Regarding Spoilers

“How do I put a spoiler tag?”

Well, this first part isn’t too hard. Whenever and wherever you discuss spoilers in your post, a spoiler tag should be put up. The general rule is to hit a few enters, and then type in SPOILERS in capitals (it doesn’t matter if you use ( < * ~ [ or whatever signs to close it off) and then close it with SPOILERS again, hit a few enters, and continue with your post if necessary.

Example:


I don’t like eating fish. Why? Well…


<SPOILER>


I am a fish.


</SPOILER>


There you have it!


“Why can’t I mark spoilers in other ways?”

When you put spoilers right in the paragraph, it is often hard to catch them. When you hit a TON of enters and stick the spoiler at the very end, not only do people have to scroll up a lot, but often, quite by accident, people who are at the bottom of a page end up reading it anyways. Remember to mark your spoilers on both ends.


“When should I put up spoiler tags?”

Most of the time, good judgement is required. Not everything constitutes as a spoiler.
In topics with titles marked SPOILERS, just about anything goes. In general topics, one should always be more careful about one posts.

For Older Series
For older series that most people have seen, most things are usually safe. However, major plot points (a death, for instance) should be marked by spoiler tags. Obviously, endings should have spoiler tags.

For Newer Series
For newer series, the same rule as above goes even deeper. Major plot points should be spoiler tagged, as well as any major developments in the story (a death, the conclusion of a fight, the ending, obviously).

For Series Not Yet Aired In North America
Some people have the privilege of being able to download fansubs. Of course, this means that they must respect the people who are not able to do the same. In general discussions (meaning ones not specifically about that particular anime) anything beyond the barest of details (i.e. plot summary, the first few episodes) should be spoiler tagged. In topics about the series, any new developments (new characters, fights, deaths, turnpoints, revelations, endings—just about everything) should be marked. ANYTHING that has only appeared for less than a month should be spoiler tagged, no matter how small.

For Manga
Manga series are not as popular as anime. However, a lot of manga eventually becomes anime. Therefore, the same rules as above should be applied for each manga series.


“Why should I put up spoiler tags? Everyone has seen this series!”

Obviously, this comment is not true. The show may be on Cartoon Network, but not everyone has Cartoon Network. People in other countries don’t even have the OPTION of getting it. Therefore, you have to put up tags, okay? ^_^


If you fail to properly put up spoiler tags, your post may (and will, more likely than not) be edited by SL. In that situation, the entire post may be deleted or cleaned; moderators can not be expected to carefully pick through each message.

If you see something that appears to be a spoiler, report it to SL!

[ April 17, 2004, 10:10 PM: Message edited by: SilverWind ]

Speaking of which I need to get in touch with him myself.

Speaking of spoiler tags, what ever happened to that function that automatically hid text between the tags in the background color?

I don't think VGF ever had that feature.

In that you are wrong. It was there at one time, but I believe it was gone after the several week downtime of VGF. Probably costs money or something.

^ Only person I recall using it was Nappy when he started making Dr. Popsicle crap.

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[biaxialtrinebulon]

This topic deserves my input because I feel like inputting. [img]smile.gif[/img]

For Manga
Manga series are not as popular as anime. However, a lot of manga eventually becomes anime. Therefore, the same rules as above should be applied for each manga series.

Manga is just as, if not more popular than anime if for the only reason being that it is much much cheaper. Maybe in the US is it not quite as popular but now with Tokyopop, Dark Horse, Viz, and other distributors Manga is becoming quite a large business here. Take my Barnes & Noble for example, there are now 2 complete shelves stacked with all kinds of manga. I'm also hoping that this will inspire more American manga artists such as Fred from *********. (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. VISIT THE BOARDS TOO. GREAT COMMUNITY!!)

The only problem I forsee with manga in America is the fact that the Japanese have a different view of exposure. (e.g. Love Hina)

The show may be on Cartoon Network, but not everyone has Cartoon Network. People in other countries don’t even have the OPTION of getting it.

Nor would they WANT it. CN is complete crap.

And..

<SPOILER>


Aeris Dies


</SPOILER>

[ April 27, 2004, 09:32 PM: Message edited by: The Illage Vidiot ]

Happily, manga readers are increasing. In sheer numbers, though, anime watchers far outnumber manga readers (of course I was talking about the US/North America (and Europe and Australia too! [img]tongue.gif[/img] ) -- that's where most people who visit this board are from, ne).

I think there might be more casual Manga readers than casual Anime readers. It's so much easier to grab a book at Borders than it is to buy a DVD or two.

Plus, you can read Manga in the store. That's always a plus.

[Wyborn]

Sadly enough, UG, more people tend to watch TV than read. Anime watchers still outnumber manga readers - at least on this side of the sea