whats going on in my head xD OOC chatter was to be able to communicate with other RPers about potential ideas, or current running threads. Since a user cant RP until they have an OC, there was no real significant reason, or interest, to allow them to post in the OOC section. If a user was interested in creating an OC to join a thread, or particular storyline, or 'family' of ponies, they would PM the individual(s) involved and talk to them in that way rather than jumping right into the OOC thread and saying "hey guys i want in!" It seemed more personal and organized to me; it at least allowed for a little privacy regarding that. However, it has potential benefits; but it comes with a few cons as well. It hasnt seemed to be something that was terribly desired or missed, so it hasnt yet been considered. As far as a place to discuss RP elements and world building- we have a lore forum for that now- that would be the perfect place to talk about those subjects. The OOC thread, even if opened up to the public, should only be about the content of a particular RP, or concept for an RP to be discussed with other RP'ers- the staff wont be going through those threads often looking for suggestions.

This is very much the working design for the RP- I get the strong feeling that Faust's world is very similar in 'up-to-date' as ours (we see bits and pieces of it around the show), but it is very obviously *not* the same- there is an emphasis on a blurring between technology and magic, the setting is primarily simpler than our world in most ways- ponies do things by hoof when possible, but obviously things like science, contraptions, electricity and bowling alleys do exist. Take a look at manehatten for example- a few of the 'attractions' Applejack sees in the short 5 seconds would be entirely impossible without massive construction equipment and electricity and all sorts of other 'technologies'; but rather than those elements being the norm, the show makes them the exception, and I believe largely accounts on their possibility by use of magic. Why build a crane when you can have four unicorns lift what you need to? Why build an automobile when you can just pull the cart? That seems to be an underlying theme to me, that where things CAN be done simpler, they are. I feel this allows for more clever jokes and ideas in both the show, and the RP. Of course, i think most anything can be allowed in the Mane RP if its well thought out. Perhaps a movie theatre in Manehatten (but not ponyville). Get creative, how can you make the process practical in a world inhabited by ponies and magic? Bottom line is- most anything in Equestria is possible because of magic. Because of magic, technology exists in large gaps- its not industrialized, its never 'common', and should be treated as such- the technology level in equestria will never match our concept of technology, because their system is dual-based on magic. Technology works differently in equestria, and its not nearly as much a vital part of pony society- but it is there. My policy is generally to take a look at how technology is being presented, its intention, and how well it fits with the mood of the show. If I could see it in the show, and it works with the RP, then its probably a go.

this has happened several times, i would say its likely not hasbro, but with them finally making dvd's to release, mayhaps we'll see more of this

I'll have to watch the episode first before I can really say anything!

Thank you to everypony who participated in the Nightmare Night Trick or Treat event! Well I definetly learned a lot from this event, and the ROTL on how I can do things better for each- I try to come up with original ideas for 'activities' on the forum here, and while they usually sound pretty good in my head and on paper, they dont always pan out the way I *quite* want them too- and a lot of that is because I try to tackle it all myself, and I really dont have the time for that xD But we learn with every event, and i'm certain that the next will be even better- and have its own unique twist that will hopefully be enjoyable for everypony ;} Congratulations to the winners- Diego Havoc and Ginger Mint! I went out and picked up a few little extra things last night after work (but my phone died, so no camera to take pictures with). I'm going to take the prize basket we have, and re-assemble it with an extra thing or two to make two grab-bags so you can each have one! Congratulations again you two on a very lucky Nightmare Night! But thats not all- due to our recent forum upgrade (just before Artax went on vacation), several of our forum hooks are outdated and are awaiting updates- but once we get them your awards will pop up! And there will be awards for ponies who achieved certain unusual feats- you'll just have to wait to see what they are! But I can tell you it may have to do with how lucky- or unlucky you were this Nightmare Night! Thank you again to all of our donators who made the prize packages possible! Another big thank you to Tales for communicating, organizing, and handling the prizes and making sure we had some to give away! And thank you to Riverhippo for his table skills and taking the time to calculate all of the scores for Nightmare Night so I could actually sleep!

Well I definetly learned a lot from this event, and the ROTL on how I can do things better for each- I try to come up with original ideas for 'activities' on the forum here, and while they usually sound pretty good in my head and on paper, they dont always pan out the way I *quite* want them too- and a lot of that is because I try to tackle it all myself, and I really dont have the time for that xD But we learn with every event, and i'm certain that the next will be even better- and have its own unique twist that will hopefully be enjoyable for everypony ;} Congratulations to the winners- Diego Havoc and Ginger Mint! I went out and picked up a few little extra things last night after work (but my phone died, so no camera to take pictures with). I'm going to take the prize basket we have, and re-assemble it with an extra thing or two to make two grab-bags so you can each have one! Congratulations again you two on a very lucky Nightmare Night! But thats not all- due to our recent forum upgrade (just before Artax went on vacation), several of our forum hooks are outdated and are awaiting updates- but once we get them your awards will pop up! And there will be awards for ponies who achieved certain unusual feats- you'll just have to wait to see what they are! But I can tell you it may have to do with how lucky- or unlucky you were this Nightmare Night! Thank you again to all of our donators who made the prize packages possible! Another big thank you to Tales for communicating, organizing, and handling the prizes and making sure we had some to give away! And thank you to Riverhippo for his table skills and taking the time to calculate all of the scores for Nightmare Night so I could actually sleep!

Welcome home then :'3 Everypony is welcome to set up shop here as long as they like

Beautiful application! I'm really impressed ^_^ Its always super-encouraging to see such a well thought-out and well made app; i'm excited to see Remedy in the RP, and look forward to having you on the boards

A tie! woo! I'm going to have to figure something out for that; actually I already *know* what I want to do, just gotta make sure I can do it ;} Thanks for participating everypony! I will be announcing winners and when I send prizes out in the news thread (and here); but its going to take me a day or two- we're still coping with the holiday influx at my job, and theyve got me working long hours! Oh- and there WILL be forum awards too- but until I get an update for the awards system, they arent going to show. Minor hiccup since IPB3 updated; those silly gooses. Big thank you to riverhippo for helping me out with this!

hehe, loved the episode x'3 it was really cute.

I just recieved squidbombed's package, i'll be gettin photos of that and tales' coloring books up soon too

Just as a friendly reminder to everypony! It is time to wrap up The Harvest festival! No new threads may be made at this point in time, but you all have one week to finish up your RP in the festival grounds! Remember, best RP of staff choice gets a prize! Goodluck everypony!

Finally- the trail had almost let you back out of the forest! You could see the lights from the harvest festival in the distance growing stronger! Just before reaching the last glowing light to guide you out- a dark figure like the night itself stepped out from the shadows! "WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU- ah *cough, cough* ahem- I, would like to thank you all for celebrating Nightmare Night with me. It has been great fun! Before you go, let me thank you again by doubling the fun!" Luna presented each pony with two pieces of candy, placing them gingerly-but regally in their bags. Luna escorts you all out of the forest before bidding you all farewell, and making her way back to the festival.

" My little ponies, I'm so glad you came! " Your group of ponies quickly kneel as the form of the princess emerges from behind the statue of Nightmare Moon. Her warm presence is immediately inviting, and the nights' frights seem to melt away as the Princess' gentle voice fills the open air. " I have a treat for you all - please, enjoy! " Celestia speaks gently, a candy floating to everypony present as she does...gently smiling upon you all as she stretches her wings widely and canters towards you all. " Thank you for celebrating my dear sister's night - it has been a lot of fun for us both. " As you each bid her your own farewells, she then takes off into the nightsky gracefully back from the way she'd come - making her way once more towards her next destination. What a wonderful visit from the princess, you even got a candy to boot!

Pinkie Pie! "Bkaaaaaaw! " You look up and see dozens of pink earth ponies in chicken suits zoom by you! You step to the side, trying to avoid the reflections of the panicked chicken-pinkie scrambling all throughout the room- but it proves useless as the real pinkie crashes into you in a flurry of feathers and candy! Coming back to your senses, you collect your candy, and find that you have one more than you previously did before- what fortune!

Woops, looks like you're in trouble... It turns out that Nightmare moon is here to scare some ponies silly - you're forced to sacrifice a candy and run away... But at least you managed to escape with your rear ungobbled - this year at least!

Awesome, great xD hehe

okay- should be fixed now for all forums!

ah, i believe i can fix this- check it in a few minutes and let me know what happens

Artax has been gone from the board on a two week trip to visit family in India (as many of you noticed); today is his birthday and he arrived back home safely from his trip. The unfortunate news is that upon arriving home, Artax was informed that his younger sister had passed away earlier this morning. I spoke with him briefly today, and he informed me (quite understandably) that he may not be around the forum for a little while longer as he will be with his family during this hard time. Artax is a very dear long-time friend of mine, and I am touched and saddened deeply for him at this news. I am wishing Artax and his family the absolute best during this time, and to take all the time that he needs to be with family and friends. I am certain that Artax would appreciate any warm thoughts, well wishes, or simple understanding directed his way as he takes a slightly extended leave from the forums at this time. Many ponies have had the pleasure of knowing Artax; but many have not yet had the chance to really know him. I can assure you that without Artax (and all of my incredible staff), Canterlot would not be the living, breathing, wonderful place it is for us to all gather at. In the meantime, this may mean a slight delay in fixing certain issues- donators I'm referring to you here- but rest assured I will be further educating myself and I will be in touch with Artax as well for pointers. If anypony would like to send Artax well wishes, you can leave comments here, or at his e-mail. Best wishes to you and your family Artax, we're thinking of you.

Hey everypony! Quick but important update on the contests! The contest deadlines are going to be postponed one week, meaning that everypony has until November 14th to have their submissions submitted to the contest threads! Below is a list of the grab-bags for each competition, so take a look at what you can win! I will have links for each prize to the prize thread as I update this throughout the day today- for now you can get an in-depth look at all of the prizes for Nightmare Night, both contests, and event participation here! You can find the rules to the writing contest here. Likewise, you can find the rules to the art contest here. If you are new to the board and have any questions/difficulties, see our Getting Started Forum. Minor changes: -You no longer have to have 3 posts to post up your contest piece- but you must still be registered to post to the contest section! You must also have 3 posts before posting anywhere else besides contests and Introductions. This is to cut back on a lot of confused PM's I am recieving. -Contest deadlines are now Novemeber 14th- please have all your submissions in by then! (Thank you to Tales for creating this prize list! And thank you to doners who made these prizes available for everypony!) Prizes: Best cast character Halloween art - single character – 12 sticker set (SquidBombed) – Coloring book (Tales) – 4 pins (Bean) – Sticker pack (tinrobo) – Choice of necklace or keychain – Fluttershy small print (SquidBombed) Best cast character Halloween art - group of characters – First choice: *Beer stein or pint glass (Toyponystudios) – Main 6 artwork cards (Ginger Mint) – Choice of 1 out of 7 button set (NomLegion) (edit: mistyped in original post- my apologies!) – Calendar (Tales) – Sticker pack (tinrobo) – Choice of necklace or keychain – Pinkie Pie small print (SquidBombed) – Derpy sticker (Toyponystudios) – Trixie sticker (Toyponystudios) Best dressed OC Halloween art - single character – 12 sticker set (SquidBombed) – Coloring book (Tales) – 4 pins (Bean) – Sticker pack (tinrobo) – Choice of necklace or keychain – Rarity small (SquidBombed) Writing contest – Second choice: *Beer stein or pint glass (Toyponystudios) – Painted artwork (buxy) – 3 button set (SquidBombed) (its a set of 3, typo) – Calendar (Tales) – Sticker pack (tinrobo) – Choice of necklace or keychain – Twilight Sparkle small print (SquidBombed) Nightmare Night Participation grab bag – Shot glass (AnimeAmy) – Activity book (Tales) – Rainbow Dash sticker (NomLegion) – Sticker pack (tinrobo) – Vinyl Scratch print (SquidBombed) Best Roleplay - staff choice – Art by brianblackberry Good luck to everypony!