Happy Holidays!

Wow, I can't believe it is already December and will soon be a new year! I've been on a bit of a pony hiatus lately but still manage to check out the boards. There are some really exciting things on the horizon for the MLP brand including a new "Newborn Cuties" line. I must admit that after seeing some photos of the new products I'm really looking forward to them.

I don't have any book updates at the moment, but stay tuned. I'm sure they'll be coming soon.

I'll be sitting on a beach sipping fruity drinks in a few short days and may not post again until the holiday festivities are over. With that said, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Holiday. May all your pony wishes come true!

Calling All G2 Collectors!

As many of you know, The My Little Pony G2 Collector’s Inventory is almost ready for print! I am so excited about this project on so many levels. First, it is the first time G2 ponies will have a guide of there own, and secondly, because I had the opportunity to collaborate with some truly awesome G2 collectors to put together an amazing resource.

Priced Nostalgia Press has been really great about doing things right and not rushing the final product. However, they are determined to have the book on shelves by December in time for the Christmas rush which means all of the loose ends have to be tied up by November 15th at the absolute latest! I’ve been told that the majority of the book is formatted and ready to go, and I’ve been promised a book mock-up very soon which I am SO anxious to see!

To make the G2 Collector’s Inventory match the format of other guides in the Collector’s Inventory Series and to allow for wider release, Priced Nostalgia will be requiring me to include a price guide on the G2s. I have kept detailed records of final value auction prices over the last several years, but since G2s are so sporadic on the market it may be months or even years between listed items and prices can be all over the place. What I’d like to do is conduct a G2 “price check” survey among avid G2 collectors in which they complete a value chart for every G2 pony both loose and MIB using five dollar price ranges (Ex: $5-$10) or for higher priced items, they could include an approximate value estimate. Then all of this data could be analyzed together. I really hope that you will consider filling one out to help make the price guide as accurate as possible. The “price check survey” document can be sent to you through email and can be emailed to summer@purplepajamapress.com when complete. Please let me know if you would be willing to participate by either posting a comment or sending an email to summer@purplepajamapress.com Please provide an email address where I can send the survey.

Update 11/3/08:Wow! Thanks so much to all of you that have contacted me about participating in the G2 Price Guide Survey! You are all awesome!

It's Halloween!

Dressing up and going to a party? Handing out candy at your house? Turning off all the lights and pretending you aren't home?

Whatever your plans may be, Happy Halloween!

More Hasbro Tour Footage

While I'm waiting for things to calm down enough to find time to blog, here's another video we took of Bonnie Zacherle discussing My Little Pony during the 2008 MLP Fair Hasbro Tour. Also, if you have a specific footage request from the Providence Fair, let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Better Late Than Never!

As promised (months ago...) here is a video clip we took of My Little Pony creator Bonnie Zacherle discussing how she came up with the idea of MLP. I have hours of additional footage of the Providence MLP Fair to sort through and upload, but sadly I also have about 20 other things I should be working on as well.

Now back to my list. Enjoy!

-S

Calling All Owners of The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory

Get your detective hats and magnifying glasses ready! Now is your chance to report any errors, omissions, or typos you've found in your copy of The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory. I am aware of few things that slipped past the editors but I need your help to see if you can find any additional mistakes! Now is your opportunity to help improve the best My Little Pony Guide available and make it even better!

Please email summer@purplepajamapress.com to report errors. Thanks for the support!

A company called Riordan based out of the UK recently released a collection of sterling silver (and enamel) My Little Pony Core 7 G3 Charms. They're cute, but for £28.99, I think I'll pass.

Not to mention, the ponies don't have symbols and are kind of loud.

Yes, I do realize that the target market is 3-6 year old girls.

Helpful Hints!

In case you've had a gazillion things going on over the past month and have been unable to keep up with the newest ponies in the MLP product line (like me!), I wanted to point you in the direction of a fabulously informative thread on the Arena that acts not only as a current product watch list, but also lists the stores in which the items have been spotted. Instead of traveling from store to store in hopes of finding something new (in your limited spare time), you can know where to hit for what. Or, if you are especially tired in your spare time from teaching seven-year-old children all week (again this applies to me!), and refuse to leave the comfort of home, you can visit Hasbro Toyshop and add things to your cart with a click of your mouse. They actually have many of the newer products in stock including the new Halloween ponies, The Ponyville Hot Chocolate Playset, Twinkle Hope, a few of the Eyeshadow Core 7 ponies, the Blue and Black Art pony... I refuse to call her black and blue because that's just wrong! Plus others.

FYI, if you use the code PONY10, you get 10% off your order now through the end of the year!

Too Good To Eat!

I came across this picture of a MLP cake by The London Cake Company online and was amazed! It is too beautiful to eat! Seriously, I don't think I could nibble off Fluttershy's hoof or mane. That's just a little too creepy. With that aside, I do think it is gorgeous!

Wait, is it just me, or does that pony have 3 front legs?

Arena Holiday Swap is Open for Sign Ups!

For those of you that enjoy getting ponies in the mail (and who doesn't?), you may want to check out the MLP Arena Holiday Swap. In addition to the previous $10 and $30 categories, they've added a custom category and a candy swap as well. The organizers do a terrific job with this event every year and it is really fun for all participants.

So what are you wanting for? Go sign up!

Upcoming Events

I realize things have been very quiet on the My Little Pony Collector Blog recently and I hope to be back to posting regularly very soon. I have had to divert my attention and to a few other things over the past few weeks and it has left me with little time and zero energy to blog.

I did want to mention a few collector events that have caught my attention:


First, the Virginia Pony Meet will take place on August 23rd in Virginia Beach. More info can be found here. I will not be in attendance this year since I have quite a bit on my plate, but I do know several of the people who will be in attendance and they are quite lovely so if you live in or around Virginia Beach and collect ponies, it should be a good time.

Next, I wanted to be sure to mention was that one of the organizers for the Australian Pony Fair is holding a raffle to raise money for this year's event in Brisbane. There are multiple prizes (including complete sets of G1 princess ponies) and the tickets are very reasonable, so if you are into raffles you may want to check it out here.

Enjoying The My Little Pony Collector's Inventory Books? Write a Review!

I've had so many people compliment me on The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory and The My Little Pony G3 Collector's Inventory and I really appreciate all of the kind words. Knowing that so many people are actually using my books to organize their collections makes all the hard work worth while.

I've noticed that while the sales of the books on Amazon.com and other websites are going well, very few customers are taking the time to write a review once they purchase the books. If you have purchased either book and have the time available, I'd really appreciate if you would quickly log in and jot down your thoughts on the book. I know when I go shopping online, I look not only at the previews, but also the customer reviews.

Thanks so much for getting the word out about these books!

A Picture Says a Thousand... Ponies?

Ten points if you can find Magic cat.

Purple Pajama Press: Up and Running

I have every intention of uploading video clips from the Hasbro tour and the various panel discussions from the MLPFair, but I'm currently having some technical difficulties with my video editing software. Matt is on the case and hopefully I'll have something to share by tomorrow.

I also wanted to mention, to those of you familiar with the Purple Pajama Press website (http://www.purplepajamapress.com/), I've redirected the URL to point to a new blog format. This will allow me to keep everyone up-to-date on the newest information on my books and keep all of the information in one easy to access location. I plan to have a section dedicated to reviews and articles about the books up by the end of the week. In addition, an error and omission section will be up and running soon. If you happen to come across an error or omission in one of my books, I encourage you to report it so it can be fixed in the future.

Ponies, Tour, and a Giant Pinkie Pie!

I've officially returned from my trip to the 2008 My Little Pony Fair Collector's Convention. It was a terrific event with top-notch speakers and sneak peaks at upcoming products. While I enjoyed every minute of the convention, I have to say my favorite part was the Hasbro tour. In addition to hearing Bonnie Zacherle recount the beginnings of My Little Pony, we were treated to presentations by the marketing, licensing, and product design departments. No pictures were allowed inside the research and development department, but I did catch some gorgeous design drawings of a future art pony on the wall of a cubicle! I hope that one makes it to the shelves! At the end of the tour each attendee was given a pink (of course!) bag with one of the new core 7 ponies and a special 25th anniversary silver pin. While we waited for the buses to arrive to take us back to the convention center, we were greeted by Pinkie Pie from the MLP Live stage show.

Be sure to check back soon for video footage!

Priced Nostalgia Holds Contest for a $50 Ebay Giftcard!

Priced Nostalgia launched the Pony Symbol Contest last weekend at the My Little Pony Fair in Providence, Rhode Island. If you didn't have a chance to enter at the event, you can fill out an online entry form by going to this link. The contest is very easy to enter, especially is you have your copy of my book, The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory handy. Participants must list the names of the 49 ponies whose symbols appear on the book cover. The contest runs throughout the summer and ends September 30th.

Countdown to MLPFair '08!

I'm currently finishing up some last minute packing for my trip to Providence, Rhode Island for MLPFair 2008. If you happen to be attending, make sure to stop by my booth and introduce yourself. I'd love to meet you! In addition to chatting about ponies I'll also be signing copies of my books. I'll have copies for sale or if you already purchased your copy and would like it signed, bring it along and I'll be glad to sign it for you.

Priced Nostalgia Press will also be having their own booth this year and will be launching a special contest for a chance to win an Ebay gift card! They will also unveil the cover art for my upcoming My Little Pony G2 Collector's Inventory book. This year's Fair promises to be the best yet with a panel from Hasbro's marketing and design departments and a special appearance by My Little Pony creator Bonnie Zacherle.

Hopefully I'll see you in Providence!

A Long Overdue Post!

Awhile ago, I posted the pictures that had been released of the 2008 MLP Fair Exclusive pony. However, I totally neglected to blog about the UK/German Convention exclusive. Apparently, both the German MLP Convention and the UK MLP convention (PonyCon)have been promised the same exclusive. Still, that doesn't take anything away from this truly unique pony. I mean, yellow and black? This is truly new territory for the MLP line. Vanilla on the MLPArena posted this picture of the upcoming convention exclusive and offered a handful of collectors who are not attending the German Con the opportunity to purchase her on a first come first serve basis. (Thanks Vanilla!)




If your interested in attending either of these events, more information on PonyCon held in London, England can be found here and information on My Little Pony German Convention held in Berlin can be found here.

Hasbro to Offer Tour at MLPFair 2008!

Despite being insanely busy, I had to take the time to blog about the fact that Hasbro is offering a tour of its facilities the Friday before the 2008 MLPFair at 9:30 a.m. for collectors. However, in order to attend the tour, you have to go to http://www.mlpfair.com/ to register. Registration is free, but the tour is limited to only 100 participants. So if you'll be in Providence early Friday, make sure you sign up soon before all the slots are filled.

The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory Is Now Available!

While Amazon and other larger bookstores may not get their shipments for a few more weeks, you can now get a copy through Priced Nostalgia's online listings found HERE . I will also have limited quantities of both The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory and The My Little Pony G3 Collector's Inventory available at the MD Meet in Baltimore for anyone who would like to purchase a copy at the event. Copies of both titles will also be available at the upcoming MLPFair in Providence, Rhode Island.

Here are a few shots to give you a peek inside the G1 guide:

Finally!

The picture for the 2008 MLP Fair Pony was officially released just a few minutes ago. She's interesting and goes along with the whole words and swirls thing that Hasbro will be trying out later this year on their collector sets starring the core 7 ponies and debuted with the unveiling of this year's project pony.

You can read the whole article on the Fair exclusive here: More Fair Pony Info

Another announcement by Fair staff was made earlier this week which may be even more exciting to some than an exclusive. Hasbro is hosting tours of their headquarters for collectors the Friday before the Fair!

So with this news, and the release of my G1 book this week, I'm experiencing pony overload... not that it is such a bad thing.

The Wait Continues...

The My Little Pony Fair staff posted a teaser thread on both the MLPArena and MLPTP almost two weeks ago promising pictures of this year's convention exclusive. The post on the Arena shows over thirteen thousand views and almost seven hundred replies (most of which lament the lack of picture or simply count down and then start yet another countdown). If this is the amount of attention a thread without a picture and containing zero details is getting, I think it is safe to assume that the Fair exclusive will be a hot commodity in the collecting community. Terrific news for the event's organizers. Those girls put so much time and effort into the Fair it's nice to see them getting some acknowledgement. Last year's exclusive was beautiful. I can't wait to see what they have in store for us this year!

It's here!

My "advance proof" of The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory arrived! I'm thrilled at how it turned out! It really is a gorgeous book and I'm so happy with the finished product. Scans will be coming soon of the inside. I can't wait to share it with everyone.

I'll be at the MD Pony Meet in Baltimore, MD on May 10th to sign copies of the book and enjoy a great event hosted by Jewel! Hope to see you there!

Ponyland Watchlist

I was fortunate enough to stumble upon the Retro Rainbow re-issues while on vacation in Florida (which I've gathered are actually pretty hard to find) and then I found the elusive Toola-Roola Dress-up set while shopping at the Times Square Toys R Us two weeks ago. Besides the Rollerskating Ponyville Pinkie Pie (which I affectionately call Xanadu Pinkie) and Rainbow Dash's Ponyville house, I'm all caught up.

Family Dollar stores are also carrying a Ponyville 3-pack, so if you aren't into playsets, but like the Ponyville ponies you may want to pick one up.

Aussies are able to pick up the huge pajama case plush G3s for 40% off this week, so if you've had your eye on Sweetie belle or one of the others, now would be a great time to get one. So far I've been able to resist. I keep telling myself I don't have the room.

The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory Now Available to Pre-order!

I'm excited to announce that the official release date for The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Invntory is set for May 1st 2008. With that said, Priced Nostalgia is offering a limited quantity of copies through Ebay for Pre-order and free shipping! Here's the link if you'd like to get your hands on one: Pre-order No Longer Available as of 5/1/08, but regular copies can be purchased HERE.

It is a gigantic book with individual pictures of each item.

Product Details

Paperback: 250 pages

Interior Ink: Full Color

Publisher: Priced Nostalgia Press

Publication Date: May 1, 2008

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0978606310

ISBN-13: 9780978606312

Product Description:

Finally, the guide that fans of Hasbro’s My Little Pony have waited for is here! With large, full color photos of every pony, playset and accessory released in the US in the 1980s and 1990s, this unofficial guide to the first generation of My Little Pony (commonly called MLP G1) from Summer Hayes provides everything a collector or collectibles seller needs to identify these toys and their accessories, understand their value, or build a collection. In addition to photographs of each item, this illustrated price guide contains detailed checklists to help collectors or sellers identify and reunite each pony in their collection with the accessories that they were originally packed with, including brushes, ribbons, stickers and more. With in-depth coverage of playsets, Pony Wear, stickers, mail orders and other exclusive ponies as well as differences and variations in ponies and accessories, The My Little Pony G1 Collector’s Inventory is the ultimate MLP resource. Collectors will also enjoy helpful sections on hard to find pony sets such as Petite Ponies, Dream Beauties, Little Litters, and stuffed plush. Whether you are a collector looking for a reliable price guide, an easy way to identify your ponies and keep track of accessories, an eBay or other collectibles seller looking for help valuing these items or just someone looking for the chance to remember these beloved toys from your childhood, you will find this to be the most comprehensive and complete guide to MLP available anywhere. With a foreword from Dream Valley’s Kim Shriner.While the official release date is set for May 1st, Priced Nostalgia is offering copies of the G1 Collector's Inventory for Pre-order. These copies will likely ship before the release date plus they are offering free shipping in the US for the first 50 pre-orders and discounts for international buyers. More details for purchasing can be found here:Priced Nostalgia Press The retail price is $39.99.

Mission: Pony Organization

Over the weekend, I recruited my mother to assist me in a massive reorganization of the collection. It was exhausting and multiple injuries involving hammers, screwguns, and nails were suffered, but I'm thrilled with the end product!

The squeeky wheel gets the grease

So I'm sure it is pure coincidence that after I blogged about Amazon pricing The My Little Pony G3 Collector's Inventory exorbitantly high, they decide to discount their price to $32.33. With that said, I still feel vindicated. :p

In case you were wondering...

In case you were were wondering why I hadn't been blogging as of late, this picture pretty much sums it all up. I wasn't ready to come home. I could have used a few more days of vacation. Although, it is seventy degrees today, so I can't complain too much.

I also feel that I need to acknowledge that I don't know why Amazon suddenly decided to double the price of the G3 inventory on their site and my publisher is looking into it. However, if you are in the market for a copy, there are other Amazon sellers and other retailers (including Barnes & Noble) that have it listed much more reasonably.

Stay tuned for more news on my upcoming G1 book later this week...

It's here!

The 25th anniversary Toy Fair press kit I purchased arrived! Alright, it didn't just arrive, it showed up over a week ago, but I've been so busy I haven't had a chance to blog about it until now. Anyway, I really like the packaging and it's a good thing I do since the ponies are basically reissues. Pinkie Pie is a brighter pink than the other Pinkie Pies in her pose, but unless you are all into slight variations most wouldn't notice at first glance. I was attracted to this set due to the packaging and the fact that a G1 and a G3 actually share a box. The front of the box opens to reveal a promo disk with various marketing info about MLP and a short history of the line in which Hasbro blatantly snubs the G2 line.

My Little Pony 25th Anniversary Set at 2008 Toy Fair

Apparently this set was only available to Press at the 2008 Toy Fair that took place last weekend. There was also a little silver 25th anniversary pin available as well. It looks as if the ponies themselves are reissues. I'm anxious to see them in person...

Hasbro offers "blank" ponies!

If you've ever wanted to design your own pony, but have never attempted a "custom" pony, Hasbro is making it easier that ever before! Hasbro added photos of a plain white pony that will retail for a limited time on the Hasbro Toyshop website for $3.99. They aren't available for purchase yet, but I know that many pony fans (myself included) are excited to get their hands on them.


As originally announced by Michelle Paolino at the Memphis MLPFair, Hasbro will be hosting a contest for collectors to design ponies for the upcoming Pony Project!

Such exciting pony news!

I think I may need to get these!

I think I'm going to have to get these! My favorite pony + pajamas = awesome!

The New G1 Guide Cover Art!

I thought I'd share my exciting news! I just received a sneak peek of the cover art for my upcoming book, The My Little Pony G1 Collector's Inventory. I love the way it turned out!

The My Little Pony Collector's Network!

Imagine an online social network just for pony collectors. A place where you can upload pictures, videos and leave comments for all your online pony pals. Thanks to Space from the MLPArena such a place is a reality in the form of the My Little Pony Collector's Network. I recently joined and in minutes I had my profile up and running. I recommend you go check it out!

http://mylittlepony.ning.com/

MLP Fair Site Is Live!

Now you can check out their revamped look and read all about the event. I really like the theme and layout WingedFantasy cooked up this year especially all the little symbol icons throughout. The block hotel rates aren't up yet, but I've been assured they'll be added shortly.

Check it out: http://www.mlpfair.com/

In case you had any doubt, I will be attending both days, and am entirely devoted to the idea of revisiting martinis with giant Pinkie Pie!

2008 My Little Pony Fair Date and Venue Announced!

The My little Pony Fair and Convention Staff just announced that this year's event is confirmed to take place on June 21st and 22nd at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Additional details will be posted on the Fair's official website: www.mlpfair.com very soon.

New 2008 Valentine Ponies on Preorder

Okay, so it happens to be on Amazon Japan, but still a good sign that they will show up in stores soon. The release date is listed as January 25th. I am determined to get Sweetie Belle. I will also get Pinkie Pie since I buy everything, but what does one do with so many Pinkie Pies? At least they dressed her up a little with hearts on her legs. Always the pony optimist!

Pony Productivity

I decided to work on my laptop in the pony room today since it is a chilly, cloudy day. It did wonders to lift my mood and increase my productivity. I took this picture of my view from my workspace. It only shows a single wall and a few display shelves, but it is enough to get the basic idea. Isn't it inspiring? Or perhaps well over the normal allowable limits of quirkiness...

Today I managed to almost complete the accessory section for the project (just have to fix the photos) and I finished up the Petite information. I need to clear my memory sticks so I can shoot more pictures. I'm so close to being finished... finally.