For the Otaku/Gamers out there..... [Archive]

TsunadeChic

11-07-2005, 02:34 AM

I'm pretty old as these kinds of forums go- I'm 26, and will be 27 in January (don't spread that around here....I don't want people to not talk to me cause I'm an old lady- there's a reason my nick and fave character in the series is Ms. Tsunade). At any rate, I wonder if any of you all out there have any ideas on this subject:

When do you reveal your gamer/otaku/whatever fandom status to people? Especially in a professional environment.... or even school. And how have people reacted?

I'm always viewed with a mix of "that freak" and these people who have an odd curiosity about the whole thing.... so I like Ninjas, Pirates, anime, games, manga...... which leads me to the whole acceptable/non-acceptable fandom thing.

Why is it I get looked at as weird for liking the stuff I like, but the guys in the cubes 2 down from me playing their fnatasy sport of choice or poker are OK?

I don't know, just looking for thoughts, advice, etc... please let me know!!

Always,

Tsunade-sama

Zouri

11-07-2005, 03:54 AM

Well, as far as I've been concerned, I pretty much have that known almost from the get go. There's nothing wrong with liking any of the above for sure, and you can still have a friendship with the person in question. As far as people who think your a freak, well, to put it simply they suck. No need to worry about them if they don't want to like you for what you like. There will be people who still like you for who you are, regardless of what you like.

As for why your fandom isn't accepted while other's are, it's simply advertising's fault. Everyone thinks that fantasy football and sports games are so cool, personally I don't know what makes them so great. Why not just get out and play the sport? Seems like more fun than sitting there with a controler planning your next team or passing a football or whatever. Anyway, back to the point at hand, advertising will always look at one fandom better than others. Even though there basically the same thing, one is marketed to the general public, while the other isn't. Then, people start to think of one as better than the other. And that's how that division is made.

Lastly, your post count looks like your quite new to the fourm. Welcome to Naruto Fourms! Hope you enjoy your stay here.

TsunadeChic

11-07-2005, 03:59 AM

Thanks- I've gotten quite a nice welcome from everyone here, and it makes me happy to know so many Naruto fans are out there from all over the globe!

Thanks for the comments and advice, too, it's truly appreciated. It's difficult to understand the whole society standards when you just don't care about them. I can't say that I'm sad more people at work don't identify with me, but I'm also proud and happy to be who I am, like it or not.

It's nice to know that I'm not alone out there- thanks again for the reply!!

Zouri

11-07-2005, 04:13 AM

I can relate with the whole not understanding society thing. Especially when everyone already expects you to be on the same page. The best thing a person can do is just get out there and make themselves known. Eventually, people will find you.

Also, good for you, not changing for anyone else. I've been down that road and that's something that you probably want to avoid. Your just lying to yourself in the long run of things, anyway.

There are millions upon millions of people who are gamer/otaku/ whatever you want to call em's. They just don't broadcast it much. And I know that you'll enjoy NF. It really grows on you.

TsunadeChic

11-07-2005, 04:16 AM

Again, thanks for understanding- It's stuff like that that helps me keep the courage not to change for anyone. Even corporate America... and I work for a pretty huge company. lying to yourself's just too much work for me- and I want to make friends who will accept me for who I really am anyway.

I try and pay attention to subtle things that will help identify fellow fandom-people. Stickers, screensavers, etc. I look, it's just that we're all dispersed. ^_^

I'm glad to be here, especially cause I can meet cool people like you! Keep in touch!

TsunadeChic

11-07-2005, 04:25 AM

Thank you!! ^_^ I'm glad you're around to help me out!

Master Scorpion

11-07-2005, 04:33 AM

hey I have a wrong address hey c'mon join tsunade and sasuke fanclub tsunade-sama I want to be your partner :P

TsunadeChic

11-07-2005, 04:36 AM

If you can, let me know where the link would be to that fanclub and I'll check it out for sure ^_^

Master Scorpion

11-07-2005, 04:46 AM

hehe..I am such your stalker :redface....................nooooooooo
it's so embarrassing :crying
oh yah..here is the links
Sasuke fanclub http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=285&page=302
Tsunade fanclub http://forums.narutofan.com/showthread.php?t=13699
Alright see ya around :glomp

Awryon

11-07-2005, 04:46 AM

At my school (n Australia), the exposure to anime was pretty limited. I was known as a bit of an anime geek, but meh fuck it, anime is the shit. Anyway yehh, I agree, it's good that communities like this exist. I mean some of the posts I've seen are pretty wierd (i use this term loosely lol), but overall it's been great. newbs gotta stick together tsunade lol

TsunadeChic

11-07-2005, 04:51 AM

Thank you!!

TsunadeChic

11-07-2005, 04:52 AM

You're right Awryon- for at one time, we were all n00bs.

Chamcham Trigger

11-07-2005, 05:05 AM

I basically say what I'm in to when someone asks or when the subject comes up. If someone asks me my hobbies, then I'll say them. Everything has a place and time to be addressed.

blacklusterseph004

11-07-2005, 06:40 AM

I think it may be to do with your particular age group. I find though that anime/gamers aren't seen as weird in younger age groups because everyone has been exposed to it. The teenagers of today grew up with 32-bit consoles and dragonballz. Also, I think that thanks to the internet, there are far weirder fandoms than anime or gaming.

Either way, there's no use trying to hide what your interests are, because you just end up overlooking the people who could really be good friends who share the same interests.

Danny Lilithborne

11-07-2005, 06:46 AM

It's a pretty different culture in the past than it used to be. Most of the people who'd object to my continued lifestyle of video games and anime are walking a path I'm not interested in following anyway. I make an effort to not hold back and reveal who I am to everyone I come across, but it doesn't mean I advertise it either. I just answer questions honestly, and if the result is a lost opportunity for friendship, comme ci comme ca.

Kateryu

11-07-2005, 10:09 AM

Ah, 27 isn't that old for a gaming freak! ^_^ One of my best Otaku/Gaming friends is 27 or 28, and married. He's got a whole crew of people from his work that get together and watch Evangelion on the company equipment. He throughs gaming parties at his house, and his mother-in-law comes and plays Grand Theft Auto. I won't say he's not a geek... but he's still cool. ^_^ Hey, to be honest, I'm 19, and most of my friends think I'm too old for anime. So don't fret about it too much; even if you do tell them and they think it's stupid, they'll probably just ignore it and still hang out with you. Now, that doesn't mean you'll be able to get them to sit down and have a Naruto marathon with you, but still...

uncanny_sama

11-07-2005, 10:13 AM

doesnt give a shit about other peoples thoughts of my hobby :amuse

TsunadeChic

11-07-2005, 10:33 AM

I'm just trying to do the best I can at work.. . . I'm glad to know I'm not alone, and thanks to these wonderful forums, I get advice AND to chat about Naruto, two most awesome things.

Thank you to each of you! Keep in touch!

Kateryu

11-08-2005, 01:55 AM

Aw, sweet! TsunadeChic, you're from OH? I didn't notice that. I am too. ^_^

Lord Yu

11-08-2005, 01:59 AM

First more people from the buckeye state huzzah! ^^ Anyway I'm a very outspoken Anime and game geek. I'm a gamer and an anime fan and damn proud of it!

Kateryu

11-08-2005, 06:04 AM

Buckeyes rule, man. ^_^

TsunadeChic

11-08-2005, 10:37 AM

I'm a big fan of the Buckeyes- I'm a transplant from NY a couple years ago from NY, but Ohio's really become home ^_^

neko-sennin

11-08-2005, 11:47 AM

In public, I usually only approach people who either show signs of already being interested, or who are demonstrating an active curiosity. I don't try to "convert" anyone to anything; if they don't want to talk about anime/manga/games, I never force the subject.

At work, I wear a couple lapel pins with characters from "Azumanga Daioh" and let people think what they will.

Overall, I'm just a dude who happens to like anime.

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/scoot_the_koan/osaka_power_sig_02.jpg

CrazyMoronX

11-08-2005, 01:26 PM

I don't talk to people at work socially, so it never really comes up. Actually, I have no friends except for one, and he at least like some anime.

I'm just a terrible person to begin with, and people at work hate me, and don't talk to me.

I think the reason people look down on it however, is ignorance. They believe comics and cartoons are strictly for kids, and anime and manga in their view, is no different.

TsunadeChic

11-08-2005, 08:12 PM

I don't treat it as a matter of converting anyone- like you said, seeking people out who show signs of interest.

Rock the Azumangah Daiyoh!! ^_^

RAGING BONER

11-11-2005, 10:06 PM

When do you reveal your gamer/otaku/whatever fandom status to people? Especially in a professional environment.... or even school.
whoa whoa whoa! are you mad woman?! you NEVER EVER reveal your geek status to a "normy" who hasn't first shown an indication that he would even remotely understand our strange fascination with fictional characters who power up and what have you...

you play it cool, show neither interest or disinterest...learn all you can first, and if at all possible always keep such things to yourself. your life will be much more productive, will run smoother and the people IN said life will be far more attractive.And how have people reacted?
I wouldn't know...but let me tell you ive heard horror stories of the mockery and ass whoopings recieved by those who did expose themselves.

luckily i'm from an attractive gene pool and suspicion has never been cast upon me...but i can only imagine those poor bastards out there that must endure endless hours of torment and mockery from less inspired peoples who can't understand our addictions.

keep it to yourself and have a nice life.

TsunadeChic

11-12-2005, 02:22 AM

whoa whoa whoa! are you mad woman?! you NEVER EVER reveal your geek status to a "normy" who hasn't first shown an indication that he would even remotely understand our strange fascination with fictional characters who power up and what have you...

you play it cool, show neither interest or disinterest...learn all you can first, and if at all possible always keep such things to yourself. your life will be much more productive, will run smoother and the people IN said life will be far more attractive. I wouldn't know...but let me tell you ive heard horror stories of the mockery and ass whoopings recieved by those who did expose themselves.

luckily i'm from an attractive gene pool and suspicion has never been cast upon me...but i can only imagine those poor bastards out there that must endure endless hours of torment and mockery from less inspired peoples who can't understand our addictions.

keep it to yourself and have a nice life.

Thanks for the advice... any way you look at it, it isn't an easy situation to deal with. I've pretty much done what you've said since... just kind of played cool and let the people around me deal with it. I've been nice, friendly, and people know I'm interested in other things, too. It's just a unique interest. I'm glad you posted here on this thread!

neko-sennin

11-12-2005, 10:26 AM

Rock the Azumangah Daiyoh!! ^_^

Woo-hoo! :smile-big More Daioh fans!

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b180/scoot_the_koan/osaka_power_sig_02.jpg

TsunadeChic

11-14-2005, 02:40 AM

*Much love to the Buckeye State* I'm a transplant from New York here, and the gaming/anime community out here has really helped me! i've made lots of friends through it, and met lots of amazing people.

If either of you are going to Ohayocon, look me up!!

ShadelessNyght

11-14-2005, 03:20 AM

Ever since I got into Anime and Video games as a main thing to do, I have let it be known. Only problem with that is, I have lost alot or friends, or gained fake ones because of it. They would be my friend since I was known to get the newer games and things, then when they got bored with it leave me fully. Its was a double edged sword at times. Also doesn't help that based on the school I go to in Connecticut, mostly all that is ever talked about is Rap and other things.

But >_> I don't let it get to me. I openly talk about what I like and if they have a problem they can deal with it. It may also help that for halloween I walked around dressed as Kakashi, and normally tend to wear different cosplay materials I have picked up. Why waste them to only be worn at cons?

TsunadeChic

11-14-2005, 03:24 AM

ShadelessNyght- awesome attitudes. I think in any situation, you've got to pick and choose your friends wisely. It's important to make sure your friends make you happy and are there for you, rather than just making you wonder if they're going to stab you in the back. I need to remember that sometimes, cause I really want to believe in everyone.

ShadelessNyght

11-14-2005, 03:31 AM

Yeah, but it definatly took me a while to figure that out for myself. It is important to express what you like and who you really are, it is the best way to make the friends that you know you can share a fun time and experience with. It also helps you to know that the interest you have can grow together so they won't be the type to leave you.

Besides being an anime fan or game fan rocks now adays. Look at all the Cons we can go to that are actually extremely fun and active. Beats out any football game or pep rally by a mile. :laugh

If you want to talk about any other randomness as well, don't be afraid to drop me a line. I like talking about various things of interest or otherwise.