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[kaijyuu]

This is a bit off topic, but can someone explain the appeal of ponies to grown men?

This is one of the better explanations.


As for me, it's getting immersed in a different world. Believable characters, strong continuity, and good writing make suspension of disbelief really easy. What fantasy universe is better to get lost in than one full of candy, rainbows, and colorful ponies?

[TheBronzePickle]

It's honestly one of the few shows out there that's on the good side of Sturgeon's Law, and it's entertaining to watch. Even their bad episodes still outperform a lot of the bad series' good episodes. It also opens up a lot of logical and philosophical thought and discussion.

[Sean Mirrsen]

I just really liked it for being a "light" cartoon that's funny, well-written, and populated with enjoyable characters. And a few catchy songs help as well.

[Silfurdreki]

I like it for the same reasons people have stated above, like good characters, good animation. I also like settings that explore societies of creatures differing from humans.

[Sordid]

I like settings that explore societies of creatures differing from humans.

Does MLP really do that? I'd say no, the society and daily lives of the ponies don't really reflect the anatomical differences between humans and horses (eg. claiming that clothing is "hoof-stitched", which would be impossible even if the horse was sentient and knew how to use the needle - he'd still be unable to physically grasp it).

[Necro910]

I like settings that explore societies of creatures differing from humans.

Does MLP really do that? I'd say no, the society and daily lives of the ponies don't really reflect the anatomical differences between humans and horses (eg. claiming that clothing is "hoof-stitched", which would be impossible even if the horse was sentient and knew how to use the needle - he'd still be unable to physically grasp it).

For something fine like sewing, they'd probably use their mouths for the needle, and their hooves to hold the cloth.

[Sean Mirrsen]

So far the only really wrong thing about the universe as displayed is the ponies using obviously human-designed objects and tools. Since it's, at its core, a children's cartoon, using recognizability as a primary concern is understandable, but at this point I wouldn't mind a proper AU where the pony anatomy and behavior specifics are taken into account with the objects they use and structures they build.

edit: This particular image shows the problem quite well:

Although it's a minor animator error, it does show the rather out-of-place design of the handlebars quite well. Why would the ponies even need the T-shape if they only ever use one grasp to push the shovel? It'd just get in the way most of the time.

[Heliman]

I like settings that explore societies of creatures differing from humans.

Does MLP really do that? I'd say no, the society and daily lives of the ponies don't really reflect the anatomical differences between humans and horses (eg. claiming that clothing is "hoof-stitched", which would be impossible even if the horse was sentient and knew how to use the needle - he'd still be unable to physically grasp it).

For something fine like sewing, they'd probably use their mouths for the needle, and their hooves to hold the cloth.

Fuck, most of them don't even wear any clothes.

[Dsarker]

Spoiler: Silly Frillies (click to show/hide)

[Flying Dice]

I like settings that explore societies of creatures differing from humans.

Does MLP really do that? I'd say no, the society and daily lives of the ponies don't really reflect the anatomical differences between humans and horses (eg. claiming that clothing is "hoof-stitched", which would be impossible even if the horse was sentient and knew how to use the needle - he'd still be unable to physically grasp it).

For something fine like sewing, they'd probably use their mouths for the needle, and their hooves to hold the cloth.

Fuck, most of them don't even wear any clothes.

But a large number of them wear accessories.

_{And everyone know accessories make everything sexier cuter.}


Oh yeah, and Part 3 of my fic has finally overcome the trifold barriers of laziness, Aurora, and pretending to study for exams. Wuna hugs for anyone willing to wade into my rubbish to proofread it. :3

[Necro910]

Spoiler: Silly Frillies (click to show/hide)

Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Did everyone see the article on MLP in Gameinformer this month? It's pretty great.

Wait.... what? Which issue and page?

I hate MLP because of how much it is overused on online forums.
I have seen more ponies than I expected in my life!

See: Meme, fandom, and cult following.

I actually found it on memebase the day before I got the issue, but it's the November '11 one. I can find the page if you give me a sec...

Found it!

...
...

They should read "Cupcakes", then come and talk to us.

[Silfurdreki]

I like settings that explore societies of creatures differing from humans.

Does MLP really do that? I'd say no, the society and daily lives of the ponies don't really reflect the anatomical differences between humans and horses (eg. claiming that clothing is "hoof-stitched", which would be impossible even if the horse was sentient and knew how to use the needle - he'd still be unable to physically grasp it).

All right, fair enough point. I like non-human characters in general. Exploring their societies is just a bonus

[Necro910]

I like settings that explore societies of creatures differing from humans.

Does MLP really do that? I'd say no, the society and daily lives of the ponies don't really reflect the anatomical differences between humans and horses (eg. claiming that clothing is "hoof-stitched", which would be impossible even if the horse was sentient and knew how to use the needle - he'd still be unable to physically grasp it).

All right, fair enough point. I like non-human characters in general. Exploring their societies is just a bonus

Same here 

I wonder why there is little to no real violence in the MLP world. I understand that it is a kid show, but that is a meta reason. Does grass release small amounts of depressants to keep the inhabitants in a peaceful haze? Did the ponies (Under discord, most likely) exterminate all major threats?

[kaijyuu]

Did the ponies (Under discord, most likely) exterminate all major threats?

That's my theory, anyway. I think the world was FULL of god tier beings like the princess sisters and Discord way back when, and each carved out their own niches and kingdoms. Now most are gone, and what remains of the "old world" would be in Everfree and perhaps outside the borders of Equestira.

Totally wild mass guessing, but it'd be awesome. And kinda dark.

[Sean Mirrsen]

That depends on how you define "real violence", I think. Surely the giant pony-eating four-headed hydra alone qualifies for "major threat".

I think it's mostly because the ponies keep the lands they own under their own control. It's the reason the Everfree Forest is feared - it's not under control, things happen by themselves there. So the ponies keep to lands they're tending to, and thus keep out of trouble.

I'm fairly certain there's a darker side to the MLP verse, which the show simply does not explore. The mere existence of the Ursas, the Hydra, and the Cockatrice, hint at the fact that the world isn't a perfectly safe place, by far. There are also different sentient species and other factions that are briefly seen, hinting at a much larger world beyond what is shown. There are obviously things we do not see happen, but that isn't a reason to believe they do not happen at all.