The philosophies and motivations involved in buying anime

[HitokiriShadow]

My first Japanese anime imports.It's really amazing how you took a full plunge in. I started gradually with Kanon (KyoAni) and never intended to import as much as I ended up doing.

I think the lack of worthwhile stuff in R1 (and the extreme low cost of what is deemed worth buying) has made it relatively easier to divert a pretty large percentage of funds into imports.

That's definitely a big part of it. The other part is that I am very much a collector and I place a high value on things like packing, pack ins and extras. R1 has has always been weak compared to R2 in that regard, though a lot of ADV releases, the expensive Bandai LEs (like Haruhi, Lucky Star, Code Geass, etc.) and Nozomi releases did or do compare pretty well. But with the move to season sets and drastically reduced prices, everyone but Nozomi rapidly eliminated pretty much everything I valued in a release.

So not only is R1 costing less in general, I care a lot less about most of what is coming out and as a result, I've raised the standards (in terms of how much I liked the show) to determine what to buy, which further reduces how much I'm spending on R1. I just don't get anywhere near the same pleasure I used to get when my DVDs arrive, unless its a Nozomi release. R2s/JBDs, on the other hand, give me that same pleasure I used to get when my boxes full of DVDs came.

I'm still kind of surprised myself that I went from importing zero to three series at once, possibly four (for two months) if I decide to go with Sasameki Koto despite not being BluRays. It's yuri, its very good, and it has a lot of nice extras including two boxes. It's a very, very hard combination to resist despite not being BluRay or hitting the same tier as the other titles I'm getting (though it is my second favorite series of the season).

Just think. Hayate (SynergySP) BD box sets. They have to release them at some point.

Yeah, I've been assuming that will come out at some point, possibly not too far in the future. Toradora will probably get a BluRay release at somepoint as well, and I'll probably want to get that too. I'm keeping those in the back of my mind as I decide what to purchase, basically assuming there's a chance a sudden $1200* import will pop up sometime in the next 3-4 months.

*I'm assuming $600 per Hayate set, if its done over two sets, though I'm hoping its closer to $400 for 26 episodes, unlike certain Key shows. I prefer to overestimate.

[relentlessflame]

I think the lack of worthwhile stuff in R1 (and the extreme low cost of what is deemed worth buying) has made it relatively easier to divert a pretty large percentage of funds into imports.

That's definitely a big part of it. The other part is that I am very much a collector and I place a high value on things like packing, pack ins and extras. R1 has has always been weak compared to R2 in that regard, though a lot of ADV releases, the expensive Bandai LEs (like Haruhi, Lucky Star, Code Geass, etc.) and Nozomi releases did or do compare pretty well. But with the move to season sets and drastically reduced prices, everyone but Nozomi rapidly eliminated pretty much everything I valued in a release.

So not only is R1 costing less in general, I care a lot less about most of what is coming out and as a result, I've raised the standards (in terms of how much I liked the show) to determine what to buy, which further reduces how much I'm spending on R1. I just don't get anywhere near the same pleasure I used to get when my DVDs arrive, unless its a Nozomi release. R2s/JBDs, on the other hand, give me that same pleasure I used to get when my boxes full of DVDs came.I just want to say that I can totally relate to everything you just said. This is exactly why I shifted my focus to R2 DVDs a few years back. It basically comes down to the fact that R1 anime doesn't seem to have much "value" any more (Nozomi excepted). I realize, of course, that the market collapsed, and that they have little choice but to release things in the cheap season set method that people generally want. I'm not opposed at all to low prices, of course, but I'm not really interested in "low value" either. As you said... the "joy" is gone when you see yet another cheap barebones season set that seemed to get little or no "love" at all in the production process. So yeah... anyway, I feel like you totally hit the nail on the head there, and though I sort of came to the same conclusion a few years back, the thought process looks very similar.

[something]

I just want to say that I can totally relate to everything you just said. This is exactly why I shifted my focus to R2 DVDs a few years back. It basically comes down to the fact that R1 anime doesn't seem to have much "value" any more (Nozomi excepted). I realize, of course, that the market collapsed, and that they have little choice but to release things in the cheap season set method that people generally want. I'm not opposed at all to low prices, of course, but I'm not really interested in "low value" either. As you said... the "joy" is gone when you see yet another cheap barebones season set that seemed to get little or no "love" at all in the production process. So yeah... anyway, I feel like you totally hit the nail on the head there, and though I sort of came to the same conclusion a few years back, the thought process looks very similar.
Yep, pretty much the same for me. There's also the fact that, for a number of reasons, I don't watch my R1s. If I actually want to watch the show, I almost always have an alternative that I find preferable. That's how I got over my #1 mental block about importing, which was that there's no subtitles, thus I can't watch the discs I buy. Why spend hundreds on a show when I can't even do anything with the discs, right? Well, I took a look at my backlog and realized I don't watch my R1s either, and the only reason I bought them at all was because I wanted to support the industry. Surely it wasn't for the extras and packaging, because there wasn't any.

More and more the R1 industry (except for Nozomi) isn't anything worth supporting for me, thus that incentive is largely gone. I've got a lot less invested now in whether or not the R1 industry lives or dies. So it made more sense to just send the support more directly to the other side of the Pacific. In a total reversal of my previous philosophy, I'd now rather collect half a dozen R2 series (and maintain a Crunchyroll subscription) each year than buy 200-300 discs of R1 releases. Even if the former costs the same, or more, than the latter.

R1 still has some purpose - I'd never import something like Tears to Tiara, but it's a worthwhile R1 purchase, and I can't wait to buy Hidamari - but my primary reaction to it these days is "...meh?".

[russ869]

That's definitely a big part of it. The other part is that I am very much a collector and I place a high value on things like packing, pack ins and extras. R1 has has always been weak compared to R2 in that regard, though a lot of ADV releases, the expensive Bandai LEs (like Haruhi, Lucky Star, Code Geass, etc.) and Nozomi releases did or do compare pretty well. But with the move to season sets and drastically reduced prices, everyone but Nozomi rapidly eliminated pretty much everything I valued in a release.

So not only is R1 costing less in general, I care a lot less about most of what is coming out and as a result, I've raised the standards (in terms of how much I liked the show) to determine what to buy, which further reduces how much I'm spending on R1. I just don't get anywhere near the same pleasure I used to get when my DVDs arrive, unless its a Nozomi release. R2s/JBDs, on the other hand, give me that same pleasure I used to get when my boxes full of DVDs came.
I can see that I guess. But the thing is, a lot of the "joy" you guys are talking about is associated with the packaging and packed-in extras. Sure Japanese media products are a lot more exciting to open when you get them in the mail, but that excitement is kind of one-time thing.

I try as hard as possible not to spend too much money on things that are single-use, or instantly consumable. So to me, sure I'd love to have a better packaging but it's not worth it to spend a lot more money for that distinction because after I first get it and watch it, that package is just going sit on my shelf for most of the time. It's the content of the actual DVDs that counts for me, so that's what I consider to be paying for.

That's how I got over my #1 mental block about importing, which was that there's no subtitles, thus I can't watch the discs I buy. Why spend hundreds on a show when I can't even do anything with the discs, right? Well, I took a look at my backlog and realized I don't watch my R1s either, and the only reason I bought them at all was because I wanted to support the industry.
I guess this marks the difference between us. Because I only buy something if I'm going to watch it more than once. So because you don't watch your R1s, does that mean you bought them with no intention to watch them? I won't mock you for how you choose to spend your money, but I'm just hoping that I'll never get over own my "mental block" and start buying tons of products I'll never use.

[Betenoire]

So because you don't watch your R1s, does that mean you bought them with no intention to watch them? I won't mock you for how you choose to spend your money, but I'm just hoping that I'll never get over own my "mental block" and start buying tons of products I'll never use.

From his other posts, most of those are things he has watched through "other means" and is buying a legit copy (even if he won't watch it) for that reason.

[something]

I guess this marks the difference between us. Because I only buy something if I'm going to watch it more than once. So because you don't watch your R1s, does that mean you bought them with no intention to watch them? I won't mock you for how you choose to spend your money, but I'm just hoping that I'll never get over own my "mental block" and start buying tons of products I'll never use.
Like Betenoire said, I'll have watched every show I import. Possibly multiple times. In fact there's no way in hell I'd import if I wasn't actively watching the show every week and in love with it. But actually touching a physical disc isn't required for watching. Those R1s I didn't watch either? I mean I didn't watch that disc, but I've seen the content on it. Seen it probably a year or five before the disc was even released, before the show was even licensed. Possibly multiple times. And I might watch it again in the future, for which the disc never needs to leave the shrinkwrap for me to do that though. I've seen Haruhi 15 times and my Bandai discs are still in the shrinkwrap.

It's the content on the disc, the show, that sells you, and that's no different from me. The technical details of the watching process are just different. I'll watch whatever version I can get my hands on that I think will give me the best experience. In my mind, this is a separate process from the actual purchase and collection of a product.

Remember, if you want content alone, you never ever need to spend a cent to do it. So then why do we spend all this money anyway? We both know the answer, of course: to legitimately support the hobby we like, so we'll see more of it. That's not inherently the same thing as watching the physical discs, however. It's a matter of viewing habits, not some fundamental difference.

[Draneor]

Sure Japanese media products are a lot more exciting to open when you get them in the mail, but that excitement is kind of one-time thing.

For many of my import items, that's true. I bought them to collect, and they sit on the shelf. However, there are a few that I consider my treasures. D.C. and Kanon, for example. For those, the excitement I had the day I bought them never fades. In fact, I would say it's intensified. On a side note, I also display my favorite box sets face out so I see them every day.

So basically, while the majority of my imported goods are stored away and forgotten about after the initial rush, I still have a few I treasure. Same thing goes with figures, books, or anything, really.

I won't mock you for how you choose to spend your money, but I'm just hoping that I'll never get over own my "mental block" and start buying tons of products I'll never use.

You're thinking like a user. To a collector, it is the act of purchasing that has meaning. My love for a certain franchise or character creates within me the desire to collect anything and everything related to it. Of course, I'm also a user as well. It just depends on the item.

[Suwako Moriya]

Like Betenoire said, I'll have watched every show I import. Possibly multiple times.

Which to me would be more than enough when you consider the following. This can apply regardless of whether or not the series in question is R1, R2, R3, R4, R9,999 (Hey it's the region code for Saturn), or whatever so long as we're talking legal here of course.

Yes, there are indeed going to be cases where a person ends up buying a series he's only watched once and will likely never watch again. That's not to say the series is bad, but some shows don't lend themselves to re-watches at all.

Yet, at the same time there are what are known as blind buyers. People who will buy a show without having ever seen it. Heck, they might in some cases by the show without even having read up on it all. Ie the second they know it exists, they purchases.

They have no way of knowing if they'll watch the show multiple times, once the whole way through, drop it part way, or heck never even open the DVDs up in the first place. Yet, they still buy it.

So when you consider that, the idea of a person deciding to buy a show after having actually watched it doesn't seem as silly anymore. Even if the person is not going to re-watch it. As he knows exactly what he's going to get in to. He's not buying because he thinks it will be good, but because he feels it is good. Or at least that's what I'd hope is the case.

[russ869]

It's the content on the disc, the show, that sells you, and that's no different from me. The technical details of the watching process are just different. I'll watch whatever version I can get my hands on that I think will give me the best experience. In my mind, this is a separate process from the actual purchase and collection of a product.
Ha ha... But you don't use the content on the disc. What's on the disc isn't just "the show" (as if no matter how you watch the show your experience is the same). The content on the disc a certain mastering of the show with certain video, audio, subtitles and extras. So I guess that I am to understand that whatever version you previously watched is "good enough" to give you the "best experience," thus you have no need or interest to watch the officially released version. Okay, no problem...


Remember, if you want content alone, you never ever need to spend a cent to do it. So then why do we spend all this money anyway? We both know the answer, of course: to legitimately support the hobby we like, so we'll see more of it. That's not inherently the same thing as watching the physical discs, however.
Wrong. Because I don't want just any version of the content; I want the best available version. Or at least one that's "good enough" and allows me to conveniently watch it in the way I choose. DVDs and BDs offer that convenience. I don't really have time anymore to be scrounging up other ways to watch my favorite shows. So if it's readily available on a satisfactory DVD, that's what I'll watch.

I don't buy anime because it's just the greatest thing and I want to support it (although that may be true); I buy it because I want to watch what I buy. You won't see any shrink-wrapped DVDs on my shelves.

You're thinking like a user. To a collector, it is the act of purchasing that has meaning. My love for a certain franchise or character creates within me the desire to collect anything and everything related to it. Of course, I'm also a user as well. It just depends on the item.
Hmm... interesting. Maybe I'm only coming to the realization now that I'm not a true collector at heart. I collect things; but I only collect them to use. It's not that I don't have a similar desire to purchase everything related to my favorite characters and franchises. It's just that I have a "mental block" against buying things I won't use. Which is a good thing for my bank account, I guess...

The exception to this is at a convention or something, where once you actually hold a prized import item in your hand it's almost impossible to leave without parting with an unseemly large sum of money to keep it. It's a lot easier for me to resist making an order through a website.

[Draneor]

Hmm... interesting. Maybe I'm only coming to the realization now that I'm not a true collector at heart.

People value different things, such as video quality or exclusive artwork. And I'm a cheap bastard about basically everything other than my three weaknesses: education/knowledge, modern Japanese visual culture, and plants/nature.


The exception to this is at a convention or something, where once you actually hold a prized import item in your hand it's almost impossible to leave without parting with an unseemly large sum of money to keep it. It's a lot easier for me to resist making an order through a website.

Yeah. I know that rush. While I lack online resistance, I'm even weaker when it comes to buying goods in person. Which is why I only go to two conventions per year. I believe it was Madarame from Genshiken that said "don't look at the price."

[something]

So I guess that I am to understand that whatever version you previously watched is "good enough" to give you the "best experience," thus you have no need or interest to watch the officially released version. Okay, no problem...
Basically, but there's one big difference: it sounds like for you, the DVD is always inherently better, and thus the only version you will consider. That's fine for you if true, but it comes down more to a viewing preference rather than a fundamental difference in the worth of "content".

I started my rewatch of Clannad with the ADV DVDs. Wound up putting them back on my shelf by episode two or three and switched to something I liked better for the rest. If I liked the DVDs better, I'd have watched them.
I used the Funi DVDs for my rewatch of Heroic Age, because I didn't have any other version I felt was much good. The DVDs were better, so I watched them.
And at times the DVD is the only version I have, if it's an older show or it was a blind buy (something I don't do anymore, but have in the past), making "better" moot.

With any given series, watching and buying are separate thought processes for me. I don't buy everything I watch - whether because it doesn't get licensed and doesn't warrant an import, or I stopped halfway and dropped it, or whatever. Nor do I watch everything I buy - whether because I haven't had the urge to rewatch it yet, or I just don't have the time, or the release turns out to be bad, or was cut short.

The vast majority of the anime I watch hasn't been licensed, and most never will be. When that's the case for a viewer for long enough, it becomes very hard to view the physical product as equivalent to the viewing experience. They're just so... different. They serve different purposes.

But not opposing purposes, of course. I could watch all the anime I want without spending a cent, but I wouldn't be contributing to the likelihood of seeing more. Shows beget Product which when purchased begets Capital for more Shows, and the cycle repeats. So I buy products because I want to watch shows. Sort of like how my Crunchyroll membership isn't purchasing anything physical, but it is sending money that goes back to making more shows.

Previously, my buying was exclusively in R1. Now my buying is becoming primarily R2. I'll still be spending the same (actually, more in the end), it's just a matter of how it's distributed and who the middleman is, if any.

Basically, at some point money gets spent. If you wait for the DVD release of Clannad, buy it, and watch it then, that's one way. If you watched it while it aired and then buy the later DVD release, that's another way. You have a special attachment to the exact version presented on the disc, which is fine, but that's the reason you're putting so much emphasis on "watching the disc you buy". Not because putting that exact physical disc in the player has any inherent special significance over watching the show any other way.

I know it all sounds a bit abstract, but it's become the most natural approach in the world for me, and flows organically from how my viewing habits have evolved over my decade of collecting. Moving from "hundreds of R1s a year" to "couple dozen R2s a year" is a pretty major shift in some ways, but that's honestly just my spending habits belatedly catching up with my viewing habits, and with what I find value in.

[ilmaestro]

Moving from "hundreds of R1s a year" to "couple dozen R2s a year" is a pretty major shift in some ways, but that's honestly just my spending habits belatedly catching up with my viewing habits, and with what I find value in.
I did this a couple of years ago, and haven't looked back. R1 releases had started to make buying anime feel like eating a fried breakfast from a roadside diner - which I enjoy in its own way, but can't do too often without feeling bloated ^^; - whereas buying R2 releases is like eating at a Michelin star restaurant, where they might use a lot of the same ingredients, and the portions are smaller, but the overall experience is different class.

[russ869]

Sort of like how my Crunchyroll membership isn't purchasing anything physical, but it is sending money that goes back to making more shows.
Yeah, I'd never get a Cruchyroll membership because I also have a problem with paying money for something that isn't a physical object.

You have a special attachment to the exact version presented on the disc, which is fine, but that's the reason you're putting so much emphasis on "watching the disc you buy". Not because putting that exact physical disc in the player has any inherent special significance over watching the show any other way.
This actually makes a lot of sense.

But basically you're watching a (let's call it) "non-commercial version" and then buying a R2 DVD that you won't watch or use just to say, "Thank you for making this other version that you don't sell possible." That just sounds really funny to me. Ha ha...

[something]

But basically you're watching a (let's call it) "non-commercial version" and then buying a R2 DVD that you won't watch or use just to say, "Thank you for making this other version that you don't sell possible." That just sounds really funny to me. Ha ha...
How it sounds depends on how you word it, but the basic idea is accurate enough. It wasn't really any different with R1s. I primarily bought shows I'd already seen. The only difference now is that instead of buying a lot of different shows from an R1 middleman, I'll be buying a much smaller number of shows directly from the Japanese companies. I'll be spending the same or more so I figure my overall contribution is at least on par, or rather better since all the money is going to the original creators, without an R1 filter taking a cut. Mmm, I guess if I maintain this year's level of anime related spending (which is already a 67% increase over the biggest previous year :sd: ) I might be able to bump up to 8 imported series a year, so basically the two best per season. That should work nicely for me.

[Suwako Moriya]

I'll be spending the same or more so I figure my overall contribution is at least on par, or rather better since all the money is going to the original creators, without an R1 filter taking a cut.

That does make sense, but it also brings to mind a thought. Which is that there's also the factor of the companies involved. Now then for the sake of argument here, just assume my figures are correct and humor me. It's only a made up example.

Say in order to get a certain R2 series, you need to give up ten different R1 series. The company involved with the said R2 series will get the entire pie without an R1 filter taking a slice at all.

Yet the company involved with each sacrificed R1 series wouldn't be getting even a slice of pie for the show in question. Since the said show had to be sacrificed for the R2.

Obviously it's not that simple since all ten sacrificed shows and the R2 series in question could be owned by the same company. Also, there's the question of "Is it better to give heavy support to the one or light support to the many?" You could argue either way.

I guess one possible result of increasing focus on R2 is that even you force yourself into a position of making it so the actual decision process of what to buy becomes even more important. Since instead of a case of "It's only $20 for the whole series, I may as well get it", you have to be able to ask yourself "Do I really want to $70 just to get two (more) episodes of this?"

In other words, the fewer slots open the more valuable the series in question has to be in order to earn one of those remaining slots. I imagine it will range from shows that can't even earn it at R1 prices to shows that manage to earn it it even at the R2 level.

[something]

Say in order to get a certain R2 series, you need to give up ten different R1 series. The company involved with the said R2 series will get the entire pie without an R1 filter taking a slice at all. Yet the company involved with each sacrificed R1 series wouldn't be getting even a slice of pie for the show in question. Since the said show had to be sacrificed for the R2.
Yep, and I'm totally okay with that. After all, the Japanese companies can't complain - that's exactly the market they've cultivated for themselves in their home country. Most fans don't buy 70 full series a year in Japan, they focus on their favorite shows and pay a lot of money to get them. The entire Japanese home video market for anime is specifically geared, for better or worse, towards making the most out of the hardest of hardcore fans for a series. For various reasons I've decided that I'll play along with that model for now, and see how I like it. If Japan desired to and could pursue an R1 model of bargain basement priced releases aiming for pure numbers over per-unit profit, they'd lower prices accordingly, and I'd increase the number of series I buy accordingly. But while they're working under the current model, then "import the best" it is.

Though really, the next tier of shows will still get money from me (even if it probably comes out to a dollar per cour set nowadays :sd:) because I still plan to buy them when licensed. For example, Tears to Tiara, or say, if Saki or Yoku Wakaru Gendai Mahou were licensed. It's the lower quality stuff and blind buys that I'm cutting out entirely. I think my estimation of 50 discs or less (25 cour sets) in R1 a year will easily cover anything I'd want in that tier.

Don't forget that R3 potentially figures in as well, as a middle ground between R2 tier and R1 tier. Saki might actually go there, unless it gets licensed for R1 before the R3 release (it got licensed for R3, I'm pretty sure) is out. I'll favor R1 over R3 for R3 tier shows that get licensed quickly, though.

So you've got:
R2 tier: About 6-10 series a year.
R3 tier: Unknown, depends what they license and when.
R1 tier: Remaining licensed shows that miss R2 tier, are licensed soon enough to avoid R3 tier, but are still good enough to buy.
XX tier: Whatever I pass on.

[Suwako Moriya]

Most fans don't buy 70 full series a year in Japan, they focus on their favorite shows and pay a lot of money to get them.

That, and there's also the merchandise angle. A person might decide that spending money to get stuff related to Y is better than getting a single DVD of X. After all, as some of my recent purchases remind me, anime is about more than just the series. Some may want the music CDs. Some may want the related manga.

But while they're working under the current model, then "import the best" it is.

Which I take it means that in most if not all cases, you'll be finishing the series before deciding if it's worth buying. Well, at least that would be the way I'd consider doing it.

Don't forget that R3 potentially figures in as well, as a middle ground between R2 tier and R1 tier.

Ah, I don't really think much about the R3 factor since my collection is 99.9 percent R1 and .1 percent R2. Or wait maybe that figure is off. I'm too lazy to do real math.

So you've got:
R2 tier: About 6-10 series a year.
R3 tier: Unknown, depends what they license and when.
R1 tier: Remaining licensed shows that miss R2 tier, are licensed soon enough to avoid R3 tier, but are still good enough to buy.
XX tier: Whatever I pass on.

I think for me, it will be mostly R1 tier with the occasional funds diverted to music or manga. I might go for a single R2 series at a time. R3, probably not. Well, I can't say 100% never, but since I have yet to get a single one.

Still in the end, it's less likely to be anything specific break down and more of a system of taking it one order at a time. Dependent on what I'm currently in the middle of, timing (release dates, sales), funds, cost, and so forth.

[something]

Which I take it means that in most if not all cases, you'll be finishing the series before deciding if it's worth buying. Well, at least that would be the way I'd consider doing it.
Well... I'd like to. But if I want LEs and first press I may need to order a bit earlier than I'm comfortable with, which is indeed a problem.

In some cases I won't really need to think twice. Is it Kyoto Animation? Then it'll be amazing, just import it. Is it a sequel to something I imported? Then it's very likely as well. But in other cases... well take Railgun. I'm confident but by no means certain it will be awesome throughout. To get in line early, I ordered all 8 LE/FP BDs already. But what if it totally tanks three episodes from now?

Thankfully there is some buffer. Railgun doesn't start on DVD/BD until January 29th. I can see the whole first cour and then some before then. And the whole series (or nearly so) will have aired before disc three comes out. So even if I watch just about to the end before canceling anything, I'm only "stuck" with two volumes. Expensive, but better than 8.

In the case of one cour shows, almost all of it will air before a volume ships, generally. Kimi ni Todoke Vol. 1 ships Dec 23, by which point the show should be just about done. Maybe some shows ship Vol. 1 earlier in their airing run, though?

So if I want LE/FP I can't watch the whole series before ordering, but I can watch most and potentially all of it before anything actually ships (and more importantly, is charged to my credit card).

And if the show has no LE or no FP worth caring about, then I don't need to rush at all. If I do decide to get Todoke, I won't be rushing. It's DVD only anyway, and will probably sell very little due to the kind of show it is.

R3, probably not. Well, I can't say 100% never, but since I have yet to get a single one.
R3 will be mostly for things I don't don't think will get licensed in R1 but do really want to buy and can't justify R2. Or that don't get an R1 release I'm willing to support (e.g. I will never buy anything from Viz ever again, so I imported H&C from R3). I doubt I'll buy many R3s though. Maybe 1-2 series a year?

[Fencedude]

Yeah, I'd never get a Cruchyroll membership because I also have a problem with paying money for something that isn't a physical object.

Uhh...so do you apply this concept to your entire life?

[relentlessflame]

In the case of one cour shows, almost all of it will air before a volume ships, generally. Kimi ni Todoke Vol. 1 ships Dec 23, by which point the show should be just about done. Maybe some shows ship Vol. 1 earlier in their airing run, though?The earliest I have ever seen a DVD/BD solicited for a show is near the end of the second month of its run, and even that is really rare. The only example I can think of off-hand is Kannagi. Most 1-cour shows will release volume 1 sometime in the third month, usually around the time the last episode airs. So yeah, in general terms, you'll have seen most of these 1-cour shows before the discs start coming out (but this timing may also account for why you often see higher sales for the first volume than those that follow, since many people who buy R2 anime pre-order it to get the LE/FP).

[Suwako Moriya]

So if I want LE/FP I can't watch the whole series before ordering, but I can watch most and potentially all of it before anything actually ships (and more importantly, is charged to my credit card).

Ah, yes, the "cancellation" angle. An effective strategy so long as the timing doesn't work against you. It also gives reason to keep up with a story. Granted, if you had trouble motivating yourself to keep up with a show, that might be a hint.

And if the show has no LE or no FP worth caring about, then I don't need to rush at all.

Yeah, there's that too. Fun how sometimes a series technically has both an LE release and first press items. Ie having the LE come with first press.

Although in the case of the series (GA) I'm considering, CD Japan lists the LE of volume 1 with "First Press Sold Out". Of course, they no longer mention what the first press was. And now the very item they did mention as the first press is listed with the RE. Ie the B2 size poster...

[something]

Ah, yes, the "cancellation" angle. An effective strategy so long as the timing doesn't work against you. It also gives reason to keep up with a story. Granted, if you had trouble motivating yourself to keep up with a show, that might be a hint.
Heh, right. If I'm not horribly eager to see every new episode ASAP then it's unlikely I want to import it. Although right now I'm generally behind on everything.

Although in the case of the series (GA) I'm considering, CD Japan lists the LE of volume 1 with "First Press Sold Out". Of course, they no longer mention what the first press was. And now the very item they did mention as the first press is listed with the RE. Ie the B2 size poster...
As much as I like CDJ, their First Press info is... uh, sketchy. But a lot better than sites that give no info at all, at least.

[Draneor]

Granted, if you had trouble motivating yourself to keep up with a show, that might be a hint.

I've bought several R2 DVDs for anime I started but had not yet finished including but not limited to: Bakemonogatari, Clannad, D.C.II.S.S., Ef: a Tale of Memories/Melodies, K-On!, Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu, ToHeart2*, and Zero no Tsukaima: Princess no Rondo. In some cases, I finished them while I was buying the DVDs (Clannad and K-On!), others after I had all of them (Ef and Haruka), and still in others I haven't finished them to this day (D.C.II.S.S.). In Zero no Tsukaima's case, I haven't even finished the second season. I also blind buy OVAs/OADs, many of which I've yet to watch.

I do have a tendency to put off watching the shows I love the most until I'm in a certain mood and also to avoid completing shows for which I fear I will not like the ending. I don't really think this is risky though. For example, it was pretty much guaranteed that I'd love Clannad when it was announced. Generally speaking, I can tell if I will love a franchise within a few episodes, if not before it airs. Shows like Kannagi, where it took the entire show for me to decided I loved it, are very rare. If that wasn't the case, I'd be screwed because I've never successfully followed a season without getting behind or not finishing most of the shows I watch.

*I did not see the last five minutes of the last episode because I consciously skipped it out of fear. So it technically counts.

[Suwako Moriya]

Heh, right. If I'm not horribly eager to see every new episode ASAP then it's unlikely I want to import it. Although right now I'm generally behind on everything.

I'll just say I'm behind on some series and caught up with others. Granted some of the former is on purpose, but that's a subject better for another thread.

Although in the case of the series (GA) I'm considering, CD Japan lists the LE of volume 1 with "First Press Sold Out". Of course, they no longer mention what the first press was. And now the very item they did mention as the first press is listed with the RE. Ie the B2 size poster...As much as I like CDJ, their First Press info is... uh, sketchy. But a lot better than sites that give no info at all, at least.

I should have figured as much. Especially since according to them the LE of volume 3 has a French track. So mistakes are definitely possible. Still let's assume I take the info for the two versions of volume 1 at face value.

They're effectively telling me it's a choice between getting a CD with 30 minutes of a Web Radio Show, a post card, and a Kisaragi cover or saving 1,000 yen, having a group cover and getting a B2 size poster.

Speaking of LE and Volume 3, I think one of the types of extras that might be temping would be stuff like an art box. Nothing like having all the volumes held together.

[HitokiriShadow]

In the case of one cour shows, almost all of it will air before a volume ships, generally. Kimi ni Todoke Vol. 1 ships Dec 23, by which point the show should be just about done. Maybe some shows ship Vol. 1 earlier in their airing run, though?

There are also some cases where the first volume doesn't ship out until after the series ends. Case in point, Sasameki Koto, for which the first volume won't ship until late January despite being a one cour series.

[something]

ToHeart2*

...

*I did not see the last five minutes of the last episode because I consciously skipped it out of fear. So it technically counts.
Wait, you mean things happened in To Heart 2? I can't even remember. Even after all the OVAs it's not like it's gone anywhere - the franchise is frozen, both for better and worse. :sd:

[relentlessflame]

Generally speaking, I can tell if I will love a franchise within a few episodes, if not before it airs. Shows like Kannagi, where it took the entire show for me to decided I loved it, are very rare. If that wasn't the case, I'd be screwed because I've never successfully followed a season without getting behind or not finishing most of the shows I watch.Yup, you and me both on this one. I generally have a short list of likely purchases before a season starts, and this generally gets confirmed within a few weeks after that. And I'm horrible about finishing series I start. For me, though, it's not so much that I'm afraid I won't like the end (I usually do), I think it's more that I don't want it to be over. The thing that usually gets me to finish a series is when I know a sequel is coming. So yeah, if I went through my list of R2 media, I bet half of them would be unfinished shows. :sd:

[Suwako Moriya]

For me, though, it's not so much that I'm afraid I won't like the end (I usually do), I think it's more that I don't want it to be over.

To be honest, I don't thinking knowing the end is near has ever made me hesitant to finish the series. That's not to say I don't find myself wishing there was more. Just that if I like a series I want to make sure to see as much as I can. Then if I really like it, watch it again. At least once if not multiple times.

I guess in some ways you could argue that re-watching might be a way for me to cope with a show being over. It's also a way I decide what's worth buying. As well a reason why I fall behind on some shows. Because I'm re-watching others...

[russ869]

Why is it you never hear people talk about how they want to spend their money to "give support" to companies outside of anime fandom? I don't think I've ever heard anyone besides anime fans say they were going to buy something just to support the company. I assume this is because they watch fansubs and thus feel obligated to pay the responsible company in some way. Which makes sense...


Yeah, I'd never get a Cruchyroll membership because I also have a problem with paying money for something that isn't a physical object.

Uhh...so do you apply this concept to your entire life?
Uhh...yes. Do you have a comment to make about that?

I buy DVDs instead of digital downloads, CDs instead of music downloads if possible, I prefer video games that come on a disc rather than a download, etc... Maybe you have a example that's supposed to make me look ridiculous, but it's probably not a ridiculous as you think. :P

Generally speaking, I can tell if I will love a franchise within a few episodes, if not before it airs.
Yeah, definitely. A small sampling is enough for me.

[relentlessflame]

Why is it you never hear people talk about how they want to spend their money to "give support" to companies outside of anime fandom? I don't think I've ever heard anyone besides anime fans say they were going to buy something just to support the company. I assume this is because they watch fansubs and thus feel obligated to pay the responsible company in some way. Which makes sense...Well, in a world where the global media library is at your fingertips and can all be "acquired" for free, the only reasons to actually spend money on something physical are either because there's a great perceived value in the physical good (either much higher quality, or extras you really like, etc.), or because you want to support the artist/producers. Specifically, I often hear the same "support the artist" mantra used when you're talking about bands and music CDs, and it isn't really all that different from the reason why people ever bought DVDs for Movies and TV Shows (you like the show and want to own it).

The other reason why you hear this argument in the anime industry in particular is because it's much smaller than mainstream media, even in Japan. So there is a much stronger and more direct connection between the fans and the producers. Whereas your average mainstream production is talking about an audience of millions, anime is maybe in the tens of thousands. So each fan that buys has more of an impact. People who talk about "buying to support the industry" generally understand that this is how a niche market works. (I guess, to co-opt the music analogy again, it's sort of like supporting small local bands by buying their goods -- it's a bit more personal.)

[Draneor]

Why is it you never hear people talk about how they want to spend their money to "give support" to companies outside of anime fandom?

There are plenty of people who shop at a certain store or refuse to go to another because of various factors that are not directly related to service or price. Local company versus national corporation, for example. Or maybe you like the owner. Or you support and/or are opposed to a certain corporate stance. Basically, many businesses have fans and enemies as well as customers.

The other reason why you hear this argument in the anime industry in particular is because it's much smaller than mainstream media, even in Japan. [...] Whereas your average mainstream production is talking about an audience of millions, anime is maybe in the tens of thousands. So each fan that buys has more of an impact.

Exactly. I think it's easier to feel like you made a difference when only 5,000 people bought something than it is when millions did.

[something]

Why is it you never hear people talk about how they want to spend their money to "give support" to companies outside of anime fandom? I don't think I've ever heard anyone besides anime fans say they were going to buy something just to support the company.
But you do. It's very common for fans of various media to talk about supporting the things they love.

And it's not just to support the company. If I wanted to do that I'd just find some animation company exec and become their sugar daddy and buy them massages and new shoes. No, instead I buy anime, because I like owning anime. So why do I support the anime industry? So I can watch more anime. I do respect what they do and think they should be compensated but in the end it's all about my own desire to watch more because I like the stuff. If I ever stopped liking anime, I would stop supporting the industry because I don't get any benefit from giving money to people who can't give me anything in return that I want. I'm doing it for me. Not for them. Just like anyone else who buys anything.

It's a consumer purchasing a luxury entertainment product in a capitalist marketplace. It's not a charitable donation. You bet your ass I always, always expect something in return for my money. Even if what I get is somewhat indirect - definitely more indirect than your emphasis on the physical disc. But it's really not all that strange or different. It's just a matter of your current mindset and what you specifically value and how that differs from what we value. But the bottom line for both of us is we want to see more anime, and have our own ways of funneling funds back into the industry so they can continue to make anime. Different means to the same basic end.

Uhh...so do you apply this concept to your entire life?Uhh...yes. Do you have a comment to make about that?
Do you have medical insurance? =P What he's getting at is that money does not always result in a one to one transaction of a physical object. We pay money for a variety of things, and what we get in return can't always be put on a scale but we can make use of and derive satisfaction from it. Getting timely day-and-date subtitles for ten currently airing shows (and that's just the Fall '09 season) can't be "weighed" but it's definitely a useful service, and one I value.

[Betenoire]

Uhh...so do you apply this concept to your entire life?Uhh...yes. Do you have a comment to make about that?
Do you have medical insurance? =P What he's getting at is that money does not always result in a one to one transaction of a physical object. We pay money for a variety of things, and what we get in return can't always be put on a scale but we can make use of and derive satisfaction from it. Getting timely day-and-date subtitles for ten currently airing shows (and that's just the Fall '09 season) can't be "weighed" but it's definitely a useful service, and one I value.

Do you go to a movie? Other than the ticket stub, nothing physical there (unless sitting in the theater counts for you). And CR is really like cable TV to me...or internet access. It allows me something that I can't physically touch, but they do carry some worth to me (Even if a large number of channels hold no interest to me and a large portion of the internet I try to stay clear of :sd:).

[relentlessflame]

It's a consumer purchasing a luxury entertainment product in a capitalist marketplace. It's not a charitable donation. You bet your ass I always, always expect something in return for my money. Even if what I get is somewhat indirect - definitely more indirect than your emphasis on the physical disc. But it's really not all that strange or different. It's just a matter of your current mindset and what you specifically value and how that differs from what we value.You know, this got me to thinking. We're here talking about purchasing discs that we may not even watch due to having (probably) already seen the show, but if you're really talking about "collectors" there are a lot of other behaviours that would be even harder to explain if you look at it strictly from a "the value of the product is in the use of the product" point of view. Like for example, there are some collectors who will purchase 3 or more of the same item -- the famous "one to use, one to keep, and one to share" mentality. Not to mention your goods that actually have little-to-no actual "use". Or people who collect multiple different variations of the same thing in order to "collect them all".

I guess this is more to say that people who are more strictly "utilitarian" will probably always struggle to understand the collector mentality. Then again, in other areas of my life, I am strictly utilitarian -- like, for example, I can't imagine spending huge amount of money on a car or a fancy house or whatever. I guess it really is about having differing values after all, some of which are a bit unusual or hard to explain. :p

[something]

I guess this is more to say that people who are more strictly "utilitarian" will probably always struggle to understand the collector mentality. Then again, in other areas of my life, I am strictly utilitarian -- like, for example, I can't imagine spending huge amount of money on a car or a fancy house or whatever. I guess it really is about having differing values after all, some of which are a bit unusual or hard to explain. :p
Same here. I am utterly utilitarian in every other aspect of my life. For example, I haven't bought new clothes in years - what I have fits and is appropriate for the various situations I would wear it in so I don't see any reason. I buy cheap food, have a cheap apartment, plan my shopping trips to use the least gas possible, don't eat out unnecessarily, have very low electricity bills, drove my old car until it was run into the ground, and so on. Anime is really the only luxury I indulge in. Everything else is very much on an "as-needed" basis.

[Fencedude]

Uhh...yes. Do you have a comment to make about that? \

Well, yeah. You pay for services all the time, and they don't necessarily take the form of a physical product.

I mean, if you don't want to subscribe to CR thats your business, but the reasoning is odd, since CR isn't remotely comparable to buying a DVD, you are getting completely different things for your money.

[Fencedude]

Uhh...so do you apply this concept to your entire life?Uhh...yes. Do you have a comment to make about that?
Do you have medical insurance? =P What he's getting at is that money does not always result in a one to one transaction of a physical object. We pay money for a variety of things, and what we get in return can't always be put on a scale but we can make use of and derive satisfaction from it. Getting timely day-and-date subtitles for ten currently airing shows (and that's just the Fall '09 season) can't be "weighed" but it's definitely a useful service, and one I value.

Exactly, and considering that you get all of that for $60 a year, the value is tremendous.

[russ869]

No, instead I buy anime, because I like owning anime. So why do I support the anime industry? So I can watch more anime.
Put it this way...

Anime didn't come along because I was supporting it. It was something that was already there; that amazingly enough existed and that equally amazingly I was incredibly interested in. I'm not sure I would even believe that anime came about because previous fans like you and me continued to support it. I guess that can be said of anime in America, but anime in Japan is going keep on being made whether I'm interested or not; whether I buy it or not.

Do you have medical insurance? =P What he's getting at is that money does not always result in a one to one transaction of a physical object. We pay money for a variety of things, and what we get in return can't always be put on a scale but we can make use of and derive satisfaction from it. Getting timely day-and-date subtitles for ten currently airing shows (and that's just the Fall '09 season) can't be "weighed" but it's definitely a useful service, and one I value.
Yeah, I had a feeling that's where you were going.

There are categories in spending. Meaning there are necessities and luxuries; expenses and disposable income. When I said that, I was saying that with purchases made for utility and enjoyment I try not to make them on things I would condiser non-durable goods. I consdier paying for a soft-copy of some data to be non-durable, because if your computer or portable device is broken/stolen/etc you don't have any hard copy backup of your purchase. (Sometimes certain services have ways to work around this downside, though.) A medical insurance policy is a service rather than a good, and it's also typically a necessity (at least in a logical risk-management sense) rather than a luxury (you're not paying for it out of enjoyment).


Well, in a world where the global media library is at your fingertips and can all be "acquired" for free, the only reasons to actually spend money on something physical are either because there's a great perceived value in the physical good (either much higher quality, or extras you really like, etc.), or because you want to support the artist/producers.
This is a fallacy. Just because it is now possible to access all of the world's media for free in some fashion doesn't mean that people have every reason to do so. The existence of a free version does imply that supporting the original creator is now the only reason to ever spend money on a media product. Even in this kind of situation, companies can survive and thrive by make their legal product better and more convenient than what can simply be taken for free.

But, in practice this distinction is alomst entirely superficial. Obviously there will come a day when all network bandwidth barriers have been exceeded and the "inconvenience" of illegally downloading an exact digital replication of the official product will be eliminated. (This day has long passed for music and computer software.) So in the end I must concede that you are right. If copyrights can't be adequately enforced (which they can't), then as much as I hate to admit it, at some point the only true reasons to purchase legitimate media are morality based. I just don't like the idea of that because I don't believe guilt should ever be a valid motivation to direct your spending.

I guess this is more to say that people who are more strictly "utilitarian" will probably always struggle to understand the collector mentality. Then again, in other areas of my life, I am strictly utilitarian -- like, for example, I can't imagine spending huge amount of money on a car or a fancy house or whatever. I guess it really is about having differing values after all, some of which are a bit unusual or hard to explain. :p
Yeah, it's so bewildering sometimes to think of how I have absolutely no idea how the development of my decision-making processes for these kinds of things came about. Remind me never to go into marketting...

I mean, if you don't want to subscribe to CR thats your business, but the reasoning is odd, since CR isn't remotely comparable to buying a DVD, you are getting completely different things for your money.
Someone else compared CrunchyRoll to cable TV, which seems like a good analogy. But, that's another thing I won't ever pay for. Why should I pay to see something once if I can buy a hard copy that can be watched over again. If I only want to see something once, then I'm probably not interested enough to bother seeing it at all.

When I go to the movies it's because I want the experience of seeing a film in the theatre with friends. I have almost never been to the movies by myself except when there was a film I simply couldn't wait to see.

[something]

Anime didn't come along because I was supporting it. It was something that was already there; that amazingly enough existed and that equally amazingly I was incredibly interested in. I'm not sure I would even believe that anime came about because previous fans like you and me continued to support it. I guess that can be said of anime in America, but anime in Japan is going keep on being made whether I'm interested or not; whether I buy it or not.
::blinks:: That is a really odd statement. No commercial product exists unless people buy it. There were people (in Japan, the US, Canada, France, Taiwan, etc) buying anime before you or I came along, and yes that is why anime continued to be made. You imply that's not true, so I'm unsure where you're going with this.

If not money, then what does cause more anime to be made?

If there was any confusion, I've been talking about purchases of anime related goods in general - not restricted to one country or market. Because companies that make anime get money (from customers) for doing so, more anime gets made. By far the most important of those are people in Japan buying Japanese releases, of course. Anime will absolutely continue to exist just fine without an English localization market in North America. I've always said so. That isn't relevant to the discussion though. And it's not a negative for people to be buying American releases. The worst it could be is "almost insignificant", but still not a negative.

So in the end I must concede that you are right. If copyrights can't be adequately enforced (which they can't), then as much as I hate to admit it, at some point the only true reasons to purchase legitimate media are morality based. I just don't like the idea of that because I don't believe guilt should ever be a valid motivation to direct your spending.
But... it's not just morality.

Like I was trying to say, it is also - overwhelmingly - self interest. I don't buy anime because I feel like it'd be a "sin" to download and not buy. I couldn't care less about that. I've always said morality has little to no place in economic discussions.

I buy anime because if I give the creators/owners money, they'll make more anime. I mean, it's a really simple equation, right? They're doing this as a job, a career, an investment, etc. Most of them no doubt have a strong love for the medium to be able to devote their lives to it, and heck maybe some even don't care about getting paid. But in the aggregate, as an industry, it's about money. Anime exists to make money. Even the hardcore "art for art's sake" types have bills to pay and materials to buy.

I give money. I get anime. The two interact differently from fan to fan but the fundamental goal is the same. Do *I*, as an individual, have to pay money to keep the system afloat? No. No one single person will kill or save a market, and a lot of people do use that as an excuse not to buy. Someone needs to buy, though. Personally, I don't mind being one of those people. Not least because if I am buying, I'm also getting a tiny sliver of say in what gets made in the future, because things that sell well will get made more often, whether we're talking sequels or general trends in genres.

So to reiterate one last time, I spend money because it is in my interest to do so, and thankfully I have the financial means right now to indulge in that a bit. I also find some fundamental value in owning, even if I don't or can't always make full use of the product.

Someone else compared CrunchyRoll to cable TV, which seems like a good analogy. But, that's another thing I won't ever pay for. Why should I pay to see something once if I can buy a hard copy that can be watched over again. If I only want to see something once, then I'm probably not interested enough to bother seeing it at all.
Crunchyroll isn't a one time showing, though. It's not necessarily infinite (they could take shows down if they wanted) but you can watch it as many times as you want while it's there. And almost everything they've ever aired is still there. Even if they took it down after a year or two, I'm still only paying $5/month, an utterly inconsequential sum. And of course there are always alternate ways to get a "copy to keep" so realistically speaking you're not in any danger of losing access to the content.

And heck, if the stuff isn't licensed for R1DVD/BD then you can't buy that hard copy (with translation) anyway. It's not a direct comparison. There is no R1 of, say, Sasameki Koto for me to buy at all. If it did have an R1 then the comparison would be completely valid and choosing one over the other perfectly logical. But right now it's a non-issue for nearly every show Crunchyroll has. The only legal alternative is "don't watch". Which is fine, but not an actual comparison.

[relentlessflame]

Well, in a world where the global media library is at your fingertips and can all be "acquired" for free, the only reasons to actually spend money on something physical are either because there's a great perceived value in the physical good (either much higher quality, or extras you really like, etc.), or because you want to support the artist/producers.
This is a fallacy. Just because it is now possible to access all of the world's media for free in some fashion doesn't mean that people have every reason to do so. The existence of a free version does imply that supporting the original creator is now the only reason to ever spend money on a media product. Even in this kind of situation, companies can survive and thrive by make their legal product better and more convenient than what can simply be taken for free.

But, in practice this distinction is alomst entirely superficial. Obviously there will come a day when all network bandwidth barriers have been exceeded and the "inconvenience" of illegally downloading an exact digital replication of the official product will be eliminated. (This day has long passed for music and computer software.) So in the end I must concede that you are right. If copyrights can't be adequately enforced (which they can't), then as much as I hate to admit it, at some point the only true reasons to purchase legitimate media are morality based. I just don't like the idea of that because I don't believe guilt should ever be a valid motivation to direct your spending.
Well, keep in mind that I actually offered two reasons why you would purchase something: greater perceived value or a desire to support the artists. I think those are two pretty broad categories (although I concede they still may not be all-encompassing). And I don't think we're necessarily "in that world" yet either, at least not entirely.

For some people, the physical media can still offer a greater perceived value at the moment because of other factors: slow/capped network connectivity, no desire/ability to stream media from their computer to their home theatre setup, higher quality of encoding, existence of desired extras, ease of sharing with non-tech-savvy friends, and on and on. But the idea of "buying a DVD just to watch the show for the first time" is much rarer if there are easier and cheaper ways to do that initial watch. And in fact, outside of anime, "direct-to-DVD" has always been rather rare, and is typically otherwise only used for sequels to or specials for otherwise well-known franchises. So I'm not sure if it's "buying to support the artist" that's actually the more unusual about this whole arrangement. The whole anime market has always been a bit unique.

And regarding the second category... I don't know that it necessarily implies guilt. Or I guess perhaps it's more straightforward to say that I don't necessarily think that the people who do this feel the guilt you assume they should feel, or to the same degree. I tend to agree with something that most collectors likely buy DVDs/BDs because of what's in it for them. The difference may simply be "having the disc to watch" vs. "having the disc to own/keep/collect".

[Fencedude]

*blinks*

Oh, this is that drift from the October thread in R2. I was trying to figure out how I totally missed a 40 episode thread and then I realized I'd posted in it.

[Suwako Moriya]

Like I was trying to say, it is also -overwhelmingly - self interest.

I have to admit self interest is part of the reason for me as well. I mean sure I'm supporting Sentai by collecting Clannad, but I wouldn't be buying Clannad if I didn't give a darn about it. I'd have gotten something else instead.

No one single person will kill or save a market, and a lot of people do use that as an excuse not to buy. Someone needs to buy, though. Personally, I don't mind being one of those people.

I think about the only time I use it as an "excuse" if you call it that is when you get the classic "Buy this series now or we'll cancel it" scare. Some will be motivated to buy as fast as possible. Others will become hesitant thinking that any effort is futile.

Regardless, it's true that someone has to buy and for certain I do like the idea of buying stuff on DVD and supporting stuff I love. Which to me is the key right there. Buying stuff for the sake of buying can only go so far. One needs to have a reason beyond that.

After all, I can't buy everything under the sun. As such only some series are going to be able to make the cut. In order to make the cut they need to provide me with a reason beyond simply supporting a company.

That reason usually comes in the form of the level of love I have for a series in question. The amount (or lack) of love determines fist if I'll even bother to collect a series and second how soon I'll get around to it. Granted stuff like sales, release dates, and other competition from other series can complicate the situation.

[Suwako Moriya]

Oh, this is that drift from the October thread in R2. I was trying to figure out how I totally missed a 40 episode thread and then I realized I'd posted in it.

I find it interesting how much has been said on the subject and perhaps now that's out in the open, others might have more to say? Or maybe they'll have nothing to say on the subject.

One thing I'll say related to the subject is that I've found over time that there's no exact science for me when it comes to deciding how I'm willing to pay. Even if X is the far better deal, I may still pass on it for the sake of getting Y.

On that note, I think I found a new reason for me to actually buy at least one more R2 series. So that way instead of saying "There's a better chance of me spending R2 prices to get X than there is of me spending R1 prices to get Y", I'll actually have an X as a real example or not just a random maybe.


There are only so many times I can recycle Kanon (Toei). Speaking of which, it's too bad I was lazy about collecting it and such. Had I been more vigilant and did things properly, I could have gotten that bonus episode as well. I guess I only have myself to blame.

[tangent]

For me buying anime DVDs is pretty simple.

I buy shows I like, and I like owning the DVDs of those shows.

I'm a casual anime fan. I only buy about 2-3 R1 shows a year. So I'm pretty particular about the shows I buy. If I don't like the show I am not going to buy it.

I like DVDs because I can watch them when I want, where I want, as many times as I want. I can rip DVDs to different formats and play them on iPods, HTPCs, or whatever. Also I don't have to worry about the show disappearing or being de-listed, like from a streaming internet site for example. So for me I see a lot of value in owning physical DVDs of my favorite shows.

I am some-what interested in LE items. I like art boxes for holding DVDs and displaying on my shelves. I also don't mind some pack in stuff, like CDs or artwork(post cards, pencil boards, etc.). While having, or not having, these LE items does not affect my purchasing either way too much, they are a nice addition to the physicality of DVDs.

While I like to financially support artists that create shows that I enjoy by buying DVDs, I feel no obligation to blindly support them either. For example I like Yoshitoshi Abe and I have all his shows released in R1 on DVD. However, if his next show was terrible(in my opinion) there is no way I would by it.

So basically for me, if someone releases a show on DVD that I like I'm going to buy it.