Forget the Fucking Swans
“I don’t think you understood me,” said Ben’s father. “I wish I could have showed you those swans.” “You don’t even know that about the swans,” said Ben, all in a rush. “How do you know their Dad has gone? You don’t know anything about the swans. You’re making it up. But you’re wrong. Their Dad is still with them, I bet. You’re just making it up and I hate you.” “The swans aren’t the important thing,” said his father. “Forget the fucking swans.”
By Sam Jordison.
Japanamerica: Create & Play, Anime Avatars in the USA
Imagine Second Life with avatars that look like anime characters, giving American and other English-speaking fans a chance to cosplay, to create their own anime-inspired avatars anytime they want, rather than waiting for the next area anime convention. Amid the dissonance of declining anime DVD and manga book sales abroad and at home and the escalating numbers of overseas fans attending conventions and expos, entrepreneurs are beginning to see an opportunity: reach the fans via new networks of accessibility, and you might just survive.
By Roland Kelts.