Avatar Bias

[DarthFennec]

... no one has yet to explain to me what all the fuss is about.

It's a good show, we all like it, there's not much else to it. Same reason people have avatars of different anime characters, because they like anime.

OT: I don't have much of a bias. I tend to notice people with pony avatars or weird looping animated avatars, so I'm more prone to recognize them later. So you might call that a bias. But I don't have a negative bias against any avatar, really.

How is it a good show? I'm waiting for THAT explanation.

Quite frankly, I remember when everyone on Twitter was tweeting about DBZ because most of them are secret /b/ and /v/ goers where most of users there went on nostalgia trips for the show. It was EVERY WHERE. Yet, it's a horrible show.

This My Little Pony thing seems to have little difference, other than the fact the show is recent and no one is going on a nostalgia binge..

An explanation of why it's a good show? Well, the music is fantastic, the characters are multidimensional and interesting to watch, the animation and voice acting are really good, the jokes and references are funny, the atmosphere and world are fun and inviting, the stories are well designed, there are morals, but they're meaningful and organic and not in-your-face at all so they just feel like character development, and the whole thing is just downright adorable without feeling the least bit saccharine. It's a smart, fun show. That's why I like it anyway, but I expect other bronies' opinions are similar.

I'm bias towards people with My Little Pony avatars because no one has yet to explain to me what all the fuss is about. Till then, it looks ignorant and like a passing meme. Sorry guys.

It's ignorant? Are you just saying words or are you actually attempting to convey an idea?

OT: Nope. No biases when it comes to avatars here.

Seeing as how popular my first post in a month is, I'm assuming I just succeeded in conveying an idea.

What makes it look ignorant is the presumptions of he show itself, I assume. However, what makes me call it ignorant is that if it really is just a passing fad, such as the DBZ fad last Summer, then the show itself has become a meme. To me, it's no different then have cat demotivationals for your avatar, if that is the case. And if that is indeed the case, the people using them really have no feelings towards the characters at all and really just have the avatar because they think 'LOL PONY!!!!' which I call ignorance, because it's a much nicer word than stupidity.

There ya go.

I don't know if it's a passing fad or not, nobody can tell the future, but I do know that pretty much everyone with a pony avatar do have feelings toward the characters, and they do enjoy the show. Very few, if any, people with pony avatars, or who are into ponies, do it just because 'LOL PONY!!!!', so no, we're not ignorant. We just think this TV show is pretty fucking boss. That's really all there is to it.

 

[Lzryde]

Internet hipsters with their hilarious meme avatars. It doesn't really bother me, but every time I see one I die a little bit inside.

If you die a little inside it sounds like it does really bother you.

'Tis but a scratch.

 

[Hollock]

I don't think I have a bias against any type of avatar...

I do love avatars with awesome hats though

I love you too.
Don't have any bias towards avatars

 

[Bags159]

Seeing as how popular my first post in a month is, I'm assuming I just succeeded in conveying an idea.
What makes it look ignorant is the presumptions of he show itself, I assume.

This does not make sense. What does the show accept as true? [http://www.thefreedictionary.com/presumption] Contrary to popularyour belief you have not clearly conveyed an idea simply because you have received a lot of responses.

However, what makes me call it ignorant is that if it really is just a passing fad, such as the DBZ fad last Summer, then the show itself has become a meme.

So the show, fandom, or movement "lack education, knowledge, or are otherwise uninformed" [http://www.thefreedictionary.com/ignorant] if the show ends up a passing fad? Also, there is no doubt that the show has become somewhat of a meme, but being a meme is not inherently bad. [http://www.thefreedictionary.com/meme] Or are you stating that because we ignore the fact that Dragon Ball Z turned into a meme we are ignorant of history?

To me, it's no different then have cat demotivationals for your avatar, if that is the case. And if that is indeed the case, the people using them really have no feelings towards the characters at all and really just have the avatar because they think 'LOL PONY!!!!' which I call ignorance, because it's a much nicer word than stupidity.

There ya go.

So, following your logic people cannot have an emotional attachment to a character if it becomes part of or a meme? I'm sure Horatio Caine fans would like to have a word with you. [http://www.facebook.com/pages/Horatio-Caine/105487802818827?ref=ts&sk=info]

I cannot speak for anyone but myself, however, I personally do not have a pony avatar because I think "LOL PONY!!!!". Quite the contrary, to be precise. I have a pony avatar because I very much do like the show based upon its own merits. Friendship is Magic is an energetic, happy show, filled with innocence; humor; good morals; and lovable, relatable characters. It bears the marks of being lovingly crafted by all whom have had a part in its creation; the artists, the directors, the voice actors. A show that was destined to be little more than a commercial, a device through which Hasbro could sell its toys, has become far more than that -- it has become an escape for some, a normal cartoon for others, and nostalgia for others, bringing us back to 90's era cartoons. Friendship is Magic is entertainment that is entertaining not because it is dark and edgy, nor because it is racist, rude and relevant, but because it is simply good, solid fun. It reminds us of morals long since forgotten in the cynical world of today; accept others based upon their merits, not who they appear to be; that there's no shame in simply being yourself; and many others. My Little Pony Friendship is Magic is a show content with saying, "I'm an entertaining show about bright pastel colored ponies putting on fashion shows; nothing more, nothing less". The success and popularity of the show lies in the fact that it doesn't try to be anything more than what it is. It reminds us of a simpler, more carefree and innocent time in our lives.

There is nothing more pleasant than knowing that the creators of the media you are enjoying genuinely love what they are doing.

 

[DigitalAtlas]

-LONG ANGRY POST-

Cool story bro. With your anger, you've perfectly fit into the stereotype I placed people who adore the show before-hand. I was actually one click away from giving the show a chance. Grats. Good thing you weren't around during the civil rights movement.

 

[EeveeElectro]

Maybe not so much of a bias, but I think, 'Ah, I've seen that avatar around a lot, that person usually makes good posts' I'll be more inclined to read theirs over someone else.

 

[neoptolemus]

I really hate flashy animated avatars. They always distract me from the post I'm trying to read. Stop it!

 

[Jedamethis]

My Little Pony ones tend to irritate me at the moment. Not because of MLP itself, but because they are everywhere. So. many. ponies.

Damnit Razor, stop stealing my thoughts.

OT: Yeah, an avatar is supposed to represent you. A load of people having nearly the same avatar just doesn't seem right. Instead of "I am [Name]" it's saying "I love MLP, just like lots of other people."
And it makes you almost unrecognisable as a single important person.

snippety snip

I'm sorry, but I find myself unable to take you seriously. MLP is an amazing, unique 'escape' is it? That makes it sound like some kind of magical device that will solve all your problems, restore your youth, and make you truly happy as long as you worship it as the one true Okay, that could probably get me into trouble. Sorry.

Do you really need a childrens TV show to make you feel happy and remind you of an innocent, carefree time? That's...saddening.

 

[LawlessSquirrel]

I tend to have bad first impressions of people with meme-based avatars. Other than that, nothing really comes to mind.

I do tend to think more highly of people with anime avatars of great anime though (I'm looking at you, person with the Higurashi avatar!) I assume my subconscious reasoning is that if they like an anime I like enough to make it their avatar, I probably have stuff in common with them.

 

[Bags159]

My Little Pony ones tend to irritate me at the moment. Not because of MLP itself, but because they are everywhere. So. many. ponies.

Damnit Razor, stop stealing my thoughts.

OT: Yeah, an avatar is supposed to represent you. A load of people having nearly the same avatar just doesn't seem right. Instead of "I am [Name]" it's saying "I love MLP, just like lots of other people."
And it makes you almost unrecognisable as a single important person.

snippety snip

I'm sorry, but I find myself unable to take you seriously. MLP is an amazing, unique 'escape' is it? That makes it sound like some kind of magical device that will solve all your problems, restore your youth, and make you truly happy as long as you worship it as the one true Okay, that could probably get me into trouble. Sorry.

Do you really need a childrens TV show to make you feel happy and remind you of an innocent, carefree time? That's...saddening.

I have seen a few other escapist members with Age of Mythology avatars. Using your logic, "you love AOM, just like a lot of other people" and it almost makes you unrecognizable, as a single, important person. Just sayin'.

I said for some it is an escape (to use their words), as I personally just think it's a good cartoon. I do not need My Little Pony to feel happy; in fact, I was as happy before I watched it as I am now. The only difference in my life now is I have a My Little Pony avatar and I have another show to watch. I am not sure why it is so surprising to you that it causes nostalgia. Hell, just listening to the GunZ Lobby song makes me nostalgia hard. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_3WYXdYqew]

Sure it may sound pathetic, but that is what happens when you pick and choose and take things out of context. Need I point out the irony of you decrying someone finding the show an "escape" while posting on the "Escapist"?

-LONG ANGRY POST-

Cool story bro. With your anger, you've perfectly fit into the stereotype I placed people who adore the show before-hand. I was actually one click away from giving the show a chance. Grats. Good thing you weren't around during the civil rights movement.

It is interesting that you are taking your decision of whether or not you will watch a cartoon as seriously as the civil rights movement.

What anger are you talking about? I am not angry at all. In fact, I am actually kind of sad that you would deprive yourself of potential enjoyment because of what some random person on the internet has said. However, it is your life and I am not going to force or even try to make you watch something you do not like.

I honestly did not think my copy-pasta would upset people, and for that I am sorry.

 

[Flutterguy]

-LONG ANGRY POST-

Cool story bro. With your anger, you've perfectly fit into the stereotype I placed people who adore the show before-hand. I was actually one click away from giving the show a chance. Grats. Good thing you weren't around during the civil rights movement.

Hmm, I would reccomend you start at episode 9, it'll teach you not to judge a book by its cover.

 

[Raddra]

I tend to have a bias against anyone who uses that smoking baby avatar.

 

[JaceArveduin]

Meh, I'm not biased, I can't be bothered with it, though I do use it as a way to find someone's post fast.

Speakin of which, what do you think about mine? Had to do some tinkering in gimp to get it, but I'd like some second opinions

 

[Jedamethis]

OT: Yeah, an avatar is supposed to represent you. A load of people having nearly the same avatar just doesn't seem right. Instead of "I am [Name]" it's saying "I love MLP, just like lots of other people."
And it makes you almost unrecognisable as a single important person.

snippety snip

I'm sorry, but I find myself unable to take you seriously. MLP is an amazing, unique 'escape' is it? That makes it sound like some kind of magical device that will solve all your problems, restore your youth, and make you truly happy as long as you worship it as the one true Okay, that could probably get me into trouble. Sorry.

Do you really need a childrens TV show to make you feel happy and remind you of an innocent, carefree time? That's...saddening.

I have seen a few other escapist members with Age of Mythology avatars. Using your logic, "you love AOM, just like a lot of other people" and it almost makes you unrecognizable, as a single, important person. Just sayin'.

I said for some it is an escape (to use their words), as I personally just think it's a good cartoon. I do not need My Little Pony to feel happy; in fact, I was as happy before I watched it as I am now. The only difference in my life now is I have a My Little Pony avatar and I have another show to watch. I am not sure why it is so surprising to you that it causes nostalgia. Hell, just listening to the GunZ Lobby song makes me nostalgia hard. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_3WYXdYqew]

Sure it may sound pathetic, but that is what happens when you pick and choose and take things out of context. Need I point out the irony of you decrying someone finding the show an "escape" while posting on the "Escapist"?

Unrecognisable as a single important person? I beg to differ. This anubite is on fire. People have mentioned me by avatar before. "You're that guy with the flaming anubite avatar" not "You're some guy who likes AoM."
Find me another AoM avatar that looks similar, and I will accept defeat in this matter.

To use their words? You could have mentioned that. Whoopsy me.
Must be quite a part of your life if you are happy for it to be your sole representation where people have almost nothing else to go on. I have this avatar because I love mythology, especially egyptian, I prefer strategic games over FPS's, and I believe the best way to make things looks better is to set them on fire.

Indeed. "The Escapist: The mouthpiece of the gaming generation, is a leading video gaming destination offering video game enthusiasts high-quality, innovative and exclusive content with a considered approach to its audience."
I'm having a spot of trouble remembering how to sew a gusset into my handbag. Your name is Bag, so you must contain a lot of information about bags right?

 

[JaceArveduin]

So does that mean you'd like to cosplay as Sweet Tooth?

 

[Bags159]

OT: Yeah, an avatar is supposed to represent you. A load of people having nearly the same avatar just doesn't seem right. Instead of "I am [Name]" it's saying "I love MLP, just like lots of other people."
And it makes you almost unrecognisable as a single important person.

snippety snip

I'm sorry, but I find myself unable to take you seriously. MLP is an amazing, unique 'escape' is it? That makes it sound like some kind of magical device that will solve all your problems, restore your youth, and make you truly happy as long as you worship it as the one true Okay, that could probably get me into trouble. Sorry.

Do you really need a childrens TV show to make you feel happy and remind you of an innocent, carefree time? That's...saddening.

I have seen a few other escapist members with Age of Mythology avatars. Using your logic, "you love AOM, just like a lot of other people" and it almost makes you unrecognizable, as a single, important person. Just sayin'.

I said for some it is an escape (to use their words), as I personally just think it's a good cartoon. I do not need My Little Pony to feel happy; in fact, I was as happy before I watched it as I am now. The only difference in my life now is I have a My Little Pony avatar and I have another show to watch. I am not sure why it is so surprising to you that it causes nostalgia. Hell, just listening to the GunZ Lobby song makes me nostalgia hard. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_3WYXdYqew]

Sure it may sound pathetic, but that is what happens when you pick and choose and take things out of context. Need I point out the irony of you decrying someone finding the show an "escape" while posting on the "Escapist"?

Unrecognisable as a single important person? I beg to differ. This anubite is on fire. People have mentioned me by avatar before. "You're that guy with the flaming anubite avatar" not "You're some guy who likes AoM."
Find me another AoM avatar that looks similar, and I will accept defeat in this matter.

I challenge you to find me another avatar on this forum that looks similar enough to mine that you could confuse me with another poster.

To use their words? You could have mentioned that. Whoopsy me.
Must be quite a part of your life if you are happy for it to be your sole representation where people have almost nothing else to go on. I have this avatar because I love mythology, especially egyptian, I prefer strategic games over FPS's, and I believe the best way to make things looks better is to set them on fire.

Yes, I am aware I did not specifically mention that it was not considered an "escape" for me and I simply listed three categories of people who watch the show (obviously not all inclusive); nostalgia, escapism, and the fact that it is just a good show. "Whoopsy" you indeed to assume which category I fell under. You had no more reason to assume I use it as an "escape" than to assume I like it because it is a good show, except for your own negative view of me based upon my choice of avatar. Pardon me if you have another reason for this assumption, but this is how I see it.

I do not chose avatars based on what the biggest part of my life is right now; I use avatars that I find entertaining. If I based my avatar on the biggest part of my life then I would probably have an Ohio State University avatar. For example, before I had Soaren as my avatar avatar I had this as my avatar:

Spoiler

I did not even play PlanetSide at the time; I just liked my old avatar I made for the game. Before that I had a TF2 avatar despite not playing the game for two years, and before that I had Shawn from Psych as my avatar.

 

[Gypsy Ninja Pirate Zombie King]

I tend to have bad first impressions of people with meme-based avatars. Other than that, nothing really comes to mind.

I do tend to think more highly of people with anime avatars of great anime though (I'm looking at you, person with the Higurashi avatar!) I assume my subconscious reasoning is that if they like an anime I like enough to make it their avatar, I probably have stuff in common with them.

what this guy said.

 

[Cap'n Ninja]

Much as I'm loath to admit it, my eyes tend to glaze over when I see anime avatars. They're usually so busy for a 75*75 or 100*100 space that it's just not a good thing to look at. Plus, they all look so very similar. I know MLP avatars tend to look similar and use similar colour palates for the same characters, but they're all from one show. Anime avatars just look samey and blah, but they're from an entire animation genre.

Mostly though, I'm not all that interested in people's avatars and I read interesting looking posts. If someone's avatar grabs my attention, then I might pay special attention to the post, but other than that... "Eh".

 

[Versuvius]

MLP Avatars. They fill me with rage.