What Babscon Has Shown Me: The Good and the Babs / Upcoming News About OctiScratchness · 3:15am Apr 25th, 2016
Over the weekend, I traveled to SF and attended Babscon on Saturday, and I have A HECK OF A LOT TO SAY....
The vendors and variety of goods available for purchase was amazing. I couldn't have been happier with the people and the products on sale. This, perhaps, was the best (and only good) part of the entire con.
Before I lament to you about what was wrong, I need to say that I went alone, expecting a lot, expecting a fun experience. There were some instances, however few and far between, where I did have fun. But, for the majority of the con, I did not.
This was the first time I had ever met a large amount of bronies in one place. This was.......unpleasant, and I believe many of you could agree on some things. Instead of just a laid back group of fun loving individuals, I was met with nearly thousands of close minded and upset fans (with the exception of the children and most of the vendors...MOST of the vendors). Look, I get it... MLP isn't perfect and nothing is ever as we exactly want it. Isn't that why we're here, on FIMFIC, creating a new world of enjoyment through our own imaginations? This problem was biggest in the fanfic meet and greets. Many of those individuals (in my unfortunate opinion) had horrible taste and a complete lack of grace that I could easily see in their writing. Instead of talking and mingling the wonders and our shared love of MLP, these particular people just whined and complained.
Perhaps this next point will show my character weakness concerning vanity, but I must say it....
I saw many lovely boys and girls, many gorgeous people who showed their love of MLP through their own personal expression. (Yes, if you're wondering, I'm bi-sexual. REALLY bi... You can think of me as a bike tire; stick me on front or back, I don't care. 
) However, there were an ungodly amount of people there who showed up looking like their got dragged through a corn field with a trail of candy wrappers behind them. (Did I mention sandals and crocs?) It wouldn't be so bad if these people didn't jeer and mock the yummy looking people who put time and money into their appearance. These terrible individuals would bring others down to make themselves feel better about their own lacking appearances.... THAT'S TERRIBLE...
Despite being in a community of pony loving humans, I was frightfully lonely and felt incredibly isolated.... It was a challenging experience, and I know I know I know...going alone isn't the best thing to do at a con, but I didn't have much choice. I wanted to say hi or meet some of you, Celestia permitting of course, but I understand that "You can't always get what you want, no-no-no." (I really missed you guys...)
I'm so sorry for making this blog post....I guess with my cousin killing himself, the stress of this week, and my bad con experience, I just had to say something.... Maybe I shouldn't even say anything... I'm not a perfect person, I'm flawed and can be pretty stupid sometimes too, but I know without a shadow of a doubt that I have a kind and easily breakable heart... (I love you guys...) 
I know that Babscon has so much wonderful potential to be one of the greatest experiences a brony or pegasister can have. With amazing guests and fantastic events, it's nothing short of perfect when the stars align properly (or if people could be genuine with each other instead of hurtful and rude).
If you've made it this far, thank you for listening and letting me speak my mind. After all the amazing support and incredible love you all gave me during my family hardships, I am forever in debt to all of you.
Lastly, I plan on finishing a new chapter for OctiScratch sometime this week, hopefully by tomorrow if everything goes well. If you still feel like reading my work after this, then I am very happy. 
Have a very lovely evening and a wonderful Monday. I will do my best to bring you the best fluff and romance that Canterlot High has to offer.
I"m so sorry to hear about what happened and your cousin.
My condolences and I hope everything works out for you.
Honestly, I've always wanted to go to a bronycon and meet up with my fellow fans. I've never had the chance to sit down in person another fan of the show and I do hope I get the chance. However, it seems a lot of fans are in a 'grump' as it were. Perhaps it'll cool down soon enough and next time around, it'll go swimmingly.
Best of luck.
I've only ever gone to one convention. By nature, I'm more of an observoor, so I was, of course, pretty isolated/lonely. The people were generally friendly, and were highly tolerant of one another. The problem with the attendees is that some of them did indeed lack grace and sophistication. I think the most memorable part was when my fellow security staff (yes, I was working security) had to deal with an unruly patron. Such was the only undesirable behavior, however. I think I enjoyed it, even if it wasn't exactly "fun". I think it would be better with companions, though. I'm going to bronycon in July, and I'm hoping this one will be more stimulating.
But I completely understand your experience. I was there a few times. I can sympathize with your stress. And I really treasure the classic Brony philosophy/expectations.
Perhaps you hit a group of our more "difficult" bronies within fandom. I guess like mentioned the size of the con, venue and going alone can quickly turn it into a bad experience. I only visited the small con here in Netherlands and its completely the opposite there, very open, tolerant and easy to connect with people. But hey, plenty of awesome bronies out there (I know here on Fimfic there are), Im sure you find a few to go with next time perhaps.
That's......rather disheartening to hear
I would always think that everybody there would be alive with their love of the show and its good qualities, share their own friendship stories and even make new friends as well! But to hear that all were pretty yet so....not pretty, at least when it comes to behavior. Complaining about a show that was intended for a younger target audience and whining about frivolous things. That's a MAJOR contrast to what the show pertains. But I think the worst of your ordeal was......
........That's a horrible thing to experience, especially amidst others who have the same interest as yourself. I myself am not much for cons (though I wish I could attend one) but I'm dreadfully sorry you couldn't enjoy yourself more out there. Some take friendship to heart and some don't, or some can't recognize when someone just needs a friendly smile to get through the day (though I'm not perfect, so this includes me as well...). I'm not making excuses for such poor behavior but sadly, its the way of the world.
So Sorry for the crummy experience, hon.
Well sorry you didn't have a great time at the convention.
do what me and my brother did at Oslo Motor Show and Spillexpo 15, talk to people and the people creating stuff
As a Bay Area resident and fellow attendee of BABSCon, sorry to hear you had a bad time! Cons unfortunately tend to run the full gamut of attendees, which means it's very easy to run into either great people or totally obnoxious snobs.
Out of curiosity, did I run into you at any of the writer meet-ups?
Best of luck going forward!
3901218 You may have. I was at the fanfic panel thing for a significant amount of time
3906528 If you don't mind, what'd your name badge read? I think I remember the ones of most everyone I talked to for any length of time?
3912454 My badge read William Allen. I'm sorry to say that I don't believe we had a chance to talk.
3916870 Whoops. Way belated, but yeah. Don't think I ran into you. Bummer.