TheOtaku.com (also referred to as "theO" by its users), is a fan-run site, with its primary focus on Anime, though Video game culture is also a key focus. It is known for its fan-driven content, revolving around the different "sections" where a user may post fan content, as well the virtual community it has built.
History
editTheOtaku is currently on a version known as "Version Vibrant", which was transferred over in March 2008 from its previous layout and format.
Features
editTheOtaku requires that users sign in to add anything to the database, however anyone is free to look at the content.
Sections
editTheOtaku runs six separate sections for user content, as well as "Worlds" for each user. The content sections are Fan Art, Fan Comics, Wallpapers, Fan Words, eCards, and Quizzes. The Fan Art and Fan Comics sections are art pieces of either fan drawn characters from Anime series, or of the user's original Anime creation. The Fan Comics section differs in that users may post updates in a format that allows them to release "pages". The Wallpapers and eCards sections are usually compiled official art by a fan, and composed into either a background image, or an eCard. The Fan Words section includes essays on various Anime and Video Game culture related topics, but has included fan fictions since Version Vibrant. The Quizzes section is filled with "quizzes", in the form of multiple choice answer questions, where a user is given a result based on their answers, usually in the form of having the same personality as a character from a series.
The main page features "News Nuggets", which involve relevant news posted by fans, linking to other sites.
All content is moderated through users that are part of theOtaku "team".
Anime Pulse Podcast
editIn 2006, Anime Pulse, an online Podcast, began doing a theOtaku weekly based podcast covering new events, content, and comments from users. The show is still going.[1]
Community Chat
editIn mid to late 2008, a new feature was introduced in the form of a text only chat room. A user who joins the room is taken to the main lobby, yet some users may create their own rooms, as offshoots from the main lobby, with the ability to password protect the room. A user is allowed to join the chat once they have been a member for one month, and must be a member for longer before being able to create their own room.[2]
Users
editUsers are given the ability to post content in any of the sections, as well as comment on any content.
While a more limited feature was available before, Version Vibrant introduced the concept of "Worlds". Each user may make worlds and visit other users worlds (based on the security that the user puts on a world[3]), and in most terms can be referred to as blogs.
Titles
editOne user feature on theOtaku are the "titles" that users obtain. Based on several factors, including the amount of content that a user has submitted and how long they have been a member, members will receive a hierarchical title. As of early 2009, the initial title a user will receive is "Otakuite", the highest level being "Otaku Legend". There are several other special titles available, however they require direct consent from theOtaku's team.
Art of Otaku
editSee discussion of this page.