The Fandom is Dying · 12:49am Nov 21st, 2016
Been here over 3 years, and never posted a blog. So of course, when I do, it'll be this topic.
The fandom is dying. Rapidly. I've seen no less than 6 artists on Deviantart say that they can't focus on just ponies anymore, because they no longer make enough money. Most notably is SilverSlinger, who likely isn't going to be making custom jewelry at all anymore.
There's also EarthenPony, one of the most well known sculptors. When I first watched him, almost everything he made was sold within a few days. Now, he's re-listed all of his sculptures on Ebay, because there aren't even any bids.
Even Nazergoreng, who is in my mind the best plush-maker in the world, is having some trouble selling ponies. This:
Has been open to offers for a month. That never would have happened just a year ago.
Pepooni is stepping away from ponies.
Those are some of the most influential artists in the fandom.
On DA, I myself have done the same thing. I no longer bead ponies. I'm not that much into ponies anymore. And yet, I'm going to be on FimFiction for a looooooong time. As long as the remaining fandom continues to make great fics, I'll continue to read them. Has anyone else noticed all this? Are any of you distancing from ponies? Are you going to stay on FimFIction even after you lose interest?
Some authors have stepped down.
It's just a shrinking fandom, I guess.
I've stopped watching the show, but that's it. I really don't think the fandom is dying, more like changing. There are those that are going on to other things to be sure, but others will move in as well.
4310629 I don't think many people are coming into the fandom anymore. Bronies have had a bad rep since the start, it's hard to admit that you like the show, so I think anyone that would be able to, would have been here already.
4310642 For me it's different Oddish. I have been a MY Little Pony fan since 1984 when Rescue at Midnight Castle aired. I have never felt shame for my tastes and that "bad rep" is almost exclusively hyperbolic. Slowing and shrinking is normal. The Star Trek and Star Wars fandoms have been around the longest and have repeatedly waned and waxed over the years. I've seen it first hoof so I know that it happens.
I've heard. Many people have stepped out. Many say 6 should be the last season. Many say the movie is their last hurrah. I'm afraid of this.. I need this fandom. I love this show more than life, and I simply can't imagine my life without it. Sunset Shimmer needs a comeback. They have so much backstory potential. They've got so much, but they refuse to use it!! Hell, I have the potential to be get into writing, give me the chance to bring it up! But seriously.. we need to save this fandom.. I see a lot of dwindling potential.. I will continue writing if it kills me.
re: best plush-maker
Have you seen what Brush-A-Plush (Zooher-Punkcloud) is doing?
Honestly, I think he's the best.
4333066 Hell naw.
pre14.deviantart.net/c2ec/th/pre/f/2015/342/1/7/nightmare_rarity_custom_plush_by_nazegoreng-d9jhj0d.png pre07.deviantart.net/a44e/th/pre/f/2016/240/8/a/corrupted_cynder_custom_plush_by_nazegoreng-dafkcjz.png pre04.deviantart.net/a20b/th/pre/f/2016/188/a/8/countess_coloratura_custom_plush_by_nazegoreng-da920a3.png pre04.deviantart.net/7182/th/pre/f/2015/355/e/f/scootaloo_custom_plush_by_nazegoreng-d9ky5x2.png
Naz wins by a mile!
I hear you Oddish, I used to make merch to sell at conventions, like little parasprites and the like but there just isn't the money in it anymore. Don't get me wrong, I still really enjoy the show especially with the greater focus on the redemption arcs of Starlight Glimmer & Trixie as both try to help each other become better ponies. However, there aren't any more brony conventions in my state. For me though... the ponies were a huge help in a dark time of my life, I used to speak at Brony Conventions about why veterans were drawn to the Ponies... they'll always have a special place in my heart. I'm thinking about writing some more pun based stories again, and I hope you'll enjoy them like you did the jams with Jake the Army Guy, Seether, & Georg in the good ole' days.