The Energon Pub

I have to wonder if I missed out on something during my 20 year hiatus from Transformers. From the 80's show until...Armada? Energon? Somewhere in there, I never even thought about Transformers. Now, for the last 5 years, I've completely immersed myself in the fandom. I love checking the news 2 or 3 times a day to see what new 3rd party or custom or whatever news is reported on. I have close friends that are as into TF's as I am. I make customs, I play games, hell, I got an old Camaro and painted it yellow with black stripes! But it seems the more involved I become, the more animosity I discover.

Was there a time, in which ALL fans rejoiced? This site started in what? '03? I don't know. I wished I was involved then. Was it a small group of hopeless fanatics, carefully discussing and sharing Transformer developments? Was there camaraderie? The growing rift that separates movie and anti movie fans. G1 vs Beastwars. KO's and 3rd party vs official product. Was it always this way?

Was there ever a Golden Age of Seibertron?

I remember when I first joined, before there were rumours of any movies, Seibertron was still even then a large fansite. The only difference between now and then I feel is that the boards were a little bit more community orientated, in that I recognised and could interact with the majority of users across the sub sections. Of course, since the movies there has been a huge influx of new members and so that 'community feeling' was lost, due to the sheer number of posts and new users, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. If anything, the movies have attracted a whole bunch of cool new guys who I enjoy talking to on here, who might never have joined had it not been for the blaze of publicity surrounding the release of Bay's Transformers. Unfortunately quite a few 'old school' members have left for one reason or another.

As for a 'golden age'... well, who knows? I've not been on here for a while, but I'm enjoying posting on the boards almost as much as I used to!

I never meant to imply this site was in a decline of success. I don't think anyone would argue this is the best Transformers site period. I suppose I just imagined a closer knit group of people, more friends than strangers. With this site going up in 2000, was there anything to drive a wedge between fans then? Beastwars/machines and RID?

I guess I'm just a little disappointed with the lack of unity you sometimes find.

And let me be clear, I'm referring to fans, NOT this site. Hell, before I really started getting into collecting, I would google pics of Transformers and search until I found "that one site with ridiculously in depth galleries."

I joined back in '02 and I remember when it wasn't as big as this. I've seen this site change alot and seen alot of new ppl join. Some of the other memebers I remember from here have left but there are alot that have stayed. Hell, I left the fandom for almost 2ys till just now. I've always called this site my home on the web since I can interact with so many different ppl.

Starscream's Girl wrote:I joined back in '02 and I remember when it wasn't as big as this. I've seen this site change alot and seen alot of new ppl join. Some of the other memebers I remember from here have left but there are alot that have stayed. Hell, I left the fandom for almost 2ys till just now. I've always called this site my home on the web since I can interact with so many different ppl.

There are certinaly alot of members. I know I'm still new here, but this feels like it's my home. It's the only site I bother checking. The news reporting here is extensive, the galleries are thorough, and the obvious success of the site is undeniable. It's been my experience that many people on this site are..., well, angry. I compare it with the group of people I surf with. I don't wanna be paddling into a wave next to jerk who's gonna cut me off or harass me if I don't catch a wave. That's why I only ride with like 5 people out of the local surfer community. Some people take it so seriously, they suck the fun out of it.

I've not felt like others on here are angry. I never get that way on here, lol. I'm always open to meeting new friends. And the site has a great staff team that work hard to bring the fans what they want. The news team is awesome cause there's always something new being posted.

Starscream's Girl wrote:I've not felt like others on here are angry. I never get that way on here, lol. I'm always open to meeting new friends. And the site has a great staff team that work hard to bring the fans what they want. The news team is awesome cause there's always something new being posted.

I don't mean everybody, but some people are angry. At the new movies, at KO companies, at other fans who like one aspect or the other. I have had the opportunity to talk with positive and friendly fans too.
Agree 100% with the news staff comment. News and insights (like Blurrz 2fast 2Blurious article) that I really enjoy. Like I said earlier, the site rocks.

Wherever you go, you'll meet all sorts of Transfans. Those that are only about G1, some that like Beast Wars rather others who don't. I'm a true fan, I like it all. From G1 to movieverse. Yes, I'll have my faves and what not, but I wouldn't bash another Transfan for liking a certain toy line or series. Just can't let the other fans get to you when they say you're crazy for liking something. I know alot of fans who hate the movieverse and I love it.

Starscream's Girl wrote:Wherever you go, you'll meet all sorts of Transfans. Those that are only about G1, some that like Beast Wars rather others who don't. I'm a true fan, I like it all. From G1 to movieverse. Yes, I'll have my faves and what not, but I wouldn't bash another Transfan for liking a certain toy line or series. Just can't let the other fans get to you when they say you're crazy for liking something. I know alot of fans who hate the movieverse and I love it.

I don't really know what a true fan is. Over time I have learned to appreciate ALL things Transformers. My best friend now is a guy I met at Botcon 2010, he is a G1 elitist, he hates the movie! But he is still happy for me when I pick up DOTM figure I'm happy with. Just doesn't feel like there is enough of that.

GetRightRobot wrote:I don't mean everybody, but some people are angry. At the new movies, at KO companies, at other fans who like one aspect or the other. I have had the opportunity to talk with positive and friendly fans too.
Agree 100% with the news staff comment. News and insights (like Blurrz 2fast 2Blurious article) that I really enjoy. Like I said earlier, the site rocks.

People are always angry at something.. I (and others) could spin yarns from years ago about angry individuals that posted here and the shenanigans that went on..

As far as being mad at the KO companies, that is because some of the KO companies put out less than par product just because they know someone will buy it because they cannot afford the original.

As far as fans clashing it goes down to this, the internet, online forums and personalities have really exploded in the past couple of years, the internet is now a place where people can come, vent their frustrations, loves or whatever and get more responses than they would in real life. Some people come with a chip on their shoulder because they feel that they can act like fools over the net because no one can harm them, no matter what they say. Anonymity is what drives the latter.
And some just come to chat and meet new people that they would have never had the opportunity to meet before.

I can honestly say that I have so many friends from just coming to this site and that is a good thing.

I rather hope not. Like you I tend to come and go as I do have other interests as well.

Cyber Bishop wrote:As far as being mad at the KO companies, that is because some of the KO companies put out less than par product just because they know someone will buy it because they cannot afford the original.

I actually just bought my first item from KOtoys.com It was the Kold Blue Convoy. BUT, I bought the TFCon DIA Commander upgrade to go with it (official). IF there was an official blue classics Prime, I would get that.

Cyber Bishop wrote:As far as fans clashing it goes down to this, the internet, online forums and personalities have really exploded in the past couple of years, the internet is now a place where people can come, vent their frustrations, loves or whatever and get more responses than they would in real life. Some people come with a chip on their shoulder because they feel that they can act like fools over the net because no one can harm them, no matter what they say. Anonymity is what drives the latter.
And some just come to chat and meet new people that they would have never had the opportunity to meet before.

Certainly the members of this site can offer more understanding than anyone in my real life. Myrtle Beach is vast wasteland as far as collectors go. No one, other than my wife, here knows anything about Transformers or cares to. Although I have slipped before, being overly critical about movie stuff, I feel bad for discouraging any fan.

Cyber Bishop wrote:I can honestly say that I have so many friends from just coming to this site and that is a good thing.

I've certainly had the opportunity to interact with some passionate fans! I learn so much (especially in regards to the comic book continuities) from some of the people on here. It's just some of the negativity that makes me wonder if we are moving forward as a fandom or backwards?

GetRightRobot wrote:I've certainly had the opportunity to interact with some passionate fans! I learn so much (especially in regards to the comic book continuities) from some of the people on here. It's just some of the negativity that makes me wonder if we are moving forward as a fandom or backwards?

The negativity has been around all along and it has not stopped the transfan community from growing.

Cyber Bishop wrote:

GetRightRobot wrote:I've certainly had the opportunity to interact with some passionate fans! I learn so much (especially in regards to the comic book continuities) from some of the people on here. It's just some of the negativity that makes me wonder if we are moving forward as a fandom or backwards?

The negativity has been around all along and it has not stopped the transfan community from growing.

It's certainly a small majority that I'm referring to. For the most part, I love this "community". Perhaps one day we will get a series that somehow links all the different variation and continuities (movie, G1, Beastwars etc) and aesthetics into one glorious multiverse story that will unite all fans!! A boy can dream can't he?

GetRightRobot wrote: It's certainly a small majority that I'm referring to. For the most part, I love this "community". Perhaps one day we will get a series that somehow links all the different variation and continuities (movie, G1, Beastwars etc) and aesthetics into one glorious multiverse story that will unite all fans!! A boy can dream can't he?

You speak of the prophecy? The one that will bring balance to the Fandom?

Blast Cannon wrote:

GetRightRobot wrote: It's certainly a small majority that I'm referring to. For the most part, I love this "community". Perhaps one day we will get a series that somehow links all the different variation and continuities (movie, G1, Beastwars etc) and aesthetics into one glorious multiverse story that will unite all fans!! A boy can dream can't he?

You speak of the prophecy? The one that will bring balance to the Fandom?

LOL.

Blast Cannon wrote:

GetRightRobot wrote: It's certainly a small majority that I'm referring to. For the most part, I love this "community". Perhaps one day we will get a series that somehow links all the different variation and continuities (movie, G1, Beastwars etc) and aesthetics into one glorious multiverse story that will unite all fans!! A boy can dream can't he?

You speak of the prophecy? The one that will bring balance to the Fandom?

Oh my god that's funny!

My beliefs do not require YOU to believe.

GetRightRobot wrote:

Blast Cannon wrote:

GetRightRobot wrote: It's certainly a small majority that I'm referring to. For the most part, I love this "community". Perhaps one day we will get a series that somehow links all the different variation and continuities (movie, G1, Beastwars etc) and aesthetics into one glorious multiverse story that will unite all fans!! A boy can dream can't he?

You speak of the prophecy? The one that will bring balance to the Fandom?

Oh my god that's funny!

My beliefs do not require YOU to believe.

I certainly hope not. It's all fun and games until somebody gets thrown down a two hundred and eighty mile shaft directly into the main reactor of the Death Star. All in the name of 'prophecy'.

Blast Cannon wrote:

GetRightRobot wrote:

Blast Cannon wrote:

GetRightRobot wrote: It's certainly a small majority that I'm referring to. For the most part, I love this "community". Perhaps one day we will get a series that somehow links all the different variation and continuities (movie, G1, Beastwars etc) and aesthetics into one glorious multiverse story that will unite all fans!! A boy can dream can't he?

You speak of the prophecy? The one that will bring balance to the Fandom?

Oh my god that's funny!

My beliefs do not require YOU to believe.

I certainly hope not. It's all fun and games until somebody gets thrown down a two hundred and eighty mile shaft directly into the main reactor of the Death Star. All in the name of 'prophecy'.

It's good to have you back, BC! You remember the old building thread we had on here yrs ago? Cause if you do, those were the golden days!!

I joined the site back during the time City Commander was released. I was lurking for much longer though.

The sites have always had their share of disagreements and people annoyed over stuff. The franchise might have a large following, but it's impossible to keep 100% of us happy 100% of the time.

Blast Cannon wrote:

GetRightRobot wrote: It's certainly a small majority that I'm referring to. For the most part, I love this "community". Perhaps one day we will get a series that somehow links all the different variation and continuities (movie, G1, Beastwars etc) and aesthetics into one glorious multiverse story that will unite all fans!! A boy can dream can't he?

You speak of the prophecy? The one that will bring balance to the Fandom?

The prophecy will only be fulfilled when the messiah is finally able to say he has purchased every single version of each mold that has been released over the years. Who this messiah is, is unknown still. He alone can unite the fandom with one voice.

robofreak wrote:

Blast Cannon wrote:

GetRightRobot wrote: It's certainly a small majority that I'm referring to. For the most part, I love this "community". Perhaps one day we will get a series that somehow links all the different variation and continuities (movie, G1, Beastwars etc) and aesthetics into one glorious multiverse story that will unite all fans!! A boy can dream can't he?

You speak of the prophecy? The one that will bring balance to the Fandom?

The prophecy will only be fulfilled when the messiah is finally able to say he has purchased every single version of each mold that has been released over the years. Who this messiah is, is unknown still. He alone can unite the fandom with one voice.

I wanna be that guy.

I wanna be that 'girl'. Who says it should be a guy?? lol

Starscream's Girl wrote:I wanna be that 'girl'. Who says it should be a guy?? lol

If the "one" ends up being a girl, I'm going to really push the bounds of understanding between me and my wife.

Starscream's Girl wrote:I wanna be that 'girl'. Who says it should be a guy?? lol

Me. Because it will be me. It will always be me!