Never converted anyone, but sometimes I drop "20% cooler" in conversation to see if anyone picks up on it. Keeps my identity safe from haters. It's almost like a code.
Heh. I do that too, and even say "Okie-Dokie-Lokie" sometimes, or whatever else I can. And humming the songs, lots of that. Like you, I figure if anyone knows what I'm talking about, it'll be code. So far, no one's guessed my secret.
I accidentally converted someone. XD I guess it was from posting so many ponies on facebook. I texted one of my guy friends (He's in college) because I haven't talked to him for a while. His message said "I'm angry at you" I was a bit confused and asked why? The response? "You Made me a brony!" I couldn't stop laughing for a while XD
Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but it is related . . . As I mentioned, I converted my wife. Just to show how bad it was, in one day, she changed her wallpaper, desktop theme, everything - into ponies. And not just any ponies - she ponified herself. Here's a small version of the wallpaper she's using: View attachment 738 Oh, whoops! Looks like I shrunk it too much. Let me try to fix that.
Wasn't complaining, mind you. Now I have some one to watch the show with, get the "20% better" comments, etc., etc. And she does art, so maybe I can have some pony pics now.
From the get-go I let mum know how great the show was, and made her watch a few episodes. A Bird in the Hoof is her favourite, being an animal lover. Then, I dropped references wherever I could around my brother until he was so intrigued that he truly wanted to watch the episodes to see what the fuss was about. I played Party of One and Bridle Gossip, and now he loves the show. Then I turned to a family friend who stays with us a lot, and made him watch a few episodes. Thought it was stupid for a couple minutes, but by the end of Bridle Gossip he was a full convert. So I got 2 people into at least the pre-brony stage. The key that I've found to work so far is to toy with them a little, getting them into the quotes and references without knowing where they came from. E.g., I had the family friend saying "20% cooler" before he knew any idea where it came from; "Even her schneezes are graceful!" and "Oh wunderbar!" from Green Isn't Your Colour might also stick in one's head even without knowing where it came from. Get them curious about it by dropping hints and playing it cool, and when they finally ask, explain the best way you can why the show is so great and offer to show them a few episodes. "Well, if you're 'man' enough to handle it. I might let you check out an episode or two."
I'm not sure if I actually converted these people, but I've hooked at least 5 people by sharing one video: What Pinkie's Song Actually Sounded Like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJfZTr8zMsc Can't wait to do some in-person work when school starts again.
I hope nopony minds if I give this topic a lil' bump. I actually have a reason to post in this one for once. Now, I haven't necessarily converted anyone just yet, but for the first time I mentioned it to a friend, but not in the way you may think. I had a friend of mine that I haven't seen in a few months over for a visit at my place earlier this afternoon. We decided to watch some On Demand content and one of the shows we watched was The Colbert Report. I asked him if there was any particular episode he wanted me to choose and he said it didn't matter because he hasn't seen some of the recent ones. Naturally, I picked the one from August 1st, the one where Colbert mentions us. When Colbert gave the brony shoutout, I asked my friend if he knows what bronies are. As expected, he said no. So, I briefly explained it to him, but I pretended as if I was a non-brony. I said, "It's a group of adult men and women that like this show called My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic." At that point he looked a little dumbfounded, but he didn't say anything negative— good start. I continued to explain, "The reason they watch it is because apparently the show is nothing like the old show, has great animation, good characters and a great storyline. I've seen some pictures related to it posted around the Internet from time to time and maybe you've seen some already yourself. Perhaps you should google it." He then said, "Yeah, I think I'll do that when I get the chance." Textually, it may not look like much, but by the tone of his voice he sounded rather intrigued. Kinda like I did when I first learned about it. Hmmm... So I can't say for certain about anything yet. I know I didn't admit that I was one because I don't know how he'd react. I hope you guys can forgive me. Regardless, he didn't totally react in the way I expected. I did expect astonishment, but I was preparing myself for one of those stereotypical negative responses. Nope, he just looked a little surprised, but willing to look into it. The next time I see him, which won't be for a week, I may try to sneak it into a conversation like, "Hey, so did you google that word I was talking about last time?" I want to remain subtle about it for now. Within a couple weeks the Fall semester will begin for me, so perhaps that'll give me the opportunity to see if I can meet an IRL brony or perhaps mention it to someone else. Maybe one of my friends from college is a brony and I don't know it yet. The prospect is kinda exciting, but I don't want to get my hopes up.
Great news Epony, I too have actually through Flankbook just today found out there is a Brony on there in my city. I sent him an email and am awaiting the response. He could be the first IRL brony I could meet. Coincidental thing is, he is a web designer and I have a website. The possibilities. He does say in his profile he is a furry, which could be awkward, not that I care. But when I argue that there are even bronies in this city during my presentation, it kind of leans towards the expected stereotype of who they turn out to be. Then when I interview him for a documentary I may have to leave that detail out. But then that's dishonest reporting. Sigh.
