Otaku
- Thread starter Sy
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Chaz said:My term for an Otaku is someone who has a large collection of anime/manga, and wants to go in-depth with it. This can be making drawings, researching the culture behind the anime, collecting merchandise etc.
The differences in fandom come like this:
Fair-weather fan - has the odd book/series. They're just bored and thought the book/show was interesting.
Anime/Manga fan - Has a number of manga and anime series, but they collect a lot of Hollywood/Western stuff too. They may have the odd merchandise, but no collection.
Otaku - The dedicated. They will get shirts, models and have a large collection. They will try to get as much fun out of anime/manga as possible, as they are passionate about it (for better or worse). This doesn't necessary mean they're pervs or psychos, although there are some wierdos that go to any length.
I've been called an otaku by another anime fan, so I consider that to be (and proud of it.) While Ryo collects lots of anime, I'm more the manga side of the expenses. I do have my own series though, so I consider it a team effort.
I'm no spokesperson, but I dont mind socialising. I just dont get invited most places (usually just workmates out for the end-of-month clubbing). I don't have much gossip knowledge, which is what 90% of chat is. I just reply graciously and try to be a good guest.
Thats a pretty good set of definitions for anime fandom. I feel that Otaku has a different meaning and people have turned around the negative aspects of the term. Like geeks and other groups that exist.
Me I'm perfectly sociable but only with people who share similar interests or thoughts to me (or people who I find interesting!) and go to places which I like or people like me would enjoy. I'm not keen on drinking alcohol that much as they'res hardly any I like! Yeah I only get invited to parties where stuff that I would be interested in takes place! so thats about 3 for a year maximum! Pretty much everyone in my sixth form sucks!
I hate parties* and socialising, but I don't consider that a bad thing. I have a successful long term relationship and a few, very close friends, and I'm happy, so I figure I'm doing ok despite my sky high nerd rating.
Obviously I like people on a basic level or I wouldn't be posting on a forum, but as a few people have noted going out etc does not necessarily a well-balanced individual make. This is poignant for me at the moment as a single female acquaintance has been badgering me to go out more; she doesn't understand that you can be happy as an introvert too without sitting in noisy bars sipping water and pretending to have fun...
R
* except in RPG terms
Obviously I like people on a basic level or I wouldn't be posting on a forum, but as a few people have noted going out etc does not necessarily a well-balanced individual make. This is poignant for me at the moment as a single female acquaintance has been badgering me to go out more; she doesn't understand that you can be happy as an introvert too without sitting in noisy bars sipping water and pretending to have fun...
R
* except in RPG terms