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]

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]

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

[mrpreggers]

Originally Posted by [TeRa]

the world may never know

there ya go who fucking knows

[ilikexd]

it is a mystery

[Riotpolice]

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

[Charu]

Originally Posted by Charu

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]

Charu's post = thread o'er.

[TC_Halogen]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by Charu

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]

Originally Posted by V-Ormix

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]

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]

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]

Originally Posted by iPatcH

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.

Originally Posted by iironiic

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.

[DossarLX ODI]

The original My Little Pony was awesome. Now it's just... too much about being "cute".

1980s

Now

I personally feel like the current MLP made the show worse. I don't want to get into details, but I can watch the old version no problem -- the new My Little Pony I can't watch even 5 minutes of it.

Yes, these guys do have talent and I'm not ignoring that. That is why I just keep away from watching the show. There is no need to be disrespectful, but in my opinion, the original is better.

Originally Posted by iPatcH

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?

Powerpuff Girls was a show I used to watch along with Dexter's Lab and Ed Edd n' Eddy. Those were amazing times on Cartoon Network.

[Nullifidian]

It probably took off because of the reactions people had when people said they were watching it. If it's widely talked about (even in negative ways) it'll attract more people and bandwagoning occurs. The flames get more and more aggressive on both sides resulting in very opposite and extreme responses (IE "MLP is the best show ever!" vs "MLP is the worst show ever!") when in actuality it's just a regular show.

I've seen a few episodes after staying up for too long (lol) and nickelodeon popped up on my tv and I can honestly say that I don't understand what is so exceptionally great about it that people would become obsessed with it on a massive scale.
People give arguments such as "The storylines are great" and the "The art/animations are great", but to me that sounds as childish reasoning. They say it's great but never give a reasoning why it's great. It's the same as a kid saying "I like the color orange BECAUSE".

If you break down these arguments and compare it side by side with other tv shows you'll see that the storylines use the same standard formulas as many other tv shows, the animations are ok but not exceptional and the art, while good-looking for its target audience, is made up of mass-production standardized assets (as is normal for a tv show) that cater to a young audience with happy colors and big round shapes that are easily recognizable for kids, which is why I'm inclined to believe it's the controversy that's got people hooked despite them saying it's because of previously mentioned arguments.

My Little Pony is a good show for the originally intended age range, with good graphics and storylines that appeal to children. People who do not fall in the intended age range are welcome to like it too for whatever reasons they can think of, but getting weird looks from other people is an inevitable consequence which you will have to deal with (in any subject, some more extreme than others) if you choose to be open about it. Personally I don't see the appeal in a show that is banal in terms of complexity (social interaction between characters, cliché storylines, overly-exaggerated child-like emotional responses and childish humor) and I don't see why anyone who didn't grow up with the show in his younger years would like this as an adult either (nostalgia, rose-tinted glasses etc.) but I'm more than fine with people liking MLP as an individual. It is the fandom that takes things too far and corrupts a show that is great for kids.

Originally Posted by DossarLX ODI

The original My Little Pony was awesome. Now it's just... too much about being "cute".

I would say that this is a case of rose-tinted glasses because you have fond memories of it from the past (I assume). Objectively speaking though, there's not much difference storywise (although there is a big difference in moral values since early shows were more naïve in social interaction for example). Artwise there is a difference too but that's due to the original show being almost 30 years old and difference in technology back then and now.

[Spenner]

I think there's no comparison to a show in the 80s and the current one; what with different standards with the whole demographic and technology to produce the show. You have to also understand that today's competition really influences the style of the show and the production value. Those other shows aimed at girls watching family channel, cartoon network or w/e, are all trying very hard to get the girly and playful image out there.

The thing about MLP is, other than the characters and the way they act, a lot of the show is pretty gender neutral. It's not STOPPING boys from liking the show too, just like Powerpuff girls did. Which is definitely a smart move... a barbie show or that bratz shit is obviously on the very female end of the demographic.

[Xiz]

Originally Posted by Spenner

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.

Ill do what I can to answer this... And I might be completely wrong but I'm taking a guess here being a brony myself.

I guess for starters the fact that its a pony is irrelevant. As stated before its a mix between the cleanness in animation mixed with the fluidity of the characters. But there are two really strong factors that I think are ignored. One being the characteristics of the characters and how relatable they are. The Tom-boy racing adict of Rainbow Dash, or the cuteness factor of fluttershy. Not because they are ponies. Also, perhaps that 95% of characters are female. That opposite gender bond is strong DUE to how relatable the characters are.
I mean within the mane 6 characters you have most positive traits you would find relatable, weather it be randomness, shyness, studious, sports fiend, etc etc. most people can relate in one way or another. I'm not sure. And no im not saying 'omg i wanna date these characters' look beyond that. im talking about how relatable they are. Thoughts?

Btw typing this shit on an iPhone sucks.

[UserNameGoesHere]

Time to answer some questions, as promised.

Originally Posted by Xx{Midnight}xX

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

Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I believe it all started when someone posted about the show as an example of what's wrong with cartoons today on a certain popular image board, and it backfired when people watched it to see how bad it was but found it wasn't actually that bad.

Originally Posted by TC_Halogen

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...

Yeah that's true. To be fair, most fans think such people are just as weird as non-fans do. It's like the Star Wars or Star Trek or Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings fans who get a bit too much into it, etc... You're always going to have a few that go too far.

Originally Posted by iPatcH

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 don't think it's something that matters that much. Some fan communities have names and some don't. For example you have the Trekkies who are Star Trek fans. I think part of it is tongue-in-cheek as well.

Originally Posted by Spenner

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.

This is really back to what TC_Halogen was saying about, for example, that one guy who got a bit too attached to one of the characters and thought of that character as his fiancee in a not-joking-yes-this-is-sad sort of way. 99.99% of fans I would say are not like this at all but yes there's always the outliers. I guarantee you most of the fans think such people are just as weird as you think they are.