From what I can tell most of the guest are RE5 people. Nothing on the events or band list really caught my attention. Are there any particular series merchandise that will be debuting in the dealers room this year? Or what events should I be looking forward to?
It's up to you, if you're missing out.
Me personally after being being spoiled by going to Anime Expo which has everything a few times for free.
Fanime is like 10 minutes away from my place and unless I find some people to go with I'll probably skip it this year. For most people spending hundreds for hotels, food, and entry fees for such a small convention, to me in some extent is just plain crazy. And on top of that all the money on the stuff they buy that you can order online.
All the things you can do or see, or find out can be done at home for free. I do collect figures and other stuff and every time I been to fanime it's the same crap I can get easily online for cheaper. Every time I'm looking for that one rare item they never have it. Why should I buy a 30-55 pass to buy a figure for 10-20 cheaper than online if I'm lucky or at full retail only to lose the savings or pay more in entry fees.
I could write a huge blog on how your not missing out on anything. Which in some part it very true.
Heard Toy Let and Toy's Logic is suppose to be their this year if they bring most of their stuff they advertise online I might be tempted to buy some stuff if I see it in person. Forget Anime Palace which is local he has let me down too many times.
So depending on what it's going to cost you to attend and if you enjoy the experience of going as long as your not spending a arm and a leg I say go for it.
I wouldn't say this is a SMALL convention. Small conventions are maybe 1k or something people. According to your post, conventions are all about the dealers room right?
Regardless, it's up to you on what you usually go to Fanime for. If you are like dfens and go solely for the dealers room, then I wouldn't be missing out on much. But if your going for the atmosphere, B&W ball, Musicfest, Masquerade, etc. then I would say your missing out on a lot more.
It's really a personal thing. No one can tell you otherwise.
For me it's not all about the dealers but still fanime is no where near the level of anime expo.
At anime expo the actual anime distributors have booths and will announce all kinds of news, what new licenses they have, even give away free trinkets. My sister at the time saw a promo image of her favorite show and turns out that the company just got the license and he told her all about it and when they expected to release it. She would have bought it on the spot if was available. That's the kind of stuff fanime doesn't have.
The guest of honor are really popular, make rare appearance, and are in demand. Like I went one year and got to see Megumi HAYASHIBARA, and tons of artists, directors, voice actors and not these crummy as the poster said enlgish dubbed actors for RE5. I don't really know why fanime has these lack luster guests if you can't book anyone good then just scrap it.
Last year my favorite manga artist was making a appearance in chicago, he hasn't been over here state side in about nearlly 15 years. If it was closer by I would have clawed/killed to shake his hand, talk to him, and beg on my hands and knees for a autograph piece of artwork. Like fanime would have got him to come.
It's a much bigger venue with more to do and a lot more people attending. I think now they average 40-50K people vs the about what 10K of fanime.
Another year I went they had Initial D the arcade game before it was released that you could play for free but the lines were long. Or they showed anime on a actual movie screen/theater before it was released on DVD for fans to watch before everyone else. Of course their was a fansubs already out and it was dubbed but at least you got to see the licensed final product.
Or the charity auction. I saw some of the original art work that various professional japanese artists that everyone knows their name had for sale. Was drooling unfortunately it was out of my budget to bid.
Don't even get me started on all the stupid panels that any one can create that have nothing to do with anime, seems more like a feeler to keep people occupied.
Like one year I skipped fanime all together and went to the separate concert they were hosting cost me 40 bucks for the ticket and only went for one vocalist. Sucks how the ticket didn't allow me access to the convention wasn't going to spend another 30 plus dollars.
Not to bash fanime into the ground I think it's great that such a anime convention is so close by every year, but it's a more of a by fans for fans while Anime Expo and it's counterparts on the east coast are more professional/industry driven.
Maybe since I'm not a teenager anymore and the fact I've grown up a bit, it seems like most cons now a days are for cosplayers or anime fans that for one day or a weekend can hang out with others like them no matter social status and not be ridiculed or feel like a dork/loser. So unless you are going for the experience and actually have fun why waste your time and money if your only going to walk around all shy and quiet like you're not even their and I've seem many people like that.
That's the only thing these conventions have going for them is the people that you can socialize with, other than that you can read, watch, download, or purchase everything online from the comfort of your own home and not break the bank doing it.
Apt username.
Mods, leave this open.
Tony: any mod whose name rhymes with "Cleric Who" should not close that thread
I think part of the draw of Fanime is that it isn't as big as Anime Expo. Anime Expo can't help but be claustrophobic with that many people in one place. Fanime maintains a more open feeling.
The events are fun and interactive. I feel like the fans are really involved.
When all is said and done it's a to each their own kind of situation. Some people prefer Super Sized conventions like AX, some prefer large fan based conventions like Fanime, some prefer smaller conventions and some even prefer to avoid conventions all together. Do what's right for you, but don't belittle people who like something different.
Quote from: dfens on April 28, 2009, 01:35:23 PM
Not to bash fanime into the ground I think it's great that such a anime convention is so close by every year, but it's a more of a by fans for fans while Anime Expo and it's counterparts on the east coast are more professional/industry driven.
Fanime
IS "By Fans, For Fans". It's one of the things that makes our particular convention unique. We're not all about the super big name guests that you can't really sit down to talk to or that you need to stand in line for hours and hours to catch a glimpse. We are definitely not all about the commercialization that is growing in the anime industry.
We are all about having a good time. If you don't think the guests we invite are worth the time, it's a personal opinion. But many of the guests we do invite genuinely want to meet their fans, shake hands and talk to attendees, wander around and enjoy themselves, and maybe take a picture or two or five with random cosplayers.
If you are all about going to the biggest convention with thousands and thousands of people all having a good time and seeing what's the latest thing anime companies are offering, then perhaps Fanime's vibe isn't right for you. But if you want a more intimate feel, more of a grassroots sort of thing, than maybe you want to come to Fanime for a day or two.
At any anime convention, you either go into the experience to have a great time or you don't. It's all up to you.
I wonder if Tony is asking to leave it open so I can reply...
Either way, I will.
Hayashibara Megumi HAS NEVER BEEN TO ANIME EXPO first off. She made two appearances in the states at Anime America in the early to mid 90's. I forget which years. 93/94? or 93/95... something like that. Guess what, both of those were in Nor Cal too.
AX Doesn't really get any amazing guests, I've been attending AX for a little over 10 years now. The guests at most conventions are really comparable. You're no longer a teenager... then why does it sound like all you're doing is trolling? I mean, half of the stuff you said either isn't consistent, makes no sense, or isn't true at all. Chicago... so I'm assuming ACen.
Maybe I'm just jaded, because I've met numerous artists outside of conventions(Murata Range, Akamatsu Ken, Hidenora Matsubara to name a few)... but frankly, the "AX" experience with guests are horrible. Two years agos SOS Dan meet was the worst. Autographs signing was limited to 100 people. People waited over 15 hours overnight to get denied an autograph. 15 hours waiting was over 200 in 2. I personally know someone that waited 18 hours from nearly 8pm the night before to be denied because they were number 106.
At Fanime so far... I've had 2 guests hug me(they asked ME strangely enough) I got to chat with the Gainax staff while having a smoke(they sat next to me and they commented on me having JP cigarettes) and it's the only con where I did not have to wait in line for over 4 hours to do something I wanted to do.
AX Never had Initial D before it's release. They had the JP version before it came out in the US, but so did like 92837593284793285 other arcades in So Cal. I might be wrong about this, but I do not recall a year where the arcade at Anime Expo was on free play. Let's see... Initial D Arcade Stage was 2001. Southern Hills Golfland got that in Spring. Anime Expo 2001 was the first year it was in Long Beach. Acquaintances of mine staffed the arcade that year, and I am 100% certain it wasn't on freeplay. I know this for a fact, because I won 2nd in a tournament, and I had a 60+ win streak in Guilty Gear. I wanted to change characters so I lost on purpose only to realize I didn't have change on me so I had to leave.
AX has premiered stuff, but not on movie screens or theater screens. Only the provided projector units that the convention center provided.
So once more, half the stuff you are saying isn't true, and is really inconsistent.
I'm not saying that Fanime is better than AX, nor AX is better than Fanime in any way whatsoever... but they are two extremely different things. I've gone to many different cons in many different places. All of them are different in their own right.
I'm from So Cal, yet I consider Fanime my home convention. AX never felt comforting or just... fun. I enjoy AX for what it is, but it's not fun over all.
I don't mind talking badly about any convention, I really don't. All conventions has its flaws, and I can write essays about the good and bad of any convention. However, half the crap you wrote wasn't even "bad" but merely opinions of yours that have no real merit. It'd be like talking crap about lollapalooza because the music sucks... then saying how you totally thought Wango Tango is the best concert ever. It's one thing to say you PREFER something, but to talk crap based on preference is stupid. This is all you did. You're not even helping the OP out, all you've done is talk crap baselessly. This has been a trend on these forums lately.
Edit just for funs ^^
So, Acen last year, your favorite manga artist is Sonoda. You think Sonoda is a big guest? Most people in the US would have no clue who he was. Most fans today would have never seen a single one of his works at all. He might be a big guest to you, but the big picture is, he's basically just an old artist from decades ago that very few people today care about.
I'm hardly a teen anymore too. Does that make me cool and elite like you~?
EDIT AGAIN... Wow, I totally switched names around in my head
Wow Pyron, your knowledge of this crap is amazing.
just saying haha.
-Steve
Quote from: PyronIkari on April 28, 2009, 08:15:45 PM
Thoroughly chewing out Dfens
Wow this morning I was actually thinking "
man I wish I was Pyron so I could effectively sh*t on dfens.", lmao. :D
That is why I tolerate Pyron.
Excellent Pyron, excellent.
OP speaks the wise....
Pwned.
Ok I so I can't remember every little detail I'll admit that. And Megumi I think I got her confused with someone else.
As for sonoda he isn't my favorite artist but I love his work, yeah he is old and forgotten to most people, still better than these nobodies that I see listed every year at fanime. Come on this and that voice from RE5.
Now that Anime Expo incident of waiting 18 hours I read about that, I wasn't their I don't go every year. Not saying stuff doesn't happen, but hey what can you do things can go wrong. Didn't say well at fanime the line this or that went terribly wrong you just to make do with whatever happens.
The initial d game back in the day didn't know they had the japanese version early down south I lived in LA for a short time thank god I left that shit hole long beach. Still wasn't here up north at the time.
I never said oh hey fanime blows just skip it this year and forever, calling me a troll because I didn't sing high praises for every little thing it has to offer. You don't like my opinions then ignore them. They aren't orders. You won't be shot if you don't agree.
Cool and elite I don't remember referring or implying that about myself.
In closing this will probably be the last reply from me in this thread. And "Pwned" what are you like 12? Yeah like I'm going to go cry in the corner now and then eat a bullet because some guy on a forum who knows more than me on a few things pointed out that I got some stuff wrong.
21 and I shall say it! PWNED! (bored at work XD)
QuoteQuote from: dfens on April 29, 2009, 12:34:37 AM
Ok I so I can't remember every little detail I'll admit that. And Megumi I think I got her confused with someone else.
It's best to go research your info before going on a rant.
Quote from: dfens on April 29, 2009, 12:34:37 AMAs for sonoda he isn't my favorite artist but I love his work, yeah he is old and forgotten to most people, still better than these nobodies that I see listed every year at fanime. Come on this and that voice from RE5.
Again, as Pyron said that is just your opinion that means nothing. I'm sure there are a few people out there that would rather see the RE5 people over a forgotten artist.
Quote from: dfens on April 29, 2009, 12:34:37 AMNow that Anime Expo incident of waiting 18 hours I read about that, I wasn't their I don't go every year. Not saying stuff doesn't happen, but hey what can you do things can go wrong. Didn't say well at fanime the line this or that went terribly wrong you just to make do with whatever happens.
Kk nothing to say about this.
Quote from: dfens on April 29, 2009, 12:34:37 AMThe initial d game back in the day didn't know they had the japanese version early down south I lived in LA for a short time thank god I left that shit hole long beach. Still wasn't here up north at the time.
Again, research.
Quote from: dfens on April 29, 2009, 12:34:37 AMI never said oh hey fanime blows just skip it this year and forever, calling me a troll because I didn't sing high praises for every little thing it has to offer. You don't like my opinions then ignore them. They aren't orders. You won't be shot if you don't agree.
I would hope so.
Quote from: dfens on April 29, 2009, 12:34:37 AMCool and elite I don't remember referring or implying that about myself.
Well that vibe certainly comes off you.
Just like it does with Pyron, but I digress.
Quote from: dfens on April 29, 2009, 12:34:37 AMIn closing this will probably be the last reply from me in this thread. And "Pwned" what are you like 12? Yeah like I'm going to go cry in the corner now and then eat a bullet because some guy on a forum who knows more than me on a few things pointed out that I got some stuff wrong.
Are you new to the Internet? 'Pwned' is used by all age groups on the internet as well as real life, assuming these persons are apart of one of the sub cultures that uses it. And I'd expect it to be used for a long time.
BTW, not trying to be the Grammer Police, but it was very difficult to read your post.
So then let's get back on topic.
Is the person that posted this goin to Fanime or not. I'm sure you have enough info to decide to go or not. >.>;;;
Quote from: dfens on April 29, 2009, 12:34:37 AM
Ok I so I can't remember every little detail I'll admit that. And Megumi I think I got her confused with someone else.
So you confused, probably the most famous VA with someone else... Good job.
QuoteAs for sonoda he isn't my favorite artist but I love his work, yeah he is old and forgotten to most people, still better than these nobodies that I see listed every year at fanime. Come on this and that voice from RE5.
QuoteLast year my favorite manga artist was making a appearance in chicago, he hasn't been over here state side in about nearlly 15 years. If it was closer by I would have clawed/killed to shake his hand, talk to him, and beg on my hands and knees for a autograph piece of artwork. Like fanime would have got him to come.
So is he... or isn't he your favorite? Which is it? Nobodies? Okay, let's see. The cast of one of the most anticipated games of the year... vs. an old mangaka that hasn't done anything in decades that virtually nobody today knows. See, this is called, you being an elitist. Just because *YOU* think someone is important doesn't mean the rest of the world does. It'd be like a convention getting Jun Tsukasa. I WOULD LOVE IT, but 99% of people would have no clue who he is seeing that he has done nothing "major". If a convention had the choice between Jun Tsukasa and say... Piro from Megatokyo(LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL) and they picked Tsukasa, they'd be stupid. Piro, despite being a talentless hack that can't write, draw, or anything for that matter... would draw way more people than Tsukasa.
QuoteNow that Anime Expo incident of waiting 18 hours I read about that, I wasn't their I don't go every year. Not saying stuff doesn't happen, but hey what can you do things can go wrong. Didn't say well at fanime the line this or that went terribly wrong you just to make do with whatever happens.
Can? AX is infamous for having stuff like this every year. You act like it was a one time deal. They also treat their guests horribly. It's why a lot of guests don't want to come back to fanime.
QuoteThe initial d game back in the day didn't know they had the japanese version early down south I lived in LA for a short time thank god I left that shit hole long beach. Still wasn't here up north at the time.
Wrong again. SVGL got Initial D in May of that year IIRC, right before fanime. How do I know this? Because we went to SVGL afterwards.
QuoteI never said oh hey fanime blows just skip it this year and forever, calling me a troll because I didn't sing high praises for every little thing it has to offer. You don't like my opinions then ignore them. They aren't orders. You won't be shot if you don't agree.
No, I'm calling you a troll because EVERYTHING YOU SAID WAS BASELESS AND/OR FALSE. I don't give a crap if you think Fanime is a horrible convention, you can talk about all the bad stuff all you want. The thing is GIVE LEGITIMATE POINTS. Such as, how some of the rovers think they're gods(but this is apparent at every con). Or how schedules got out late last year, or how my panel was a total fluke due to lack of internet access... etc. etc. etc. See, those are legitimate points.
QuoteCool and elite I don't remember referring or implying that about myself.
Oh you did, plenty of times. Should I copypa them to prove it?
QuoteIn closing this will probably be the last reply from me in this thread. And "Pwned" what are you like 12? Yeah like I'm going to go cry in the corner now and then eat a bullet because some guy on a forum who knows more than me on a few things pointed out that I got some stuff wrong.
Good good, attempt to take the highroad by back peddaling and then leaving the thread. ^^
I predict this thread getting closed.
Sorry OP.
If you don't go to Fanime, you miss out on life, dude!
One thing you won't be missing is the drama. We tend to get that taken care of on the boards. ::)
If I didn't go to Fanime I would miss Black and White Ball, Artist Alley, more anime than I can watch, Cosplay Gatherings galore, Stage Zero, the auction. There's a lot of fun to be had, I think that's what you'd be missing out on.
*gasp* we are back on topic?!?!? O_o
Quote from: PyronIkari on April 28, 2009, 08:15:45 PM
I wonder if Tony is asking to leave it open so I can reply...
A little! You have a ton of experience, so yes, I'd want to read your reply. But mostly I just want to hear opinions on how this year is going. I expect this to be a little heated, and I expect that to... nucleate responses on all sides. That's invaluable feedback for me.
I take this stuff to heart, and I really want to know what people think. If the consensus is that the convention isn't worth attending, then - and I say this plainly - I'd just as soon find a successor and stop wasting my time.
Quote from: TC_X0_Lt_0X on April 29, 2009, 01:35:43 PM
I predict this thread getting closed.
Sorry OP.
:P
To answer the OP:
Quote from: RaddaX2 on April 28, 2009, 12:41:56 AM
From what I can tell most of the guest are RE5 people. Nothing on the events or band list really caught my attention. Are there any particular series merchandise that will be debuting in the dealers room this year? Or what events should I be looking forward to?
I have no idea, and I'm the chair.
But that's because FanimeCon is not produced that way; it's incredibly organic, and often very on-the-spot. "By Fans", very much so.
Last year, GAINAX brought over, like, the entire company; we didn't know about it until late in the season. Every year, GAINAX is a mystery - they bring over who they like, for fun. An Cafe was not on our list of "bands we expect for Fanime" - in fact, I was explicitly told "that's not happening." We hosted free, catered receptions with the guests last year, and we'll probably do it again. Getting a Wii autographed by dozens of guests - totally unplanned. And that is just on the staff side: apparently there's a guy on the forums who is making his own fun by tweeting his location and giving away prizes; people often open up their hotel rooms for gaming and video; there are all the gatherings... this all in addition to the things we actually plan out, like day-long concerts, masquerade, black and white ball, non-stop stage zero antics, maid cafe, charity auction, arcade & gaming, new dealers, new artists, new panels, new dances, etc.
*shrug*
Cons are always better if you have friends going, but even with some of my good friends attending, I'm kind of searching for stuff to do, so I'd appreciate any suggestions.
I'm hoping to get in some (tabletop) RPG action, though the reaction on these forums, from both fans and staff, has been less than encouraging. (I'm still hoping to run Maid RPG (http://www.maidrpg.com/) at the con though.)
I'll definitely be checking out the artists alley; I've gone totally crazy commissioning artwork of my mascot character (http://www.neko-machi.com/kurumi/) for one thing. And for once there are a few things I want from the dealers room.
I've reached the point where I'll be skipping the masquerade this time around, though I'll probably still go to the AMV contest. The panel schedule is apparently totally full and then some, so I'm hoping there will be some good stuff there.
What else is neat?
Quote from: neko ewen on April 30, 2009, 06:52:46 PM
Cons are always better if you have friends going, but even with some of my good friends attending, I'm kind of searching for stuff to do, so I'd appreciate any suggestions.
I'm hoping to get in some (tabletop) RPG action, though the reaction on these forums, from both fans and staff, has been less than encouraging. (I'm still hoping to run Maid RPG (http://www.maidrpg.com/) at the con though.)
I'll definitely be checking out the artists alley; I've gone totally crazy commissioning artwork of my mascot character (http://www.neko-machi.com/kurumi/) for one thing. And for once there are a few things I want from the dealers room.
I've reached the point where I'll be skipping the masquerade this time around, though I'll probably still go to the AMV contest. The panel schedule is apparently totally full and then some, so I'm hoping there will be some good stuff there.
What else is neat?
I would be up to play in a Maid RPG game. So if that works there's one thing.
Quote from: neko ewen on April 30, 2009, 06:52:46 PM
What else is neat?
I always enjoy Musicfest. I've usually never heard of the bands playing, but its a great way to open up your musical horizons.
Whenever I fall into a lull or am waiting for something to start is usually when I go on a food run or head back to the hotel for some snacks.
The arcade is a good place to ditch some of the change you acquire from your shopping purchases. Just watching other people play can be entertaining. I once saw a 12 year old girl with a 28 win streak on a Street Fighter cabinet.
And, if for some reason you just cant find anything to satisfy you at the convention, you've got all of downtown San Jose at your disposal.
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on April 30, 2009, 07:09:51 PM
The arcade is a good place to ditch some of the change you acquire from your shopping purchases. Just watching other people play can be entertaining. I once saw a 12 year old girl with a 28 win streak on a Street Fighter cabinet.
You sure that wasn't me? wwwwwwww
Quote from: PyronIkari on April 30, 2009, 08:01:55 PM
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on April 30, 2009, 07:09:51 PM
The arcade is a good place to ditch some of the change you acquire from your shopping purchases. Just watching other people play can be entertaining. I once saw a 12 year old girl with a 28 win streak on a Street Fighter cabinet.
You sure that wasn't me? wwwwwwww
Pretty sure. Unless you're the type to wear plaid skirts and kitty ears, that is.
Quote from: Kyra_Maverick on April 30, 2009, 08:36:25 PM
Pretty sure. Unless you're the type to wear plaid skirts and kitty ears, that is.
Hmmm... I don't think I've worn a plaid skirt.
(https://forums.fanime.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi30.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc338%2Fsoaplandjunkotheyakuzaboss%2FIMG00109.jpg&hash=4bd701b673deb85daa29ded46f663f86aefa43bd)
Did have a 32 win streak wearing that...
Jean skirt... 200$ designer skirt... ... OH WAIT I HAVE WORN A PLAID SKIRT... but not at fanime.
I saw this girl about 3 or 4 years ago, pretty early in the morning too, if I recall correctly.
However I did see you last year. I remember watching a few of your rounds, and thinking of giving it a go. Then I decided I didn't really want to wait in line to get my ass handed to me.
DANG! I wish I can come this year, but alas, I'm planning on going to the ScrewAttack Gamming Convention in Dallas, TX on July 4th weekend. It sucks that I won't make it for my 5th year-in-row, but at least SGC will make up for my Fanimeless year.
I hope everyone else will have a great time at Fanime 09! See ya'll in 2010.
Quote from: Tony on April 29, 2009, 03:22:14 PM
Last year, GAINAX brought over, like, the entire company; we didn't know about it until late in the season. Every year, GAINAX is a mystery - they bring over who they like, for fun. An Cafe was not on our list of "bands we expect for Fanime" - in fact, I was explicitly told "that's not happening." We hosted free, catered receptions with the guests last year, and we'll probably do it again. Getting a Wii autographed by dozens of guests - totally unplanned.
Oh yeah, and GAINAX and An Cafe are
so not big.
/sarcasm
What I love about Fanime is not only because it's so local, but it's generally a friendly con. I've never really had any trouble getting along there. Sure, there's the occasional pick-pocketer and creepy guy, but they're not
that abundant. The fact that Fanime is smaller (and trust me, it's not that small) makes a bit of a more... happier place. I like the atmosphere better, overall. I could care less about what the guests names are or if they're from some famous company. In my opinion, Fanime has done a pretty good job with choosing guests. I may not be into MOMOI, but I've definitely heard of her. People only act like she's not famous because she's not as recent as other J-Pop idols.
I like Fanime. I love their artist alley, panels, dealers, and really, the people. Who cares if you can buy some (-cough- bootleg -cough-) figurine online? You go to Fanime for the experience, not to whine about how the prices are too high.
@Pyron - That's an incredible picture.
So I won't be coming to Fanime this year as a registered attendee (since I'm still saving for SGC), but is it still cool to still hang around the convention halls and visit Stage Zero?
stage zero yes, but you will not be allowed in the exhibit halls.
Quote from: Pengin-san on May 04, 2009, 07:48:31 PM
Quote from: Tony on April 29, 2009, 03:22:14 PM
Last year, GAINAX brought over, like, the entire company; we didn't know about it until late in the season. Every year, GAINAX is a mystery - they bring over who they like, for fun. An Cafe was not on our list of "bands we expect for Fanime" - in fact, I was explicitly told "that's not happening." We hosted free, catered receptions with the guests last year, and we'll probably do it again. Getting a Wii autographed by dozens of guests - totally unplanned.
Oh yeah, and GAINAX and An Cafe are so not big.
/sarcasm
Well to be honest, An Cafe isn't as big as people promote them to be. Like, Inoue Joe is bigger than An Cafe is currently, and how many people in the states know who Inoue Joe is? He's pretty new, made his a debut last year and grew a lot of popularity, but never made it really big. Realistically though, he's bigger than An Cafe is in Japan. I don't know, fandoms of a genre tend to exaggerate about how popular their groups are.
Uh just for a small small small comparison. AnCafe's biggest Mixi group is under 5k. Haruko Momoi's group is nearly 7k. Perfume's is 80k.
The Pop'n Music community is 16k. The Denpa Song community is is over 5k.
Like I said it's not perfect to show popularity, but it is a small comparison when AnCafe's group is smaller than Momoi's and both are nothing compared to perfumes.
Edit: this I just found funny.
The TacoBell community on Mixi >>>> AnCafe. Here's the funny thing. I didn't see a single Taco Bell in all my trips to Japan.
I would have to add that Visual-kei and Oshare-kei was never really big in the first place. However, I acknowledge that it's VERY popular amongst fans in California, at least. AnCafe's fandom doesn't really extend much outside of very small sub-groups that follow these sorts of things, which despite being international... is still very small.
I would also have to add that AnCafe, for Visual-kei fandoms in general... ESPEEEEEECIALLY in California, are more erm, for lack of a better word (at least, that I'm allowed to say) are more "loudly expressive" than that of the fandom Momoi's audience would be, outside of concerts.
A lot of people don't care for niche genres like Oshare-kei and AnCafe, whereas Oshare-kei fans don't care about Denpa-kei artists like Momoi. But in either case, there is a fandom for both.
And Akiba-kei/denpa-kei is on the rise in Japan, becoming more mainstream, whereas Oshare-kei... never has.
This means, fans of Momoi... coming across the globe to Fanime to see this concert, despite the swine flu scare. This means, Perfume (which are of the same genre) becoming widely advertised and mainstream, i.e. HUGE internationally, despite being a extremely new group. This means.... both K-On's (a anime series of the same genre) opening and ending singles hit Oricon Charts weekly as both #1 and #2.
@PyronIkari: P.S. There ARE NO Taco Bells in Japan... outside of army bases. That's saying something.
Who could blame them. Taco Bell is delicious.
Quote from: TC_X0_Lt_0X on May 12, 2009, 04:04:23 PM
Who could blame them. Taco Bell is delicious.
I second that XD
Quote from: TC_X0_Lt_0X on May 15, 2009, 12:11:22 AM
Quote from: narutofan17 on May 14, 2009, 02:36:13 AM
Quote from: TC_X0_Lt_0X on May 12, 2009, 04:04:23 PM
Who could blame them. Taco Bell is delicious.
I second that XD
My breakfast before Con.
XD. I usually just eat somethin before I leave. Must save money for when I get there.
Quote from: ewu on May 12, 2009, 01:51:15 PM
stage zero yes, but you will not be allowed in the exhibit halls.
:D Alright, that's cool. It's a shame that I won't be able to join all the other events, but its still fun to socialize with the attendees.