- Watch anime in the intended order:
This means following the release date order rather than attempting to watch the episodes or seasons in chronological order. By doing so, you can experience the anime as it was originally intended by the creators, understanding the progression of the storylines, character developments, and any plot twists or surprises that were meant to be revealed at specific points. Watching anime in release order allows you to appreciate the intended pacing and narrative structure, enhancing your overall viewing experience.
- Watch anime in the original audio language:
This typically means watching with subtitles if you don't understand the language. This approach ensures that you hear the authentic voices of the characters, allowing you to grasp the nuances of their performances and the emotional depth intended by the voice actors. Watching dubbed versions can be a viable alternative, but only after you have already watched the anime in its original audio. This way, you can compare and appreciate the efforts of both the original voice cast and the dubbing team.
- Read the source material first for incomplete adaptations:
If you encounter an anime that is an incomplete adaptation of its source material, such as a manga or light novel, read the source material first. Incomplete adaptations often omit or alter significant portions of the original story due to time constraints or other reasons. By reading the source material, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world, characters, and plot developments that may not have been fully explored in the anime. This allows you to appreciate the adaptation better and engage in discussions with a more comprehensive knowledge base.
- Avoid hype and snap judgments:
As an elitist, it's essential to approach each work with an open mind and avoid excessive hype or snap judgments. While it's natural to feel excited about upcoming anime or be intrigued by unique concepts, it's important not to let these expectations cloud your judgment. Do your research before praising a work as something original, innovative, or subversive. Understand the context, influences, and thematic elements within the anime. This way, you can provide a more informed and balanced analysis, contributing to meaningful discussions within the anime community.
- Don't let scores influence your approach:
Anime scores, such as ratings on platforms like MAL and its reviews, can be helpful references when deciding what to watch. However, as an elitist, it's crucial not to let these scores dictate your approach to anime. Everyone has different tastes and preferences, and what may be highly rated by others may not resonate with you personally. Instead, use scores as a general guide but trust your own judgment and explore various genres, art styles, and storytelling approaches to broaden your anime experience.
- Don't skip non-canon episodes:
To accurately evaluate an anime and form a more impartial opinion, it is important to watch non-canon episodes. These episodes provide a standalone experience that allows you to assess the anime without the influence of the source material. By including non-canon episodes, you can form a more comprehensive evaluation of the anime's quality, storytelling, and character development, free from external biases.
- Avoid meaningless waifu wars and power debates:
Engaging in waifu wars (arguments about which female character is the best) or debates about who can beat a particular character like Goku are meaningless conflicts. Instead, focus on appreciating the strengths and qualities of different characters, understanding their roles within the story, and exploring the deeper themes and messages conveyed by the anime. By fostering a more constructive and inclusive community, you can engage in meaningful discussions.
- Read reviews before voting:
To ensure a fair assessment and contribute to a more informed anime community, it is essential to read reviews thoroughly before voting on them. By taking the time to understand different perspectives and arguments presented in the reviews, you can form a more balanced opinion and contribute to discussions in a meaningful way. Avoid the temptation to blindly vote on reviews based on score without actually engaging with the content, as this can lead to misinterpretations and a skewed representation of the review's quality. Don't obsess over scores so much, find the meaning behind the scores.
- Avoid making up headcanons or fan theories as facts:
While it's natural to have personal interpretations and theories about an anime, it's important to distinguish them from actual facts presented within the work. Headcanons, fan theories, and fanons should be treated as creative speculations and not presented as definitive explanations or justifications for elements within the anime. As an elitist, it's crucial to support your arguments and positions with accurate information from the anime itself or official sources to promote accurate understanding and discussions.
- Explore different genres:
To truly become an elitist, it's essential to explore a wide range of genres and not limit yourself to a single genre or style. Embrace the variety and richness that anime has to offer, as this allows you to appreciate different art styles, narrative approaches, and cultural perspectives, broadening your horizons and deepening your understanding of the medium as a whole.
By following these guidelines, you can develop a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of anime, engage in meaningful discussions, and contribute positively to the anime community as an anime connoisseur. |
