The Energon Pub

News Credits: 5 · by **skywarp-2** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:10 am

Blurrz wrote:......

If you're afraid to showcase your collection because you're afraid other people will make fun of you and label you, then you've really got to get some more confidence in your life.

As a site, together we should be celebrating our collections, being proud of what we've collected throughout the years. The current attitude in this thread is freaking pathetic.

~Blurrz

Blurzz... I normally don't disagree with you but I take issue with this statement that the attitude here is "freaking Pathetic"..

If nothing else, I can see both sides of the issue..

on one hand, it's great to support seibertron, and do it in a group effort..and all because we love this site and are proud of our collections..(there is nothing wrong with this train of thought)

On the other hand, it is Not fear of people making fun of me that makes me apprehensive about doing anything that concerns the main stream media..it is because like the lady in the turtles collection video, I do not want to take part in being exploited..

the stigma that "Fans" receive by the media is unreal.. that video with the girl who likes TMNT was horrible.. it fit exactly what they think we are..living at home with her parents, over the age of 25, and spending money that she didn't have. Living in a fantasy realm, on a day to day basis. dressing up, and even cos playing..

that video was scary.. and is not a true reflection of how we Transformers fans are..

some of us are lawyers, doctors, business Owners, manufacturers, executives, engineers, etc...,etc...

to say that someone's apprehension regarding this subject is pathetic, doesn't take into account that there is proper and real reasons that someone may not be interested..I never told anyone here they shouldn't do it.. I said if they want to that's cool.. and I'l check out their collection regardless..

My only assertion was that doing it here on Seibertron, with counterpunch as the interviewer, seems more reasonable, and likely to receive more fan/peer support..

it is natural for people to congregate to those who think like them.. religious groups, political parties, Star Trek fans, Star Wars fans, etc..etc.. this is the nature of like minded individuals..we all like to share our feelings and common likes and dislikes in a comfortable environment.

this is article says it all:
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/entertai ... -Geek.html

This was an article posted by NBC about the 2009 BOTCON:

BotCon Encourages Men to be Boys Again Transformers movie toys hit store shelves Saturday.

By JIM SCOTT

Updated 3:11 PM EDT, Sat, May 30, 2009

Is there anything more repulsive to a gorgeous woman than a "Star Wars" nerd, a "Lord of the Rings" geek or a comic book fanboy? How about a grown man who collects Transformers toys with an unholy passion usually reserved for blood thirsty bounty hunters?

Most women may not love Transformers dorks, but Hasbro sure does.

Kids of all ages, toy collectors and movie fans will be in Transformers paradise this weekend at the annual BotCon convention in Pasadena, Calif.

Known as “BotCon” (with syllables taken from the Autobots and Transformers, respectively), the convention is annually the largest official gathering of Transformers fans in the world and is open to both collectors and non-collectors -- and the young and young-at-heart.

It's been 25 years since the original Transformers cartoon series hit the airwaves, but the popularity of the franchise has never been higher. Good versus evil, Autobots versus Decepticons, Optimus Prime versus Megatron. It's this basic conflict and a brilliant toy line based on robots turning into vehicles and back again that has helped fuel the fanboy fires and made Hasbro a healthy chunk of change over the years.

The Transformers popularity became cemented in the pop culture’s upper echelon following the 2007 release of the first live-action Transformers movie. The blockbuster film, directed by Michael Bay, grossed more than $700 million worldwide at the box office and sent kids and grown ups to the toy aisle in droves.

“There has never been a more exciting time to be a Transformers fan and collector than now,” said Brian Savage, director of the Transformers Collectors’ Club. “Fans worldwide are buzzing about the upcoming live-action movie Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen."

This year's BotCon convention rolled into the Pasadena Convention center on Thursday, but it kicks into high gear Friday through Sunday. It will be jam packed with activities for attendees of all ages. There are Transformers contests for kids, exclusive collectors sets to buy, panel discussions and this year some guests will see exclusive footage of the "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" movie due to hit theaters on June 24.

The new movie toys hit stores this Saturday and there has been no shortage of feverish anticipation for them on Transformers fan sites like Seibertron.com or TFW2005.com.

Fanboys and Transformers dorks make for great punchlines, but they have nothing to be ashamed of. After all, what are men but grown boys with better paying jobs.

Sure my beautiful wife would rather I did normal grown up things like frequent strip clubs or shoot heroin, but alas that's not me. I've embraced my inner geek and live a peaceful existence without shame. At the end of the day I'll be perfectly content to fiddle around with a $10 toy robot in my living room as I unwind from a hard day at the office. My only regret is I'm not in Pasadena with my fellow Transformers dorks this weekend.

I mean is this guy really a fan, or is he just throwing in some choice words to protect him from fanboy backlash??

News Credits: 128 · by **Counterpunch** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:48 am

I'd post mine without shame.

But I was too busy playing through the RotF game so you all can have a big huge review of it tomorrow.

News Credits: 23 · by **Prime Evil** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 8:07 am

Yeah, I don't understand this "shame" you all are talking about. I do keep on hearing about people defending the hobby. Does this really happnen or what. I honestly havn't had to defend my collection...well, ever. Just be honest and sincere about it. I'd do it, but my collection is in boxes right now since I'm between places till the end of July. If I could, I'd put my pidly lil collection up. Not only that, but I really could care less about what people say about me. C'mon people, let's be proud of our collections, not hide in shame of it...

News Credits: 8 · by **Forgotten** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 8:20 am

I am seriously considering putting up a few pics on their site of my collection(i'm a 26 year old computer designer/builder, and my 3 year old hyper active son). I don't get to collect nearly as much as I want to but I still get to do plenty. I take care of my family first so they love me collecting because I have had many addictions in my life. I was strung out on crystal meth for almost 5 years, I am a recovering alcoholic and I just this year quit smoking. My fiancee says if I didn't collect transformers, hang out on this site with like minded people that she believes I would snap, just from sheer anxiety and boredom. I know i'm ranting but i'm just trying to say that people should feel good about their collections and keep it in moderation, because a hobby that you love can truly save your life. Y'all have a good day. :grin:

News Credits: 7 · by **Roadbuster** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:17 am

I think some people are confusing mistrust with shame. It's not paranoia either. Nobody in their right mind would trust them outright. Really, I'm surprised some of you are actually rushing right into doing this without taking some time to consider what CNN is capable of. It's not that they don't want to show off their collections, it's that these guys don't trust CNN to not do a story on this and wrongfully misable guys and gals like us, which is what the media does, and CNN is no exception.

News Credits: 5 · by **skywarp-2** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:28 am

Roadbuster wrote:I think some people are confusing mistrust with shame. It's not paranoia either. Nobody in their right mind would trust them outright. Really, I'm surprised some of you are actually rushing right into doing this without taking some time to consider what CNN is capable of. It's not that they don't want to show off their collections, it's that these guys don't trust CNN to not do a story on this and wrongfully misable guys and gals like us, which is what the media does, and CNN is no exception.

what he said! that is exactly what I mean!! :APPLAUSE:

I ain't got no shame, juss mistrust, and bad english! :grin:

News Credits: 88 · by **DavidT** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 11:48 am

Am I still the only Seibertronian to post????

.

News Credits: 88 · by **DavidT** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 12:37 pm

Ok... so my cell phone just rang and I didn't recognize the number so I didn't answer. A voicemail was left. I then just checked it and it is CNN trying to get hold of me. I also checked my email and there too was a message for me there too.... What to do, What to do :-?

News Credits: 7 · by **Roadbuster** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:06 pm

Being on TV isn't the greatest thing in the world, nor being in a news article. I've done it and am in no hurry to do it again. I passed up on a second chance two years ago when an inncident in my neighborhood occured though my dad and brother jumped at the chance. Besides, you don't know what kind of story they have planned, if any. And it wouldn't be worth it if it were to portray you in a negative light, which may be the case and if you said yes, you can bet you'll be signing some kind of wavier to keep protect them for a possible slander or defamation lawsuit. I'd simply not reply. It's probably some ambitious jerk looking to take a big step up the ladder using the new movie and stepping on us in the process to make a name for themselves. News media is full of guys like that.

News Credits: 23 · by **Prime Evil** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:07 pm

OMF'n G! Answer back if you submitted. What's with you pple. Are you all like paranoid because of your collection? Whatever. You carry your TF collection like shame then.

Buncha weirdo's on here sometimes. I hate to stereotype the group, but seriously. Some of you guys need to grow a set...

News Credits: 7 · by **Roadbuster** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:15 pm

Prime Evil wrote:OMF'n G! Answer back if you submitted. What's with you pple. Are you all like paranoid because of your collection? Whatever. You carry your TF collection like shame then.

Buncha weirdo's on here sometimes. I hate to stereotype the group, but seriously. Some of you guys need to grow a set...

and some people^ need to think things through and consider the posibilities rather than acting on impulse. And "growing a pair" is nothing more than a petty rhetoric. And the fact you label those that wish not to as cowards makes you no better than those who mislable us to begin with.

I'm not paranoid at all. I simply cannot trust a major news network which has been guilty of scewing the facts in the past and would probably do the same here.

News Credits: 3 · by **Kibble** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:16 pm

You could always take their call and get the details...it's not like you have to accept whatever they're looking to do. You're free to pass if you don't like the sounds of it or if you're still on the fence.

News Credits: 12 · by **robofreak** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 1:20 pm

I'm not ashamed of my collection. I just don't like CNN. I thought I made that clear.

I might post my collection if other collectors post theirs, but for right now, I'm happy to not deal with CNNs crap.

News Credits: 198 · by **DevastaTTor** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 2:33 pm

robofreak wrote:I might post my collection if other collectors post theirs, but for right now, I'm happy to not deal with CNNs crap.

I checked out the iReport again today and saw a lot of new Transformers postings, probably collections from Seibertron users. I also noted that, from what I saw, there didn’t appear to be any malicious reporting or comments by CNN or site visitors. Not to say there may never be any little comments if this makes it on TV but I seriously doubt they’ll be overtly mean.

I was definitely envious of what I saw.

by **Rijie** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 3:32 pm

I'd jump at the chance to show off my collection proudly, but 3/4 of it is already boxed for my impending move. It's just bad timing. :-(

by **Achiever** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 4:14 pm

Put up a picture of my collection http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-279277.

I'm not really active in the fan community. But I am a huge Transformers nut who visits Seibertron.com a lot.

I recently completed my collection goal, which was getting every G1 figure, that wasn't Pretender/micromaster/targetmaster/powermaster etc.

Even as a kid those characters never really captured my imagination the way that these figures displayed did. Though it didn't stop me from getting Sunstorm and Orion Pax. So I'm not a complete purist.

...Maybe 99% pure.

I started collecting in 2003 and finished just this month.

I hope to see more collections, I love seeing how other people go about setting their collections up.

News Credits: 12 · by **nemesis-prime** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 5:49 pm

What I think is funny, is that I ivested in toys which have a better turnaround then some stocks.

News Credits: 104 · by **Cyber Bishop** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:49 pm

Counterpunch wrote:I'd post mine without shame.

But I was too busy playing through the RotF game so you all can have a big huge review of it tomorrow.

Same here..
Of course the jewels of my collection are the entire G1 series (I would have to say that I have around 1000 TF's total.. That is an estimate).. And do they really want to see 20+ year old toys or more recent ones.

News Credits: 16 · by **It Is Him** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 7:55 pm

Cyber Bishop wrote:
Counterpunch wrote:I'd post mine without shame.

But I was too busy playing through the RotF game so you all can have a big huge review of it tomorrow.

Same here..
Of course the jewels of my collection are the entire G1 series (I would have to say that I have around 1000 TF's total.. That is an estimate).. And do they really want to see 20+ year old toys or more recent ones.

How many journos at CNN do you think could look at MP-4 and Grand Max and then say which one's older? Seriously. I'm willing to bet none.

News Credits: 88 · by **DavidT** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:15 pm

Well, I replied to their email. They wanted some more details about my collecting. So I gave them some info., then I asked them what their plans and intentions are. I guess I'll hear back from them tomorrow. If they get the idea that they wanna come to my house and do a story, I'm gonna let them know up front that I in no way intend to be made fun of or insulted, cause that sh*t isn't gonna happen.

I may collect Transformers, but I do have a backbone and big pair on me, so I'll set them straight. I'm not a fanatic like that Ninja Turtle lady. I don't have costumes, or do role play. For her specific case though, she made herself look a lil' ridiculous by acting 10 years old, the media didn't do that.

.

News Credits: 12 · by **nemesis-prime** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 10:45 pm

Shouldnt the media be happy that were buyin all these toy stimulating the economy in stead of slaming us?

News Credits: 5 · by **zodconvoy** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 11:06 pm

nemesis-prime wrote:Shouldnt the media be happy that were buyin all these toy stimulating the economy in stead of slaming us?

Geek bashing raises ratings which is good for their economics. Seriously, watch them try to like collecting Transformers and toys in general to pedophelia. Again.

News Credits: 12 · by **nemesis-prime** » Mon Jun 22, 2009 11:43 pm

zodconvoy wrote:
nemesis-prime wrote:Shouldnt the media be happy that were buyin all these toy stimulating the economy in stead of slaming us?

Geek bashing raises ratings which is good for their economics. Seriously, watch them try to like collecting Transformers and toys in general to pedophelia. Again.

I got that vibe at TRU the other day. I was just going through the front display to see if they had Long Haul voyager, while a prolly 10 year old kid was looking for deluxe BB. I politly said I saw a cannon BB in the action figure section. His mom herd me and quicky grabbed him and gave me a look like I was tryin to lure him home. I got pissed and just dropped stratosphere and left. :-x

News Credits: 5 · by **zodconvoy** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:22 am

nemesis-prime wrote:I got that vibe at TRU the other day. I was just going through the front display to see if they had Long Haul voyager, while a prolly 10 year old kid was looking for deluxe BB. I politly said I saw a cannon BB in the action figure section. His mom herd me and quicky grabbed him and gave me a look like I was tryin to lure him home. I got pissed and just dropped stratosphere and left.

Well, there are way's of avoiding that situation.
1) Never talk to a kid that's alone. Period.
2) Since they aren't alone, tell the parent where you saw what they were looking for.
3) That parent will always ask if you collect TF's. Just respond with "Yes, I collect with my nephew."

A lot of people think saying that there's a kid involved when there isn't is being ashamed and trying to hide your geekishness. It's not in this case, it's making the parent feel better about trusting you. And that you aren't the creepy guy that CNN said is in every toy aisle trying to eat the children. Hell, after that they usually ask what they should get their kid based on age and difficulty. Just last night I did that with a dad at Target who was thinking of buying his 3-4 year old son a deluxe Bumblebee. I told him to get the FAB instead.

It does help that I worked in both TRU and KB many years ago and apparently still give off that vibe. I still have people walk up to me asking where something is from time to time. :lol:

News Credits: 3 · by **Kibble** » Tue Jun 23, 2009 11:19 am

zodconvoy wrote:Just last night I did that with a dad at Target who was thinking of buying his 34 year old son a deluxe Bumblebee. I told him to get the FAB instead.

I assume that's a typo... Otherwise why suggest a FAB? More like G1 complexity?