Off the Cuff: the completist
I’m a completist. And as the name implies, I like to complete things. Those “things” don’t really matter. It can be completing video games, reading the whole run of a comic book, or watching all the episodes of a TV show.
The only thing I don’t like to complete is eating all my vegetables.
But this can be a problem. For example, what happens when something is horrible? That’s when the completist is in trouble. Suddenly he or she finds an internal struggle brewing. Do I finish the <insert name of current obsession>? Or do I cut my losses and run? It’s a tough position for a completist to be in.
Collecting comic books, despite an awful story, is probably the most commonly discussed example. However I have one that’s much worse - I have an almost compulsive need to finish watching the entire run of a TV show. This is especially true of anime.
I tell myself, “I can stop anytime I want.” But I can’t. I’m stuck between wanting to turn off the TV and being committed to the end.
For instance, I wasn’t a fan of Full Metal Alchemist, One Piece, Death Note, or Blood +, and yet, I kept watching. In some cases I’m still watching.
Part of the issue is that by the time I realize I don’t like a show, I’ve already invested 20 or 30 hours into it. That’s a lot of time to simply say, “yeah I don’t care about what happens.” But I know I’m lying to myself. I want to know how it ends. What’s the good of starting a story if you’re not going to finish it?
The other part is a total lack of options. If I want to watch anime on TV I can either watch Cartoon Network…or buy my own. So at the moment I am subject to the Cartoon Network programming overlords. Which means watching anime that under my own powers, I wouldn’t be watching.
I suppose this is just the completist dilemma.
So how about you? What do you have trouble giving up even though you know you should?
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February 14, 2008
Off the Cuff: Anime and Cartoon Network
Apparently we are about to undergo another lineup change from Adult Swim, this time erasing much of the anime in their lineup.
A few weeks ago I mentioned some internet rumors that Adult Swim had cancelled Bleach. This, as I cautioned, turned out to be untrue. Right now the rumor states that Cartoon Network, specifically Adult Swim, is abandoning all anime.
This, of course, is silly. Naruto is one of their most popular shows, and last time I checked, that was anime as well.
But what I want to know is why Networks, Publishers, Creators, or anyone else who makes a living off of fans would intentionally allow rumors like this to persist? (Admittedly some rumors will always exist no matter what.) Wouldn’t it be better if creators and distributors came out and said, “we understand that ‘Show X’ has a strong base of supporters. We are grateful for that, but in order to bring you the best programming we can, we are currently shuffling our lineup. We hope that you try out Shows “A, B, and C” because they are similar” (or different, or whatever).
Wouldn’t that at least be an explanation of what’s going on? I’m sure people would be upset about a show leaving but at least this way the creator / distributor isn’t the direct cause of that rumor.
Change can be a good thing. But not if you surprise people with it by taking away their favorite things. That’s just a recipe for backlash.
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January 16, 2008
Off the Cuff: Anime as a PSA
Comics, Cartoons, and all things related
By Eric Barrett
Some days I’m amazed at just how far cartoons and comics have come to influence daily life. Yesterday as I was watching TV there was an anti-drug advertisement. That’s not totally unusual. You see those PSA’s all the time. But what struck me is that this commercial was in cartoon form.
Specifically anime.
There’s no question that anime has had a profound impact on our entertainment. Cartoon Network’s lineup (especially Adult Swim) is comprised mostly of anime. Some people consider this a bad trend. Personally I like anime and it’s style, so I’m fine with it.
If the people who make PSA’s think anime is what it takes to “reach the kids”, then anime has reached critical mass in this country. And the good news is that it’s pulling comics and cartoons right behind it.
No word on whether it stops kids for doing drugs.
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