Results for
Ru's 7th Annual Rec.arts.anime.*
"What are we like?" Fan Survey
- the Web Edition
August 2003
Now for the actual compiled results. For each question, I've
tabulated the raw count and the percentage of total returns for
each of the possible responses. I've added a "blank" entry to
round out the totals. Some questions had multiple responses, so
don't expect all tallies to come to 100%.
Enjoy.
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part A. Time as a Fan
A1. How long have you been a fan of anime?
0 0% I was just introduced this month
3 1% less than 6 months
18 3% 6 months to 1 year
53 10% 1 to 2 years
204 38% 3 to 5 years
152 29% 6 to 10 years
102 19% more than 10 years
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A2. What degree of anime fandom would you say you are at?
59 11% Rabid, e.g. all free time and money into it
303 57% Big fan, e.g. dedicate a fair amount of time and resources
149 28% Moderate fan, e.g. dedicate some time and resources
18 3% Casual fan, e.g. enjoy it but don't go out of way for it
1 0% Only incidentally interested, e.g. take it or leave it
3 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A3. Would you classify yourself an otaku?
239 45% yes
216 41% no
63 12% not sure
13 2% what is an otaku?
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A4. How were you introduced to anime when you became a
fan?
147 28% A friend or family member showed me some anime
12 2% A club showing
265 50% TV broadcast
32 6% Video rental or loan (e.g. out of curiosity)
0 0% A public (other than club) showing (e.g. theater)
9 2% Saw some material from WWW sites/newsgroups/internet.
3 1% Saw a demo at a store or rental shop
4 1% At a convention/conference
11 2% Purchase without preview (e.g. out of curiosity)
1 0% Saw a demo in other media
12 2% Through video games (either based on anime or in anime style)
0 0% from a streaming video WWW site
16 3% from download off internet (e.g. WWW site, newsgroup)
20 4% other
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A5. How do you USUALLY get a FIRST full length viewing of an
anime title?
209 39% At home on TV broadcasts
177 33% At home with borrowed or rented media
312 59% At home on your own video media
26 5% At a friend's or relative's home on TV broadcasts
51 10% At a friend's or relative's home with borrowed or rented media
97 18% At a friend's or relative's home on his/her own video media
98 18% At an anime club
90 17% At a convention/conference
64 12% At movie theatres
13 2% At stores that show demos
29 5% from streaming video WWW site
313 59% download off internet (e.g. WWW site, newsgroup)
1 0% blank
-------
1480 278% total
A6. How many anime TITLES (a series counts as one title)
do you estimate you have watched at least part of?
1 0% none
17 3% 10 or less
50 9% 11 to 20
113 21% 21 to 40
121 23% 41 to 80
87 16% 81 to 120
44 8% 121 to 160
37 7% 161 to 200
18 3% 201 to 240
44 8% more than 240
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A7. Of the number of titles you have watched at least part of,
how much do you estimate you have watched to the end (or as
much as was produced or available)?
2 0% none
59 11% 1-20%
116 22% 21-40%
113 21% 41-60%
137 26% 61-80%
103 19% 81-100%
3 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A8. Of the number TITLES you have watched, how much do you estimate
you actually like enough to buy (or wish you could buy)?
2 0% none
103 19% 1-20%
126 24% 21-40%
131 25% 41-60%
103 19% 61-80%
63 12% 81-100%
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A9. Of the number TITLES you have watched, how much do you estimate
you actually like but not enough to buy (or wish you could buy)?
22 4% none
128 24% 1-20%
138 26% 21-40%
130 24% 41-60%
89 17% 61-80%
21 4% 81-100%
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A10. How much anime video do you watch?
4 1% none
30 6% up to 2 hours a month
49 9% up to 2 hours every 2 weeks
92 17% up to 2 hours a week
203 38% up to 2 hours every 3 days (or 5 hours a week)
116 22% up to 2 hours a day
38 7% more than 2 hours a day
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A11. How much non-anime video (e.g. TV, rentals) do you watch?
9 2% never
61 11% up to 2 hours a month
58 11% up to 2 hours every 2 weeks
95 18% up to 2 hours a week
132 25% up to 2 hours every 3 days (or 5 hours a week)
102 19% up to 2 hours a day
75 14% more than 2 hours a day
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A12. How many anime fans do you personally have frequent
face-to-face contact with (outside of a club)?
85 16% none
160 30% 1 to 2
161 30% 3 to 5
82 15% 6 to 10
23 4% 11 to 20
19 4% more than 20
3 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A13. What percentage of your acquaintances (e.g. people at work,
folks at the grocery store you are on first name basis with) would
you guess are what you consider anime fans?
77 14% none of them
265 50% 1 to 10% of them
106 20% 11 to 30% of them
49 9% 31 to 50% of them
18 3% 51 to 70% of them
12 2% 71 to 90% of them
4 1% all of them
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A14. How many different hardcopy anime fan magazine titles do you
regularly buy, read, look through, or subscribe to?
226 42% none
147 28% one
91 17% two
63 12% 3 to 5
5 1% more than 5
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A15. How many different anime fan web magazine titles do you
regularly read, look through, or subscribe to?
291 55% none
99 19% one
63 12% two
51 10% 3 to 5
24 5% more than 5
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A16. How many different anime web news sites do you regularly
read or browse?
49 9% none
104 20% one
149 28% two
163 31% 3 to 5
64 12% more than 5
4 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A17. Do you read Manga (Japanese or translated)?
479 90% yes
53 10% no
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A18. How many anime conventions per year do you usually attend?
284 53% none
158 30% one
56 11% two
31 6% 3 to 5
2 0% more than 5
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A19. Have you ever volunteered at an anime convention?
54 10% yes
477 89% no
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A20. Do you write anime fanfics?
93 17% yes
438 82% no
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A21. Do you make graphical fan anime art (e.g. drawings)
168 32% yes
361 68% no
4 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A22. Does some of your graphical anime fan art end up in your
space at work (e.g. office, cubicle)?
51 10% yes
114 21% no
74 14% I don't have an appropriate space at work
291 55% I don't do graphical fan anime art
3 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A23. Do you make music videos?
62 12% yes
465 87% no
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A24. Do you publish (e.g. in news groups, web sites, conventions)
some of your fan art (fiction or graphics)?
108 20% yes
419 79% no
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A25. Have you participated in Cosplay?
87 16% yes
432 81% no
13 2% what is Cosplay?
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A26. If you play a musical instrument, do you play anime music,
at least for fun?
122 23% yes
142 27% no
263 49% I don't play any musical instruments
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A27. Do you belong to a band or group (or even solo) that performs a
lot of anime music?
5 1% yes
524 98% no
4 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A28. Do you build anime-related model kits (e.g. plastic models,
resin models)?
159 30% yes
372 70% no
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
A29. If you build model kits, what skill level do you consider
yourself at (for the type you are best at)?
70 13% novice
80 15% intermediate
17 3% expert
360 68% I don't build model kits
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A30. Do you make your own custom built anime-related models?
19 4% yes
509 95% no
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A31. Do some of your finished kits end up in your space (e.g desk,
cubicle) at work?
32 6% yes
91 17% no
79 15% I don't have an appropriate space at work
326 61% I don't build model kits
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A32. Do you carry anime soundtrack CDs/music around (e.g. to work,
to school) with you?
362 68% yes
116 22% no
52 10% I don't have anime soundtrack CDs/music.
3 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
A33. What percentage of music that you listen to is anime soundtrack?
76 14% 81-100%
78 15% 61-80%
86 16% 41-60%
87 16% 21-40%
176 33% 1-20%
29 5% I don't listen to anime soundtrack music
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part B. Linguistic Fluency
B1. How fluent are you in understanding spoken Japanese?
5 1% As if it were your native language (or, is your native language)
32 6% Enough to survive alone in Japan
89 17% You know a lot but following it is still too difficult.
155 29% You can understand a few words and phrases of FORMAL conversation
230 43% You only know a few words
20 4% Not a word.
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
B2. How fluent are you in speaking Japanese?
6 1% As if it were your native language (or, is your native language)
32 6% Enough to survive alone in Japan
58 11% You know a lot but speaking it is still too difficult.
137 26% You can speak a few words and phrases of FORMAL conversation
255 48% You only know a few words
43 8% Not a word
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
B3. How fluent are you in reading Japanese (kanji, hiragana, or
katakana)?
8 2% As if it were your native language (or, is your native language)
17 3% Enough to survive alone in Japan
79 15% You can read a few hundred different characters
77 14% You can read a few words and phrases
123 23% You only know a few words
227 43% Not a word.
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
B4. Which Japanese script are you most fluent in?
97 18% kanji
214 40% hiragana
170 32% katakana
221 41% blank
-------
702 132% total
B5. What language do you generally watch anime in?
13 2% untranslated only
20 4% mostly untranslated
75 14% some untranslated, some translated (dub or sub)
152 29% mostly translated (dub or sub)
272 51% translated (dub or sub) only
1 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
B6. Have you taken courses (e.g. in classes or in home study)
in Japanese as a second (or more) language?
217 41% yes
314 59% no
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
B7. If you have taken courses, were any of the following
components in the course?
188 35% verbal or audio
194 36% text (kanji, katakana, or hiragana)
163 31% romanized grammar text
310 58% blank
-------
855 160% total
B8. Regarding your fluency in Japanese, which best characterizes
the influence of your interest in anime?
6 1% was already fluent in Japanese when got interested
13 2% was already trying to increase fluency when got interested
291 55% interest in anime started interest in improving fluency
43 8% interest in fluency and in anime were (nearly) simultaneous
31 6% interest in fluency started interest in anime
60 11% there is no influence of one on the other
69 13% have no interest in fluency
20 4% blank
-------
533 100% total
B9. Do you own a Japanese-English (or Japanese-other-language)
dictionary?
252 47% yes
279 52% no
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
B10. Do you own a Kanji dictionary?
116 22% yes
413 77% no
4 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
B11. Do you use online Japanese dictionaries?
287 54% yes
243 46% no
3 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
B12. Do you use online translation services (e.g. Babel Fish)
319 60% yes
209 39% no
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
B13. Some people sometimes find they like to sing along with
Opening or Ending theme songs. If you are one of them, which
describes your situation most often?
115 22% I don't sing along
96 18% I sing along without knowing the meaning
75 14% I can sing parts of it without knowing the meaning
123 23% I sing along while only knowing some of the meaning
61 11% I can sing parts of it while only knowing some of the meaning
9 2% I sing along only if I know the meaning
10 2% I can sing parts of it, and only if I know the meaning
38 7% I sing along knowing the meaning
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
B14. If you build anime-related model kits, how do you usually
deal with the Japanese instructions?
350 66% I don't build anime-related model kits
83 16% I don't need to understand the Japanese instructions at all
54 10% I have to guess at the instructions
5 1% I look at other's work or ask someone to translate
8 2% I look up some or all of the instructions in dictionaries
15 3% I can read the Japanese instructions
18 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
B15. If you collect anime-related CDs, how do you usually deal
with the Japanese track listings?
95 18% I don't collect anime-related CDs
8 2% I get someone (e.g. friend, family) to translate it for me
188 35% I look it up online (e.g. CD web sites)
49 9% I translate it myself with dictionaries
24 5% I can read them directly
159 30% I don't bother with the track listings
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part C. Dub versus Sub
C1. When you BORROW, RENT, or otherwise VIEW translated anime,
what is your translation preference?
116 22% demand sub only
239 45% prefer subs but tolerate dubs
107 20% have no preference
59 11% prefer dubs but tolerate subs
10 2% demand dub only
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
C2. If you OWN translated anime, what is your translation
preference (when you watch)?
187 35% sub only
170 32% mostly subs, but sometimes dubs
77 14% have no preference
78 15% mostly dubs, but sometimes subs
17 3% dub only
2 0% don't own any anime
2 0% blank
-------
533 100% total
C3. What translation preference do you usually find at places
you BORROW or RENT translated anime from?
55 10% subs only
70 13% mostly subs, some dubs
270 51% roughly same amount of subs and dubs (e.g. mostly DVD)
93 17% mostly dubs, some subs
30 6% dubs only
15 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
C4. What translation preference do you usually find at places
you BUY translated anime from?
53 10% subs only
45 8% mostly subs, some dubs
378 71% roughly same amount of subs and dubs (e.g. mostly DVD)
39 7% mostly dubs, some subs
11 2% dubs only
7 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
C5. How would you characterize the degree of contribution of
the visual and audio to the artistry of a video or film?
6 1% visual 100% audio 0%
212 40% visual 75% audio 25%
296 56% visual 50% audio 50%
14 3% visual 25% audio 75%
1 0% visual 0% audio 100%
4 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part D. Video Format
D1. What video format do you own anime in?
372 70% Tape
179 34% VCD (incl. XVCD and SVCD)
36 7% LaserDisc
502 94% DVD
400 75% video files on computer storage media
26 5% other
4 1% None
5 1% blank
-------
1524 286% total
D2. If you own anime, what video format do you choose the
most often (e.g. due to budget constraints) to collect anime in?
18 3% Tape
6 1% VCD (incl. XVCD and SVCD)
1 0% LaserDisc
342 64% DVD
153 29% video files on computer storage media
1 0% other
9 2% None
3 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D3. If you own anime, what video format, of the various formats
you own, do you prefer (not wish) the most to collect anime in?
34 6% Tape
8 2% VCD (incl. XVCD and SVCD)
10 2% LaserDisc
395 74% DVD
65 12% video files on computer storage media
1 0% other
14 3% None
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D4. If you own anime, what video format do you wish to collect
anime in if you could afford it?
0 0% Tape
2 0% VCD (incl. XVCD and SVCD)
9 2% LaserDisc
488 92% DVD
12 2% video files on computer storage media
1 0% other
13 2% None
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
D5. If you don't own anime but wish to, what video format
would you prefer to collect anime in?
1 0% Tape
1 0% VCD (incl. XVCD and SVCD)
1 0% LaserDisc
168 32% DVD
13 2% video files on computer storage media
0 0% other
0 0% None
317 59% doesn't apply
32 6% blank
-------
533 100% total
D6. Which formats does the equipment you own, or share, play?
431 81% Tape
312 59% VCD (incl. XVCD and SVCD)
50 9% LaserDisc
523 98% DVD
458 86% video files on computer storage media
42 8% other
3 1% blank
-------
1819 341% total
D7. If you collect anime, is your decision to buy one unit of
your preferred format (e.g. one LD) in a series dependent on the
distributor releasing the full series in your preferred format?
271 51% yes
85 16% no
159 30% sometimes
13 2% I don't collect anime
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D8. Which release version of anime do you collect?
277 52% only non-Japanese (e.g. English version, French version)
148 28% mostly non-Japanese, some Japanese domestic
44 8% some non-Japanese, some Japanese domestic
29 5% some non-Japanese, mostly Japanese domestic
16 3% only Japanese domestic
15 3% I don't collect anime
4 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D9. If you have Japanese domestic releases, do you try to also
get the non-Japanese version when available?
88 17% yes
64 12% no
99 19% sometimes
268 50% I don't collect Japanese domestic releases
14 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
D10. If you collect translated anime, averaged over a year,
how many individual units (e.g. tapes, LDs, count each tape
in a box set separately) do you buy per month.
152 29% less frequently than one per month
85 16% one per month
103 19% two per month
91 17% three or four per month
45 8% five to eight per month
28 5% more than eight per month
22 4% I don't collect translated anime
7 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D11. If you collect Japanese domestic anime, averaged over a
year, how many individual units (e.g. tapes, LDs, count each
tape in a box set separately) do you buy per month.
171 32% less frequently than one per month
26 5% one per month
22 4% two per month
13 2% three or four per month
4 1% five to eight per month
9 2% more than eight per month
274 51% I don't collect Japanese domestic anime
14 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
D12. How much of the anime you view is comprised of fan subtitled
or dubbed videos (e.g. at a club or convention)?
94 18% 81 to 100%
93 17% 61 to 80%
84 16% 41 to 60%
65 12% 21 to 40%
114 21% 1 to 20%
78 15% 0%
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D13. On releases with more than one episode per unit (e.g. tape,
disc), the ending and opening credits between episodes are
sometimes cut and put at the very end of the unit. Which way
do you prefer for credits?
377 71% leave credits alone
46 9% cut out intermediate credits and put at end
8 2% cut out intermediate credits altogether
82 15% I don't care
15 3% undecided
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D14. Similarly, how do you feel about the "Next episode" previews?
404 76% leave them alone
39 7% cut them out altogether
72 14% I don't care
13 2% undecided
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D15. Some anime have super-short animated sequences, unrelated to
the story at hand, in the middle (e.g. just before and/or after a
commercial), called "eyecatches". Do you prefer that these be kept
on the video version?
449 84% yes
12 2% no
53 10% doesn't matter
12 2% undecided
7 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D16. Sometimes distributors totally replace the original Japanese
credits with a translated version. What credit translation strategy
do you prefer to see?
149 28% leave Japanese version, roll translation later
97 18% leave Japanese version, but roll translation in available space
10 2% leave Japanese version, but roll translation over top
17 3% overlay or replace Japanese version
167 31% provide "alternate angles" (e.g. DVDs) or switchable text
79 15% I don't care
8 2% undecided
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D17. Some distributors translate very little of the credits.
How much of the original credits do you like to see translated?
25 5% none
7 1% just the voice actors
104 20% voice actors and main creative talent (e.g. directors, music)
249 47% as much as possible
40 8% I'm not sure
102 19% I don't care
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D18. On versions with a dub, sometimes the attribution of dub
actors to the characters is not made. Do you prefer to see which
dub actor played each character?
375 70% yes
25 5% no
116 22% I don't care
11 2% undecided
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D19. Along with the main feature, some video distributors usually
put in previews of other titles in their catalog. Relative to the
main feature, when do you prefer seeing or watching these previews?
117 22% all before the main feature
56 11% some before and some after the main feature
239 45% all after the main feature
66 12% none at all
50 9% undecided
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D20. If you like seeing these previews, how many at a time do you
feel is acceptable (summary, rundown, or slideshow presentations
count as one)?
25 5% 1
52 10% 2
146 27% 3
111 21% 4-6
41 8% more than 6
141 26% I don't care
17 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
D21. If you like seeing previews, which type of presentation do
you like most?
149 28% music video style (i.e. no voiceover), with semblance of plot
42 8% music video style (i.e. no voiceover), with random scenes
97 18% voiceover describing plot
173 32% any type will do
62 12% don't care about previews
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
D22. For signs and similar Japanese text graphics in anime,
what do you prefer the translating company do?
307 58% show translation nearby (e.g. below or beside sign)
13 2% overlay translation (i.e. block out original text)
91 17% use "alternate angles" (e.g. DVD) or switchable graphics
76 14% it depends on the situation
14 3% use "liner notes" (e.g. notes on paper)
3 1% don't translate at all
10 2% undecided, still thinking about it
14 3% it doesn't matter to me
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D23. Sometimes an anime company will include interviews with
the Japanese voice actors. Do you like these bonuses?
417 78% yes
23 4% no
35 7% undecided
53 10% I don't care
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D24. Sometimes an anime company will include interviews with
the dub (i.e. not the original) voice actors. Do you like
these bonuses?
281 53% yes
76 14% no
53 10% undecided
117 22% I don't care
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D25. Do you find it strange seeing the real people behind the
animated characters (e.g. in photos or interview footage)?
66 12% yes
260 49% no
161 30% sometimes
9 2% I'm not sure
29 5% I don't care
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
D26. Sometimes an anime company includes the creditless (textless)
version of the opening or ending sequence. Do you like these
bonuses being included?
379 71% yes
13 2% no
58 11% sometimes
68 13% I don't care
8 2% undecided
7 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D27. Do you like seeing subtitles of translations of opening
and ending songs?
449 84% yes
9 2% no
51 10% sometimes
19 4% I don't care
0 0% undecided
5 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D28. Do you like seeing romaji or transliterated subtitles
of opening and ending songs?
366 69% yes
33 6% no
62 12% sometimes
44 8% I don't care
22 4% undecided
6 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D29. Sometimes an anime company includes picture and sketch
galleries. Do you like these bonuses being included?
421 79% yes
7 1% no
58 11% sometimes
37 7% I don't care
3 1% undecided
7 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
D30. There have been a good number of anime titles broadcast
on TV outside of Japan (more in some countries than others).
If you have watched some of these broadcasts, how would you
characterize the degree of changes (i.e. cuts, rewrites, new
music)?
97 18% I haven't seen the original to compare against
92 17% too many changes to be good
116 22% many changes, none good
85 16% many changes, some good
3 1% many changes, most good
55 10% a few changes, none good
55 10% a few changes, some good
6 1% a few changes, most good
4 1% very few changes, none good
6 1% very few changes, good enough
0 0% not enough changes to be good
14 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
D31. Some companies include "liner notes". Do you like these?
409 77% yes
13 2% no
63 12% undecided
40 8% I don't care
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
D32. If you like "liner notes", what kind of materials do you like
in them?
396 74% translator's notes
341 64% song lyrics
408 77% cultural notes
199 37% production credits
197 37% episode synopses
300 56% production graphics (e.g. character sketches)
78 15% blank
-------
1919 360% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part E. More about DVD
E1. Would anime be, or was anime, an issue in your decision to
buy (or not to buy) a DVD player?
321 60% yes
199 37% no
5 1% I wouldn't consider buying a DVD player
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
E2. Is recordability on DVD a personal requirement for collecting
anime on DVD?
71 13% yes
394 74% no
55 10% undecided
13 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
E3. Do you support region locking of DVDs (for example, a lock code for
Japan's region would prevent you from playing the DVD on a US player)?
26 5% yes
443 83% no
30 6% undecided
26 5% I don't care
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
E4. At your regular local anime rental outlets, what percentage
of their anime inventory (all together) seems to be in DVD format?
23 4% none
55 10% 1 to 20%
43 8% 21 to 40%
112 21% 41 to 60%
129 24% 61 to 80%
142 27% 81 to 100%
29 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
E5. At your regular local anime stores, what percentage of their
anime inventory (all together) seems to be in DVD format?
14 3% none
21 4% 1 to 20%
20 4% 21 to 40%
68 13% 41 to 60%
165 31% 61 to 80%
222 42% 81 to 100%
23 4% blank
-------
533 100% total
E6. If you collect anime in DVD format, is this because you
find anime on other formats are no longer available to you?
94 18% yes
409 77% no
19 4% I don't collect in DVD
11 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
E7. Some companies don't allow you to skip logo sequences and
other similar trailers (by either using the skip button or the
menu button). Do you mind that?
415 78% yes
44 8% no
63 12% I don't care
3 1% I don't watch DVDs
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
E8. Some companies use clear keepcases and show disc info through
the case (of the reverse side of the cover). Do you like this?
206 39% yes
61 11% no
254 48% I don't care
4 1% I don't watch DVDs
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
E9. Some series get released one disc at a time and then later get
a boxed set release (not just an empty box), or collection release
(e.g. multidisc keepcase). In that situation, which of the following
best describes or most often describes your buying habit?
261 49% buy one disc at a time, and don't bother with box set
44 8% buy one disc at a time, and replace with box set
210 39% buy nothing and hope for a box set release later
18 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
E10. Some people have suggested box set releases that only
contain one disc (to be filled with later purchases) should come
at the 2nd or subsequent volume, rather than the first, so that
people can use the first volume to decide whether to invest in
the box. Would this be acceptable to you?
340 64% yes
37 7% no
141 26% I don't care
2 0% I don't watch DVDs
13 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
E11. Some DVDs have DVD-ROM content/extras that are onle accessible
by computer DVD drives or similar. Would this be acceptable to you?
213 40% yes
51 10% no
202 38% sometimes, or it depends on the content
54 10% I don't care
3 1% I don't watch DVDs
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part F. Anime Products
F1. Do you also typically buy products associated with anime?
20 4% I don't buy any associated products
439 82% manga
385 72% music CDs (and other audio media)
284 53% toys (excluding model kits)
142 27% model kits
217 41% games
240 45% books
296 56% magazines
303 57% posters
262 49% wall scrolls
178 33% calendars
85 16% cels
140 26% trading cards
160 30% decorations
106 20% office products (e.g. erasers, pens)
26 5% phone cards
140 26% computer products (e.g. screen savers, mouse pads)
274 51% clothes (e.g. T-shirts)
45 8% linens (e.g. towels, pillow cases)
138 26% other
7 1% blank
-------
3887 729% total
F2. What anime-related products do you often wish there were more of,
and that you would definitely buy?
16 3% I don't buy any associated products
231 43% manga
230 43% music CDs (and other audio media)
188 35% toys (excluding model kits)
92 17% model kits
151 28% games
160 30% books
133 25% magazines
163 31% posters
175 33% wall scrolls
153 29% calendars
92 17% cels
59 11% trading cards
118 22% decorations
112 21% office products (e.g. erasers, pens)
42 8% phone cards
132 25% computer products (e.g. screen savers, mouse pads)
227 43% clothes (e.g. T-shirts)
97 18% linens (e.g. towels, pillow cases)
97 18% other
42 8% blank
-------
2710 508% total
F3. What are your most common sources of Anime products?
201 38% off the shelf at local anime store
51 10% order from local anime store
207 39% order from non-local anime store
154 29% off the shelf at local non-anime store
30 6% order from local non-anime store
83 16% order from non-local non-anime store
42 8% off the shelf at non-local non-anime store
18 3% purchase during multiple visits to Japan
27 5% ordered through friends or family living in or visiting Japan
27 5% gifts from friends or family living in or visiting Japan
178 33% vendors at conventions
158 30% auctions and similar trade venues (e.g. online auctions)
105 20% other
15 3% blank
-------
1296 243% total
F4. How many anime-related products do you buy per month, averaged
through the year?
55 10% none
199 37% 1 per month
87 16% 2 per month
112 21% 3 to 5 per month
45 8% 6 to 10 per month
25 5% more than 10 per month
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
F5. If you collect anime CDs, do you also collect J-Pop?
189 35% yes
241 45% no
93 17% I don't collect anime CDs
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
F6. Do you avoid purchasing pirated or bootlegged anime-related
products (e.g. Son May CDs, wall scrolls, Ben Di plastic models,
T-shirts are common bootlegs)?
257 48% yes
146 27% sometimes
79 15% no
31 6% I didn't know about bootleg products
12 2% I don't collect anime-related products
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
F7. Do you think anime fan conventions should allow bootleg
products to be sold in their exhibition or dealer halls?
65 12% yes
295 55% no
102 19% I don't care
63 12% undecided
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
F8. Which of the following most closely describes your position
on trading sound files (e.g. MP3)?
25 5% it's outright piracy, it should be banned
26 5% I think it's wrong, but as long as I don't see it, I don't care.
133 25% it doesn't really matter to me
174 33% I think it's ok
125 23% I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with it
40 8% I need to think about it
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part G. Anime Clubs and Accessibility
G1. How many anime clubs are you aware of that are what you
consider reasonably accessible?
221 41% none
161 30% one
93 17% two
44 8% 3 to 5
6 1% more than 5
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G2. How many anime clubs do you belong to?
371 70% none
122 23% one
23 4% two
9 2% 3 to 5
1 0% more than 5
7 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
G3. How many people are in the largest anime club you belong to?
364 68% I don't belong to a club
4 1% 2 to 5
14 3% 6 to 10
44 8% 11 to 20
47 9% 21 to 50
27 5% 51 to 100
24 5% more than 100
9 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G4. If you belong to more than one anime club, how many people are
in the smallest anime club you belong to?
378 71% I don't belong to a club
23 4% 2 to 5
15 3% 6 to 10
33 6% 11 to 20
28 5% more than 20
56 11% blank
-------
533 100% total
G5. How many video rental shops are accessible to you in your
geographical area?
3 1% none
38 7% one
92 17% two
87 16% three
273 51% more than three
33 6% I don't know
7 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
G6. How many of those video rental shops have any anime?
40 8% none
106 20% one
128 24% two
72 14% three
167 31% more than three
20 4% blank
-------
533 100% total
G7. How many of those video rental shops have a section devoted
to animation (general or anime specifically)?
115 22% none
133 25% one
99 19% two
48 9% three
113 21% more than three
25 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
G8. What is the size of the largest anime inventory (number of
tapes, or equivalent media, discounting multiple copies) at those
video rental shops?
32 6% none
26 5% less than 6
60 11% 6 to 10
94 18% 11 to 20
86 16% 21 to 30
75 14% 31 to 50
47 9% 51 to 100
56 11% 101 to 500
28 5% more than 500
29 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
G9. How many anime stores (dedicated to anime and/or manga/comics)
are accessible to you in your geographical area?
190 36% none
115 22% one
87 16% two
33 6% three
63 12% more than three
37 7% I don't know
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G10. What are the most common sources of your Anime video (any
medium) purchases (not gifts)?
176 33% off the shelf at local anime retailer
255 48% off the shelf at local non-anime retailer
49 9% order from local anime retailer
44 8% order from local video retailer
18 3% order from local video rental shop
12 2% order from local anime club
36 7% order from local non-anime retailer
160 30% order from non-local anime retailer
123 23% order from non-local video retailer
10 2% order from non-local anime club
84 16% order from domestic distributor
37 7% order from Japanese distributor
74 14% trading with friends or other fans.
103 19% vendors at conventions
110 21% auctions and similar trade venues (e.g. online auctions)
19 4% blank
-------
1310 246% total
G11. How often do you research or get information about a title
(e.g. criticisms, recommendations, descriptions, synopses, reviews,
renting/borrowing) before buying?
1 0% never
13 2% hardly ever
96 18% sometimes
157 29% most of the time
127 24% almost always
131 25% always
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G12. Where do you usually get information about specific anime
titles?
276 52% anime-specific magazines
45 8% non-anime magazines (e.g. game, comic)
85 16% Usenet
58 11% mailing list
175 33% World Wide Web magazines
392 74% World Wide Web other than web magazines
341 64% word of mouth (e.g. friends, family, club members)
51 10% club resources
162 30% store, shopping (e.g. comic shop, anime store, video store)
266 50% viewing (e.g. rental, loan, club showing)
83 16% catalogs (e.g. from distributers)
98 18% other
7 1% blank
-------
2039 383% total
G13. Which type of information do you find the most useful in
deciding on buying an anime title?
6 1% none (I'll buy any anime)
77 14% synopses / descriptions
35 7% recommendations
110 21% reviews / criticisms
22 4% trailers or previews included with other anime
272 51% seeing it for yourself
3 1% other
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G14. Which type of information do you find the most useful in
deciding to watch an anime title that you have not seen before?
63 12% none (I'll watch any anime)
130 24% synopses / descriptions
110 21% recommendations
147 28% reviews / criticisms
64 12% trailers or previews included with other anime
8 2% other
11 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G15. How often do you research or get information about related
anime products (e.g. criticisms, recommendations, descriptions,
reviews, renting/borrowing) before buying?
25 5% never
66 12% hardly ever
127 24% sometimes
109 20% most of the time
104 20% almost always
89 17% always
13 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G16. Where do you usually get information about specific anime
related products?
245 46% anime-specific magazines
50 9% non-anime magazines (e.g. game, comic)
66 12% Usenet
146 27% World Wide Web magazines
377 71% World Wide Web other than Web magazines
249 47% word of mouth (e.g. friends, family, club members)
33 6% club resources
186 35% store (e.g. comic shop, anime store, video store)
106 20% other
22 4% blank
-------
1480 278% total
G17. How many local bands are dedicated to playing anime music?
499 94% none
9 2% 1
2 0% 2
2 0% 3 to 5
1 0% more than 5
20 4% blank
-------
533 100% total
G18. Which of the following most closely describes your position
on distribution of fansub, fandubs and similar, of video titles
that are NOT licensed or commercially available in your region?
7 1% it's outright piracy, they should be banned
11 2% I think it's wrong, but as long as I don't see them, I don't care.
52 10% it doesn't really matter to me
245 46% I think they're ok, they serve a purpose
195 37% I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with them
16 3% I need to think about it
7 1% blank
-------
533 100% total
G19. Which of the following most closely describes your position
on distribution of fansub, fandubs and similar of video titles
that ARE licensed or commercially available in your region?
144 27% it's outright piracy, they should be banned
117 22% I think it's wrong, but as long as I don't see them, I don't care.
105 20% it doesn't really matter to me
85 16% I think they're ok
47 9% I think there is absolutely nothing wrong with them
25 5% I need to think about it
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G20. How much anime is available to you by TV broadcast?
30 6% none
12 2% less than 1 hour per week (e.g. 1 hour per month)
18 3% 1 hour per week
67 13% up to 3 hours per week
92 17% up to 5 hours per week
183 34% up to 15 hours per week
89 17% up to 40 hours per week
29 5% more than 40 hours per week
13 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
G21. How many TV stations available to you carry anime?
31 6% none
73 14% 1
135 25% 2
243 46% 3 to 5
37 7% more than 5
14 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
G22. How many TV stations available to you specifically include
an anime lineup in their programming?
79 15% none
178 33% 1
144 27% 2
110 21% 3-5
9 2% more than 5
13 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part H. Usenet News groups
H1. Approximately how often do you at least READ rec.arts.anime
news groups?
346 65% never
19 4% once a year
20 4% once every 2 to 4 months
12 2% once a month
8 2% once every 2 weeks
16 3% once a week
15 3% once every 2 days
44 8% once a day
16 3% twice a day
17 3% more than twice a day
20 4% blank
-------
533 100% total
H2. In approximately how many reading sessions do you POST to
rec.arts.anime news groups?
419 79% never
18 3% once a year
18 3% once every 2 to 4 months
10 2% once a month
5 1% once every 2 weeks
14 3% once a week
7 1% once every 2 days
9 2% once a day
2 0% twice a day
5 1% more than twice a day
26 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
H3. Which rec.arts.anime news groups do you USUALLY
check out?
84 16% rec.arts.anime.info
41 8% rec.arts.anime.music
101 19% rec.arts.anime.misc
26 5% rec.arts.anime.models
45 8% rec.arts.anime.fandom
25 5% rec.arts.anime.games
21 4% rec.arts.anime.marketplace
36 7% rec.arts.anime.creative
370 69% blank
-------
749 141% total
H4. Which rec.arts.anime news groups do you OCCASIONALLY
check out?
46 9% rec.arts.anime.info
44 8% rec.arts.anime.music
52 10% rec.arts.anime.misc
25 5% rec.arts.anime.models
43 8% rec.arts.anime.fandom
29 5% rec.arts.anime.games
34 6% rec.arts.anime.marketplace
27 5% rec.arts.anime.creative
408 77% blank
-------
708 133% total
H5. Do you read rec.arts.anime news groups from a local server?
91 17% yes
85 16% no
16 3% sometimes
23 4% I don't know
278 52% I don't read rec.arts.anime newsgroups
40 8% blank
-------
533 100% total
H6. Do you read newsgroups with your web browser (e.g. Google groups)
instead of a newsreader program?
71 13% yes
120 23% no
33 6% sometimes
275 52% I don't read rec.arts.anime newsgroups
34 6% blank
-------
533 100% total
H7. Of the fans from your geographical area and which you are
personally acquainted with, approximately how many are you aware
of that at least READ rec.arts.anime news groups?
358 67% none of them
7 1% all of them
4 1% 80% of them
7 1% 60% of them
12 2% 40% of them
23 4% 20% of them
63 12% less than 20% of them
59 11% blank
-------
533 100% total
H8. Of the fans from your geographical area and which you are
personally acquainted with, approximately how many are you aware
of that POST to rec.arts.anime news groups?
378 71% none of them
4 1% all of them
2 0% 80% of them
1 0% 60% of them
6 1% 40% of them
16 3% 20% of them
61 11% less than 20% of them
65 12% blank
-------
533 100% total
H9. Do you read anime news groups other than the ones in the
rec.arts.anime.* hierarchy (e.g. in alt.*, Japan.*)?
131 25% yes
360 68% no
42 8% blank
-------
533 100% total
H10. Do you like to read spoilers (messages that give away plot
surprises, or other important plot elements)?
45 8% yes
194 36% no
153 29% sometimes
9 2% undecided
104 20% I don't read newsgroups
28 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
H11. Do you prefer advance warning of spoilers (e.g. spoiler tag
in subject line or spoiler warnings in text)?
373 70% yes
18 3% no
10 2% undecided
104 20% I don't read newsgroups
28 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
H12. If you like to be warned of spoilers, which types of warnings
would you like to see?
374 70% tag or warning in subject line (e.g. [SPOILER]...)
155 29% warning in text just before spoiler
242 45% warning in text with lots of blank lines just before spoiler
102 19% blank
-------
873 164% total
H13. Do you prefer to give advance warning of spoilers in your
messages?
326 61% yes
9 2% no
12 2% undecided
152 29% I don't read newsgroups
34 6% blank
-------
533 100% total
H14. Would applying ROT13 encoding of spoilers be acceptable to you?
73 14% yes
30 6% no
13 2% undecided
21 4% I don't care
228 43% what is ROT13?
136 26% I don't read newsgroups
32 6% blank
-------
533 100% total
H15. Are HTML encoded messages in the rec.arts.anime.* news groups
acceptable to you?
42 8% yes
98 18% no
52 10% I don't care
45 8% undecided or don't know
261 49% I don't read newsgroups
35 7% blank
-------
533 100% total
H16. When responding to a news group posting, some people like to
e-mail a copy of their response (sometimes called a "courtesy copy").
If someone responds to your posting, would you find this practice
acceptable?
99 19% yes
34 6% no
80 15% I don't care
26 5% undecided or don't know
255 48% I don't read newsgroups
39 7% blank
-------
533 100% total
H17. Technically, auction and "for sale/auction/trade" postings
are off-topic in all rec.arts.anime.* news groups except
rec.arts.anime.marketplace. Where would you prefer to see
these postings?
126 24% only in r.a.a.marketplace, keep out everywhere else.
7 1% in any r.a.a news groups
62 12% I don't care
29 5% undecided or don't know
271 51% I don't read newsgroups
38 7% blank
-------
533 100% total
H18. Have you used rec.arts.anime.marketplace (either as
buyer or seller)?
24 5% yes
190 36% no
281 53% I don't read newsgroups
38 7% blank
-------
533 100% total
H19. Which single group seems to have the most useful market
postings for you?
5 1% rec.arts.anime.music
28 5% rec.arts.anime.misc
5 1% rec.arts.anime.models
7 1% rec.arts.anime.fandom
3 1% rec.arts.anime.games
23 4% rec.arts.anime.marketplace
118 22% not interested in market postings
304 57% I don't read newsgroups
40 8% blank
-------
533 100% total
H20. For FS/FT/FA postings with multiple items, which do
you prefer to see?
18 3% one posting per item
49 9% all items listed in a single posting
117 22% no preference
297 56% I don't read newsgroups
52 10% blank
-------
533 100% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part I. World Wide Web
I1. Do you have a publicly accessible Anime WWW site?
163 31% yes
361 68% no
9 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
I2. For your web site, do you pay for the web space?
68 13% yes
122 23% no
331 62% I don't have a web page
12 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
I3. How often do you do anime related Web browsing (that is, not
Usenet/news groups)?
4 1% never
6 1% once every 6 months
14 3% once a month
18 3% once every 2 weeks
39 7% once a week
67 13% once every 2 days
118 22% once a day
59 11% twice a day
198 37% more than twice a day
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
I4. How long do you browse once you start?
5 1% never
220 41% up to an hour
204 38% up to 2 hours
65 12% up to 4 hours
19 4% up to 8 hours
11 2% more than 8 hours
9 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
I5. Do you use web forums (e.g. web boards) to discuss anime
(i.e. write in them)?
347 65% yes
177 33% no
9 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
I6. If you do use web forums, how many different sites do you
USUALLY check out?
136 26% none/never
104 20% 1
203 38% 2-3
44 8% 4-5
13 2% 6-10
4 1% more than 10
29 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
I7. If you do use web forums, how many different sites do you
OCCASIONALLY check out?
133 25% none/never
64 12% 1
198 37% 2-3
70 13% 4-5
21 4% 6-10
15 3% more than 10
32 6% blank
-------
533 100% total
I8. If you do use web forums, how often do you do write in them?
172 32% never
44 8% once every 6 months
43 8% once a month
24 5% once every 2 weeks
70 13% once a week
46 9% once every 2 days
35 7% once a day
23 4% twice a day
47 9% more than twice a day
29 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
I9. Of the fans from your geographical area and which you are
personally acquainted with, approximately how many are you aware
of that at least READ at least one of the web forums you do?
265 50% none of them
20 4% all of them
21 4% 80% of them
20 4% 60% of them
31 6% 40% of them
46 9% 20% of them
88 17% less than 20% of them
42 8% blank
-------
533 100% total
I10. Of the fans from your geographical area and which you are
personally acquainted with, approximately how many are you aware
of that WRITE to at least one of the web forums you read?
278 52% none of them
15 3% all of them
18 3% 80% of them
18 3% 60% of them
25 5% 40% of them
39 7% 20% of them
95 18% less than 20% of them
45 8% blank
-------
533 100% total
I11. Web forums and web news sites have a much better corporate
participation (i.e. anime companies post messages). On the FORUMS
you participate in (post or just read), are you satisfied with
the level of corporate participation?
34 6% not at all
66 12% not really
111 21% sufficiently satisfied
38 7% very happy with level
120 23% don't care
135 25% don't know, or don't participate in web forums
29 5% blank
-------
533 100% total
I12. If you do use web forums, do you prefer them to anime Usenet
news groups?
145 27% yes
36 7% no
56 11% I like both
40 8% I prefer neither
226 42% I don't know (don't use one of them)
30 6% blank
-------
533 100% total
I13. If you do use web forums, do you find them easier to use than
Usenet news groups?
171 32% yes
35 7% no
67 13% both are about the same
230 43% I don't know (don't use one of them)
30 6% blank
-------
533 100% total
Jump to Section: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][End]
Part J. Miscellaneous
J1. How old are you?
0 0% less than 12 years
33 6% 12 to 15 years
104 20% 16 to 18 years
323 61% 19 to 30 years
44 8% 31 to 40 years
20 4% 41 to 60 years
1 0% over 60 years
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
J2. What is the level of education have you completed?
166 31% Grade School
40 8% Trade School
211 40% University Undergraduate or College (e.g. Bachelors)
28 5% University Graduate or Doctorate (e.g. Ph.D, Masters)
74 14% other
14 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
J3. Would you consider yourself a technophile?
279 52% yes
118 22% no
120 23% I'm not sure
16 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
J4. What geographical region do you live in?
8 2% East Asia (e.g. Japan, India)
0 0% West Asia (e.g. Turkey, Iran)
18 3% Pacific (e.g. Australia, Indonesia)
34 6% Europe (e.g. Germany)
0 0% Africa (e.g. Kenya)
462 87% North America (e.g. Canada)
2 0% South America (e.g. Brazil)
1 0% Antarctica (e.g. ...)
8 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
J5. Do you have more than one internet accessible account that you
use often?
281 53% yes
241 45% no
11 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
J6. Do you pay directly for any of your internet accounts or access?
319 60% yes
193 36% no
6 1% I don't have an internet account
15 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
J7. Do you participate in anime mailing lists?
225 42% yes
298 56% no
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
J8. Have you participated in past "What are we like?" questionnaires
(e.g. Aug 1997, Feb 1998, July 1998, Mar 1999, Aug 1999)?
52 10% yes
447 84% no
24 5% I'm not sure
10 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
J9. Where did you find out about this survey?
112 21% a news group
11 2% a mailing list
11 2% someone e-mailed me
344 65% a web site (please DON'T put this questionnaire on another web site)
5 1% verbally, word-of-mouth (e.g. by paper note, by phone)
26 5% just stumbled upon it
15 3% other
9 2% blank
-------
533 100% total
J10. Where did you get this copy of this questionnaire?
61 11% a news group
9 2% a mailing list
6 1% someone e-mailed me a copy
395 74% a web site (please DON'T put this questionnaire on another web site)
3 1% hardcopy that I re-entered manually (or by OCR)
4 1% someone dictated it to me
40 8% other
15 3% blank
-------
533 100% total
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If you have any other comments or questions regarding this survey
e-mail me.
Copyright © 2003 Ru Igarashi