Miscellaneous

New Writer Incoming!

“You should give them more time to submit applications. I don’t think we’ll get more than 10 applications anyway…” -Cherrie

“Try 70+.” -Stilts

I knew you guys were crazy, but I didn’t realize how crazy! Yes, it’s finally happening – a new contributor will be introducing themselves shortly. Sorry it took so long, but we got nearly double the applications we did last time, and it took a while to go through them all. We did it though, and came to our decision. The new writer has already been contacted, and has agreed to our ridiculous demands. “Make a contract with us and become a blogger!” ／人◕ ‿‿ ◕人＼

If you weren’t contacted, please don’t feel slighted. This was a really tough decision, and there were so many great candidates that I asked Divine to let me fire a few writers so we could bring in upgrades, but he told me I’d be the first one to go, so I scrapped that plan. (I’m just kidding…mostly.) We were also thinking of bringing on two writers, but then Divine made his triumphant return. Have you noticed that Divine is blogging again? We may also still reach out to another shortlisted applicant next season. We’ll see what the future holds.

More after the jump.

Conventions / Miscellaneous

Anime Los Angeles 2014

After being spoiled with Anime-Expo for the past four years, I thought it would be cool to go check out some of the other conventions that were somewhat close to where I live. So after a spur of events that introduced Anime Los Angeles or ALA to me, I applied to get a press badge — and I actually got it. Review of the Con and tons more pictures after the break!

Best of Anime / Miscellaneous

The Best of Anime 2013


Now that 2013 is officially over, it’s time for our yearly foray into annoying everyone with our crappy opinions, the Best of Anime 2013 post! As with last year this post is a collaboration between the writers who watched the most series this year (and who didn’t say “Not it!” quickly enough), Zephyr and Stilts (that’s me!). We each watched upwards to…I don’t know, a lot of anime this past year, so while I can’t promise you we’ll be totally objective (such a thing is impossible), at least we’ll be well-informed about whatever we’re wrong about.

More after the jump.

Disclaimer: As always, disclaimers abound. Please keep in mind that “best” is subjective. What’s best for us isn’t necessarily best for you, and that’s okay. This list shouldn’t be taken as some kind of inviolable truth, but rather the opinions of two guys who watched a lot of anime and then argued about it for about eight hours until a list appeared. Naturally our choices will be influenced by our own tastes, experiences, and personal impressions. Before you go bashing one of our choices, please make sure you’ve at least seen it and know where we’re coming from. Finally, all we ask is that you respect our opinions, just like we respect yours. Thank you.

Disclaimer #2: The choices in this post are not necessarily reflective of the opinions of all Random Curiosity writers. They are solely the opinions of myself (Stilts) and Zephyr, save for where otherwise noted. Thank you for your understanding.

Miscellaneous / Poll

Reader’s Choice – Best Anime 2013 Poll

The end of the year is here and it’s time for the Eighth Annual Reader’s Choice poll! Do you have a favorite series you’d like to see win? Are you just curious to see what everyone else enjoyed this year? Either way, the microphone’s in your hands now. Make your vote count.

As per the usual, there will be two polls for you to vote on this year – one for regularly broadcast TV series, and another for OVA/movies. We’re asking you for your top 5 picks in each poll, which should stop the results from being heavily skewed towards the mega-popular shows. This year we have an astounding 160~ TV series (shorts are included this year) and 120~ OVA/movies/specials for you to choose from, so make sure you look over the entire list before deciding. Keep in mind that like all entertainment, anime is subjective. There is no one size fits all here. Please respect the opinions of others, even if you may disagree vehemently with them.

More after the jump.

Note: The polls will close at midnight PST on Thursday, January 2nd. This means the morning of the 3rd, or 8:00 AM GMT on the 3rd. Results will be posted in the Best of Anime 2013 post, which will be written by myself and Stilts (the two active writers who have watched the most anime this year).