Doesn't matter how many episodes they appear in, if background characters are not put on the spot or at least interact with one of the mane 6 and Cutie 3 (Like Dr. Hooves who has an early encounter with a mane character), I do not notice them. Unless I'm not engaged in the story I don't bother to notice those things. I know there are ponies in the background but they are simply a blend of grey characters. And ironically Derpy is grey. Maybe there's something to the saying "it's  in the grey area".

This was quite interesting - surveyed of 14,000 bronies and non-bronies (males aged 17-30) and made some facts about them

Some of the main points:

-Non-bronies have a higher homosexuality rate than that of bronies.
-Bronies are more emotionally controlled (for the lack of a better word) than that of non-bronies. We don't let our emotions affect us further. "Im upset because I'm upset" for example.
-Bronies' parents are more accepting than that of non-bronies'.
-We easily adapt to and embrace new technologies
-Bronies find it easier to express emotions. They believe this is the cause of so much creativity.
-We believe in the right of choice. That one's kinda obvious.
-Bronies have a less marriage percentage and we date less frequently.
-There is no difference between how many bronies and non-bronies are employed. Media's statements that we're a bunch of guys who stay at home to watch ponies is wrong, obviously. This just proves that.
-There's no difference in happiness/anxiety issues or sleep/appetite issues in bronies and non-bronies.
-Our humour is more positive than that of non-bronies.
-Bronies hate bullying, more so than non-bronies. Though bronies are less frequently bullied compared to non-bronies
Everything else mentioned in the 20 minutes I watched is pretty equal. Most of criticism we get is just petty insults usually generated from social media in order to gain interest in their shows.

Those are just the points summarised in the description, but I watched 15 mins of the video, and it's very good - how far do you match these statistics?

It's good that such a study was done with large sample size and use of scientific method.

The ones like "find it easier to express emotions" I don't believe in, because their method doesn't show such a thing properly. Looks like self-congratulatory nonsense.

The results that fans are no different to non-fans of the same demographic is obvious; other people have just as consuming interests (in cars, or sports, other TV shows, or some club/group they attend etc.) It's just that 'ours' currently has a social stigma.

All in all it seems as reliable as any other social science result: erratic. How many times have the news picked up "something something causes behaviour X" stories and they've been contradictory.

The fandom likes to believe they are persecuted. The EqD coverage is all "postive article about us!!!!!!" or "article hates us -> spam their twitters". Equally they think of themselves as superior to others: more open-minded, more friendly, more reasonable and so on. This is all standard group mentality and has applied to every club or tribe or shared belief in history.

You should like what you like for yourself, not as part of a group or because you want to fit/not fit into society. Whether you match up with the stats or not, on an individual basis YOU have control over all of this.

^ Very well said xD

http://www.equestriadaily.com/2012/07/breaking-season-three-song-debut-other.html

Confirmed from SDCC [...] a season three song starring Spike and Twilight was debuted at the pony panel.

• A potential Octavia/Rarity duet
• Fluttershy dragon (apparently the implication was that she turns into a dragon)
• Trixie confirmed for season three

Yeah, it was interesting to hear their results. I think I participated in the second survey, actually, but I don't remember what I answered. I'm not all that surprised by the results. My own experiences haven't shown bronies to be any more or less strange than everyone else I've interacted with.

Here's a link for the third study, if anyone's interested.

Soleron; if the song's good, I can't say that I care all that much.

"Confirmed from SDCC from multiple sources, a season three song starring Spike and Twilight was debuted at the pony panel. We don't have an embed yet, but when we do it will appear in this post. Other things were hinted at during the panel, including:

• A potential Octavia/Rarity duet
• Fluttershy dragon
• Trixie confirmed for season three

Keep an eye on this post for more information!"

That link also says Trixie confirmed for S3... Again, if her appearance is good, I don't care. I don't get all the love of Trixie though. Maybe it's cause I like Twilight, but I always sorta disliked Trixie. And in no way is Trixie anywhere near as powerful as Twilight. Don't tell me otherwise, cause you're wrong!

It said that's all "hinted"... so maybe people misinterpreted it? But it seems like the Spike/Twilight song is confirmed. That'll be interesting.

Octavia/Rarity duet?!

I'm getting excited about this- what have I become? xD

I agree. I'll need to see it in action.

Currently refreshing for new song every minute.

It would be overt if they paired Octavia with Vinyl Scratch for a song. Until then, it's just fine.

Soleron, you are a scary fan. And I don't mean that in a good way. You are overly critical of the show, you claimed to stop watching the show for a couple of weeks because you were upset about... some episode - bashing characters on a whim. You are an overall pessimist and now show lack of faith in the creators in the show by claiming you are afraid they are going to 'fan service' us.

There's so much ugly in the world, and as many fans of the show will say, they love the show because they believe in the message of friendship and kindness. I frequent this thread because it's light hearted and reflects much of the show's message. You however -of late- are reminding me of the ugly in a thread I thought would be free of it... from 'bronies' at least.

The show is good and we love it for a good reason. Don't be 'that' fan. Bronies are known and praised for their tolerance and acceptance but your behavior of late shows none of those qualities. I wish you would chilax.

I think you need to write to Princess Celestia.