3) How is the Brony Fan Community unlike (different from) most other “Avid Fan” groups? a) The object of interest (MLP:Fi M) is a non-stereotypic interest for the general fan base. Males and adults who like a cartoon associated with a young female population (stereotypic female toy/cartoon). This feature of the fandom likely explains the variety of shocked (It’s a joke… right!) and hostile reactions directed at the Brony community by the “haters” and the “uninformed.” Anyone who does not take the time to look beyond this feature (>>>FOX News<<<) will likely miss the true nature of the community and likely spread misinformation about “who are the Bronies” and what motivates them! b) MLP presents a highly moral and virtuous message allowing it to serve a Guidance function (for many Bronies). This is likely to be the least recognized feature of the Brony phenomenon, but may also represent one of the Brony Fan Community’s greatest strengths and potential contributions to emerging web based fan communities. If individuals are going to surf the web and interact on social sites, why not on sites and with people who believe and try to live a theme of Love and Tolerance? We often ask parents the question: “Which would you rather have your teen doing? Watching a group of humorous and highly pro-social (moral) ponies, or playing video games where they beat up, torment, kill and murder other creatures (even if they are zombie, orcs or gang members)? We do realize that many Bronies take part in this video game mayhem; however, it appears that MLP may act as a balancing force in their lives. Please note that the positive guidance aspect of the phenomenon may evoke ridicule and hostility from some individuals (and groups) who feel that religion (sacred scripture) is the ONLY valid source of moral guidance, and that statements like WWPD (What would a pony do?) border on blasphemy.