@Malintex_Terek:
I'm skeptical of there being any mainstream-media influence, but at the very least it might minimize the regional dissent between OP camps, which is an earsore to say the least.
I mean literally, whatever forum you go to, you will see different types of OP fans, while the fans for other anime/manga are more or less consistent. Everyone in the Naruto fanbase is a "Narutard" for example…people who aren't generally don't associate themselves with the mainstream fanbase. There have been many people leave NarutoFan for Naruto discussion on other forums like here.
I couldn't agree more, that's exactly what we're trying to do (I can say that it's starting to work with the podcast, on a small scale).
One of the big objectives to the AP site when the wiki was launched in 2006 was to standardize the conventions. We didn't have to use VIZ Media's trash, nor did we have to resort to scanslator guesses at terms.
Oda has a broad knowledge of Japanese culture (primarily movies) that he integrates into his manga. It's so broad, not even the average Japanese person is going to get all the references. But with a group of people, that becomes possible, although for the most part omae no kasaan has been the central contributor to that, with Aohige adding some from time to time too.
But, part of the reason I think Wikia is popular is because so many of the regular fans can participate, even if collectively they just ruin the content. They don't feel like part of the community unless they make themselves known like that.
At the very least, this should make people feel like they're part of the community, so it's good for establishing older membership…because most people who sign up to AP don't tend to stay that long or contribute, they just come for spoilers.
I also agree with most of that, though I believe when speaking about Japanese terms they shouldn't be a necessity for those in the One Piece community, but instead an added bonus for those who are more committed fans, like many of those at AP. In reference to the Wikia, I agree that fan contributions are important, and we encourage that on everything we do. I believe the Wikia format however has some major flaws, I believe Greg has discussed those before (I hope I'm not mixing him up with someone else).
On another note, if anyone has any ideas on how we can bring casual or non-obsessive fans into the podcast, into Arlong Park, and onto The Pirate Summit, I'd love to know. That's exactly what we're trying to do.
Terek, you put it perfectly, so I'll quote it again:
…Whatever forum you go to, you will see different types of OP fans, while the fans for other anime/manga are more or less consistent. Everyone in the Naruto fanbase is a "Narutard" for example…people who aren't generally don't associate themselves with the mainstream fanbase. There have been many people leave NarutoFan for Naruto discussion on other forums like here.
We need to bring the One Piece community together. If they call us "One Piece-tards" or more likely "One Piece-enius," then power to us. We need to put little squabbles aside: Nakama, VIZ translations (Zolo), and even those we've gone over on the podcast before like the Kaizoku edits, and such. We need to come together and coalesce around the important issues. That's why I made the podcast, and that's why we're taking these major steps.
I just want to see this come to fruition.
