I don’t make it a secret that I love animation and, in another life, would probably have been a cartoonist.
With that said, I watch a lot of anime (and not just the tentacle stuff). However, my friends don’t share the same interest so I am relegated to watch my shows in lonely isolation.
I’ve known for quite awhile that the University of Lethbridge has a club called the “Japanese Anime & Manga Society (JAMS),” so for about the last week or so I have been trying to muster some courage and information, with plans to attend one of their meetings.
Tonight was the night, and here’s where I begin my rant…
Their website is horribly out of date. Although it gives the general day, time and location that meetings occur (Mondays, 5:30 in TH204 – subject to change, of course), I emailed them last week to verify if a meeting was indeed scheduled for tonight. Their generic contact never replied. Thanks.
I looked on Facebook and found the JAMS group, which was in even worse disregard. Okay fine, at least it had a real person as a contact that I could message. Except she was their webmaster two years ago and is no longer a member. She was able to tell me that meetings in the past were held at 6PM.
So I took the chance and showed up at TH204 right at 5:30PM. It was empty, so I waited for a bit. I figured that I was early and that the meeting would hopefully start at 6. No one entered that room. There were no signs on the door. Even the ULSU clubs web page proved useless.
After realizing I was wasting my time, I decided to leave the University. I had almost exited Turcotte Hall when something caught my eye through a door window – the end credits to some anime series! Go figure, another room. I stepped inside.
But the reason why I wanted to go to this club was to meet and socialize with people who shared the same interest as me, but instead found a dark room of mostly dudes, all staring at a projection screen. Not one person turned their head to see who walked in. If I wanted to sit in a dark room watching anime, I’d just stay at home and download shows from various bittorrent trackers!
To end my rant, I left pissed off. I found the club, but didn’t care to stay after that.
If you can’t be bothered to keep your website updated and lines of communication open for people who’d be willing to attend, then screw you!
I’m a webslinger located in Lethbridge, AB. I love all things nerdy, like cartoons and videogames, and am also a bit of a foodie. When I travel, I always keep my eyes out for hot springs and great places to adventure with my wife, Melissa.
“Mostly” dudes? You mean there was actually a female in the room? Dear god!
That said, what did you honestly expect? Most anime fans are young, introverted males (and I'm not ragging on anime, having quite enjoyed the small amount I've actually watched). Of course they'd want to sit around in the dark and watch it. Were you wanting some sort of discussion? Perhaps you're just the person to inject some much-needed gusto into this gaggle of geeks!
I was hoping for something more along the lines of http://cosplay.com
I guess I'm not entirely surprised, though I just found out 2 girls I know *gasp* actually were members of the club some time ago. What miffed me was how difficult it was to find anything out about it!
Sir, I would refer to the fact that you should have attended the club in its hey-day – back in the early 2000's. You are 10 years too late I'm afraid, as the club is a mere shadow of its former self. I honestly think you should look into alternative clubs here in the city if you wish to enjoy Anime in an atmosphere where you could get the socialization you desire. As a former member and executive of the JAMS club , I am sorry you had to experience the shell of the JAMS club – again a sad shell of the mighty club it once was – full of socialization, members and of course LOTS of good anime.
You know, I met Cynthia way back 10-11 years ago (we worked together) and she recommended that I come then. I sincerely wish I had done so!
I am glad that you commented on this! What are these alternative clubs you speak of?
man i level with you. I've been a big fan of anime for a long time… huge part of growing up, but when I look at the sad depressing awkward room full of anti-socials, it's no wonder my friends all think it sucks.
Besides that the super out going anime clubbers overcompensate for everyone else and talk about characters as if there in the room, really really loudly. It seems impossible to meet anyone with that interest who can hold up a conversation that doesn't make me feel like 12 years old.
man i level with you. I've been a big fan of anime for a long time… huge part of growing up, but when I look at the sad depressing awkward room full of anti-socials, it's no wonder my friends all think it sucks.
Besides that the super out going anime clubbers overcompensate for everyone else and talk about characters as if there in the room, really really loudly. It seems impossible to meet anyone with that interest who can hold up a conversation that doesn't make me feel like 12 years old.
I attended the club about a year ago and I had the same feeling. I went the club to socialize, not watch anime! At least there is a video game club.
I gave up on anime when I went to school for actual animation.