Wars and Rumors of Wars · 3:15am Feb 11th, 2013
With Twilicorn coming in under a week, a new set of unverified rumors is needed to occupy the forums and comment sections and the Fuck No My Little Pony Tumblr Blog has stepped up to the plate to deliver our offseason rumor.
Well, that certainly blows Twilicorn out of the water. It is almost every brony's worst nightmare: canon humans. The scourge of Fimfiction and many a fanart. But with a Soviet Russia twist: instead of a human being teleported to Ponyville, it's the ponies that go to Humansville. Before you start frothing at the mouth and convulsing, let's dive a little deeper.
Source
When checking for authenticity, looking at the source of the rumor is vitally important. In the case of Twilicorn, the sources of two of the major pieces of evidence were the European Brand Expo (for the Twilicorn poster) and Funrise (for the plushies), an officially licensed plushie manufacturer. Because these were both reputable and legitimate sources, fans had to rely on “errors” to explain the Purple Alicorn (the vector artist screwed up, they were just lazy, etc.). It's funny. No one ever gave a reasonable explaination for the plushies and as we now know, it wasn't just a vector artist's screw up.
For this rumor, the source is an anti-brony blog that tries to discredit the fandom by posting *gasp* Rule 34 and crappy anthro pictures. (Personally, for my lulz, I prefer Sane MLP, so I can laugh at Purple Tinker continue to egg the trolls on by screencapping every little insult that's made against her and than ranting about it [inb4 this gets sceencapped]. It also isn't as NSFW.) Because of the blog's purpose (show how “rabid” the bronies are), their credibility is in doubt. How do I know this isn't some trolling attempt to provoke the bronies into a response? I don't.
Please note in the blog post a lack of citation. He “found” this information. How? By who? When? If you're going to give me a rumor, I need something to back it up with. But, you say, he's got concept art! And it's good (as in, it's well made)! Where'd he get it from? No source, no credibility.
Enter the Editor-in-Chief of Derpy Hooves News, who claims that the picture is real and it is the mysterious Equestria Girls trandemark. This is the exact quote (emboldening added):
Edit: I also know a ton of people are saying it is fake. I have no solid evidence to say that it is real, outside of three sources, two which have this image in high resolution. I will not name these sources as they are under NDAs and would be fired from leaking it. I’m not sure where this picture appeared, but it is real, this is Equestria Girls.
He cites three undisclosed sources to confirm this. Good to know that even the brony news people pull the “anonymous sources” BS like all media. Still, it's vastly more legitimate than an NSFW troll blog. But also notice the doubt, “ I have no solid evidence to say that it is real”. Three sources would seem like more than enough to confirm this and yet there's still that added disclaimer-y point that it might not be.
What it boils down to is what those sources are. Are they DHX animators? Directors? Even some Hasbro exec? Why doesn't he just say “A DHX employee can confirm...” or something similar? Instead, he just says “sources”. That could be anyone from Goldner to some Best Buy employee who was given a laptop to fix and stumbled across the picture. The type of source is critical. After all, your source inside the Interior Department isn't very credible when he's giving information about Iran.
Even so, the Editor-in-Chief of DHN says it's real and that's quite concerning.
Hasbro Marketing
There was a time when I thought I knew what Hasbro would do. It's just common sense that a multi-billion dollar corporation wouldn't listen to a handful of emails and letters declaring a wall eyed pegasus is offensive, isn't it? They'd require a large, organized response to take action, wouldn't they? Yeah. I no longer think that I know what goes on inside the nondescript, two story brick building nestled between pine trees in Pawtucket that is Hasbro World Headquarters. I can still try though.
The name of the game is brand. It's why Fighting is Magic got murdered in a back alley outside of the Fox Theatre. It wasn't so much they were forced to kill it as they didn't want it to reflect badly on MLP. A beat em up fighter where you have ponies beat the crap out of each other? That would reflect badly on the brand.
Brand recognition is important—probably the most important part of a trademark. When someone looks at the MLP logo, Hasbro wants their mind to immediately go to something—hopefully something pleasant. It's one reason why this doesn't make much sense. It's My Little Pony. Making non-pony MLP toys would confuse the stupid consumers and would be a far worse trademark dilution than a fighting game.
Another important factor to consider is market share. Currently, Barbie, and Bratz reign supreme and make up most of the “girl doll” toy market right now. Chipping away at that share would be very difficult and cost money in marketing and brand expansion. Money Hasbro can ill afford to blow right now given the state of the toy market. Look at it this way. Every little girl that wants a girl doll already has one, so why would they buy an MLP one too? That's why MLP has succeeded. No other company has a pony toy line.
But again, I was wrong about their reaction to Derpy and toy companies haven't always made good decisions.
Comic Con
The instigator of all this was Hasbro's announcement of a new MLP movie and IP (intellectual property). Here's exactly what Brian Goldner, President and CEO of Hasbro, said:
Now as we look ahead to the fall of 2013, (unintelligible) We're launching a brand new pony brand expression in our top ten countries. We're gonna launch it with a made-for-tv-movie and full execution of this new IP across our blueprint. We did a tremendous amount of research and our consumer insights told us that girls want more ways to play with My Little Pony an—
Combine that, with this:
And things seem very worrisome. Goldner was vague about what it all could mean. The only thing we know for sure, is that this IP, with is probably the recently trademarked Equestria Girls, will be kicked off via the movie. We won't find out until July 18-21.
Fandom
Let's jump to Worst Case Scenario and say that it true. Ponies are being humanized in the movie. What does this mean for the fandom? Surprisingly, it isn't that bad. Everywhere that I've seen, there's caustic opposition to humanization. Unlike Twilicorn, the fandom seems united in it's stance against this. For the fandom, the impact will be firm rejection.
I know I will. I'll declare Fanon Discontinuity on this so fast, it'll make my ignorance of The Lion King 1 1/2 pale in comparision. I'm already thinking up ways I can retcon the shit out of it (dream, magic, Pinkie, Goldner eating some poisonous mushrooms and hallucinating the whole thing). As I'm not the only one who will reject it, we may see a full fandom revolt against canon.
The shitstorm this would raise would be universal. I don't even think TV Tropes—famous for it's coolheadness—would escape the smoldering inferno that the fandom would generate. What's important is not to give up. The Lion King has been done for a decade, yet awesome stories are still made every day (and sucky ones too). Just cause we have to ignore one part of canon doesn't mean we have to buck it all.
Summary
Unconfirmed rumors and reports suggest a “ponies are teleported to Earth” plot to the movie that will launch a toy line aimed at Mattel and MGA. These rumors are unverifiable although credible people believe they are true. Combined with vague statements made by Hasbro about new brand expansion, and an “Equestria Girls” trademark and you have a situation that could be very troublesome.
No >:V
God damnit no V:<
This is THE worst possible thing to happen, ever!
All my rage.
Humans in equestria?
denver.mylittlefacewhen.com/media/f/img/mlfw1237_Twilight_Sparkle_nope_nope_nope.gif
Hasbro isn't that insane.
...
Right?
Let's just wait and see what it actually turns out to be. Regardless of whether or not this is correct, we should reserve final judgement for the final product. Until then, keep calm and carry on.
Probablynotreal.avi
Lettheovereactioncommence.exe
[youtube=JmI9cP69vNI]
Oh what the shit.
Look. I actually like humanization. As a thought experiment. Something for the fandom to have fun with. But this? This is a fucking bad idea, Hasbro. This fandom has weathered a lot, but I'm pretty sure it wouldn't survive this. And yeah, we're still not your main audience, I get that. But seriously, think about this. Is this really, really worth the business risk?
No... no... this can't be happening!
815920 My sentiments exactly.
815947 You're asking about a company that only cares about making money from toys....
Answer given
I, for one, would love to see this.
If I were brain damaged
Time for some MASSIVE fanon discontinuity if this does happen. I don't even feel like gracing the discontinuity with an explanation. I'm just gonna ignore it outright.
Wow, so much bile in these comments. I almost don't want to see this happen now because if this site (which is usually one of the more civil MLP:FIM sites.) is reacting this badly, then this fandom might explode when it does. And if this does come to be and it does suck, it's tvtropes page will probably become part of the Permanent red link club VERY quickly.
But until this is released (and if this is what that movie is), shouldn't we at least give them the benefit of doubt?
I... I just have no fucking words for this at all...
As long as the show is decent, and the fan work continues, I'll be happy.
Ponies, humans, as long as the show doesn't become cringe worthy, and the artwork continues to keep me entertained, nothing HASBRO does will make me 'leave the fandom' Sad, yes, maybe even a little depressed. But I've seen worse. As far as I'm concerned: TS is TS weather she has wings, is human, or turns into an orange.
I'm scared....
Why does everybody hate this idea, I like it, and if a human does come to Equestria, I hope it's male.
NONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONONOONONONONONONONONONONONONONONO.
Did I make myself clear? DO NOT WANT!
Personally, all I care about, have ever cared about, are the characters in the show. That means 3 things: the writing, the VAs and the art. If this is real, it obviously alters #3 and I can not say it is an improvement. To quote Celestia in FiW:
[youtube=A8QnT4DZ8dQ]
However. If the other 2 elements, the writing and VAs, maintain the quality from FiM, I would be willing to give it a chance. That said there are many other aspects this pic alone implies that I strongly dislike. That said until this is conformed as real and we know more info, I don't really care.
There are so many different ways this could go. Going to have to take a wait and see approach to this one.
I doesn't really matter, now that I think about it. What the fandom does has become more important to me then what is or is not considered canon. If everyone decides to disregard whatever happens after season 3 in their art and fiction as a result of some potentially disastrous marketing decisions from Hasbro. I am okay with that as long as the fandom keeps doing what it does.
If the next episode sucks, thats it. I will condemn Hasbro to the fiery depths of hell. I will not continue to watch the show.
If he new episode doesn't suck, but leaves permanent changes, I will give it one chance. If Hasbro screws up again, the above will happen.
If somehow there are no permanent changes in the show in the season 3 finale, only then will I be satisfied.
Whatever happens, I am not leaving the fandom. The fandom is amazing and has done nothing wrong.
Additionally, while the cease and desist of Fighting Is Magic would count as a screwup in the terms of my second scenario, the fact that it happened before the episode gives it a sort of loophole. But I am very pissed off because of it, and I am not inclined to give Hasbro any leniency.
These are my opinions, logical conclusions and contingency plans for the coming shitstorm. I think this to be the most logical approach to the situation, even if my mind screams DO NOT WANT. That is all.
I trust the writers of the show. Even if this does happen(which I seriously doubt.... although I was agreeing with Canon AliTwi since S3E2...), the show will probably continue to be really good.
The only reason I'll stop is if the goes the way of G3.5. G2 is iffy.
The only reason I'll leave the fandom is if... Wait. Nevermind. Not gonna happen.
Well Fuck
Worst case scenario, DHX knows the bronies well. Unless there's executive meddling involved, there probably wouldn't be any mention of humans in the show, even if we were to see a movie with humans in it.
As for that "Brand expression" image, are Hasbro entering into a partnership with 1-800-contacts? Because those are some very special eyes.
Well... I can only hope that if this is true, it stays as an isolated incident and a one time deal.
If the Humans in Equestria or Ponies on Earth fanfics actually lasted long enough to conclude, they probably would be incidents that once concluded would never be spoken of again.
This premise, along with Twicorn will require surgeon like accuracy to pull off.
Sadly, I doubt Hasbro has the precision required to succeed.
They are simply going to blame Bronies for souring fan service.
I shudder to think what Frankenstein stereotype they will make of their required human guide.
It will be a dark day for G4 Megan. (Even if its not "Megan" we all know... its Megan.)
ok, ok, ok, ok, ok... Twilicorn, I'm fine with that, but this? Gosh, if it's true... Well, I don't want to hate in advance... Oh god, please let it be good...
As soon as I saw that picture...
Let's just hope this is just some sick conspiracy designed to make people stop complaining about Twilicorn.
somehow, I don't think we visit the same TVTropes... (Unless you're being sarcastic, and that's okay.)
My reaction to all this? I hope it's fake. See, I had no problem when I heard about Twilicorn, but this one makes me cringe. If it is the case, I'll give it one chance - just one - and watch the movie. If it makes me cringe in any way, it loss and I will proceed to ignore its very existence.
The concept is interesting, personally i think that if it is real and GOOD! then i won't have an issue with it. However this tell's me either 1 of 2 things. Firstly Hasbro is actually paying close attention to what the fandom is producing and trying to play into our interests
, by presenting common ideas that we have been messing around with, OR they are trying to kill things of by focusing on their actual target market
as you quoted from Brian Goldner:
"our consumer insights told us that girls want more ways to play with My Little Pony."
I can't say i know what will happen with the Launch of "Princess Coronation" however i have a bad feeling about it because it's one hell of a conclusion, that doesn't leave many doors open for future episodes, unlike the conclusions to seasons 1 and 2
. not to mention this season has broadcast only half the number of episodes from previous seasons. Movies also have a tendancy to be a finishing point for TV shows, i'm not saying it for definite but i am worried. 
I find this dubious at best. I'm doubting its veracity until further details come to light.
Even if it happens, the fandom would propably ignore it. Especially since its a movie (I never count them as 100% canon anyways).
The best way to deal with it would be the same as when browsing fanfiction in general:
Something interesting? Check it out. Read it. Comment on it. Etc...
Anything else? Move along. To each their own.
I should have just linked to your very-well-written blog rather than posting my own
It wouldn't be bad as a standalone movie if they didn't make the humanized ponies look like nuclear radiation effected humans, those skin tones are appalling. Plus it would have to be the best damn story DHX has ever created.
Maybe a movie with somesort of villian escaping to another dimension to which they chase him/her while trying to avoid the "natives" and in the end defeating him/her and returning to Equestria. Done well enough, and in a temporary setting would be the only way possible I could see it working to any extent.
You're forgetting what the issue with Derpy was. A large group of soccer moms saw Derpy and went "OMG THEY MAKE OUR KIDS HATE RETARDS BECAUSE THAT PONY IS NAMED DERPY AND HAS CROSSED EYES!" these soccer moms spammed them with numerous emails and threats. I even heard one of them claimed that she would 'drown her child if Hasbro supported Derpy' seriously, these were irrational people that hated a pony just for having crossed eyes. Since Hasbro didn't want to deal with that they were forced to change her to save themselves from angry soccer moms who purchase their products.
The promo is probably just referring to the fact that Twilight will become a princess. No need to freak out over humans in MLP FIM. We don't even know 100% that the human movie thing is confirmed.
Okay, here's my question. Will FiM become Equestria Girls when the movie (if rumors are true) is released? Or will FiM continue on as normal and Equestrian Girls will become an alternate universe series with the original characters and background?
819392
The going theory is that the show will continue as normal and this will either be an AU or a "ponies go to earth and than travel back" kind of thing.
Either this is separate from the Faust verse or a one time thing. In either case, I'll trust the writers to do their job.
Right now I'm more Ticked off about Hasbro suddenly pulling the plug on Fighting is Magic (stupid move on their part). Then again, the Finale of the Season is upon us so it makes sense that Hasbro goes out and does all these meaningless internet purges; they always do at the end of each season (guess they figure they could maximize profits by going after non-profit/presumably legitimate sources).
Hopefully, some of the would-be-game music (namely character themes) will still be able to remain up and not be taken down.
819460
Thanks for the info. If the movie/show does come true my only hope is that whoever is tasked to make the movie/show won't make it to be like some kind of abomination like G3 and won't get some horrible knockoff VAs to play the Mane 6.
I approve of this blog post.