When it comes to fandom I don’t think words like evolution or regression really suit it. I would say it’s more along the lines of just becoming more mature and knowing what suits you. Despite the fact that I regularly keep up with anime, I would probably be lumped more towards the casual fan category because I don’t subscribe to the hardcore otaku train of thought.

While I don’t recommend the otaku lifestyle lightly to anyone, We Remember Love is a cheerleader to those who do embrace it (particularly those of a Macross bend).

Interestingly enough, I know many people who are casual anime fans. My brothers, my co-blogger Mechafetish’s brothers (between us that’s a total of 6 boys) and a number of close friends like anime and have enjoyed shows in the past in varying degrees.

This is all good, and there’s no real pressure to distinguish identity. I’m real glad you stopped by. You’re always welcome!

The term “otaku” is too strong to use to define most fans of anime, or people who just enjoy anime. The problem is the general public generalizes, and herein lies the misconception that all otaku are hardcore, or at least, a menace to public society.

I am not one either. I enjoy the interactions I have with other peeps in the community, either blogging or anime, like collecting figures but not overboard, and enjoy my anime. That is all.

I also pondered over this question many times, exactly how “Otaku” am I? When I weigh my manga reading hobby with say, gaming, I noted that I react similarly to both where I would pay attention to them only if I have the time or money to spare. For example the long holidays (especially the December holidays). I would pay more attention to anime and games in December while I’m capable of totally avoiding both when school gets busy. Perhaps the burning passion only develops if one has the time and money. (:

I see a lot of my own behaviour in what you have described Caitlin. Pablo-kun described me as a Light Enthusiast the other day and i’d say that suits me better then someone regressing. I think I have moved on from being totally enthralled by anime but it still forms a large part of my life. Heck I have a blog and I have like.. 4 or 5 things going on all things that are about or on anime.

I think that it would be more accurate to say that I haven’t evolved into a more thoughtful fan but that I’ve simply regressed.

Perhaps devolve might work?

I consider myself casual, because I can face it that I don’t watch much animu (125-150 episodes since July). I love it, but the world I see is vast, and anime can only take just so much of me. Perhaps there is some logical proof to “an object within the context cannot be larger than the context itself.”

You know where the hard line might be … regular 4chan browsers, whoever has that much time … -_-

Also, I feel a good majority of bloggers aren’t hard otaku, they simply appreciate the media in their lives. (remember Music Appreciation, similar thing)

@Yamcha: Well, evolution can mean a progression to another (and usually more mature) stage. So it could be maturation but given that my initial stage and my current stage are almost identical (except that I’m choosier about what I watch), I’m not really sure if that applies. Regression may be the wrong word but I’m thinking my fandom has gone full circle, not linear.

@ghostlightning: I actually think that my personal identity has gotten stronger after stepping back from anime. It allowed me to look at other things and put this whole fandom into perspective. Needless to say, you will not find me at a convention unless I’m doing a sociological study.

@Panther: That’s true, most people don’t use the term “otaku” correctly in both Japanese and US versions of the definition. For that matter, they also don’t use NEET, freeter, and especially hikikkomori well either. I’d actually guess the latter term is more abused than the first term, but that’s a different post for another time.

@Hynavian: Time and money definitely play a role, particularly in a hobby so centered around money as this one. I have neither, at the moment!

@mellow_bunny: Light Enthusiast is a great term to describe the casual anime fan. It also removes the old question of “How otaku are you?”, which is great.

@Ryan A: Devolve would probably be better, if I’m setting up the argument of evolve. But see, there goes my English. I find that those uncommon words go by me recently. :( I would agree that most bloggers and even most anime fans aren’t hardcore otaku - but it’s a term that’s slowly losing its primary definition so who knows?

As some already mentioned most people use the term Otaku wrong…
My guess for why many Otakus ( as any other people with obsessive fandom) are so aggressive is that this is the only thing they can truly stand out and excel in life.
Youll have to cut off certain abilities/action to lead this lifestyle and become knowledgable in this small part of life.Youll lack certain abilities through that.
The only way to restore your selfconfidence is through the way to showcase your knowledge and credibility.This often happens through aggressive arguing since your way can be the only one since your so knowledgable.

Hope that makes sense.My english doesnt always carry over my message ^^
On a Sidenote:
Labeling people isnt cool either…
You arent cooler or worse just because you sticked a tag to yourself
The Older you become the more youll understand this truth.Thats why mostly the young people are the ones that care the most about it.

@Blowfish: I understand completely what you mean! ^_^ I’ve noticed that to excel in one area, another area gets swept to the side. Unfortunately, I don’t understand why people have to aggressively state their passion - I’m not talking about 10 minute monologues about how much they love anime, I’m talking about in our face belittling to complete strangers.

Labeling people isn’t cool - self-labeling is another thing. Like Panther mentioned, people often refer to themselves as otaku, whether they actually are or aren’t. I believe it arises out of a need for identity and community.

Interesting. As per Ghost’s post related to this, my anime fandom is fairly static, what changes (and at an increasingly fast rate this past month) is my blogdom fandom (or w/e).

I used to be an otaku back when hardly anyone in America knew what one was (back in ‘95-96). I quit anime for a number of years, and now I can’t get back into it, aside from watching a few Miyazaki films with my kids. I prefer doramas now.

Out of curiosity, what’s good in anime these days? I downloaded the first ep of Haruhi the other day (out of curiosity, though I haven’t watched it yet). Suggestions? Nothing gory, not into fanservice.

@2nihon: Honestly, I’m not the best person to ask that. I watch very little these days and I don’t keep entirely up to date with things. I would say recently, I haven’t enjoyed anything that I’d recommend wholeheartedly (except for Chi’s Sweet Home). But going back a few years, Ouran High School Host Club would have to be it. It’s a romantic comedy (or a comedy romance) and I don’t remember it being loaded with fan service.