As it turns out, today was the date set for something called MikuFES’09. And amongst the humble list of artists who will be present, the last name on the list surprised me. MOSAIC.WAV, known for their creation of the ‘new’ music genre “Akiba-Pop”, have jumped on the bandwagon and will be releasing a ‘collaboration’ CD with Hatsune Miku. Now the only part of all this that bothers me… Is that MOSAIC.WAV already has a high-pitched vocalist who gives me headaches. If you add in Miku to that garbage, just how awful will it become?

On the other hand, MOSAIC.WAV haven’t exactly been the talk of the town after Sumomo mo Momomo, Potemayo, and Kyouran Kazoku Nikki; so perhaps this is their chance to worm their way back into the afterthoughts of nerdy otaku socialites.

What a long wait...

This news isn’t new in the slightest, I believe it was announced nearly two weeks before Comic Market 76. However, my lack of enthusiasm for websurfing cost me dearly in this regard. That makes me sound like I actually care. Hah, nevermind that. I know I won’t be buying this.

A dark and dreary world full of noir emphasis. I see...

Oh lordy, why am I always ten steps behind the times? A Black Rock Shooter anime project has been announced, with all reason for me to be excited. I’ll admit, I’m not that infatuated in Vocaloid software or its music. But when Studio Ordet and ryo (supercell) is involved, how can I contain myself? Unfortunately Yutaka Yamamoto will not be directing this, so things are really up in the air as to how it’ll go. more…

Art not made officially by staff of a manga or animation would be the best way to describe fan art. That’s much different than saying art made by people or fans since staff or authors also make their own not so official art. What would you consider that since not all of their illustrations and works may be from series they worked on? They are more than a simple fan and some images they share may also be official ones.

The fact is many people believe it’s fine to take an image off of another blog that was taken from Anime News Network that got it from an official site or announcement to post on a discussion forum. It takes money and effort to get a digital camera and scanner to produce images from real life objects not previously added to the net. This brings me to a good supporting point of how the Internet is. If you make anything creative and share it publicly on the net, what do you expect everyone to do? Not saying it’s okay to be a jerk, but not everyone using fan art has a malicious intent and the uploader should know the possibility of others using their work without permission.

Human beings like recognition and linking to their image account or site shows you support them, however, don’t assume all artists are upset when they see their work used without permission. They may simply enjoy knowing someone liked their art enough to use. This being said, not all sites have field or detail areas when uploading a image and other sites may not be focused on comments and image details. Then what?

The best the artist can do is add a watermark or sign their name and put a notice where images are displayed that you wish to be linked to or asked before having an image used. The best blogger, graphic creator, or web disigner can do is link back, ask, or ask around for the source if unknown. One thing you can learn to do is add the artist or source name when saving an image so you can remember and so that some image hosts may keep that file name in the url or details page. Or just don’t upload at all…any of you.

Besides, people like to be able to find more. On a semi-related note, this community does have a link directory for anime and manga illustration and our gallery does have a copyright area.