My Little Pony

[lordofchange13]

Actually, I recall something about Lauren Faust making her own humanization and in it, Twilight was black.
I can't find it though.

Still, on humanized ponies, this is my favourite (one of them anyway):

[img]http://img573.imageshack.us/img573/4793 ... mi.jpg/img]

I think that their ethnicity/race/whateve still manages to complement who they are rather than try to define them.

The way their looking at each other brings to mind all the shiping stores i've read over at equestria daily. though i personally find humanistic pony's a little disturbing.

[Zixinus]

Shipping stories? I don't get that impression (the pinkie-hold is a bit strange though). My impression is a bunch of happy girls huddling together to discuss an interesting plan.

Anyway, am I the only one expecting that the CMC are going to end up having special cutie marks? Or taking the idea further? I can imagine a youth club for fillies or something.

[Bright]

All three already have specific things that are hinted to be their talents. I'd dislike it if they went in any other route.

Speaking of shipping ponies, I don't really see the big problem with it. It doesn't, frankly, seem any different to me than shipping human characters. Is the whole awkwardness based on the assumption that thinking of the romantic entanglements of ponies involves some kind of attraction to them? Because I don't think that's the case at all. I mean, my favorite romance film is probably Wall-E. Wall-E and EVE are basically just a box and an egg, but I can't imagine anyone taking issue with the viewer getting involved with their relationship. Liking it when they kiss doesn't make you robosexual, does it? Or is the issue simply showhorning romance into a children's cartoon? That's actually pretty damn common...

[lordofchange13]

Shipping stories? I don't get that impression (the pinkie-hold is a bit strange though). My impression is a bunch of happy girls huddling together to discuss an interesting plan.

No, it shouldn't inspire those memories unless you have read, these peticulare ones, as they all had human character art, had the same kind of style.

[lordofchange13]

Speaking of shipping ponies, I don't really see the big problem with it. It doesn't, frankly, seem any different to me than shipping human characters. Is the whole awkwardness based on the assumption that thinking of the romantic entanglements of ponies involves some kind of attraction to them? Because I don't think that's the case at all. I mean, my favorite romance film is probably Wall-E. Wall-E and EVE are basically just a box and an egg, but I can't imagine anyone taking issue with the viewer getting involved with their relationship. Liking it when they kiss doesn't make you robosexual, does it? Or is the issue simply showhorning romance into a children's cartoon? That's actually pretty damn common...

It's not the shipping that's the problem, i like the new depth of character that those add. Its the humanized pony pictures, i personally find them a little disturbing.

[evilsoup]

Shipping is creepy (unless it's funny, but that's beyond the abilities of most fanfic writers) because they are characters in a children's cartoon, and I prefer not to think of them in that way. Actually, that's a bit of a exaggeration: sometimes shipping can be cute, I guess - but again, that's beyond the abilities of most fanfic writers, especially the ones who tend to be interested in writing shipping stories.

[lordofchange13]

Shipping is creepy (unless it's funny, but that's beyond the abilities of most fanfic writers) because they are characters in a children's cartoon, and I prefer not to think of them in that way.

I think your associating all shipping stories with the ones that border on being pornographic which are creepy, but most good shipping stories will mostly only just involve kissing, and emotional angst.

Actually, that's a bit of a exaggeration: sometimes shipping can be cute, I guess - but again, that's beyond the abilities of most fanfic writers, especially the ones who tend to be interested in writing shipping stories.

That sadly is true, but can be said for any genre. All fanfic writers are terrible!

Here is one of my favorite MLP non canon music numbers.

Why the hell didn't they give Dragon Q a song?!?!

[Revy]

Meh, I did shipping when I wrote Rozen Maiden fanfic, and those were dolls. I'd like to think it was cute the way I wrote it.

I'd guess that next episode is going to focus on Scootaloo, based on the episode info. The last two episodes focused on Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, so it makes sense for her to get her own episode as well, and it has to do with Rainbow Dash, the pony Scootaloo idolises. I like the CMC, but I will be glad when the show gets back to the mane cast.

My favourite youtube vids for this show have to be My Little Top Gear and P For Pinketta. Those just made me crack up.

[lordofchange13]

I'd guess that next episode is going to focus on Scootaloo, based on the episode info. The last two episodes focused on Sweetie Belle and Applebloom, so it makes sense for her to get her own episode as well, and it has to do with Rainbow Dash, the pony Scootaloo idolises. I like the CMC, but I will be glad when the show gets back to the mane cast.

So Scootaloo is going to try out to be Rainbow's pet? if that is true who didn't see that coming, Rainbow needs a flying pet, and Scootaloo is a chicken.

[evilsoup]

Chickens can't fly, and Scootaloo is no exception to that rule.

[LadyTevar]

As for why they didn't punish her, I think Zecora considered her "pox" punishment enough.

[lordofchange13]

Chickens can't fly, and Scootaloo is no exception to that rule.

she can hover. why can't she fly?, she produces enough thrust to push herself and the rest of the crusaders along with a chart with out exstreme visible effort, i would think she could redirect that force down and achieve lift off.

[evilsoup]

We don't know for sure that she can't fly, but we have never seen her fly - and given that she idolises Rainbow Dash, possibly the best flier in Equestria, I would expect her to at least fly a little, if she could.

LadyT: that's fair enough, but they didn't even tell her off a little bit. If anything I'd expect AJ to say 'wtf were you thinking, stealing strange medicines from the crazy magic zebra (uh.. no offence meant, Zecora)'.

Actually, shit, I think I've just found a character flaw in Applejack: she's too indulgent of her little sister! I doubt they could make an episode about that, though.

[Crazedwraith]

She kinda of flew. Well hovered one time on her scooter to dodge a branch.

edit; obviously I only read the last post there.

Anyway, a Scotaloo episode is fine by me. I did notice a tendacy for them to group lumps of similar episodes together in series one. Stare Master and Show Stopper were right next to each other for example (CMC featuring eps). Dog and Pony Show and Green Isn't Your Colour were both Rarity heavy.

[evilsoup]

If you're talking about the bit I think you're talking about, that was more of an action-jump than 'hovering'. Further evidence: Sweetie Belle calls Scootaloo a 'dodo' - she's clearly mocking Scootaloo's lack of flying ability!

EDIT: Crazedwraith, I like your new AV! Now somepony needs to use a Sweetie Belle one, to complete the set, haha.

[lordofchange13]

If you're talking about the bit I think you're talking about, that was more of an action-jump than 'hovering'. Further evidence: Sweetie Belle calls Scootaloo a 'dodo' - she's clearly mocking Scootaloo's lack of flying ability!

EDIT: Crazedwraith, I like your new AV! Now somepony needs to use a Sweetie Belle one, to complete the set, haha.

ok, Faust has said that scootaloo can in fact not fly in any form "She just hasn't figured it out yet" she has said.

[Starglider]

she can hover. why can't she fly?, she produces enough thrust to push herself and the rest of the crusaders along with a chart with out exstreme visible effort, i would think she could redirect that force down and achieve lift off.

Pegasus flight blatantly involves fairly strong magic; not just the fact that the wing area / flap rate combination produces approx 2% of the thrust required for a pony to hover, there is no way carts and chariots could float along behind them if the only lift was from the (way ahead of combined center of gravity) wings. That's before you even consider the biophysical effects of an only modestly streamlined creature achieving supersonic speeds. As such 'because... magic works in mysterious ways' is a perfectly reasonable excuse here.

[lordofchange13]

The fact that the Ponyville residents have hazard-suits on-hand in their homes may have unintended and disturbing implications.

[RogueIce]

So, I know a lot of people's annoyance with the CMCs is their whole Aesop Amnesia thing they have. And that would seem to be reinforced by the end of this episode.

But consider the beginning. When they went bowling and failed to gain a Cutie Mark from it, only Apple Bloom seemed to act dejected. Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo appeared to have just been enjoying all the fun they had by bowling and being together. Earning a cutie mark (or failing at this goal) seemed to be kinda secondary to them by this point. Whereas in Showstoppers, they too acted a bit dejected when their chosen activity failed to yield a Cutie Mark. So there has been some growth to them, and paying attention to what the older ponies were trying to teach them. Apple Bloom seems to be the exception, but I'll come back to her.

Semi-related to the above, it also seems that part of their motivation is to have the same or similar Cutie Marks as their friends. So they can go from being the Cutie Mark Crusaders to some new form of reference. I find that to be rather cute and endearing.

As far as Apple Bloom being the one not to get it, I can kinda see that. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon seem to pick on her for it almost exclusively - even when she has "earned" a CM those two still give her crap. I suppose we could assume that AB remains their target moreso than the other CMCs. Given that SB and Scootaloo both stood up to them in Call of the Cutie I guess that's not unreasonable; AB may simply be an 'easy target' for them.

I know it's not the greatest of explanations in the world, but it's what I took from it.

[Crazedwraith]

Semi-related to the above, it also seems that part of their motivation is to have the same or similar Cutie Marks as their friends. So they can go from being the Cutie Mark Crusaders to some new form of reference. I find that to be rather cute and endearing.

Of course this highlights why being the Cutie Mark Crusaders is ultimately self-defeating. They're not all going to have the same special talent.

Though the scene where they try to decide on a new name was cute. And touched on the episode idea I mentioned earlier; when the CMC earn their cutie marks will they still be friends? (on this show obviously yes but it might take an episode to resolve itself)


Another thing I wonder about; how old are Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo? Since they were unknown to Apple Bloom before Call of the Cutie. Is Ponyville large enough to have more than one filly school? Or are SB and Scootaloo a year older or younger than AB? which miht explain why the weren't bothered as much. Either they're younger and don't feel the peer pressure as much or older and more mature.

But then since CotC they've been depicted as being in the same class as AB. So I don't know.

[RogueIce]

Semi-related to the above, it also seems that part of their motivation is to have the same or similar Cutie Marks as their friends. So they can go from being the Cutie Mark Crusaders to some new form of reference. I find that to be rather cute and endearing.

Of course this highlights why being the Cutie Mark Crusaders is ultimately self-defeating. They're not all going to have the same special talent.

Yep. Actually I kind of like it in relation to my main statement: that the quest for Cutie Marks, at least for the unicorn and pegasus fillies, is less about earning one and more about an excuse to get together, try something new and just have fun. Kinda like how some people will have a whole "{insert number} Muskateers" or similar nicknames for their group of best friends.

[evilsoup]

Another thing I wonder about; how old are Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo? Since they were unknown to Apple Bloom before Call of the Cutie. Is Ponyville large enough to have more than one filly school? Or are SB and Scootaloo a year older or younger than AB? which miht explain why the weren't bothered as much. Either they're younger and don't feel the peer pressure as much or older and more mature.

I like to think that Apple Bloom is just that oblivious, and that Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are in the same class.

[Zixinus]

It is possible that SB and Scoot are new arrivals.

If there are enough fillies, it is even possible that they are of the same age but go to different classes with a different, as-of-yet-unknown teacher. It makes sense from the teaching perspective: have a too high a headcount in class can be a problem, especially with children. It is possible that there are more fillies than we think in Ponyville.

There is also the explanation that SB and Scootalo are not residents in Ponyville but of a nearby town. That makes their CMC activities something they plan a bit in advance or do when they can get together (do ponies have weekends?). They might be using some form of mass transit (trains?) to go regularly to Ponyville. Since Equastria is utopic, the fillies shouldn't have any problems using mid-distance mass transport by themselves.

[RogueIce]

I like to think that Apple Bloom is just that oblivious, and that Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle are in the same class.

That almost works, except in the wide shot of the class laughing at Apple Bloom in "Call of the Cutie" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are nowhere to be seen.

They could be in the same grade level if with another teacher as Zixinus posits. Not even totally inconsistant. The part where they fought in front of the statue of Discord looked like a field trip, so it's possible students from more than one class were just being chaperoned by Cheerilee. Same thing with them all being out at recess together.

Or maybe it's a new school year and they are in the same class when they weren't before. Don't know why Cheerilee would move up in teaching the new grade, but one never knows.

[lordofchange13]

That almost works, except in the wide shot of the class laughing at Apple Bloom in "Call of the Cutie" Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are nowhere to be seen.

If you look closely their character models were there, they just had different color seems.