Goki's Rantage Engine: Transformers becoming mainstream [Archive] - Ozformers Transformers Club of Australia (otca.com.au)

GoktimusPrime

5th April 2009, 07:06 PM

Disclaimer: My "Rantage Engines" are like STL's Soapboxes and only represent my personal opinions. Kay thanks.

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For better or worse, with the advent of the live action movie, Transformers is steadily creeping out of nerd-dom and into mainstream pop culture.

Signs I've been seeing recently:
+ Last year I saw a year 10 girl with a Transformers backpack.
+ This year I saw a year 11 boy with a Transformers backpack. He was kind enough to tell me where he bought it. :)
+ Last week I saw a year 8 girl with a Transformers handbag (using it as a schoolbag, yeah, it's a trend with girls and not just at my school) - it's that black handbag with the rainbow coloured Autobot insignia from Jayjays.
+ We've all seen an increase in the number of TF badges on cars and people wearing TF shirts.

I've had some good and bad experiences with this...

On my way to the last Parramatta Collectibles Fair, I saw another car with an Autobot insignia on it. As I drove past I beeped my horn and waved Legends Beachcomber out the window. I couldn't see his reaction but Rampage told me that it was a positive one. :)

Earlier today I was shopping with the Mrs. at Westfields Parramatta - and as always, I'm walking around wearing a Transformers T-shirt, Transformers hat, Transformers backpack and holding a Transformers toy in my hand (today it was movie Deluxe 70s Camaro Bumblebee). I saw another guy walking around with a black shirt with an image of Optimus Prime in front of a silhouette of the Autobot insignia. As we passed each other I smiled at him and said, "Nice shirt dude!" but he totally ignored me and fobbed me off!

Now I don't know if either of those guys were actual TF fans or just people who decided to sport TF images on their car/shirt... it's entirely possible that they're not real fans. The thing is, I felt a bit gipped by the guy wearing a TF shirt who gave me the cold shoulder... I mean, if you are going to wear a TF shirt - even if you're not really a fan - then don't be surprised if other fans try to give you some kind of acknowledgment. To do that would be like wearing a shirt or jersey of a sport team that you don't really go for, and then becoming stand-offish when someone comes and acknowledges you for it... like say if you're not really a Sydney FC fan, but you walk around wearing a Sydney FC shirt -- if another Sydney FC fan saw you they're going to naturally assume that you like that team and maybe say something like, "Go Sky Blues!" to you.

Sometimes when people see me walking around with all my TF gear on I get people saying, "Yay Transformers!" - Last year at the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras where I was walking around with a TF shirt and Optimus Prime helmet, a girl ran up to me and said, "Go Transformers!" and showed me her Autobot wristband! And I acknowledged her attempt to briefly connect to me as someone else who also likes/appreciates Transformers, even if she may not be a fan (of course the idea of "fan" is subjective).

I'd like to propose something that we as fan can say to other fans as a common form of acknowledgment or greeting -- and I think a good one would be "Till All Are One!" So anyway, next time I see someone wearing TF clothes or what not, I'm gonna say that to them. In fact, a few months ago I saw a car in a car park with TF stickers all over it. I got a piece of paper and gave them the web address for OTCA and wrote "Till All Are One" on it. :)

Anyway, I know I'm making a mountain out of a molehill - that's the entire purpose of this rantage engine and possibly future rantage engines. :)

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P.S.: Another sign that TFs is becoming mainstream - I saw this on NineMSN on Friday:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/msnwelcome.jpg

Lint

5th April 2009, 07:22 PM

Transformers was in nerd-dom?

Not everyone has to voice their love for transformers vocally. I would supremely annoyed if every fanboy (girls are fine :p) that crossed my path had to say something to me about transformers. A smile and a nod is good enough for me.

That guy who fobbed you off was probably a jerk Gok :p

Paulbot

5th April 2009, 07:39 PM

The guy that served me at liquorland yesterday was wearing a Transformers belt. I considered asking him about it as an opening because he was cute. But I accept that these days a lot of people are wearing TF clothing but it doesn't mean they are fanboys. I assume most people aren't a TF collector unless proven otherwise.

I admire people like you and STL and others who will just start talking to people in TF aisles or wearing TF clothing. I guess I'm not quite an out TF fan but I think for me that's partly because it's only in the last two years I've been hanging out with guys who are also TF fans. Before that it was an interest I didn't think others want to know about.

Sky Shadow

5th April 2009, 07:46 PM

I saw another guy walking around with a black shirt with an image of Optimus Prime in front of a silhouette of the Autobot insignia. As we passed each other I smiled at him and said, "Nice shirt dude!" but he totally ignored me and fobbed me off!

I think Optimus Prime and an Autobot symbol are such iconic symbols in the global consciousness that it's a bit a leap to these days to assume that someone wearing their image is necessarily going to be someone who is excited about Transformers in the way that we are. Certainly for the past eight years or so, my first assumption when I see someone wearing a Decepticon or Autobot symbol is that they're *not* going to be as into Transformers as I am. And - with the exception of people I see at the Parramatta fair - that's almost certainly right. If I walked past someone wearing an image of Elphorca in front of a Blendtron symbol, however, I'd definitely say hello.

GoktimusPrime

5th April 2009, 08:08 PM

I don't expect most people to be as into Transformers as I am. I'll be the first to admit that I'm freakishly hardcore (heh :)).

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/artoo_hardcore.jpg (http://www.darthsanddroids.net/episodes/0049.html)

But as Lint said, a simple nod or smile would be great. Just some kind of acknowledgement.

That guy who fobbed you off was probably a jerk Gok :p
I know he heard me. I even held Bumblebee up as I greeted him. It was almost as if he were thinking, "Oh god, a real Transformers fan! Get away from me you freaking nerd... why did I get this ****ing shirt?!"

Paulbot

5th April 2009, 08:19 PM

optimus1

5th April 2009, 08:21 PM

Don't worry Gok, that guy is the one with issues!

I'm actually proud that it's going more mainstream, it makes it easier to find things more TF related.

shokwave2

5th April 2009, 08:23 PM

Some people may buy a shirt for it's design, colour or comfort. If you wear a polo shirt, that doesn't make you a golf fan does it? I own a Star Wars shirt but that doesn't mean i want to marry George Lucas.

I class myself as a TF fan, not only because i collect TF's but also because i grew up on the G1 series. My friends call me a nerd because of this but to me it's only a hobby. I don't shop everyday for toys, don't troll TF websites daily, don't wear a TF shirt 24 hours. I'll buy a TF, open it, transform it, display it in my cabinet and get on with my life. I'd sell my whole collection tomorrow if i needed the money. They are just toys after all.

But there are hardcore fans out there and i'm guessing a few on here that live and breathe Transformers. Each to their own. But not every TF fan out there owns every toy, knows every character, has TF on their mind 24 hours. I surf but i don't talk to every person wearing a Billabong or Quiksilver shirt i pass. Wearing a brand doesn't mean you fit into that genre. That's stereotyping.

For instance if you didn't walk into my loungeroom and see my display cabinet you'd never think i'm a TF fan. I don't talk about them at work, to my friends, or wear the latest TF fashions. To some they're just a hobby, not a lifestyle.

And because someone doesn't respond to you in public doesn't make them a jerk. I don't reply to every stranger that talks to me. Just try not to take the fob offs personally.

If i saw a grown man all TF fashioned out, backpack and carrying a figure like a child carries their favourite doll, even i'd raise an eybrow. No offense.

SilverDragon

5th April 2009, 08:44 PM

Some years ago, on an annual clothes shopping trip, I got a Yu-Gi-Oh shirt, despite the fact that aside from articles in K-Zone I had little-to-no idea about the entire thing and wasn't a fan, simply because I thought it looked cool.

I reckon that's why a lot of people who aren't Transformers fans (or simply wouldn't call themselves such) have TF clothing. It's a valid reason, IMO-the Autobot and Decepticon logos, as well as the robots themselves, look cool.

Now, if only I knew where to buy some myself...

Fungal Infection

5th April 2009, 09:20 PM

I didn't catch that "I was holding Bumblebee as I walked around" bit. Sorry to say it but I think 99.9% of people would not engage in conversation with a grown man walking around a shopping centre with a Transformer backpack and Transformer toy in his hand. I'd say more but I don't want to offend.

I'm in the same boat. I've even seen peeps holding the latest kickass toy which isn't available in Australia through retail channels and haven't said anything simply because I acknowledge the fact that some people just want to be left alone and I'd expect others to show me the same courtesy. And I don't even have a TF shirt!! :p

Ode to a Grasshopper

6th April 2009, 01:23 AM

Hey Goki, can we get a photo of you in max TF gear mode?:D

On-topic: Like Goki I used to dislike the way Tfs were going more mainstream on the basis that mainstreaming things often tends to spoil them IMO. Then we got Michael Bay, and as a Decepticon fan it pretty much sucked, though happily we did get more good toys out of it than I was expecting and happier still a lot of those are being redecoed for Travestyformers 2.
The way I cynically look at it nowadays, the more mainstream exposure TFs get the more TF merchandise there'll be released, and so the more cool stuff there should be out there amongst the crap (i.e. those sweet little 3-image holographic candy tins VS. Mighty Muggs).
So...As long as they keep looking after us fans with Classics, Masterpiece etc. mainstream away I say. Let the children have their Ultimate Bumblebees, just let my Wreck-Gar go!

EDIT - I go about as far as having a Decepticon logo shirt on fairly frequent wardrobe rotation myself.

jacksplatt11

6th April 2009, 01:30 AM

Oilspill

6th April 2009, 03:11 AM

I'm glad TFs are slightly more mainstream at the moment. Means more publicity, which should mean increased sales which means Hasbro has more money to spend making more TFs for us :)

But yeah, in fairness, other people wearing TF merchandise does not mean they're a fan. I met a dude at the Sydney Mardi Gras this year and he had a sweet Megatron shirt on but he wasn't really into Transformers. He just liked the shirt.

I, myself, only have one TF shirt (and it was a Somewhat Secret Santa gift). Oh, and some Decepticon cuff links which admittedly I did wear to the last wedding I went to :p

GoktimusPrime

6th April 2009, 11:07 AM

Some people may buy a shirt for it's design, colour or comfort. If you wear a polo shirt, that doesn't make you a golf fan does it? I own a Star Wars shirt but that doesn't mean i want to marry George Lucas.
If you're already wearing a TF shirt I think it's different. For example, two years ago I was wearing a London Underground T-shirt which was a gift from my brother who lives in London. I've never been to London and I don't have deep knowledge about it. One of my work colleagues saw me wearing this shirt and she immediately started doing an impersonation of the platform announcements on London train stations. She'd previously lived/worked in London's east end. So I smiled at her and and gave her a wave. I'm not a Londonphile like her, I have no intention of ever being one really. But I acknowledged her enthusiasm for what my shirt represented.

And that's all I would expect from a person wearing a Transformers shirt - if I address them, just reply with some kind of acknowledgement. Hell, just make eye contact!!

And because someone doesn't respond to you in public doesn't make them a jerk. I don't reply to every stranger that talks to me. Just try not to take the fob offs personally.
Oh I never said he was a jerk and I'm not personally offended. I felt that he wasn't being necessarily rude per se... just unfriendly?

If the shoe was on the other foot - as it was in the London Underground shirt example - I would have made acknowledgement.

Hey Goki, can we get a photo of you in max TF gear mode?
My "max" TF gear mode would actually be walking around in public wearing a Transformers costume, which I've done. Twice. And both times I copped abuse. Mind you, my costumes look silly. :p If you want to see pics of me in my regular "TF civvies" then just look at any pics of me at any fan meet. That's pretty much how I dress almost all the time (except at work, although I do wear TF belts, a TF hat and use a TF pencil case with TF stationery and I carry my TF backpack - and I've drawn TF logos on my markbook :p). :) The backpack is new though, I've yet to bring that to a TF meet, but it looks like this:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/acquisitions/th_acquisition_20090317.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/acquisitions/acquisition_20090317.jpg)

There's good and bad things about Transformers becoming mainstream, no doubt's there. And my rant is not at all about demanding that anyone wearing TF shirts has to be a TF fan, but rather, if you're going to wear the TF brand then at least show some acknowledgement when a real fan comes along and addresses you. Even a basic nod or smile then just keep walking. That's all.

P.S.: I just had a year 9 class where a student showed me a G1 Transformers pencil case that he found at the Reject Shop over the weekend! I'm gonna check it out and see if I can find one! It had Dreamwave art of Sideswipe, Bumblebee and Optimus Prime. Apparently it comes with lollies. It also has an Autobot logo magnet attached to the pencil case and the Bumblebee picture on the pencil case is also mildly magnetic (it kinda works :p) :)

shokwave2

6th April 2009, 02:39 PM

if you're going to wear the TF brand then at least show some acknowledgement when a real fan comes along and addresses you.

Didn't know there were certain laws for certain clothes. Go for a walk into the city and tell everyone you pass that they have a cool shirt, no matter what they are wearing. See how many people acknowledge you and how many ignore you or tell you where to go. I bet the latter outweighs the former. What happens when TF becomes totally mainstream and every 2nd person is wearing a TF shirt because they look cool?

Lord_Zed

6th April 2009, 08:05 PM

Didn't know there were certain laws for certain clothes. Go for a walk into the city and tell everyone you pass that they have a cool shirt, no matter what they are wearing. See how many people acknowledge you and how many ignore you or tell you where to go. I bet the latter outweighs the former. What happens when TF becomes totally mainstream and every 2nd person is wearing a TF shirt because they look cool?

Then everyone wanting to be different will wear underground Machine Men shirts. :D

Bartrim

6th April 2009, 08:39 PM

P.S.: Another sign that TFs is becoming mainstream - I saw this on NineMSN on Friday:
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/msnwelcome.jpg

Gok I think it's a pretty obvious fact that the live action movie franchise is mainstream.

MV75

6th April 2009, 08:45 PM

i_amtrunks

7th April 2009, 10:13 AM

Yep, time to turn the engine off and take away the keys.

I'll give you the keys to this engine back in 2012/13 a year or two after a projected date of 2011 for the 3rd movie for you to rant about on where this mainstream vanished to and why everyone is into my little pony after its live action movie.

not to mention the anticipation for the upcoming Live action Care Bears Movie...

I'm seeing cars with the movie style faction symbols on them everywhere, it's almost a "cool" thing to have a vague knowledge of transformers. (by vague I mean you know Autobots are good, Decepticons are bad, and a half dozen Transformers names).

Face it Gok, transformers are "cool" now, so all the "cool" people will be showing off how "cool" they are, yet all these "cool" people are the ones most likely to fob you off if you approach them.

GoktimusPrime

7th April 2009, 11:43 AM

I received a PM from a member who doesn't wish to publicly participate on this thread, but I'd like to share what s/he said to me with the rest of you as I think it's quite poignant. :)

I remember that when I was in high school and draw TFs some kids would ridicule me for being "childish". And the other day when I was thinking about how "cool" many people think TFs are now, I thought "Amazing and interesting" but at the same time, for reasons I cannot quite pinpoint, I also felt somewhat uneasy about it.

It seems that history has a lot of movements and sub-cultures that are initially seen as "uncool" / "weird" but then later becomes mainstream. It's hard to say if Transformers is one of them, but I think it's certainly big enough to be considered a sub-culture, and as for myself, I've always wondered why some people thought it was childish to be a fan of it, because to me, there was never anything kiddy or uncool about it (but that's just me).

I too have personally never felt bad for liking Transformers, but I also had experiences of other kids having a problem and feeling the need to pick on me because they saw Transformers as something childish/foolish. In fact, even when Transformers first came out in 1984, other kids were picking on me and saying things like, "they're for kids." Like hello? We are kids! I unfortunately went to a primary school where a lot of the kids were wannabe try-hard adolescents. In years 7 and 8 the bullying increased and got worse. I put the iron-on Autobot badge (from STARS) on this jacket that I wore to school which made me a bigger target for school bullies. So I took many lumps in the name of Transformers.

But I wonder how many of those people who looked down on Transformers and those of us who like Transformers as being "uncool" - and were even willing to ridicule and bully others for liking it - now see Transformers as being "cool"/acceptable just because it's becoming more popular now.

P.S.: In the meantime, I await the live-action movie for The CORPS! ;)

Hereticpoo

7th April 2009, 01:56 PM

Oh I remember the uncool years at high school. Even in late primary school it was uncool to be a kid. So I became a mundaner and followed the crowd and forgot about TF's. Complaint little Hpoo. Finally I've woken up.

I'm glad the complaint hordes of programmed lemmings like TF's now. Because its easier to be a fan. Now instead of people thinking your a total wacko for liking kids toys, they usually say "oh cool i remember those". (thank you subliminal and suggestive advertising!)

Kids aren't well adjusted, decent human beings. They're all tricksy and evil and rotten to the core, too bad none of us understood that when we were kids. Thankfully most of us grow out of it, but for those really nasty ones I secrety revel in their failures. (C'mon, we've all revelled in a bullies demise)

Society will always shift and change its POP attitudes, so as a fan its important that we enjoy our hobby no matter what POP culture is doing at the present. If you want to dress up as Prime and go to the shops for milk and Bread, good on you for having the balls to do it.

Geminii

11th April 2009, 09:22 PM

I think I must be approaching this from the wrong angle. I have no problems at all when a fandom of mine goes temporarily mainstream. It means that there will be a lot more money poured into producing stuff in that fandom, which means a lot more choice of things for me to buy now AND a lot more things for me to pick up second-hand in a couple of years when the hype dies down.

As for the clothing thing - to be honest, I wouldn't say anything to anyone I didn't know who was wearing TF gear unless I was waiting for people to turn up at a meet, or maybe at a generic con.

I don't wear a lot of TF gear myself (and even then, only at meets and cons) for much the same reason, but then again I'm one of the minority who actually knows about fandoms and the people in them. I could totally see people who have zero knowledge of fandom just wearing something TF-related because it was 'in' or giant robots are cool, without ever wanting to strike up a conversation with a hardcore fan.

As a bonus regarding mainstreaming, more of the general public have at least a vague conception of "robots which turn into vehicles". I was talking to a bunch of 40-something folks the other week and mentioned that one of my hobbies was designing toys, "sort of like, you know, have you ever run into those toy robots which turn into cars and planes?" "Oh, Transformers!" "Uh, yeah!"

(Of course, part of that may have been that they were mainly engineers, but hey.)

bruticus

12th April 2009, 12:17 AM

I dont mind Transformers going mainstream. All the closet TF fans can now come out of hiding and openly admit that they like TFs which is to my benefit as i now have more avenues to acquire TF toys.

The only downside that i can see is that TF toys (and other merchandise) will be hiked up in price as it becomes an ever more popular brand name. Look at some of the other toys and see how cheap they are compared to TFs of similar size/quality/features. We are getting jipped big time just for buying "branded" goods.

But dont be shocked if there are some people that just put on TF gear and have no real interest in what they mean.
Take the Playboy brand for instance. Its really popular nowadays and yet if you see a chick in the street wearing playboy gear, you are not going to go up to them and assume they are promiscuous or willing to strip for money. Thats just not on.
Some things are just popular and hip at the moment and people buy into it. So some people are just like that.

Anyways, sounds a bit like dating Gok. You got balls for making the move and taking the first step. Its just too bad that you got shot down cos you read the signals wrong, that's all. hahahahahaha.... :p

But seriously, if they want to reach out and talk to you about TFs then good, but otherwise respect their privacy. I'm sure that if they are true fans, they WILL find a way to communicate appropriately (eg. OTCA :D).

GoktimusPrime

12th April 2009, 08:53 AM

"They're not responding to our hailing frequencies, captain!" :p

There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to TFs becoming mainstream, just as there are pros and cons to TFs being in obscurity. Not too long ago I remember walking into stores and if I asked any staff members about Transformers their reaction would be, "Transformers?! They don't make Transformers anymore." (-_-)

But it seems that Transformers isn't completely mainstream yet. Yesterday I was in Toys R Us and a guy was looking at Transformers toys, and his mate was giving him a hard time and kept on saying, "How old are you?" "Remind me again how old you are." etc. - I so wanted to tell him off, but I needed to catch up with my wife who'd moved on and was waiting for me elsewhere. I walked past and glared at him though and he met my stare and his jolly teasing expression changed to one of an awkward smile - as in, he couldn't say anything with the very embodiment of that which he was teasing walking right by him.

Gah, I would've totally lectured him if I had the time. (-_-)

Trailer Park Ninja

12th April 2009, 09:50 AM

Dude, you're gonna have to accept that the majority of the population aren't going to subscribe to the point of view of fanatics in terms of collecting Transformers and knowing everything about Transformer lore and being passionate about it like some sporting team.

I think it is a case of apples and oranges to compare the acceptance of rabid sporting fans to transformers fans. You may not like this situation (and I understand why) but that is the reality of the situation.

There has been many instances of some form of pop culture becoming mainstream albeit for a short time and then fading back into the background.

You may not like that people may get into the fad of wearing Transformers t-shirts because it is "cool" or the "in-thing" and have no knowledge or desire to collect toys, books, dvds but there is no point gettting worked up about it.

So I can see why it may frustrate, annoy or upset you that people jump on the bandwagon and are like lemmings but aren't really into Transformers but I don't really mind it. Like someone said, if they were really keen that they would find their way to places like this.

This whole discussion about Transformers becoming "mainstream" makes me think about how videogames have become so and are now more socially accepted by the general populace.

When I was in high school and into video games and arcades, I was deemed to be a nerd or a geek. Nowadays, it is the norm to be into Xbox 360s or Wiis or Playstation that they have become part of the language. It isn't just kids playing video games but also adults and family members etc because of the variety of arcade games, educational and general interest titles (e.g. Wii fit).

I don't perceive Transformers to go this way as people will always look at as a toy hobby and not know about the background history etc of the characters. However, I think that it's time in the spotlight may encourage new collectors and a degree of social acceptance but this will pass.

I'm not going to be critical of someone who is jumping on the bandwagon because it is the in-thing and isn't a true Transformer, that would be an elitist attitude that is the dark side of fandom.

If you're cool with buying toys at your age then what does it matter what someone else thinks. Is it really worth having an unresolvable heated argument in a public place?

SMHFConvoy

12th April 2009, 11:18 AM

Trailer Park Ninja, I wholeheartedly agree with your comment.

STL

12th April 2009, 11:47 AM

Dunno about it being an in-thing but I frown on a sports fanatic the same way I'd frown a toy fanatic. I enjoy my sport but I sure as hell am irked by sports crazed fanatics who carry on like the whole world needs to know about them and their team. And I'd do the same for someone who likes TFs or another toyline, hobby that passionately. And i think there are a lot of other people like that. There's a line in the sand about how passionate one should be about anything till people just frown and shake their head.

snazzbot 101

12th April 2009, 04:18 PM

So basically you're miffed because someone wearing a TF shirt chose not to acknowledge your existence?

Paulbot

12th April 2009, 04:24 PM

If you were wearing a TF shirt and another person was wearing a TF shirt and there was no acknowledgement at all then that other guy was a jerk, but that's not this situation.

In this instance you say you were "walking around [a shopping centre] wearing a Transformers T-shirt, Transformers hat, Transformers backpack and holding a Transformers toy in my hand"

Perhaps this other person saw a 30ish man in that outfit (and in a normal shopping centre not at a convention or anything) and made the assumption that this man walking around with a child's toy in his hands and saying hello to a total stranger had an intellectual disability of some kind?

I've at times responded politely to people with intellectual disabilities that have suddenly started talking to me on public transport but at other times I've ignored them too. People do that, it's kind of mean but it can also be very uncomfortable to talk to someone with a disability like that.

Wearing a t-shirt is one thing, and it's now a common thing. But Carrying around a child's toy, wearing a backpack and hat goes to a place that no matter how mainstream Transformers is, is not going to look right on someone over 10 years old.

GoktimusPrime

12th April 2009, 04:42 PM

So basically you're miffed because someone wearing a TF shirt chose not to acknowledge your existence?
Yeah! :D "Miffed" is a good word. I'm not like angry or upset about it. Just "miffed" - as in "Pah!" but not as in "GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!" ;) :)

Perhaps this other person saw a 30ish man in that outfit (and in a normal shopping centre not at a convention or anything) and made the assumption that this man walking around with a child's toy in his hands and saying hello to a total stranger had an intellectual disability of some kind?
JaAM?! Hahaha, he probably did think, "Who's this raging retard greeting me with a TOY?" - though I hope a part of his mind did think, "Dude, you have a picture of a toy on YOUR shirt... that makes at least semi-tarded too!" Mmm... Herman's Head. ;)

But Carrying around a child's toy, wearing a backpack and hat goes to a place that no matter how mainstream Transformers is, is not going to look right on someone over 10 years old.
Probably true, but it ain't gonna stop me. :p I freaked out these two guys in a jewellery store yesterday cos I walked in with REV in car mode making car noises, then making skidding and transforming noises as I transformed the toy, then making jump jets and shooting and exploding noises as I played with it in robot mode. I got weird stares and I'll admit that I totally deserved them. ;)

On the other hand, a few years ago (7-8 years ago?) I walked into a comic store during a TF Sydney meet and there was a section where they sold action figures. I walked in with Spy Streak in my hand and I fired a missile at the toys and made flying and shooting noises. The manager of the store yelled at me and went, "GET OUT OF MY STORE! WE DON'T PUT UP WITH SUCH CHILDISH BEHAVIOUR HERE!" -- now, if that had been a jewellery store, okay... but this was a comic book store. Like hel-looo? :p

Trailer Park Ninja

12th April 2009, 04:49 PM

So after your adverse experience with the guy wearing the Optimus Prime t-shirt at the shopping centre, you were interested in a discussion about courtesy between TF fans/appreciators.

Maybe he just liked the shirt and wasn't really into Transformers. So I guess he may not know about Transformer fan ettiquette if there is such a thing.

GoktimusPrime

12th April 2009, 04:58 PM

TPN, could you please check your PM inbox. Thanks.

shokwave2

12th April 2009, 06:37 PM

Probably true, but it ain't gonna stop me. :p I freaked out these two guys in a jewellery store yesterday cos I walked in with REV in car mode making car noises, then making skidding and transforming noises as I transformed the toy, then making jump jets and shooting and exploding noises as I played with it in robot mode. I got weird stares and I'll admit that I totally deserved them. ;)

Sorry, but i'd freak out too if you did near me. I don't know any other fan of any other hobby (TF, Star Wars, etc) or even sports for that matter that carries around a toy or ball or something everywhere they go, making noises or playing with it in public. A child under 12 i could understand. But i find that weird. But if you're not embarassed by it and you're having fun, go for gold :confused::confused::confused::confused:

GoktimusPrime

12th April 2009, 07:31 PM

Sorry, but i'd freak out too if you did near me. I don't know any other fan of any other hobby (TF, Star Wars, etc) or even sports for that matter that carries around a toy or ball or something everywhere they go, making noises or playing with it in public. A child under 12 i could understand. But i find that weird.
Fair enough. Tbh it is weird, but in a harmless fun kind of way IMO. ;)

But if you're not embarassed by it and you're having fun, go for gold
Thank you. :) We all have different things that we're passionate about in different ways... but I reckon as long as you're not effecting anyone in a bad way, to eachtheir own.

Burn

12th April 2009, 09:12 PM

Yesterday I was in Toys R Us and a guy was looking at Transformers toys, and his mate was giving him a hard time and kept on saying, "How old are you?" "Remind me again how old you are." etc. - I so wanted to tell him off, but I needed to catch up with my wife who'd moved on and was waiting for me elsewhere. I walked past and glared at him though and he met my stare and his jolly teasing expression changed to one of an awkward smile - as in, he couldn't say anything with the very embodiment of that which he was teasing walking right by him.

I'm sorry, but I really cannot understand your reaction to this situation.

So one bloke was giving his mate a bit of teasing, what business was it of yours exactly?

Transformers to me is a hobby, an interest, it's MY interest. If people don't like it, that's their business. I'm not going to go around and take issue with everyone who don't share my interest, as long as i'm left to enjoy my hobby then i'm good.

I think this is all a case of, well, "get over it". And i'm not meaning that in an offensive way but I think you've taken things a little too much to heart.

GoktimusPrime

12th April 2009, 10:51 PM

I'm sorry, but I really cannot understand your reaction to this situation.

So one bloke was giving his mate a bit of teasing, what business was it of yours exactly?
The way this guy was talking to his friend sounded like a lot more than just friendly ribbing. He was nearly tearing him a second one - it wasn't friendly mockery. The guy sounded absolutely disgusted that his companion would dare to look at a toy. Part of me was unhappy that someone would look down on my hobby like this, and another part of me wanted to help support a fellow Transformers toy collector. I can not imagine any of my non-collector friends or colleagues ever talking to me with such content in their voice. Friendly teasing and malicious bullying aren't the same thing IMO.

P.S.: I believe in treating others the way that I would like to be treated and I feel that if I were in the position of that guy getting ribbed and there was a fellow collector witnessing it, I would appreciate that person sticking up for me. As we often tell kids, a joke's only funny when you're laughing with someone, not at them.

P.P.S.: Someone that can up my ante is Roller - who could ever forget the time when he paraded around Sydney in a Transformers T-shirt and Optimus Prime voice changer helmet, accosting total strangers including:
+ Went on children's play equipment
+ Trying to pick up chicks (and he actually got hugs!)
+ Trying to get a ride from a push-bike taxi
+ Crashing a business convention
+ Having a spasm on a bridge
+ Gratifying himself in the middle of a fountain while checking out the centrefold of a Japanese newspaper
+ Crashing a Chinese New Year lion dance performance
+ Dancing around George Street
+ Accosting a bus-load of total strangers!
+ Conduct a religious faith-healing service
+ Do unspeakable acts to the lower half of a store mannequin
...and I have the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olyG3g_kxQs&feature=channel_page) and photos to prove (some of) it! :)

Aah Roller - I salute you!! :D :) (^O^)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_07.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_08.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_09.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_10.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_13.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_14.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_15.jpghttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/goktimusprime/Transformers/Transfan%20Meets/Sydney%20Meet%20February%202008/th_sydmeet0209_17.jpg

STL

12th April 2009, 11:56 PM

You haven't obviously met my mates. I copped a fair spray from them when they learnt two years back that I collected TFs. That doesn't change the fact that we're still good mates though. Between good mates, you can expect that type of stuff. Outsiders, not so much.

I give those who I consider to be mates crap all the time. People I'm not mates with, not so much.

SMHFConvoy

13th April 2009, 10:45 AM

This is a mountain made out of a mole hill IMHO

Burn

13th April 2009, 11:20 AM

The way this guy was talking to his friend sounded like a lot more than just friendly ribbing. He was nearly tearing him a second one - it wasn't friendly mockery. The guy sounded absolutely disgusted that his companion would dare to look at a toy. Part of me was unhappy that someone would look down on my hobby like this, and another part of me wanted to help support a fellow Transformers toy collector. I can not imagine any of my non-collector friends or colleagues ever talking to me with such content in their voice. Friendly teasing and malicious bullying aren't the same thing IMO.

But again, what business was it of yours?

Unless things were going to degenerate into a brawl, I really don't see why anyone need to step in, considering that doing so would no doubt exasberate the situation.

Trailer Park Ninja

13th April 2009, 12:25 PM

TPN, could you please check your PM inbox. Thanks.

I've checked my PM inbox and considered your suggestion but respectfully have decided otherwise.

shokwave2

13th April 2009, 12:45 PM

The way this guy was talking to his friend sounded like a lot more than just friendly ribbing. He was nearly tearing him a second one - it wasn't friendly mockery. The guy sounded absolutely disgusted that his companion would dare to look at a toy.

Sounds to me that the guy getting ribbed either needs to find new friends, or grow some balls and stand up for himself. But that's none of my business and i couldn't care less if his mate beat the crap out of him over his silly little hobby.

I've checked my PM inbox and considered your suggestion but respectfully have decided otherwise.

I thought i was the only getting PM's to edit my comments;)

jacksplatt11

13th April 2009, 01:18 PM

Early contender for thread of the year???

shokwave2

13th April 2009, 01:40 PM

Hahahaha.

Thanatos

13th April 2009, 02:20 PM

Well aside from Gok trying to censor everyone elses posts, and complaining that people think of him as "weird" to acting as a child in regular public domain, I'm not really seeing the point of this thread. I mean, I understand the joy of being a fan, of collecting, we all do, thats the point. But really, I'm with most of the other people in this thread who as much as we love transformers, might well avoid you in public if you're going to go around being as a 10 year old. Leave the toys at home, ditch the backpack, and maybe, just maybe, someone will approve of your attire.

If you don't feel embarrassment about the way you act, then perhaps you should. Honestly it's a pretty sad state of affairs. You're like a 6th grader who's upset because the big boys pick on you. Here's a hint: they are picking on you. And with good reason.

Oh and don't bother PMing me Gok, because I'm not going to censor myself because you ask nicely.

King Atlas

13th April 2009, 02:44 PM

Early contender for thread of the year???

haha, too true.

shokwave2

13th April 2009, 03:08 PM

GoktimusPrime

13th April 2009, 05:01 PM

It's called Peer Moderation. It was discussed in this thread (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=3548) - it's my attempt to try and resolve issues without the need to report people to board staff all the time. But since you all refuse to cooperate then we'll just have to let moderators sort this out.

Remember that if you have an issue with a user (including me) you can report them to board staff instead of derailing a thread like this. Please refer to the OzFormers Forum Userguide (http://www.otca.com.au/boards/showthread.php?t=111) for board rules and procedures for reporting a breach of rules.

Mods: I'm sorry it's had to come to this. I have tried to resolve it privately but it doesn't seem to have worked.

Hereticpoo

13th April 2009, 05:44 PM

This thread was about transformers being mainstream.

Gok just because some of the guys said they find you're behavior strange that doesn't warrant censorship and Moderator intervention.

Just because some have disagreed with you doesn't mean they're trying to derail you. You asked for people's opinion and they gave them. You dont always have to win man.

Just chill guys, we're all fans of TOYS, we're all screwed in the head! :D

GoktimusPrime

13th April 2009, 05:49 PM

Gok just because some of the guys said they find you're behavior strange that doesn't warrant censorship and Moderator intervention.

Just because some have disagreed with you doesn't mean they're trying to derail you. You asked for people's opinion and they gave them. You dont always have to win man.
Those were not the concerns in question. The issue has been escalated to board staff so let's avoid any further public discussion about it and keep further posts on this thread on-topic.

Thank you.

snazzbot 101

13th April 2009, 06:47 PM

Personally I don't think this thread was hijacked - whether it degenerated into something which could be construed as a personal attack is a different story.

I think the problem is no one seemed to know what the thread was supposed to be about in the first place.

Someone said hello to someone and they didn't respond.

That's barely an anecdote. Sure it was couched in terms of TFs going mainstream (the connection still alludes me) and of how as fans we should have some common courtesy (perhaps some kind of Universal Greeting?) but as a discussion point it's fairly lacking.

But those things were discussed as such things are in forums. And that discussion evolved and the point was made that if someone dresses like a circus peanut and there ain't no bigtop around then they're going to get a reaction -and not necessarily a positive one.

So the discussion shouldn't have gone down that road?

What are we supposed to talk about then? What is on-topic?

GoktimusPrime

13th April 2009, 07:18 PM

You're right, I didn't start this discussion very well at all - I'll admit that - and that in turn has unfortunately led to some people responding in a less than appropriate way.

What are we supposed to talk about then? What is on-topic?
How you're finding Transformers as it's becoming more mainstream. Perhaps comparing what life as a TF fan was like before and since certain milestones leading to this current upturn in TF popularity such as the live action movie.

For instance, I can walk into any dept. or toy store now and if I ask the staff about Transformers they know what I'm talking about, whereas a couple of years ago I would get blank stares from staff - some of them would say, "Transformers? They don't make Transformers anymore." One time I asked about Machine Wars at Uncle Pete's and the lady's response was, "Machine Wheels? Do you mean Hot Wheels?"