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There is an rpg class for almost every type of person. . . but
none for the otaku. I have always thought it tremendously unjust
that there is no system to classify the degeneration experienced
by we, the faithful otaku.
So, for great justice, Matt, Chris, and I decided to remedy the
situation and produce a scale.
[ general ideas ]
Otaku come in so many flavors that to classify them universally
is very difficult. There are manga otaku, anime otaku, computer
otaku, linux otaku, even star trek otaku. (Although I don't think
trekkies anywhere would accept the term.)
So, instead of creating specific lists for each flavor of otaku,
we generalized all otaku activities into a universal otaku system.
Levels 1 and 2 describe the mundanes, those who lack the focus
demanded of an otaku. Levels 3 through 8 are. . . otaku. Levels
9 through 13 are the great otaku, the leaders, those who have evolved
beyond fanboy games to become some greater, nobler. . . something
special.
[ the list ]
- Minor familiarity.
Most people are level one otaku in many things. They know of the
subject, and what it is, but have no real interest.
- Some interest.
A person at this stage may watch anime when it is on tv, or read
translated manga when a friend lends it to them, but there is
no further involvement.
- Great interest.
The chosen subject now becomes very important to the otaku's life.
He is able to ignore others completely when confronted by the
object of his obsession. He will go out of his way to bask in
the glow provided by the subject. This condition worsens as the
otaku moves up the scale, increasing as sqrt(x), leveling off
as one reaches higher levels.
- Compulsive buying.
To me, the worst part of being an otaku is the constant drain
on my bank account. The otaku generally feels compelled to buy
objects related to his obsession, with this compulsion becoming
stronger and less discriminate as the otaku reaches higher levels.
(To the extent allowed by available finances.)
- Circle
A solitary otaku will frequently reach a limit to his possible
advancement at this point. The otaku must become part of a group.
- Convention.
The otaku's interest is now so great that he travels and attends
conventions about the object of his obession. There, he may enjoy
the company of others like him without once having to interact
with the mundane world. (An increasingly difficult task.)
- Participation.
The otaku is now so enraptured by his obsession that he begins
to contribute to it. For many, this involves staffing at a convention,
translation, or artwork
- Leadership.
At this point the otaku decides that he must make an original
contribution. Thus, he will begin to gather people around him
and create something of greater scope than he could individually.
(cf. transition to level 5.)
- Otakishin ~ Ronin
This level and those above can only be reached by consensus. They
do not necessarily require tremendous knowledge. Rather, these
levels are for the leaders, those without whom the culture with
be much poorer.An otaku at this level is fairly well-known and
respected, as someone who has done a good deal to advance the
community.
- Otakishin ~ Daimyo
A lord among otaku; a person of tremendous influence known to
virtually the entire community.
- Otakishin ~ Shogun
We estimate that there are no more than 12 people at this level
for any given subject. They are the l33t of the otaku, frequently
well-known even in the mundane world. They lead major projects
that are central to the otaku culture, and are generally regarded
with awe.
- Otaking!
This is the often-controversial mortal leader of the movement.
Not all otaku groups have an otaking.
- Otakami
This is the spiritual leader of the movement. It is not possible
to become an otakami while alive. The spirit of such a person
gives definition and direction to the subject. Most otaku disciplines
do not have a person in this position.
—kevin
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