Bronycon- The Definition of Awesome · 6:18pm Aug 5th, 2013
Source: Bronycon! Yay! For real though, this amazing utterly delightful piece was something I witnessed Minty simply draw right there in front of me with casual strokes that spoke of so much practice drawing! I was looking at it and thinking: "I want it!"
So, if you haven't heard of her, she's a charming, humble girl that has (clearly) an amazing talent. So go follow her!
This happened at 'Quills and Sofas' the area the Bronycon had reserved for those of us with an inclination for the written word. And dude, was there a lot of us.
But, on to that in a bit.
My overall impression of the con was this: If someone were to go there, in good will and humor to take a look at what the hay was going on... I believe they would have actually caught on to what being a brony is about. I'm not thinking of a particular person or type of individual either, I touched on this when talking to the many friends I met in person there... everyone was smiling. Everyone was happy. Spontaneous songs that would draw in random passers-by, voice actors spending time with fans, brony celebrities being awesome, humble, gracious people... not enough can be said.
I know this is not for everyone... but, during my stay in Baltimore, 7 people approached me to ask what the hell was going on... (sorry brony-swag and/or cosplayers, apparently I'm less threatening in the words of one of them. I don't know whether I should be insulted... but anyway) Out of those 7, 3 were genuinely amused, in a non-negative way, 1 frowned, shook his head and walked away, and two said they would actually check it out. (The last one sorta nodded and walked away without saying anything else.) I don't think they went brony, but I think that what they saw was proof that there was nothing to fear, as for the guy that frowned and went away? That's cool too, I mean, let's face it, unless you've been to fan-cons (star trek, anime-cons, furcons, gencons, gamer cons, etc) this is plenty weird. I can see how it would make more than one person nervous. (It does make me wonder what the news crew that went in thought about it.)
The people at the fast-food places and hotels? Didn't bat an eye. They've seen worse. Hell, even the hoards of people that went to the baseball game ignored us for the most part... I guess they're used to it with Otakon happening there and such. I did see a couple of them get free brony hugs.
The vendor section was, in a word: amazing. I might not have bought swag like so many people, but dayum. Atryl, Tsitra360, Dustysculptures, and so many other artists selling their art there... just hanging out with them and seeing the stuff was good enough for me! (To be envious, that is!)
And the panels. Too many to talk about... Writing Novels, Voice Acting, Multimedia, Amy & Uke... so much fun!
Adventure Stories was a blast, RazedRainbow and Applejinx had really cool things to say, added-upon by Capn Chryssalid who had plenty to say and so little time. It was very enjoyable to expand on this genre of writing and I would like to thank both Razed and Applejinx for inviting me to the panel.
The "How to Write a Better Story" panel was... just... packed. People standing on the back, seats were all taken for most of it, people were really engaged and I started with one of my rants on taking things seriously. I sorta left it there but everyone gave me this look like, "dude, intense." It was fun, so much fun! (Fun! FUUUN! FUUUUUUN! Sorry Pen Stroke!) Bleeding Raindrops, Golden Vision, Obselescence, surprise panelist Pen Stroke and myself... talking a little about certain topics, debating and taking questions like a boss. Or bosses. Or something. That crowd... if you were there and you're reading this, you were awesome.
First of all I'd like to thank my fellow Michigan Bronies, Wub5TRIKE, Tempered_Flask and Least Famous Steve without whom this wouldn't have been possible. I thank you for your patience, your willingness to help a fellow at the last minute and the awesome times we had on the road.
I was beyond honored to actually meet so many other authors there, from people who I vaguely knew from a story they had written, to pals like Capn Chryssalid who I've sorta known since... 98ish? Putting faces to names, voices to words, smiles to followers and critics... it was an amazing experience. I have a list of some of the many amazing people I met. I don't think I can remember all of you, and this is not in any particular order, but I will do my best.
Obs. Dude. Duuude. The man with the hats. The punmeister. Fellow LEOGer and Fimfic-staff-dude-that-looks-at-stories-and-clicks-approve-or-deny. It was fun, fun, fun hanging out man. Shame about the beard, but that can be almost forgiven by what a cool dude you are. You're awesome and you proved it to the crowd during the panel.
Capn'. We spent hours talking craft until really early in the morning and picked it up the next day. Your honest opinion and your insight into storytelling are things I really appreciate having the fortune to have shared. I do hope to see you again, and let's drag your ass onto a chair in front of the audience (for a panel) where it belongs, you have plenty to say and people have quite a few things to learn. And that one time with CyborgSamurai and Mongolian was extremely entertaining. Even if I had to shoo-away hotel security. (Or even more so because?)
Midnight Dancer, it was awesome. Thanks for the cider 
And those soaps? You should go pro with that! Hanging out with you, Sunder, Plum, Csquerade, Dragon, MongolianFoodHoarder and (I'm pretty sure it was) Magic Odd Effect as well (if not, well... derp) was awesome. Too bad we hovered at the door to Ripley's and didn't go in... but! It was cool to hang out with all of you and be part of the shenanigans!
Dustyscupltures! I don't know if you'll see this, but you are a true friend. I can't put into words how amazing your gift was (a Princess Pupa sculpture for those of you wondering) and your generosity knows no bounds nor is it comparable to anyone save Rarity. You're a gem, inside, outside and in mind, keep sculpting until we see your stuff in the museums man, you've got talent to spare!
Aquaman and Couch Crusader, only got to hang out with you guys for a short time, but you are both extremely cool and hardworking bronies. Really enjoyed going to Amy's panel with both of you, and the few other times we had to chat about so many things (which naturally deviated to EqD-related stuff) but I found you both to be extremely intelligent individuals and I hope to converse with you both again when possible.
Penstroke! Man! You're freaking tall! I mean, not as tall as Plum, mind, but tall! And a really cool guy as well! It was a pleasure having you as a surprise panelist! Thanks for the numbered Past Sins book cover, btw!
Kits, we talked for all of twenty minutes (accumulated) you're an awesome dude, bro. Let's chat again soon!
Fangwarden and Noble Cause, you two, I had to hunt you down! Who doesn't agree on which Dunkin' Donuts to meet but sets an hour for the meeting anyway? We do! Plenty was said, but more time was needed to hang out with such nice guys! Brohoof to both of you! (Fang, when you take off that hat, magic happens and I really can't recognize you. And you do so totally have this Nick Cage air about you.)
Mister Tulip, my man. It's always been a pleasure to read your comments on my stories, I'm delighted and honored to have an amazing dude like you take care and interest in my writings and dedicate so much time to going in and doing said reviews... thanks dude!
Alextrasza, what are you doing all the way down here? You, my friend needed to spend more time with Obs and I... although I guess you're a vendor so we can forgive you for your transgression. I also didn't see the brass knuckles. Too bad we didn't have any fimfic merchandise to promote (hint, hint, knighty) But seriously man, it was a pleasure.
Jake the Army Guy, I didn't buy you a beer. Next time. But thank you for joining the conversations and engaging us at the panels.
Dawn Scroll... you weren't there man, such a shame! 
Applejinx and Bleeding Raindrops. Thanks, really, for all the efforts you two went through to make the con an enjoyable experience to all involved. It's commendable that you were able to do so much despite being so exhausted... I don't think I even heard you complain about how your legs were hurting, unlike some other people.
Sleepless Brony, you are a really awesome guy in person, it was really nice to be able to meet you and chat for a little while, even if my question never was asked in the panel... at least you know it was a real one.
The Descendant. At the time of me writing this blog, I'm not following you. By the time I post it, I will. I had a really nice time talking to you, you are a very deep individual and while our one true conversation was short, I had a blast. Thank you for sitting down with me to chat!
Bad Horse- dude, that mask. It was very nice to meet you, I can actually say you were mostly how I imagined you to be, although I wish I had had time to get to know you better. Recognizing you in a quick food restaurant and a short conversation in a round table was not enough to do so. Let's catch up online at some point!
Present Perfect: Dude, it was nice to meet you in the flesh, man! Sorry I skipped you in the first posting of this blog! We didn't chat as much as I would like, but it was awesome to meet you regardless! We'll be talking a lot more, my friend!
I might have forgotten a few of you, but drop me a message, trust me, it's not intentional!
And last, but certainly not least...
All of you who went to the panels or stopped by Quills and Sofas to tell me how much you had liked my stories, or how you had gotten into fimfiction thanks to them... thank you so much. It was humbling (but very cool!) to meet you and see that my words had reached you. It's one thing to see numbers, another to read comments and yet another to meet in person people that have actually loved what I've written. I can't thank you enough for reading, commenting and even more so, for taking the time to let me know in person.
~WD
YEAH!!!!!
Michigan is best state cause our hands are maps and we have 2 peninsulas
That artwork is still pretty damn awesome
Also, pleasure to meet you irl, dude. Love to do this again.
Man, I wish I could have gone...
I wonder if there are any conventions happening in the UK this year. Might check them out.
It was a pleasure, sir. Let's do it again sometime.
Good to see you had a, awesome time at Bronycon. Hopefully I can meet you at the next one!
It would have been awesome to go to Bronycon. I'm glad you had a great time there. I should plan to hit up a con next year...
Did anyone I follow not go to this thing?
PLEASE tell me you enjoyed some of the Inner Harbor as well as the con...
~Skeeter The Lurker
1263588 Yes, I did. I loved the city of Baltimore, and it was great to see the Raven's Stadium (I've been a Ravens fan for about 6 years now) the Harbor was pretty cool, although I visited it mostly at night.
1263596
Best time to visit! The night life there is awesome.
Also, Ravens fan...? I love you.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Sounds like you had a Grand Galloping Fun Time at the Con!
1263556
Well, I know none will be happening in Montana, that's for darn sure.
And even then.
But, this was a surprising blog. I was happy to read of the good times you all had.
They saying goes that If the cops show up, it's a good party, if the fire department shows up, it's a great party, and if an ambulance shows up, the party's over. I'd say it was a good time.
I was very glad to meet you. I had a blast, and thank you for keeping me company.
I was VERY amused that my vendor stand seemed to become the 'meet up point' for everyone xD
We shoulda gone in Ripley's. That woulda ruled.
1263596
That's not how you spell "Bengals"
I'll make it next year, promise!
It was so awesome to finally meet you! This may be my last con for a long while to come so I was delighted to get to see you and so many others that make our fandom the best ever!
That image is PURE awesomeness.
This con was such a great time, meeting the people who inspire your art and imagination is always a humbling (and majorly exciting) experience.
1263597
Do I detect the proud tones of another Baltimore native?
1263735
Maryland born and raised.
Before I moved to Florida for college.
~Skeeter The Lurker
1263668
BLASPHEMER.
~Skeeter The Lurker
Man, Bronycon sounds amazing! Obviously our little conventions here will never be like it. Will never pay that much attention to fan fiction either.
The important thing is that you had a great time.
1263596 You are a Ravens fan? Awesome!
That proves we haven't talk enough. But you know how shy I am. 
1263746
At least no one here's a Steelers fan.
...Right?
1263796
God, I HOPE not.
~Skeeter The Lurker
It was great meeting you, too. And I'm hoping to reread TSC again some time in the next month or so, so expect more comments semi-soon.
That feel when you will never have a circle of friends like Wanderer D.
*hugs!* It was a BLAST to meet you! Same con next year, hey?
It was such a great con and was absolutely awesome getting to meet you. Sorry if I was a bit awkward telling you how much I loved Sweetie Chronicles and The Empty Room. I can write well enough, but talking to people in person is not exactly a strong point of mine...
Both panels were incredibly interesting and very informative. Can't wait til next year!
Aw dammit that was you cutting out that drawing!!!? I was there i would have said something if i had known and saw your badge...oh and sorry i didnt attend your panel i wanted tp but time constraints had me leave before. NEXT YEAR THOUGH!!! IT WILL BE GLOURIOUS
Man, you can say that again. I was watching the charity auction (and I might add, wow, some bronies must have HEALTHY WALLETS) right up until the moment it was time to go to that panel. I was literally the last person inside before security closed the door and stopped letting people in.
Scary. I'm glad I did get inside, though, because I really enjoyed the panel. It was definitely fun to go to panels, including a variety of fic-writing panels, and learn from the experts in person.
So, thanks for being involved!
I actually went, but I missed you. No idea you were in Quills and Sofas, I was in Stabletop for hours on end, right next door. I know what you mean about some of those panels, though. It was an amazing experience and I'm going to see if I can make it again soon.
It is true that my hats are magical... Going to be mixing up the ones I wear next year even more
Going to attend more panels than I did this year, but the call of merch, it's tough to resist haha
So glad I got to hang out with you, you're like the coolest guy. :D Hopefully see you next year!
Too bad you didn't make it to EFNW...
Would've been nice to meet you.
I was there.
I even went to the Adventure Stories panel, but I didn't have anything cool or whatnot to say. 
Anyway, I think The Empty Room is awesome. 
P.S.
Please write more Three Sisters.
Awesome to see you as well, D! May we meet again someday.
I hope there's video of the fanfiction panels. I haven't been able to find any yet.
It really was a great time. I had high hopes for it, you know, given the effort it takes to rouse me from RL to do any other stuff, and I'd never before cared enough about something to attend a related con. But this blew it all away. The atmosphere was great, to begin with, but it wouldn't have been half as enjoyable as it was if not for all the other great authors, artists, friends and peers I was able to spend time with.
Oh, and you'd have liked that final authors' dinner we had. There ended up being more than thirty of us, taking up half a room in an Irish Pub just by ourselves. Chatting and chilling and joking and then about ten of us ultimately retreated back to my hotel room - since I had the largest and most expensive room, haha - to play card games and joke about MLP.
There's never been anything like this fandom for me. And I even parted with cash to buy a few trinkets and shirts. Yes... my one lone regret would be not being able to fully contribute to a panel. But what a fun couple days!
It was great to meet you, too! Your accent caught me by surprise in the most loveliest of ways.
1266549 I have some crappy, shaky ipad footage of it that I can put up some where if theres any interest. Hopefully there was an official recording of them, particularly of the Writing a Better Story panel, because I only managed to record bits and pieces from the back of the room.
Oh good, you got my name right!
'Twas fun.
(You're way more handsome than I expected you to be...
)
Wish I could have gone and met you all
I had a blast at BronyCon, too, D! The times on the road were very silly and fun (fun! fun! fun!..), and even though we didn't hang out much at the con, I still made a new friend.
Thanks for mentioning your fellow Michigan Bronies.
*goes back to reading Sweetie Chronicles