Miscellaneous

Eight and a half years. It’s been eight and a half years since I first joined as a writer at Random Curiosity. It’s odd to think of it in retrospect, how an email rattled off to Divine at just the right time led to nearly a decade of writing about anime for people all around the world. In that time I’ve watched hundreds of anime and taken thousands of screenshots. I’ve managed RandomC’s day-to-day operations, making sure schedules were decided upon and previews went out on time, more or less. I’ve written editorials, taken part in podcasts, and published over a thousand blog posts, good for Top 5 among authors on this site to date … and when you factor in my legendary wordiness, particularly in those early days, I’ve probably published more words than most.

It’s odd to bring something like that to an end. It’s even more odd to wax nostalgic about what amounts to a decades-long unpaid part-time job. Yet here we are, as I indulge in some hard-earned nostalgia in this, my 1,056th, and final, RandomC post.

Over these past eight and a half years, I’ve learned many a lesson here at RandomC. Originally I was going to list them out and discuss a few, but that seemed even more self-interested than my opening paragraph, if that’s possible. I thought instead about what you, the reader, would be wondering about. Here’s what I came up with:

For those wondering what’s next for me: I’ll be around. I’ll still be lurking, like I did before I became a writer. I’ll still be in touch with the rest of the staff, so I can offer them the odd piece of helpful advice, after I’m finished giving them a hard time. I’ll still be writing, though it’s for clients now, which means I finally get paid, which is pretty sweet. I may even get back to writing books, if things go well enough. If you’re interested in any of that, I’m easy enough to find online, and you’re always welcome to drop me an email if you’d like to connect.

For those wondering what this means for RandomC: Don’t worry. I can’t say nothing will change; it will. I can’t say Random Curiosity will last forever; nothing does. But I can tell you that, as soon as I told the other writers I was stepping back, they started discussing how they would move forward. I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to leave Random Curiosity for the longest time, because I was worried what would happen if I did, but I needn’t have. There are people here who care about this community, and will work to make it a great place to nerd out about manga and anime, together.

Thank you to everyone who has read my writing these past eight and a half years. Thank you to everyone who has cheered me on, or had positive and uplifting things to say. Thank you to everyone who challenged me with kindness in your hearts. Thank you to all the writers I’ve worked alongside. When I talk to my friends and family about “my writers,” with pride swelling in my voice, they know who I’m talking about, and how much sharing this thing with you all has meant to me these many years.

Thank you to everyone who’s called me onii-chan, boss, senpai, the ecchi blogger (which I’m not, b-bakas!!), Stilts-chama, ojii-chan (you know who you are ಠ_ಠ), Stephen, and most of all, friend. Yes, I’m getting sentimental. I’m allowed! This is my one last bit of selfishness before I go.

I’ve had a lot of fun here at RandomC. I’m sad to see it end, even though I know it’s time to go. Thank you to everyone who’s made me and Random Curiosity part of your lives these past eight and a half years. I know the fun will continue, even as I step aside. That’s what makes me so happy and sad at the same time. It’s been an absolute blast, my friends. I’ll remember it forever.

Thank you, I love you all, and goodbye,
Stilts

166 Comments

  3. Thanks to you, Stilts. Your way of revieweing episodes from a writing point of view was always fascinating, and yours was the first name I could consistently recognize in Random Curiosity (sorry Passerby, Pancakes, Guardian Enzo, etc., but Stilts was covering the series I was following back then, so your name brand awareness came later). While I’m sure the site will be in good hands, your posts will be sorely missed.

    I wish you the best in all your future projects. Good bye and good luck, Stilts!

    Mistic
    Reply

    1. I’m glad! I really enjoyed analyzing anime from that point of view. Now mostly my friends/family just get the running commentary as I talk over movies 😀 (only the bad ones though, I wait until after if they’re good haha)

      Cheers friend!

      Stilts
      Reply

  4. You have been the best part of RC all this years. Back in the day I didn’t like the style of Divine and Omni, they lacked criticism, and every anime was OK for them, But you where different., you were sarcastic and ruthless if it was necessary, but you were always fair.

    The first time I noticed you were something else was when you picked up Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon II, and it was a crazy trip whith your weelky explanation about what the fuck was happening there. Others would skip that show, but you took the time to put us in context, and you raised the enjoynment to another level.

    I remember other animes you covered, but the one that still make me laugh was your Final Impression of Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei, and the title you put in it was the perfect description of that mess, “The Ballad of Magic Jesus”, that was “perfection”

    Like that, there are tons of memories in this site, and we will always thank you for your hard work, because of you, the enjoynment of watching anime was a complete experience. We will miss you a lot.

    Jon
    Reply

    1. Good observations! I noticed that about Omni as well a hundred years ago.

      In keeping 100% i have to admit im one of those that Hardly ever read the actual blog, and just come for the pretty pictures and info “season schedule,etc”.
      But i seemed to find myself reading your articles more than others due to your writing style.

      And yes, “the ballad of magic jesus” was GOLD.!

      BEST OF LUCK and thanks

      The BROOKLYN otaku
      Reply

    2. omg, you pick out two of my favorite series/posts to write, and for completely different reasons. I loooooved writing Kyoukaisen even though it was such a MASSIVE undertaking … I used to “joke” that if a third season comes out (watch them greenlight it now lol), I’d have to hire an assistant to cover it properly … while Mahouka was such a slog, but I loooooved writing that final post. I still think The Ballad of Magic Jesus is my best post title all-time, don’t think anything comes close XD

      I’m especially glad my approach came through. I always tried to be fair and find the good in everything, but for every HeroAca or Sakurasou there’d be a Mahouka and a Comet Lucifer. There’s only so much I can do with those!!

      Thanks to both of you. You rock 🙂

      Stilts
      Reply

  5. Damn. Its been 8 year.. I followed Random Curiosity since 2006 and also vaguely remember your welcoming post the year after that.

    I’m normally just a lurker in this site that never leave any comment but seeing you leaving compel me to give you a send off.

    Goodbye comrade…

    May your next endeavor be fruitful as well.Your presence will be sorely missed

    Salute!

    Walaoa
    Reply

  6. I remember following this site because of your Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon – Retrospective articles (and the subsequent Kyoukaisen S2 coverage). I’ve always liked how with animes you really enjoyed, you delved deeper and made me appreciate some animes more than what they show at surface level.

    Wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.

    Goodwill
    Reply

  7. Stilts, thank you for staying with us for 8 years 🙂 I have never been more sad but I wish you best of luck!

    I decided to write a short response because I do not think words are enough to describe what it meant reading your posts and your lame ass humour 😛 cheers, M.

    Mi-Chan
    Reply

  10. Thanks a lot for your contributions to this site.
    Nothing lasts forever, sadly, and I’m surprised that you blogged for so long.

    Your Horizon posts were certainly among the highlights of your blogging career here and a big reason why I enjoyed watching the show.

    Good to know that you’ll stay in touch with the team and not “just” disappear.

    Thanks for making this hobby more fun, and all the best.

    As for the “ecchi blogger”, I still have yet to watch the latest DxD season, so at least a couple more of your posts to look forward to. 😉

    boingman
    Reply

  14. At first, I couldn’t say I liked you. You were moody, opinionated, and kept on about alcohol. Plus your posts were so friggen long I couldn’t remember the beginning of the first few by the end. But since I loved this site I kept reading, and your weird habit of grabbing shows you didn’t end up loving yet insisted on finishing won me over. Heavy Object, Ballad of Magical Jesus, that CL “show” that turned into more of a drinking game… there was a decent list that you pushed through.

    And there was the fact that you definitely *weren’t* the ecchi blogger but could still appreciate a good HSDXD episode.

    And now you’re leaving. So fine. Go. See if I care. I won’t miss you at all. *tsuuunnn*

    Aex
    Reply

  15. So long, our favorite “I’m not the ecchi blogger”, you will be missed greatly and remembered fondly. Best of luck to you, wherever the winds may take you.

    DarkHeartedAlchemist
    Reply

  16. 8 years was a long time and yet, its shortened by your leaving. All I can say Thank you for your endless efforts in providing meaningfull anime and manga information and wishing you the best. Cheers

    Stadfeld
    Reply

  17. Your posts has always been a good read, at least the ones about shows that I watched. Your Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon episode reviews was a highlight for me. It’s an anime I never really got to finish watching, but like reading it here to sort out the chaos.

    This might seem strange, but your actually the writer that has introduced to a lot of comedy anime. More so than any other ones here. Not an easy genre to blog, but the introductory posts usually tell me whether it’s something I might enjoy or not.

    God speed on future endeavours.

    theirs
    Reply

  18. I can’t believe it, time flies so fast!

    I remember when Stilt weared Kumagawa avatar and honestly my image of Stilt is never far from Kumagawa image, i hope he wear back that avatar again just for sake of memories.

    Zero
    Reply

  19. Thanks for all the words. I’ve enjoyed reading them and then thinking about all these shows. I’m glad you enjoyed putting your thoughts down and I wish you all the best in whatever else you do. Keep writing.

    Mockman
    Reply

  21. Damn.

    Man, I’m gonna miss your coverage of ecchi anime–and your tsundere-like denial of being Random Curiosity’s resident ecchi blogger. XD Seeing High School DxD conclude in anime form (if ever) just won’t be the same without you.

    Anyway, thank you very much for all your hard work, best of luck on your new adventure, and may you stay hale and hearty. o7

    Incognito
    Reply

  23. I think I’ve been with site for maybe 6 years? (not quite sure) So to see your journey with it come to an end… nothing lasts forever, as you said, which is exactly why I’m incredibly thankful for having read you posts for this long of a time. Your My Hero Academia posts are fascinating. I can still imagine anyone else pulling off a good job talking about the series, but for me, your posts on it will always hold a special place in my heart.

    As soon as I saw this, my heart immediately went bittersweet. Frankly, it’s gonna be hard imagining this site being without you, but the show must go on. You go do you now. You’ve more than earned it, Stilts-senpai. Thank you. You have my most sincere gratitude for making my anime even better.

    yoloalchemist
    Reply

    1. No worries, HeroAca will be in good hands when it returns. Or failing that, Enzonon’s 🤪🤣 (I couldn’t resist haha)

      No worries, I’m sure I’ll enjoy my anime blogging retirement. Thank you my friend, it’s been a pleasure 🙂

      Stilts
      Reply

  24. As one of the frequent RC reader since Omni age, and watch wide variety of anime genres including ecchi, I happened to read your posts a lot. Ah good times.

    Thank you for all the fun, the jokes, and the amazing memories.

    lqvh
    Reply

  26. Listen, Imma just gonna ask since ‘pretty sure no one else will step up to the plate —

    who’s tagged for the now vacant ecchi blogger position?

    Askin’ for a friend!

    Anyway, good luck Stilts / Stephen!

    mac65
    Reply

  27. Thankyou for your many years of service to the website and community, and good luck on your next adventure.

    Just wondering, who will take over Stilts role on the website now that he has left? If I’m not mistaken Stilts was the lead? writer on here and seemed to have the most authority among the current staff.

    Lyfe
    Reply

    1. No worries, they’re ironing out who’s gonna do what, but it’s mid-season right now, so not much to do other than blog. They’ll have it all figured out before the next preview starts in *checks calendar* … like a week.

      (Phew, made it out in time! 😂)

      Thank you for your kind words. Cheers!

      Stilts
      Reply

    1. I know, right? I remember working on that post for about as long as I did this one, just going back and forth, editing it tons of times, trying to get it just right. Then I said screw it, made a handful of changes and hit publish 😂

      Thank you for all your support ❤️

      Stilts
      Reply

  31. From the very first day I joined RandomC’s writing team, you have always watched over me. You were very strict but extremely empathetic too – which is what made you such an excellent and natural leader among the staff. It was very surreal going from average reader to working with and writing alongside one of my blogging heroes. That was a dream come true for me, and though that will end today, the memories will be cherished in my heart for the rest of my lifetime. Thank you very much for guiding me down this path – and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours!

    Zaiden
    Reply

    1. Awww, Zai-chan! 😭 It’s been an absolute pleasure helping you grow and writing alongside you. Bringing you on board was one of the best decisions I’ve made, without a doubt.

      Love you, thank you, and keep being amazing! ❤️

      Stilts
      Reply

  32. you don´t know me but I have been following RC since Divine was here. I know how everyone writes and what anime-style every writer has (in fact I´m a writer but not from anime). I want to really thank you because of you I continue being an active writer of Random Curiosity. Really thank you for all these years.

    Fernanda

    pimpollesca
    Reply

  33. I used to be far more active on this site, it being one of the few communities I had to discuss anime. I have found others and been far more active there over the last few years. But, when I got a ping for this announcement on Discord i knew I had to come by. Thanks for everything Stilts! Hope what ever is next for you goes well.

    GoukaRyuu
    Reply

  35. I didn’t realize how long it has been. I enjoyed your coverage of Heavy Object a lot. Calling the MC of Mahouka as “Magic Jesus” got me laughing, as it was close to how I described him (Flying Jesus with a Gun). Will miss your episode reviews. T_T

    Good luck and take care! 😀

    Magnus Tancred
    Reply

    1. Just realized you were only pinch-hitting for Takaii on Heavy Object. ^^::

      Still, your episode reviews were a lot of fun to read, like Gamers! and Prisma Illya; even with shows that I watched only after they aired (like Isekai Maou) I read your posts, wondering if there were things I missed.

      Magnus Tancred
      Reply

    2. No, you had it right on Heavy Object, at least partially! I did the first cour, and Takaii took over for the second one. I choose to believe this means you liked my half the best 😁

      You picked out some gems over all! I was just thinking about Gamers the other day, and Prisma Illya has a special place in my heart. Cheers!

      Stilts
      Reply

  36. (salute)
    It’s a shame to see you exit stage after having devoted so much to the site, but not much we can do now when IRL begins to take hold.

    Fair winds to your future endeavors.

    P.S. I had just submitted by own writer application but not sure if he received it before he made this announcement (sadnoises)

    Arcie
    Reply

    1. No worries, I forwarded your application on to Takaii, so if you don’t hear back from someone, he’s the guy to bother. I hear Zai-chan is interested in vetting possible new writers as well, so feel free to bug him too 😀

      *returns salute* May the road rise up to meet you, my friend, and may the wind be ever at your back.

      Stilts
      Reply

  37. I don’t visit RC as often as I used to, but I’m glad I happened to catch this post. You covered a lot of shows I was watching, from your early days with AnoNatsu, Zero no Tsukaima, and Sakurasou (and HS DxD) to Utawarerumono: Itsuwari no Kamen (and more HS DxD), to Yorimoi (and even more HS DxD). Even when our opinions on a show differed, I though you did a good job of explaining why you felt the way you did, both in your posts and in the comments.

    Still haven’t watched Horizon, but I did read a couple of those posts just out of sheer amazement. And we may have some disagreements about Mahouka, but ballad of Magic Jesus post was brilliant.

    I wish you good luck, and take pride in knowing that you’ll always remain the ecchi blogger to some of us 🙂

    SK
    Reply

    1. I’m glad someone brought up how good Yorimoi is in this thread; I long since stopped trying to order my list of favorite anime, but it’s up there! You have impeccable taste 😉

      Thank you! It’s been a pleasure.

      Stilts
      Reply

  38. You don’t know me because I rarely comment, but I always appreciate your posts. You are probably one of the more fair and balanced writers here. Your writing has improved over the years, you deserve to be paid well so don’t let your clients rip you off because you’ve earned your name. If you do return to books, I have a bit of advice as a successful amazon author : focus on keyword research and genres that have high searches and low content. Just like writing for clients, you can’t just write what you want if you want to be successful. You have to focus on what people want to read but can’t. It seems hard, but once you do it a few times successfully, it gets easier.

    Be good and enjoy yourself. Get that money.

    This is what I love about this place, writers come and rise and fall. Some stay and improve themselves, some are an obnoxious eyesore that won’t go away or get off their high horse or are inflammatory to elicit a response–but either way, RandomC persists.

    Alice
    Reply

    1. Thank you for your kind words and advice. No worries, I make sure my clients pay me very well 😁 And good idea on the keyword research. It may sound crass, but I’m all for seeking inspiration wherever it is found, and if I find an underserved idea that I’m also interested in writing about … well, that’s just serendipity, right? Cheers 🙂

      Stilts
      Reply

  39. I vaguely remember your first welcome post all those years ago. I must have been in high school or something. I think I remember another prolific senpai leaving at that time. I remember thinking wow I cannot believe he is leaving who is this Stilts he is introducing in his goodbye post? This time you are the prolific senpai moving on ahead. Through all these years, through the evolution of the site, I really cannot imagine it without you. I looked at your site and see cool projects I’ll need to check out, maybe it’s because it feels like I know you, but you exude a feeling of being passionate about everything you do, please continue to keep that going and I know you’ll reach what you’re moving forward for.

    Best Wishes
    Brown Sound

    Brown Soun
    Reply

  40. Good luck. man! Thanks for keeping RandomC safe.
    I remember Omni and then Omni & Divine times. Gosh, I’m old. Didn’t watch any anime for almost a decade. Now lurking around a bit

    nixx
    Reply

  41. Dang, homie. It’s been a great run. Wild to think that I still recall when you were just joining. It’s been that long already? Got dang.

    Best of luck on all your next ventures. You’ve done quite the service here. 🙂

    Dude
    Reply

    1. I know, right? When I went to check how many posts I’d done like 6 months ago, I was floored. Then I went back and checked my start date o.o

      It’s as they say. Time flied when you’re having fun 😀

      Thank you so much!

      Stilts
      Reply

  42. Reading posts here since Omni’s era. I liked the cut of your jib here, and it was good to have a reviewer for the more out-there shows like horizon which was a bit of a mess just in its synopsis. It was so crazy! I never would have watched either of Horizon in the middle of nowhere or Log Horizon if it weren’t for your posts on it.

    Best of luck with your career as a writer. I see it has been a while since your last book, but hope you manage to publish more. I read that you’re writing for clients now, which could be anything between marketing or writing for an RPG setting or so. I hope that whichever you end up doing, you’re gonna enjoy it and make a name for yourself doing it.

    Severijn
    Reply

    1. I’m glad you got to enjoy all the Horizon anime because of me! If I never wrote anything else of worth, that would be a fine mark to have left. Fortunately I haven’t stopped there, and don’t intend to stop where I am either 😁

      Thank you for the well wishes! I’m using my skills in content, copywriting, email, etc to help worthy businesses make more of an impact, and as I get better at it, it’s opening up more room for me to write books. Quite a circuitous route, but I’m getting back there. Cheers!

      Stilts
      Reply

  44. 8 years already though? Feels like it was just last year but i will miss you, ya damned ecchi blogger. While you certainly are not the only ecchi blogger ( how could you miss out on such a golden opportunity like isshozuku reviewers for example?! ) you are best known for that kind and those massive kyoukaisen posts from back in the day.
    If they ever greenlit a third season of that, would you come back for that though or would you let someone else try their hand at that show Stilts?

    ArturiaFayth
    Reply

    1. I’d need like two or three assistants to help me analyze and catalog a third season for me to come back. It was like 6 hours of work per post on that one … and I believe the third season would have to be 2-cour! o.O

      No, alas, I’m probably done. I say probably only because one shouldn’t make promises where one cannot be certain to keep them, but I wouldn’t be holding your breath on my miraculous return. Though I also wouldn’t hold my breath on Kyoukaisen getting that third season 😭 That’s the real tragedy here!!

      Cheers friend : )

      Stilts
      Reply

  45. I still remember when you started posting Stilts!

    But I hope your future endeavors are all good and you still see many busty anime girls in your future!

    (Also I still love your Kyoukaisen posts! It’s a series I love and is so underappreciated.)

    platsu
    Reply

  46. I’m gonna miss you and your writing, Stilts! I can’t believe it’s been 8 years. I started watching anime in late 2012, so your commentary and insights – and recommendations in the quarterly breakdowns – have been with me every step of the way. On top of that, this site, and the emotions anime brought, were and remain critical to my overcoming of PTSD and continuing to live with being a wartime vet.

    Thank you.

    Atalla
    Reply

    1. I’m so happy to hear that! I’ve always thought stories have an incredible power to help make sense of life, so to hear that we at this site have had a small part in helping bolster that power in a positive way is the kindest compliment I’ve ever heard.

      Cheers, friend. Keep on being awesome.

      Stilts
      Reply

  47. Well, shit.

    I mean that in a good way. You know it’s been (according to date calculator), 10 years, 4 months, 13 days including the end date since Omni posted the same thing. 10 years ago I was mulling over doing aniblogging. I was active in early RC when it was still on WordPress. Hell, I -saved- Omni’s farewell.

    Since then I made my own blog (kinda dead due to real life) and watched and lurked. And you have always been a pillar in this community.

    You’ll be missed. RC may eventually end. But I appreciate all you’ve done and the work you put in.

    Thanks. No really, thank you very much. It was just not something I expected to see today.

    Jusuchin (Military Otaku)
    Reply

    1. No, thank you. I know I speak for every writer here when I say that there were times when I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep blogging, times much earlier in my RC career than this, where I nevertheless kept on writing because of something kind a reader said, or a good conversation in the comments. It’s the gift that Omni and Divine gave to us, but it’s also the gift that all of you, the readers, gave us over and over again.

      I don’t know if you ever delivered one of those moments for me, but I remember chatting in the comments with you, so you deserve a thank you all the same. So thank you, and cheers : )

      Stilts
      Reply

  49. Well, if there was ever a reason to pop out of the deep lurking pits and comment, perhaps this is it.

    Thank you for your years of service, good sir. It’s been a helluva ride.

    Kuma
    Reply

  51. Long time lurker here! I remember seeing your introduction post not so long ago when I was still struggling to learn English. I was looking for an enjoyable way to read daily and weekly posts and RandomC has definitely been a turning point in my journey to learn a second language!!

    Thanks for everything you’ve done.
    Merci et comme on dit en bon français, bonne chance pour la suite 🙂

    maddoki
    Reply

    1. That’s so cool! And a great idea—when I take this new-found free time of mine (note: the free time is a lie) to learn a new language, using something I already enjoy is a super cool hack. Bet I could learn French by reading comics…

      😉😁

      Thank you for your kind words and well wishes!

      Stilts
      Reply

  53. It’s sad to see you go, but best of luck, as I loved your Log Horizon coverage. Please come back and write something if a new season come out even as a guest writer, pretty please?

    SMinstrel
    Reply

    1. Alas, I made this decision even though a third season has been announced. Someone else will have to take the reins on that one.

      You did know a third season has been confirmed, right? If not, congratulations! At least I got to bring some good news as well, haha!

      Stilts
      Reply

  55. I’m one of those mostly-lurkers that might’ve left a reply or three in my early anime days, but really not anymore since I’ve been watching so much less each season. Writers have come and went – but you’ve really stayed for a long time, a constant familiar face whenever I check back on RC now and then to read about some episodes and previews, even when I’m not watching most things anymore.

    I’ll be sad to see you go for sure (Can I say this even when I haven’t even been noticing who comes and leaves recently? But I think that’s exactly why I enjoyed seeing you still around here, that even among the people leaving and coming you were still always there, and forever enjoyable). I was most into the anime community at a time where you were very actively writing, and you’ve definitely memorably added to my enjoyment in all things anime – for that I’ll always remember you fondly. I suppose there is nothing much to say now other than: thank you for your service (?), for sharing your joy in anime with us even when you didn’t have to, and all the best in your future endeavors! (I’m glad you’re getting paid for writing now! Now to get on that book continuation).

    Oh and one last thing, you’ve done a great job! We might be sad you won’t do much more here now, but you’ve done plenty already, and for that we shall celebrate. A pat on your back for a job well done! (an unpaid job, and nothing we readers deserve, but we appreciate nonetheless :P)

    ありがとうございました。

    ZJZJ
    Reply

  56. I’m a long time lurker too, because of real life, because english is not my first langage too.
    I didn’t watch a lot of series you covered but sometimes, like with Mahouka, i read your posts just for the fun of it. Thank you. You’ll be missed.
    I wish you the best on your next ventures.

    AL
    Reply

  59. Good luck Stilts! You are loved and your work on this site will be sorely missed by many. I’ve gone from a rabid fan to keeping up with a couple shows a season over the years but I always enjoyed your write-ups. 仕事の方頑張ってください。達者でね。

    Rentarou
    Reply

  66. Dang that’s crazy. Has it really been that long? I remember stumbling upon this site when Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica started airing. At first I blew it off from the cover. But this site covering that 3rd episode (I think) was what made me rethink it and almost any anime from there on out. 3 episode rules become my rule for anime.

    And for the longest time I’ve been here (although not as super active now) I’ve always seen the name Stilts. It’s going to be odd not seeing you around and who knows, like you said RC may not last forever. I see this being the beginning to an end, but hopefully an end for a new beginning.

    All the luck in the world for you. You keep being you.

    PromNightFetus
    Reply

  67. I wish you all the best, I’m trying to think back when I first noticed the site; it was many years ago, Always came back for the great coverage; The go to place for reviews.

    Take Care,
    Dave

    David A Smith
    Reply

  70. Holy cow, you retired on my birthday T—T

    I used to visit RandomC a lot in middle and high school. Having some reeeeal nostalgic memories watching the (now, I suppose) oldies of last decade— Zero no Tsukaima and Shakugan no Shana with Omni, and Angel Beats with Divine (just to name a few). Comparatively more recent, I was also there with you for Re: Zero, which became one of my favorite shows at the time it aired.

    The past couple of years, I just pop by once every couple of months to see what’s been cooking in the world of anime, even though I don’t watch too much anymore. For me, it’s like visiting your favorite secret spot to see some old friends.

    Reading your retirement post opened up a box of memories I haven’t touched in a looong time. Been spending the last two hours trying to recall the lush worlds I once explored, the heart-felt adventures I once experienced, and the many characters I grew up alongside with all those many years ago. And not to forget, through it all, the blog writers who kept us company and walked with us, the viewers, through thick and thin, for each and every wild ride.

    I’m really wishing you the best in your future pursuits, and am rooting for you to continue following your passions! I hope you continue acting as a guide, showing people the beautiful, hidden worlds that exist beyond that of plain ol’ reality.

    Take care~~

    P.S. Also, as someone with a computer/data science background, I’m pretty interested in seeing whether or not it’s possible to comb, filter, and aggregate RandomC data/metadata to create some graphs and charts to visualize the history of RandomC (such as the different eras, a summary of all anime titles ever written about on the site with ties to their associated bloggers, etc). It could be an open source capstone project, to remember and memorialize all the good times, and a way for me to give back to the community (as a self-professed guilty lurker…). I know WordPress could theoretically serve as a backend API for a set of scripts to do the dirty work. Lemme know what you think!

    Kiwifufu
    Reply

    1. Happy to have guided a few souls through these dark and wonderful woods. I’ll aim to do the same in my future endeavors : )

      Have to ask the remaining crew on your data project idea! I’m part of that history now, after all.

      Stilts
      Reply

  73. Thanks for all your hard work over the years. Just another reader here who never commented much, but I really appreciated your expressive blogging style ever since the early days. Nice to hear you’ll still be lurking–like me and many others.

    Player
    Reply

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