The hugging/venting thread

[LeafRunner]

I'm in a creative slump. That season 2 finale inspired me to do some things to tide me over until season 3 begins, but I'm overwhelmed on what do musically. I have a lot of things I'm working on but I feel as if I'm running on empty and I don't want to spread myself out too thin so I give a crap effort in everything else. That and seeing how a lot of my work is getting me nowhere is frustrating while popular guys can record a collection of farts and get thousands of views in minutes.

It doesn't help I naturally have a low self esteem and I'm a perfectionist, two prime ingredients in a recipe for disaster. I want to take a break, but some of these projects (Like Balloon Party) has a deadline and I have other priorities that keep me from doing this a lot (School, stuff at home, etc). I'm way in over my head here. Feels bad, guys.

Take a breather. It's what I've had to do in between the songs I've done, and it also helps if you're stuck halfway through. Putting it down and coming back a day or two later to listen to it can make you realize that the part you weren't liking too much really isn't too bad, or a chance to build up fresh ideas. I know having gratification in the terms of fans and people listening to your music is important, but it's also important to ask yourself why you're playing music in the first place. It should be fun, it shouldn't feel like a chore, or something you "have" to do.

I was kind of going through the same thing a week or so ago, not necessarily about music, but the fandom in general. I'd like to spend more time being a little more active socially around, but my time stretched out the way it is, I just can't be as much. Ponies is a big part of my fun time, and I know it feels like to be one of the more popular folks that's ALL you do. When it starts feeling like you need to do things that's when it gets unhealthy I think. When you have work/school/other hobbies/obligations, somethings things just need to get pushed aside.

In the end, this should be something that's fun for us. If it's not anymore, well maybe it's time to rethink or change a mindset.

[TheSunAndTheRainfall]

I'm so terribly sorry for neglecting this thread for so long, and not taking the time to respond to everyone. :c I still make an effort to read everything though, although I know it's better to actually show it...

I'm in a creative slump. That season 2 finale inspired me to do some things to tide me over until season 3 begins, but I'm overwhelmed on what do musically. I have a lot of things I'm working on but I feel as if I'm running on empty and I don't want to spread myself out too thin so I give a crap effort in everything else. That and seeing how a lot of my work is getting me nowhere is frustrating while popular guys can record a collection of farts and get thousands of views in minutes.

It doesn't help I naturally have a low self esteem and I'm a perfectionist, two prime ingredients in a recipe for disaster. I want to take a break, but some of these projects (Like Balloon Party) has a deadline and I have other priorities that keep me from doing this a lot (School, stuff at home, etc). I'm way in over my head here. Feels bad, guys.

I know what it's like to want to create, and just work on so many things, and pump out a stream of constant awesomeness, but you know what? Pushing yourself to do it will probably result in the exact opposite. Even more so if you feel strained to do something that lands you a spot among the popular guys (which is a whole 'nother problem altogether, although everyone in this forum has probably been over the entire do-things-because-you-love-them thing like a million times).

Especially if there's a lot going on in your life (which it seems there is), maybe the best course of action would be to stand aside for a while, take a breather, take care of the more important things first (school, home), and then go back to your projects. As awesome as getting a song in Balloon Party sounds, it's not really something you need to do. None of this actually is a necessity. On the other hand, you can't do much if you yourself are not in good shape, and that means taking care of yourself both physically and mentally (emotionally). And then, like you said, you might not even be able to give it your best if you keep straining yourself to do it.

It's okay to rest up for a bit, and to be more forgiving with yourself, even if you feel like this is the worst time to do so. Maybe that's what makes it the best time to do it. I dunno, just my two cents. Either way, just hang in there please. c:

[Glitchhog]

Meetups are fun and all, but what people don't seem to realize is this is still primarily a large geek following.

Meaning you'll meet some great, and some not so great people. You'll meet those who are fit, and those who can't even seem to wash themselves, and so on, and so on.

It's a large fandom, but it's still a fandom of geeks, myself included. Thus, most of us likely have some sort of introversion to our personality.

"Wait, a bunch of people who make music for a show about colorful ponies are introverts?"

I'm sure most of us are introverted, to some extent, otherwise we likely wouldn't have the patience to sit at home, all day, working on songs.

Some people don't understand that though, such as the video feed of Alex S playing live at BroNYCon. Comments included, "Man, that's a sick setup, but why the hell aren't people dancing?" "Wow, that's a rude crowd," etc.

We're geeks and introverts here. You can't expect us to get all crazy and throw down some intense mosh pit and/or grinding(molestVIAdance) moves, despite those playing being some of our favorite artists.

So I guess you could call that a semi-rant. For all of you who will be performing live at this upcoming BroNYCon, I'd highly suggest tailoring your show to be a fun, enjoyable experience, vs trying to turn the convention into a highly energized club/rave scene, which I'm 99% sure won't happen.

I'm definitely an extrovert. I just really love making music, always have. A lot of my music is the result of being extremely bored at home due to having no money, however. It's something I love doing that also helps keep me sane. :p

[Ed Viper]

I'm definitely an extrovert. I just really love making music, always have. A lot of my music is the result of being extremely bored at home due to having no money, however. It's something I love doing that also helps keep me sane. :p

I am actually pretty introverted,

[Pickslide1992]

I consider myself a both an introvert and extrovert. Introvert because I don't get out often and I can be socially awkward, but extrovert because I get out of my shell in front of my friends.

[Ed Viper]

I consider myself a both an introvert and extrovert. Introvert because I don't get out often and I can be socially awkward, but extrovert because I get out of my shell in front of my friends.

Well yeah, I suppose that'd be closer to what I really am. I'm usually the crazy one within our group, but with people I don't know that well or strangers, I pretty much keep to myself. I'm working on being more extroverted, though. Not getting far yet, but still working.

[Pickslide1992]

I consider myself a both an introvert and extrovert. Introvert because I don't get out often and I can be socially awkward, but extrovert because I get out of my shell in front of my friends.

Well yeah, I suppose that'd be closer to what I really am. I'm usually the crazy one within our group, but with people I don't know that well or strangers, I pretty much keep to myself. I'm working on being more extroverted, though. Not getting far yet, but still working.

Me too. I'm getting better, but it's a slow process.

[Fimbulin]

I'm not introverted, so I think if I ever made it to a meetup, I'd kindof stick out. I don't have a lot of time for music stuff, because I have a full time job and I'm involved with a lot of activities. I try my best with the time I do get though. Probably my biggest fear would be going to a meetup and meeting ONLY nerds, especially since the only other bronies that are in my small town are converts of mine, so I'd have to go to an out of town meetup.

Ever know you try your absolute best but it just doesn't sound as good as you want it to? That happens to me all the time and I end up trashing a lot of work. I get frustrated at times, because of how little time I get for music projects, but I accept it and move on. I've come to the point that whatever I can create that I put my heart into I'll upload to my soundcloud or youtube.

I'm actually pleased with how my latest song ended up though. I'll just throw this out there for anybody that needs encouragement. Other people will like whatever you produce, as long as you put your heart into it. I know I do, even if everyone doesn't sound like Makkon or Tysolin with their orchestra peices, I enjoy listening to what others make, because I know it's their passion. I listen not for the sound of the music, but for the heart of the music. Even if you make electronic stuff and don't sound like Tombstone or Mumble, WHATEVER! I don't care. It's your passion. I respect that, and see the beauty in your music.

This actually helps, because the more you get used to setting up your ideas on screen and getting them into motion, the better music producer you will become. So you have one billion projects you are working on and feel overwhelmed? GOOD! Every time you finish a track, you can look back on it and say, "I came this far." There's no point in starting a new track if you have an old one that had you excited. Where did that excitement go? Finish the track and see.

Now my vent. I hate washing stuff at work because the chemicals ruin my fingernails so I can't play classical guitar. GARBLKRRKGBLKLGALKRRR!

[CWeissRun]

Now my vent. I hate washing stuff at work because the chemicals ruin my fingernails so I can't play classical guitar. GARBLKRRKGBLKLGALKRRR!

Know where you're coming from with that one, even though I don't play guitar. I actually had chemical burns up my forearms for a week at my old job at one point...

My vent; I was reminded today why I'm not too fond of the next 4 months. I'm in the middle of the prairies, and have pretty severe hay-fever. Itchy eyes, nose, & skin are more than a little distracting, especially when most allergy medication isn't too effective for me.

EDIT: Finally got out a musical slump, trying to make a nice bass. Can't find a way to attach Toxic Biohazard's "sync" option (y'know, for a good wobble) to an automation clip for the life of me. On the bright side, I did find a neat little arpeggio-based hook, but it doesn't quite fit this song...

TLDR: Bad hayfever and (hopefully) temporary Toxic Biohazard setbacks.

[LeafRunner]

I don't have a lot of time for music stuff, because I have a full time job and I'm involved with a lot of activities. I try my best with the time I do get though.

^ This.

Still, I make time for it when I can, because if something is important enough to you, you make time. I'm just cursed with being too creative I guess, since I'm an animator, photographer, somewhat of an artist (goes with the animation thing), musician, and I used to write although I haven't done that in years. There are not enough hours in the day.

But yeah, I used to nitpick my compositions WAY more than I do now, back when I used to be in a band, and it would take me weeks or months to write a song. Most of the time now, I can write it in an afternoon or two when I stop worrying about it being perfect so much. As long as I'm not facerolling on a keyboard or guitar, I'm sure someone will like it out there (although I'm sure the facerolling thing is a niche genre too).

[LeafRunner]

Oh yeah, and the introvert/extrovert topic thing. I'd say I'm somewhere in the middle.

I used to be really introverted and would only open up around my close friends, but college kinda broke me out of that shell. I'm not the kind of person that can just start up a conversation at will with a random stranger, but I'm not really afraid to talk to people I don't know anymore. Of course, a topic that interests me will get more words out of me.

[vladnuke]

Ok, problem time: My house got robbed today, but it wasn't so much how much they took (over $20,000 worth of stuff) but what they took: my guitar and my synth. Out of all the other things they could have grabbed, they went for that. I no longer have a means to produce music. I could just outright use plain FL Studio, but to be honest I'd rather not. I'm still waiting on what my insurance says it'll cover. I've never genuinely hated anybody until this point. I may have said it before, but now it's a sincere loathing. I hope that those Goddamn douches fucking get their shit kicked in, because I'm out of commission until I hear back from the police/insurance. I had a bad day before this, I learned that I probably can't apply to a decent college because of my piss poor grades. I fucking hate today. And those people who stole my stuff. So musically and academically, I'm having a pretty shit time.

[LunchBagMusic]

Ok, problem time: My house got robbed today, but it wasn't so much how much they took (over $20,000 worth of stuff) but what they took: my guitar and my synth. Out of all the other things they could have grabbed, they went for that. I no longer have a means to produce music. I could just outright use plain FL Studio, but to be honest I'd rather not. I'm still waiting on what my insurance says it'll cover. I've never genuinely hated anybody until this point. I may have said it before, but now it's a sincere loathing. I hope that those Goddamn douches fucking get their shit kicked in, because I'm out of commission until I hear back from the police/insurance. I had a bad day before this, I learned that I probably can't apply to a decent college because of my piss poor grades. I fucking hate today. And those people who stole my stuff. So musically and academically, I'm having a pretty shit time.

Oh man.

Oh man. Dude that's awful. I hope the insurance is nice to you.

Oh man.

Much love/hugs

[Fimbulin]

Ok, problem time: My house got robbed today, but it wasn't so much how much they took (over $20,000 worth of stuff) but what they took: my guitar and my synth. Out of all the other things they could have grabbed, they went for that. I no longer have a means to produce music. I could just outright use plain FL Studio, but to be honest I'd rather not. I'm still waiting on what my insurance says it'll cover. I've never genuinely hated anybody until this point. I may have said it before, but now it's a sincere loathing. I hope that those Goddamn douches fucking get their shit kicked in, because I'm out of commission until I hear back from the police/insurance. I had a bad day before this, I learned that I probably can't apply to a decent college because of my piss poor grades. I fucking hate today. And those people who stole my stuff. So musically and academically, I'm having a pretty shit time.

My terrible day I had today feels like heaven now.

[Pickslide1992]

Ok, problem time: My house got robbed today, but it wasn't so much how much they took (over $20,000 worth of stuff) but what they took: my guitar and my synth. Out of all the other things they could have grabbed, they went for that. I no longer have a means to produce music. I could just outright use plain FL Studio, but to be honest I'd rather not. I'm still waiting on what my insurance says it'll cover. I've never genuinely hated anybody until this point. I may have said it before, but now it's a sincere loathing. I hope that those Goddamn douches fucking get their shit kicked in, because I'm out of commission until I hear back from the police/insurance. I had a bad day before this, I learned that I probably can't apply to a decent college because of my piss poor grades. I fucking hate today. And those people who stole my stuff. So musically and academically, I'm having a pretty shit time.

Holy Hell that sucks, man. You can have all my hugs and support so that these douchers that stole your synth and guitar get their just desserts. If you need anything, PM me and I'll help you further, dude.

[colortwelve]

@Vlad: I feel a little lame for having absolutely no idea what to say in a situation like this, but I can't imagine that's in any way comparable to the shit you're being forced to deal with. All I can really offer is, academically, kick the shit out of senior year. It won't fix everything, but improvement is improvement.

[Navron]

Put myself in a moderate to severe case of dehydration today. Never experienced anything like this before.

Fever chills, goosebumps, blurred vision, tingling all over the body, and fatigue.

Warm weather is coming everybody. Drink lots of water!

Trust me, I am not joking on this. In fact I'm very close to calling the hospital if drinking water and slowly eating a banana don't make sn improvement over the hour.

[CWeissRun]

Put myself in a moderate to severe case of dehydration today. Never experienced anything like this before.

Fever chills, goosebumps, blurred vision, tingling all over the body, and fatigue.

Warm weather is coming everybody. Drink lots of water!

Trust me, I am not joking on this. In fact I'm very close to calling the hospital if drinking water and slowly eating a banana don't make sn improvement over the hour.

Ohhhhh, I know this one! That was me after my first half-marathon! I couldn't walk in direct sunlight for over 2 minutes at a time!

Best of luck with the recovery. You seem to have it covered, though. A bit of sleep never hurts as well. Also, sugar/electrolytes. Fruit juice'll help too.

[vladnuke]

@Everybody
Thanks, this really means a lot. I just hope that we have enough left over after home repairs to find a decent keyboard, just something to work in FL with, not something fancy like I had before.

And @NavyBrony: Good luck on getting those medical issues sorted. Get your blood pressure checked, all that good stuff.

[thatguyzeke]

@NavyBrony,
I really hope your okay, keep up on the water for a few days after if you get better, even more then you normally drink/should drink. Just to make sure your body recovers fully. And of course no over exerting yourself.

My first post in this thread was awhile back but basically not only if my girlfriend of 2 years moving away, now both of my best friends are too. Not only that both of them are trying to get me to agree to move near them once I'm done with college so I'm forced to choose between them, and the one I don't choose will obviously be a bit upset.
Also, I've learned that 35 hours of work plus 15 hours of school plus 15 hours of homework and then other responsibilities for 3 weeks means no sleep, no fun, and stress galore.....

[Navron]

Well, that was a very un-fun night to sleep through.

I'm looking up to see other things it may have been, because the fever lasted all throughout the night. Basically was sleeping 5min at a time.

Now I've got a pretty splitting headache, so yeah, lesson definitely learned.

[Freewave]

Meetups are fun and all, but what people don't seem to realize is this is still primarily a large geek following.

Meaning you'll meet some great, and some not so great people. You'll meet those who are fit, and those who can't even seem to wash themselves, and so on, and so on.

It's a large fandom, but it's still a fandom of geeks, myself included. Thus, most of us likely have some sort of introversion to our personality.

"Wait, a bunch of people who make music for a show about colorful ponies are introverts?"

I'm sure most of us are introverted, to some extent, otherwise we likely wouldn't have the patience to sit at home, all day, working on songs.

Some people don't understand that though, such as the video feed of Alex S playing live at BroNYCon. Comments included, "Man, that's a sick setup, but why the hell aren't people dancing?" "Wow, that's a rude crowd," etc.

We're geeks and introverts here. You can't expect us to get all crazy and throw down some intense mosh pit and/or grinding(molestVIAdance) moves, despite those playing being some of our favorite artists.

So I guess you could call that a semi-rant. For all of you who will be performing live at this upcoming BroNYCon, I'd highly suggest tailoring your show to be a fun, enjoyable experience, vs trying to turn the convention into a highly energized club/rave scene, which I'm 99% sure won't happen.

agreed. people forget that a nightclub w/o alcohol is a pretty different place i would think and i don't think it would be served there (now maybe at a dj'ed afterparty at a loft in could be a hell of a time).

Bronycon won't be that much different in attendance than your average starcon or comic con tbh. Awesome for what it is but a geekfest. When i was collecting the footage for Evdog's - Sound Issues Remix Video as a spotlight of it it's pretty evident that when you lok at us as a whole it might not be the most flattering picture. But we are who we are. All i can say is that people should mentally prepare themselves and hopefully the fact that you're amongst fellow bronies will overcome any shyness and make it a fun time (for those of you who are going). All I can say is guys is please don't show up in female cosplay. Please.


Hope you continue to feel better Navy Brony.

[vladnuke]

Well, I consider myself an extrovert, maybe not to the extent of some people I know (Tommy, you sly womanizing alpha bro), but sociable nontheless. I can go up to a crowd, sing out loud and act like a jackass. But I still can make time for music and ponies. I'm not so slick when it comes with talking it up with women, but I can maintain a conversation without driving it into the ground. Maybe it's just LA, but people at our conventions (generally) are pretty sociable people. We have a few ones who might be a little off, but we try to get them outside of their cage. At the meetup in anaheim, we had rock band, and when it came to deciding who would play/sing, I saw quite a few hands shoot up. Everyone was chatting with everyone, and it wasn't just about pony. But like I said: it's LA.

[colortwelve]

It's LA.

It's surprising how often that comes up around here.

[thatguyzeke]

it's LA.

I didn't realize how close I was to so many bronies...