What to do when you think your fandom is misunderstood
On the Saturday of Otakon, an old man stopped John and I. He asked us for cash. He had just had dental surgery, you see, and needed cab fare. We…
On being a fan and a journalist, part II
(Continued from part I) There’s something infectious about being a nerd at a convention. Being around all these other nerds with their bold costumes and boisterous personalities, I just can’t…
On being a fan and a journalist, part I
If you’re reading this post, one of two things has happened: the Washington Post has scrapped a story about American anime fans and stigma or that story was published today.…
How a civil war reenactment is like an anime convention
1. Costumes I admired the women the most. Whether from discipline or dedication to their historical characters, they didn’t seem to mind the heat. Though it was 100 degrees with…
Should anime conventions screen for sex offenders?
Last week, a 34-year-old man pleaded guilty to coercing a 13-year-old girl he met at a 2010 anime convention. It’s a sad story, and to some fans, a shocking one.…
I want to be a voice actor! A surprise interview with Dan Green
(Source) It was news to me that I would be interviewing anime voice actor Dan Green tonight. Last month, I set up an interview/mini-voice acting lesson with Edge Studio, a…
How to get on staff at a convention
If you work at an office, you already know what it’s like. Long hours, dry meetings you’re not sure of the point of, bosses you don’t always like but still…
How to be lucky
I can hardly even believe it, but for two days, I was famous on the Internet! I got a deluge of emails, my blog got thousands of views and my…
How I ended up writing about cat ears, maids, and furries for Forbes
After my article is published on Forbes today, everyone from my grandmother to my mom’s book club will know what I do in my spare time. After today, any potential…
Welcome to otaku journalist 2.0
It’s June 6 and I’ve kept my promise. Now, let’s never leave each other for that long ever again! Welcome to the new Otaku Journalist. Same as the old Otaku…