Brony survey for my master thesis

[webkilla]

Greetings Bronies

I am doing a master thesis on trying to explain the nature of various internet subcultures, including bronies. mMy focus is trying to explain the often decentralized concurrent non-commital participatory nature of such communities, to which I have found the bronies to be a very good example of this.

Or in other words: I have found no true final definition of what it means to be brony, beyond a shared interest in MLP:FIM and MLP material in general - there's no leaders, although some members of the community do have more power than others (site admins and mods, con and meetup organizers, that sort) - but ultimately no one can say "your way of being a brony is wrong, my interpretation is right", at least not in any way that can be enforced, allowing anyone to be a brony, should they want to be so. Indeed, the many different interpretations of how to be a brony is quite interesting to me in this context. I mean, I've seen stained glass windows, clay figurines, costumes, loads of art, even more reports on meetups. There are apparently many ways to express one being a brony.

With this in mind I would like to ask you the following questions, which you can either copypaste and answer in this thread, or copypaste into an email and send to me at aluthj09@student.aau.dk

Ideally you should answer via email - it is much easier for me to index and go through responses that way

Please try to keep your answers personal, without any bias for what others might write in the thread. I only ask for your age and general location on the planet for statistical use - I do not need/want your real name or any personally identifiable information.

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live? (europe, north america, australia, africa, south america...)

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

4) How do you personally express being a brony? (through art, roleplaying, give your car rainbow stripes, socializing with other bronies, etz)

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like? (something you don't like, or dont feel match the way you understand it is to be a brony)

[Ancre]

Or in other words: I have found no true final definition of what it means to be brony, beyond a shared interest in MLP:FIM and MLP material in general - there's no leaders, although some members of the community do have more power than others (site admins and mods, con and meetup organizers, that sort) - but ultimately no one can say "your way of being a brony is wrong, my interpretation is right", at least not in any way that can be enforced, allowing anyone to be a brony, should they want to be so. Indeed, the many different interpretations of how to be a brony is quite interesting to me in this context. I mean, I've seen stained glass windows, clay figurines, costumes, loads of art, even more reports on meetups. There are apparently many ways to express one being a brony.

That's interesting ! We have no leader (save for the Princesses !) why would we need them ? We have no orthodoxy to preserve, no need to differentiate ourselves from another group, no reason to clearly define what is "brony" and what is not.

I think you've answered your question too. A brony is someone who likes MLP:FIM and MLP material in general.

And as for your questions, I'm 22 and I live in Europe, to me a brony is someone who likes MLP:FIM and MLP material in general, I'm a brony I guess, since april of that year, I roleplay and read fanfics and spend time on the internet ; and for the last question, no. That's it I suppose !

[Angie Cakes]

I'm going to post here because I generally don't like emailing people... >_>

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live? (europe, north america, australia, africa, south america...)

16, north america

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

I'd say that a Brony is somebody who takes part in the fandom, regardless of age or gender. (taking part, to me, includes just watching PMVs, or looking at fan art etc., not necessarily creating pony content or interacting with other bronies)

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

yes, since March, if I remember correctly

4) How do you personally express being a brony? (through art, roleplaying, give your car rainbow stripes, socializing with other bronies, etz)

I post a lot in canterlot and make occasional artwork

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like? (something you don't like, or dont feel match the way you understand it is to be a brony)

I can't think of anything off the top of my head. everything I've seen has been great.

[Ashton]

Geeze you sure get around, I've seen you on so many different websites over the years (assuming your the same Webkilla, since your Avatar has never changed)

I might post direct asnwers below, but right now I did want to point out that while Bronies have no centralized leadership, etc, there are 2 main websites, "Equestria Daily" and "Ponychan" these seem to the the larges hub of information and communication (though for some of us the latter is just TOO big) the First is mainly a blog of all things MLP, including art, music, fanfiction, and any official news.

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live? (europe, north america, australia, africa, south america...)

-26, Male, North America (Georgia, USA)

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

-Being a part of the fandom. If you just like the show your simply a "fan" if you take part in the community (in whatever way) then you are a Brony

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

-Yes, to large means! I finally watched the show in Early November (after much proding and forcing, It took a LOT of convincing because of the stigma left from G1-G3 MLP) The first 7 minutes I didnt care one way or another (and almost turned it off at one point) but once I met Rainbow Dash I was hooked, after seeing episode 5(?) "winter Wrap Up" that made me love the series enough to join the community.

4) How do you personally express being a brony? (through art, roleplaying, give your car rainbow stripes, socializing with other bronies, etz)

-I do some art (hopeing to expand into full animation), a lot of Fanfic (mostly outlines at this point but will be far more) All my devices have pony images as backgrounds (Mainly Rainbow Dash), I'm planning to get a RD plastic figuine to live in my Car among my other plushies there as well as a RD decal for the window (so jelous of the guy who redid his Charger(?) in Rainbow Dash theme, would do it if I had a better car and the $$$), I enjoy socilizing on forums like this one, and I *may* roleplay in the future, but right now all my creativity is going to other sources. I also watch Equestria Daily and listen to the weekly "Bronyville" podcast. On the far extreme I'm also planning a MLP cosplay, hopefully for Dragon*Con.

I just wanted to point out that I used to be deep into the old Sonic the Hedgehog fandom (years ago before all the different plotlines merged, dropped out around the turn of the mellineum) and after I left there was a proverbial hole in my soul that the Bronies have filled beautifully (and to some extent, more so because they're not as judgemental as the old StH fandom was)

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like? (something you don't like, or dont feel match the way you understand it is to be a brony)

-Not overall, I'm not a fan of the major shipping between the mane 6 in art/fics, but overall nothing I really dont like. (discounting the fact Hasbro wont try to throw us a bone and at least make the toys show-acurate, but that's not the community)

[Neoniie]

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live?

15, North America

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

Like many others have mentioned, being a fan of the show constitutes bronydom in my book. The only exception in my opinion are those who only watch the show in order to jump on the bandwagon and be with the latest craze. If they end up genuinely enjoying it through their bandwagon-ness, that's a different story. But basically, anyone who genuinely loves the show (and community, I suppose) for the show itself, not just someone who watches it to be in on the new craze.

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

Yes. I've been one since about June of this year.

4) How do you personally express being a brony? (through art, roleplaying, give your car rainbow stripes, socializing with other bronies, etz)

I generally express it through roleplay on Canterlot, but I also try my hand at fanfic once in a while. I also buy pony merch (when I'm not broke ) and discuss the show with my fellow bronies.

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like? (something you don't like, or dont feel match the way you understand it is to be a brony)

I'm not a big fan of the more grimdark or heavier shipping content created by the fans, mostly because it feels strange to me for something as innocent as My Little Pony getting a more adult-like treatment, but that's just my opinion, and as long as it doesn't hurt anyone I won't condemn those who enjoy it. I'm not a big fan of shipping canon characters in general, though that's just an odd quirk of mine in most fandoms.

[Kirby Krackle]

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live? (europe, north america, australia, africa, south america...)

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

4) How do you personally express being a brony? (through art, roleplaying, give your car rainbow stripes, socializing with other bronies, etz)

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like? (something you don't like, or dont feel match the way you understand it is to be a brony)

1) 27 and North America

2) Despite negative connotations, to watch MLP: FIM. To be open and proud about it. And most importantly, to put into practice the lessons learned from the show. Live one's life with honesty, generosity, loyalty, kindness and laughter.

3) Very much a brony. Since approx. March of 2011.

4) Through creative means: Mostly comics and PMVs. And though friendly communities like these.

5) Mainly Hasbro not embracing the fans they've gained as much as they could have. A music video here, a billboard or two there, okay. But a DVD box set would be nice. Maybe some graphic novels.

[DantonDamnark]

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live? (Europe, North America, Australia, Africa, South America...)

19, North America

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

It means you appreciate the show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and are a male. Reason behind liking the show can vary from the style to the plot, but liking it because others do is not an acceptable reason.

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

Yes. Not sure the exact date, but it was a few days before "Return of Harmony Pt. 1" was aired.

4) How do you personally express being a brony? (through art, roleplaying, give your car rainbow stripes, socializing with other bronies, etz)

Art and Roleplaying, as well as using my OC as my Steam Avatar. I would socialize with others, but I do not know any others.

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like? (something you don't like, or dont feel match the way you understand it is to be a brony)

List:

1. Rule 34
   
2. The 3D Source Models - They don't capture the pony's self well enough (do you understand?); and cause they are over used an abused in Garry's Mod.
   
3. People being Bronies cause others are Bronies
   

I can't think of anymore but I'm sure there are a few more.

5) Mainly Hasbro not embracing the fans they've gained as much as they could have. A music video here, a billboard or two there, okay. But a DVD box set would be nice. Maybe some graphic novels.

Even Ed, Edd 'n Eddy didn't get a DVD set until season 5.

[Kirby Krackle]

Even Ed, Edd 'n Eddy didn't get a DVD set until season 5.

I'm mad at that too. And another thing! Where's my season 2 of Clone High!

...I think my special talent is nerdrage.

[weesh]

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live? (europe, north america, australia, africa, south america...)

27, North America

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

A brony is a non-traditional fan of the work who goes above and beyond simply watching the show.

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

Yes, one week

4) How do you personally express being a brony? (through art, roleplaying, give your car rainbow stripes, socializing with other bronies, etz)

Learning the songs for my guitar, chatting about it.

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like? (something you don't like, or dont feel match the way you understand it is to be a brony)

Moderation is very important. While the show is of excellent quality, and has redemptive properties, it is not healthy to obsess over it. MLP, like any other piece of fiction should not replace having adventures in real life. That seems like nitpicking to me though. I have been impressed with the fans so far.

[webkilla]

Thanks yall - keep 'em comming

And Ashton: you're right - I am all over the place... at least when it comes to bronies, furries and even Anonymous. I don't do in much outside of that, but that still covers a lot.

[LibertinaTheDreamer]

Because I can I will.

I'm all over the place.

Good luck on your Masters, Killa.

Sent via alternate-alternate method of not posting my reply here because DP is Spam.

Repeated Meme is watching.

[RarityDash]

1) I'm 24 and live in North America.

2) I think everyone who watches and enjoys My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and is not in the target age range is a brony. It's that simple.

3) Definitely. Since the end of May.

4) Posting and roleplaying here at Canterlot.com, writing the occasional fanfic, enjoying the wonderful content created by others.

5) Not agree with? No. Nothing. Even if I don't get it or like it, if someone else is loving it, then it has its place in the community. Not like? Sure. The Grimdark fics and art kind of really creep me out, for instance and there are some crossover trends surrounding the fandom (usually involving outside properties I don't pay attention to) that I simply don't get.

[Kilmarnock]

1) I am 22 years old, and I live in North America.

2) To be a brony is to call yourself a brony. Somebody might find interest in the show or some art or even the toys, but I feel that categorizing yourself like that takes more self-identity than anything. If you call yourself a brony, then yes, you are a brony.

3) On that note, yes. I am a brony, starting from early to mid September 2011.

4) I'm not much of an artist, but I roleplay, go to conventions, I have at least one toy and one fridge magnet (both of Fluttershy). I think the rolplaying in particular is the strongest expression, especially since I identify strongly as a writer.

5) I do think that some people might take it a wee bit far. I'm actually okay with adult-themed stuff; if I don't want to look at it, I don't have to. I'm not okay, however, with those who eschew the 'love and tolerance' motto of the fandom to try and pressure those who are not fans, or to counter-flame those who might hate what we love. Love and tolerance is a large part of what identifies bronies, so we stick by that and hold onto that identity.

[Imagination]

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live?

I'm 21 years old and I live in North America

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

Love and tolerance!

Two important things I think that are overlooked too often in our modern society. MLP sort of encourages to embrace differences and come together with people who share common interests. It doesn't matter where they're from, what their name is or what color they are. All that matters is that everyone is treated with love and respect. That, and being a brony does mean having a liking for the show and/or merchandise as well I suppose.

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

I am a brony, and I have been for about six months now. Have yet to regret it. Even a little bit.

4) How do you personally express being a brony?

I love to draw and roleplay, but I also like to talk about the show and characters with friends of mine who are also bronies.

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like?

Well... there's the 'bronies' that are in the culture purely for the porn... other than that, not really much I can fault people with.

[Haserman]

1) How old are you and on what continent do you live? (europe, north america, australia, africa, south america...)

15, Australia

2) What does it mean, to you personally, to be a brony?

Essentially for me what it boils down to would be the sense of community created by a large number of people watching a show, MLP acts as common ground for people to socialise and understand each other before moving off into other areas (I spend most of my time mucking around in the Spam Stables for instance). Being a Brony would be the love of the show but also taking the main moral values that encompass it, in an effort to create a better world.

3) Are you a brony? if so, for how long?

Yes I am a Brony, I have been one for almost one year now

4) How do you personally express being a brony? (through art, roleplaying, give your car rainbow stripes, socializing with other bronies, etz)

Roleplaying, proof reading other peoples' stories, reading fan fiction

5) Are there any aspects of brony culture/communities/expression that you do not agree with/like? (something you don't like, or dont feel match the way you understand it is to be a brony)

None whatsoever

I hope this helps

[maxishy]

1: i'm 23 male and i live in the netherlands (europe)

2: it means i can watch a great cartoonwith a great community to trade story with

3: i'm a brony for almost 1-2 months now since i discoverd the show on youtube

4: i like to my my personal stuff more ponyfied and i use pony words ( somepony everypony brohoof) whenever possible

5: i dont like furry very much its nothing personal. but i just dont like the whole feeling to it