Mt-Maigetsu: Issue No 3
banner made by eunasahng
CONTENTS
Wassup in this issue?
A/ i/Recently in Minitokyo:
What's going on in MT
A/ ii/Ask a Mod Mai-chan's Mail bag!
All your questions have been answered :3
B/ i/Did you know?
All about Anime Watchlists
B/ ii/What Not to Do in MT
PoPuLaR-chan's back!
C/ Cult Classic
What's new in the anime world?
D/ Featured Member
Creator of the cutest character
E/ Featured Group
Because vectoring isn't the only modern way to good wallpapers
F/ Get to Know Your MT Staff!
It's Brom's turn
G/ Competitions and Projects
Are you missing out on the fun? Join on in while you can
H/ Group Ads
Looking for a new group to join, or to make new friends?
I/ Have your say!
Remember, we need you to keep sending us PMs <3
J/ The Usual Stuff
Crunchy links you can't live without!
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A/ i/RECENTLY IN MINITOKYO...
Abstract
Gallery
Has anyone noticed that the old Abstract Art Gallery is missing? Many have probably realised, but after much
deliberation and the movement of a large number of gallery items the abstract art section is no more. It was felt by
many that although there were some great artworks in there, an abundance of random unexplainable renders were also
present. In an attempt to move back towards MiniTokyo's main purpose as well as tidy up the galleries, the section has
been removed. There is of course discussion about how to approach certain art types and their placement within the
galleries.
New Wallpaper
size
You can now submit 1280x800 wallpapers! Rejoice widescreen users!
Doujinshi Minimum Size
Requirement
This was put into place about a year ago, but just a reminder that all doujinshi need to be 600,000px or greater (just
multiply the width and height), and please do NOT just put borders around to make it fit the requirements, or do any
enlarge it digitally. Either make a larger scan, or draw bigger. Regarding the old doujins submitted before the policy
was implemented, artwork below 500,000px will be deleted. However, you can resubmit a larger version as long as it's
good quality.
MT Knowledge
Quiz
With little more in the way of new developments here's a little quiz to fill in the gaps, test your knowledge of MT and
also in the next issue it will provide a little education. Easiest first.
1. Where are MiniTokyo Servers Located?
2. When was MiniTokyo created?
3. What version of MiniTokyo is currently running?
4. How many admins are currently on Minitokyo?
-Bonus points if you can say who they are and what they do.
5. Who is/are the longest serving moderator(s).
6. Name 7 different moderators.
-Bonus points if you can guess the approximate date they were appointed!
7. The MTM is 1 of 3 sister accounts on MT. Who are the other 2?
8. Who made this quiz?
If you think you know all the answers, send a PM to littlejonny100 with the subject QUIZ:ANSWERS and any outstanding responses will be recognised in the next issue!
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A/ ii/ASK A MOD! Mai-chan's mailbag
Before we even start this section I wish to start with a very appropriate quote from the most lovely fireflywishes.
Quote by fireflywishesWe didn't have too many people write to Mai-chan this month (and she feels sad!).
Have a question? Want to ask a mod something? About Minitokyo or the MTM? Here're the answers! To ask a question, PM MTM (subject: MY VOICE).
Quote by Saa-chanCan the previous issues be linked too? Like issue 4 would have links to issues 3,2,1.
All the previous issues can be found on Mai-chan's userpage, so go pay her a little visit.
Specific PMs
The following was answered by fireflywishes
Quote by sailorchironIs there a list somewhere of all the mods and what they moderate?
Why yes there is! Courtesy of kuroimisa, the Moderators Group here at MT ( Moderators ) now has a nifty table that shows what section(s) each Moderator is responsible for. (Though some of the forum queries can also be answered by Mods other than the ones stated.)
Most moderators will be keeping an eye on more than just their own sections, there are also various issues that cannot simply be directed at a specific moderator such as harassment issues or the occasional internet scamming account that appears (yes, even here). In incidents that require quick action reporting is generally the best method as well as contacting the nearest moderator. If an incident may require confidentiality then contact the moderator you'd feel most comfortable talking with.
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That concludes September's "Your Voice - Ask-A-Mod" section. We thank all members who contributed even if we were unable to acknowledge you. Remember: If you don't ask, we wont tell so keep those mails coming!
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B/ i/DID YOU KNOW?
The Anime Watchlist
There are a few fun features many members seem to miss, one such feature is the anime watchlist. On the right of your Userpage, see where it says 'Random Seen Animes'? It seems a lot of people haven't mastered this feature yet so here's a nice quick walkthrough.
What is it?... I think the best answer would be that it's your Random Seen
Animes!
So how do I make one?... Go to 'Control Panel' --> hit 'My Anime' and start
adding.
The most important question some may ask is what's the point? Well here are some
good reasons.
- You can let the world see how you rate an anime!
- A lot can be said by seeing what animes people have and haven't enjoyed. e.g. that littlejonny100 should leave the
house more!
- No need for 'give me a new anime' threads that those dam mods keep closing...Instead of asking for lists of random
animes, go to one of your friends watchlists and use what anime they have enjoyed as your new suggestions.
For the next reasons we'll use Air as an example. In the Air page you can see on the left that it has been 'Seen By 825 members' and 'Favored By 3,757 members'. Your watchlist is influencing the 'seen by' statistics and it becomes obvious there are at least 2932 members who have seen Air but haven't added it to their lists! You can also see the comments taken straight from members wacthlists, is yours there?
Well now, dear member, you know what it is and now you know why it's there. For your own sake and that of all those dear to you, you must fill yours NOW!
Article written by littlejonny100
===
B/ ii/WHAT NOT TO DO IN MT
Part III: Dealing with Deletions and Forum
Fun
Two days after registering in MT, and you're starting to get a hang of settling in in this online community. You've fully customized your userpage, and have gotten the whole credit situation under control by submitting scans found in a free online gallery.
Day three, you log into MT, and yay, you have some messages! There are comments and faves (yay!) on what you've uploaded yesterday, and oh look, some people have already posted in your guestbook. Yes, the presence of POpUlaR-cHaN is felt on MT! And, you're happy to discover, your credit count went up. Life is good.
Hmm, wait, there are also a few PMs from somebody named botchii...You begin to wonder who this botchii is, and why she PMed you multiple times. And why the subject titles all start with "Deletion of..."
Ah well, you decide to put that aside for now, because you want to read those comments on your scans. So you click on the link, and...you're faced with a page that says "Quarantine". Now you're confused. Where are those comments? You look through your gallery, and find that you can't view any of the scans you've uploaded. Oh no! Is it a bug?
You spot a Bug Reports forum, and immediately start a thread there asking why you can't see any of your scans, even though this was already covered in that Common problems in MT thread you were directed to before.
While you wait for a reply, you check your guestbook entries. Most people have dropped by to say thank you for faving their stuff, and some have even given you bright colourful cards to decorate your guestbook and page. Deciding to act friendly, you reply by pasting a big image of a cute anime girl saying "you're welcome".
You check your messages again. Oh yeah, there were those PM's from this botchii person. You open one, and it says "Your scan titled 'Cute Anime Girl' has been removed due to the following reasons..."
You read through, but don't understand it. "Removed"? What do they mean by "removed"? What was wrong with the scans, they were big enough weren't they? Oh...is that why you can't see any of your images, 'cause they've been "deleted"? But why? Why would they delete your pictures?
You decide to ask this botchii person why they're deleting your stuff, so you click on the link, but that gives you an error, making your more confused. So you complain in that thread you've made, hoping that someone would explain who botchii is, and why they're so mean.
Feeling bored, you decide to make your presence felt in the forums. You go in the chat lounge and post something in every single thread on the first 2 pages. Hey, these threads are fun. You decide to post in some of the In-depth Discussion and General Anime/Manga Talk threads, ranting out your opinion to the world, without looking at the last posted date to see that some are 53 weeks old. Finally, you decide to take a poll on how many people luv Sasuke, so you start a thread titled "WhO hErE tHiNks SaSukE iS HaWt?". Of course, you didn't bother reading the guidelines to see that these types of favourites threads are not allowed.
After your forum exploit, you come back to discover that you've got some replies to your thread. Yay, now the mystery shall be solved!
The moderator who answered told you that it's not a bug, it's because your scans were deleted due to various reasons, such as enlarging scans, or uploading screencaps, or taking scans from sites on the list of non-allowable sources; and those reasons were given to you in botchii's PM messages. You were given a link to that boring, long, policy page that you're just too lazy to read. Again, you skip over the page, who reads these things anyway.
Finally, the moderator explained that botchii is not a person; it's the automatic messaging system that moderators use to notify users of deletions. Botchii is not real, and therefore, you can't access her page.
Ah well, you shrug, so what if your pics get deleted, you'd get credits, right? So you go ahead and enlarge a few more pictures and screencaps and upload them for easy credits.
However, before you log off for the day, you receive a guestbook entry from a moderator. Yay! Maybe you're finally getting recognized or something. The moderator's comment says: "You've been enlarging scans and uploading poor-quality screenshots as scans. This is against the MT policy, therefore, consider this as your First warning. Continue to upload enlarged images, and you'll be restricted, three warnings and you'll be banned."
Oh no, you feel slightly panicked. You're not sure what "restricted" means, but "banned" doesn't sound too good, and neither does "warning". So you reply to the moderator, asking what it means to be restricted, as well as plead to her that you were new here and didn't know about the policy, and you will never do it again.
The moderator replied back, telling you that "restricted" means you can no longer upload anything into the gallery. Also, she said that being new isn't an excuse, because you should have read the policy upon registering. Besides, someone already replied to your thread that what you're doing isn't allowed.
After reading that, you feel...disappointed, angry, and sad. So you can't upload those screencaps you've put together anymore, nor upload those easy scans... Now how are you gonna get credits? You think that maybe you should read that thread about gaining credits after all. But you decide to put it off 'til later, because you don't feel like reading it, and right now, your credits seem fine.
It was getting late, so you decide to log off for the day. Tomorrow, you decide to think up new ways of gaining credits, without getting yourself restricted or banned.
To be continued...Next time, POpUlaR-cHaN explores groups and starts making her own wallpapers
Article written by MapleRose
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C/ CULT CLASSIC
Boys & Girls!
Welcome back to Cult Classic Round 3!
As MTM glides into it's third edition, we make sure to keep you posted on all the important stuff. After all, Cult Classic is all Anime and Manga, all the
time!
So, are you ready?
This month we dive head-first into the world of illustrated story telling by taking a close look at two top selling
manga titles straight from Japan and find out how they've seamlessly taken over other forms of popular Japanese media.
The highly renowned Death Note series headlines this month's first edition of
Manga-Manic. Then, we'll hit you again with another slam-style edition of CC: By Request where CLAMP Studio's acclaimed series xxxHolic steals the limelight.
From Cover To Cover,
I'm you Cult Classic writer,
UV ^___^
This Month: Cult Classic Goes Manga-Manic
Chapter 1: Write To Me: The Death Note
Revolution
RATING ADVICE: Viewers Please Note: The following manga title has been rated T+ by Viz Media Publishing. All novels within this series and are recommended for an Older Teenage audience 16 years of age and up. This series contains course language, adult themes and moderate violence. Booksellers may ask for Age Verifying Identification prior to the sale of this series.
"Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects- and he's bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rouge Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal...or his life?"
In 2003 author, Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator, Takeshi Obata teamed together to tell a modern manga story unlike any other presently in print. We've all heard of plenty of good-guy/bad-guy stories in the past, but how many of them can you remember posed a moral and psychological dilemma potent enough to shake the very constructs of modern Japanese society? The twelve volume 'Death Note' manga epic stepped up to the mark quite bravely, unapologetic of its severe nature or unsettling concepts.
'Death Note' is a tale exquisitely constructed to confront the much loved idea of maliciously neutral Gods over-shadowing the realms of Earthly humanity as master players of a chess game the human eye cannot entirely perceive. Meanwhile, the pawns, in this case the possible anti-hero, Light, is left to draw conclusions about the fate of the mortal race following his discovery of the Death notebook. Is Light nothing more than a warped serial killer with a devastating superiority complex? Or perhaps, a modern-day saint aiding the hand of natural selection?
It's certainly refreshing to find a series that merges supernatural occurrences with realistic police authoritarian
investigative action.
From the very first page, 'Death Note' is a tale that draws you in and refuses to let you go. A spellbinding,
edge-of-your-seat thriller with a marvellously complex story which proves its self physiologically engaging and
indisputably challenging.
On the illustration front, Obata has successfully merged classic basic line art elements with richly detailed ink
productions from panel to panel to immerse the reader within a unique and emotive selection of camera frames.
'Death Note' won its English translation license to acclaimed publishers, Shonen Jump
Advanced and Viz Media Publishing in September 2005. Since then the series
has been re-printed a whopping seven times over with the latest reprint occurring in February 2007 and the 12th and
final volume being released in English on July 3 of the same year.
But that wasn't all! 'Death Note's' unquenchable fame extended into the popular realm of anime in October 2006 when
director, Tetsuro Araki and Madhouse Studios Japan joined forces to animate
thirty-seven, twenty-three minute episodes faithfully reproducing the manga's original storyline in live action to
international acclaim.
Remarkably enough Japanese film director Shusuke Kaneko in tandem with Warner Brothers
Films Japan wasted no time recognizing that 'Death Note' was a story that could do more than simply present its
self as a 2D page for page medium. Its immense popularity with audiences across the globe deemed reason enough to
collaborate an exciting young cast of actors and actresses and thus bring the 'Death Note' experience to the big screen!
On the 17th of June 2006 'Death Note' the
live action movie was released winning four acclaimed Japanese film awards and a further two prestigious nominations
including Best Asian Film and Best Supporting
Actor. 'Death Note: The Last Name'
was subsequently released on the 3rd of November 2006 and followed on from the events of the first film replicating that
of the manga's original story to the massive satisfaction of Japanese film fans everywhere.
Click These Notes If You Dare:
Japan's Shueisha
Official Manga Site
Viz Media's Official English Manga
Listing Site
Viz Media's Official Death Note Anime Site
NTV Japan's Official Death Note Anime Site
Japan's Official Warner Bros. Live Action Movie
Website
Cult Classic: By Request
Chapter 2: Facing The Addiction:
xxxHolic
RATING ADVICE: Viewers Please Note: The following manga title has been rated T+ by Del Ray Manga. All novels within this series and are recommended for a Teenage audience 13 years of age and up. This series contains mild fantasy violence and mild young-adult themes. Parental guidance may be required.
"Watanuki Kimihiro is haunted by visions of ghosts and spirits. Seemingly by chance, he encounters a mysterious witch named Yuko, who claims she can help. In desperation he accepts, but realizes that he's just been tricked into working for Yuko in order to pay off the cost of her services. Soon he's employed in her little shop- a job that turns out to be nothing like his previous work experience!'
Extraordinarily famous CLAMP Studios, creators of titles such as Chobits, Legal Drug and X/1999 have had a long running history of penning manga classics friendly to young and old audiences alike. Often laced with outrageous, over the top humour, other times subdued by a sombre heavyweight of mystery and intrigue, 'xxxHolic' the seamless 'Tsubasa' manga crossover is a unique blend of supernatural mystery and unsettling reality.
First published in Japan in 2003, the 'xxxHolic' series presently spans ten novels marvellously illustrated in that
elaborate elegance of unique liner simplicity and vivid characterization that is the so renowned trademark of CLAMP
creations.
Secondarily to this, CLAMP's remarkable infusion of light-hearted comedy is injected within the antics of our story's
hero, Watanuki. A respectable young man whom met with a series of unfortunate events leaving him orphaned, taught him
early on the responsibilities of self-maintenance as a means of everyday survival. He is kind natured if not a little
highly strung, however circumstances which plague him with frequent supernatural encounters find themselves the most
potent cause of his aggravation.
Enter Yuko.
A Time Witch selling dreams and promises in a little shop for under the cost of a soul but not necessarily at a
reasonable price. A lover of gourmet food and perhaps a little too much rice wine and nicotine. Her prowess at
divination appears bounteous and more often than not, chillingly correct.
Upon her encounter with Watanuki, her proposed agreement seems too good to be true. Watanuki sometimes wagers it is, but
dutiful to the very last; he is resolute in paying his debt and the possibility of freedom from his visions glitters
brilliantly.
'xxxHolic' is a captivating tale to witness in regards to the customers Yuko's little shop pulls in. Following the fates
of her clients can sometimes leave you cold. Meanwhile a potent subtext of extremely realistic philosophy as
encapsulated by Yuko's prose engages the reader into thinking outside the square. Perhaps now would be the best time to
reveal that Yuko's business stands to cater simultaneously between the cures for and addictions of her patrons. The
tripe 'X' in the title stands to express the unknown which is filled in by the desires of those fated to land on her
doorstep.
'xxxHolic' was first published in English by Del Ray Manga in May 2004. The tenth English novel in the series became available to the public on the 31st of July 2007. Not surprisingly like most of CLAMP's famed titles, 'xxxHolic' was picked up as an anime adaptation by Production I.G. Studios on the 6th of April 2006 where it was beautifully produced into a twenty-four episode series (with OVA films following) directed by Tsutomu Mizushima. 'xxxHolic' was later licensed by FUNimation Entertainment for English release.
Granting Your Wishes Are A Click Away:
Del
Ray Manga's Official English Tsubasa/xxxHolic Manga Listing Site
Japan's Official Clamp Studios Site
Japan's Official TBS xxxHolic Anime Site
Kimihiro: xxxHolic Manga & Anime Fan Site
Article written by UV
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D/ FEATURED MEMBER
The Minitokyo staff would like to recognize segnoj as MTM's Featured Member for September 2007 because of his excellent contributions to the doujinshi section, especially in the form of a much-loved original character exclusive to MT - Zuru!
segnoj first came across MT almost three years ago while searching for Kino no Tabi wallpapers. Tama-Neko's walls had him hooked and he has stayed on ever since. He originally started drawing Zuru because he wanted to fill up his gallery, but then got truly motivated after more and more people started expressing their love for Zuru.
segnoj likes to juggle in his free time. He learned juggling for no particular reason, but finds it to be a fun activity that helps him think sometimes. He would like to see a customize group form that's similar to the customize userpage area sometime in MT's future, and wants to reiterate that Zuru won't be appearing as much going forward. Instead he plans to focus on drawing more human characters and improving things currently lacking in his drawings - gradually working towards his dream of being able to draw his own manga someday.
Article written by flyindreams
Banner made by MapleRose
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E/ FEATURED GROUP
was started by candy-chan,
because "vectoring isn't the only modern way to good wallpapers". The goal of P-o-R is to promote digital and
traditional painting, particularly in wallpapers. The group gives people a chance to come out and try digital painting
as a technique. Members both new and experienced in painting, help each other improve by creating and sharing tutorials
and tips. There is also a list of off-site tutorials and resources for members to reference.
Since its creation, P-o-R has hosted 3 contests, and is currently hosting its 1st project. The group has brought digital painting as a new and cool way to create beautiful wallpapers.
Banner and article by MapleRose
===
F/ GET TO KNOW YOUR MT STAFF!
This month we find out about one of our dear Wallpaper Mods, bromithia! However,
due to busy schedules, this interview was conducted via PM.
------------------------------
fireflywishes (F): As one of the walling Mods, what are some common mistakes that
members make when submitting their walls?
bromithia (B): Most of the time, and this goes for all parts of the gallery, I
never see people giving enough description about the process of the piece.
That's true, remember folks... 2 words or a smiley does not constitute an adequate
description!
F: Besides being just a Moderator, you are also a waller yourself. How would you
define your walling "style"? (grunge, simple, etc.)
B: My walling style is pretty much a mix of vectoring, textures, and a touch of
scenic. I don't know how better to describe it.
F: What inspires you/your walls?
B: Music, movies, and especially the scans that are submitted to
Minitokyo.
F: What tips do you have for new/fledgling wallers?
B: Just to keep trying and improving with every wallpaper you create. Getting a
wallpaper deleted certainly isn't the end of the world, as well!
F: Have you ever seen a wallpaper that just made you stop and go
"WOW"?
B: Of course. An example of one would be Dreams and Reality by chubbykitty.
----------------------
And as always... forward the random questions! \(^o^)/
F: Who would be your anime girlfriend?
B: Haha. Sora from Kaleido Star!
F: Corniest joke that you know.
B: Why did the chicken cross the road?
To get to the other side.
F: Top 5 movies of all time.
B: In no order: Little Miss Sunshine, Kill Bill 1 & 2, Children Of Men, and V
For Vendetta.
F: What inanimate object do you identify with?
B: My iPod, because I usually always have a song stuck in my head.
F: What foreign country would you love to travel to someday?
B: France, Italy, Japan, and many many more.
F: Describe yourself in 5 words.
B: Tall, outgoing, athletic, weird, and geeky.
F: What would be your theme song? (can be any genre/language)
B: "Don't Stop Me Now" - Queen
F: Well, that just about wraps things up for this month's edition of "Get To Know Your MT Staff!" If you would like to nominate a Mod to be interviewed for next month, or if you have any burning questions that you would like me to ask in an interview then send them my way! This is fireflywishes, signing off!
Article written by fireflywishes
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G/ COMPETITIONS AND PROJECTS
(in alphabetical order)
DSC's Banner Contest
Doujinshi-Support-Club is in need of a new
banner. So all you doujin artists out there, go create a banner for the group! Guidelines and deadline can be found in
the announcement thread.
Announcement: It's Banner Contest Time!
Purokon
Walling project/contest for Celestial-Luminesse, with lots of fun and challenging rules and
themes. Check it out! Deadline is Sept 20.
Announcement: Contest! XD a.k.a purokon
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H/ GROUP ADS
-
Addicted to vectoring? Then this is the group for you, both newbies and experienced vectorers are welcome
- Do you like walling as much as vectoring? Why not combine the two
- Love Ayumi Hamasaki? Here is the main group to praise all of Ayu's Wonders
- Fans of the new anime Darker than Black unite
- Come in to Howl's
Moving Castle
- A place for fans of Gundam SEED/Destiny to gather
- Support
Doujinshi!
===
I/ HAVE YOUR SAY!
Want to see your group advertised? Want to nominate a group or a member you feel is worthy of a pat on the back, and a standing ovation from the Minitokyo community?
Check out this thread: HERE. Remember, we need
your PMs- MTM LOVES receiving your Private Messages- so keep them coming :D
The MTM is determined by you! ^^
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Below are banners: featured member, featured group, a MTM writer and I <3 MTM banner (free for use by everyone).
Feel free to use these banners anywhere you want- signature, group page, userpage or even personal blog/ site! Please
click them to get the hosting link.
---
Looking forward to your company next month (and keep sending me PMs T.T)
From botchii, with love
Call me Mai-chan <3
===
J/ THE USUAL STUFF
All
about the Mt-Maigetsu: requests, ads and features --> To know how to advertise and nominate your group or member
you would like to see on the MTM!
The Policy --> A must read!
The Userguide
--> For day to day living!
Forum
guidelines --> Keeping it clean!
Common problems and
their solutions --> Got you covered!
Visit HeadQuarters for more juicy goodness or contact your nearest friendly moderator.
Links compiled by LittleJonny100
.
==--== ==--==
(c) Mt-Maigetsu 2007; any part of the Mt-Maigetsu or in its entirety cannot be reproduced in other publications without prior permission from the author(s). If you wish to share the Mt-Maigetsu, simply share the url- thank you.
Thanks to kokuyu for the
disclaimer reminder!
