Mr Poltroon

How much do you charge?

GGO is the best arc in the novels in my opinion.
If they don't screw it up with melodrama then it might be better than the first season.
As long as you're okay with trap Kirito.

Don't worry, this isn't another appreciation thread (dear god almighty), but I just wanted to say the activities the staff has been hosting this month have been an awesome way to involve the community. The forums have felt more active than normal. The MotM and the logo competition are fun additions.

Yep yep. 
...Bai bai money... 
But it is for the greater cause!

Okay, time to save up my money to buy 200 copies of Kajitsu. We must do whatever it takes to get Yuuji's backstory translated!

Yep yep. 
...Bai bai money... 
But it is for the greater cause!

For some reason, when I think infinity series, I think 'TUNA'.
It's certainly 'unforgettable' for me.

It does, in fact, require installation on the fuwanovel download. Nevertheless, that's irrelevant, he hasn't installed it yet. The problem is that he can't.
 
For now, I recommend seeing if all your files are on 'read mode only' (you can check that in the properties) if they are, uncheck them. 
Fuwanovel also warns you about this, but make sure your still not seeding the torrent. There have been games I've been unable to do anything with until I made sure the files were not on 'read only mode'.

Umineko is loved by many, though I did not like it very much myself(I am too dumb to understand "the truth of Umineko").

And maybe they'll have there own website, dedicated to spredding WVN's in Japan

This is going to be long so take a seat.
And don't you dare skimming through it or not reading any of the linked articles.

1. Misinterpretation of Fuwanovel mission statement

I will start with this as it should be simple to explain.
The portion of the mission statement that is used in the forum logo (and forum logo only) is just part of the whole mission.
As you can notice on the main website, the main logo there actually describes the website differently.

"Fan translated visual novels repository"
And if you browse the website and visit the mission statement section, you can see the mission is actually different from what the forum logo says, it is:
"Visual Novels for the World"
As even included with the logo of the section:


Following up in the mission statement, three main objectives are mentioned there

There are three main objectives, they are:
1) Make visual novels popular in the West.
2) Promote fan translation
3) Create a community that celebrates fan translation and fan sharing.


When the forums logo was made, only the first part of the mission statement was put there, because otherwise it would be too long. And many people misinterpret "West" as "America", where as it just states the general mission statement Visual Novels for the World but with different words.
West in that case means outside of Japan (where Visual Novels already exist), so basically the rest of the world.

What I am getting at is that nowhere on the whole website it states anything about promoting Localized copies, ensuring sales of Localized copies or celebrating success of Localization companies and commercial market.
Instead it focuses on fan translation, fan efforts, fan sharing, fan creations and fan improvements to the original version.

The only reason Fuwanovel doesn't share licensed versions was out of Aaeru's "good will".
She decided not to include those releases as a gesture of friendliness to the companies.
How those companies responded to this good will and attempts to build a friendly relationship is a different matter entirely.



2. Piracy vs Sharing

The whole word "Piracy" is just wrongly used since the beginning of the internet.
If you imagine piracy in a pirate movie, they invade a ship and deprive people off their possessions.
But in the case of games, movies, music - that is never the case. "Piracy" on the internet just stands for "Sharing", but people for some reason needed a word that sounds evil.
Instead of taking away possessions of someone else, you are being offered a shared copy of what someone already has. You are being offered a flower seed out of unlimited supply to grow your own flower and ultimately build your love for flowers to the point you want to support the people who originally imported these flowers from different parts of the world.


Aaeru and Fuwanovel was always for "Sharing" and as so you could say also for "Piracy" since they are the same thing.

The stuff about flower seeds and building love for flowers is much better explained in the "Spreading culture does not decrease supporters. It increases it." part of fuwanovel About section.
Please read the whole article if you haven't already done so.

You can notice there the part of why true fans pay money.



"Your labour IS the scarcity not the copies, for it cannot be pirated."

And are you going to argue that it doesn't work? Even the mentioned Steins;Gate release says exactly the opposite, many of the fuwanovel staff bought the copy even though we still direct people to the shared copy.
It is not because they had to buy it, they wanted to buy it, partially thanks to the fact that the game is popularized thanks to Fuwanovel.

The article mentioned above wasn't directed at localization companies however, it was mainly directed at Japanese developers and why Aaeru decided to share the copies with the improvements of additional language version.

You can even see similar examples here of people buying a Japanese version if they liked the fuwanovel copy. I can even say it for myself - I am struggling to make a living and pay rent, but after finishing Iroseka (shared torrented version), I became true fan of FAVORITE, It is one of my dreams that once I solve my situation and get some more money, I will not buy some expensive food or a car or any other pleasure like that, I will buy the games with all the stupidly overpriced little perks in the box, because I want the companies to make more of it.
But in the meanwhile, all I can really do is spread the word of how good the games are, link people to the Fuwanovel Hoshimemo page, praise Iroseka and make more people try to play it in Japanese now, make more people interested in translating it for even wider audience - because I know that I can find people who will fall in love with those games just like I have and maybe they will have the funds to afford the support to the companies. I was able to talk to a Japanese FAVORITE fan yesterday in pso2JP, uniting together we can get more and more fame to the company that deserves it, even though the Japanese person can buy the game with earnings from an hour or 2 of his time, and all I can do is spread the word. But I am willing to spread the word for many hours, writing reviews and comparisons, because that is all I can spare, my time.

If I haven't "pirated" the games in the first place, I would never be able to do this, I would never be able to extend the fandom because I would never be able to play the game.



3. Localized releases vs Fan TL releases

So as mentioned above, we are still trying to carry Aaeru's good will of not sharing localized copies, a good will even after all the things the companies have done to her in response. The good will might weaken in times of controversy we can sometimes see, but since we believe that evil should not be repaid by evil, that eye for an eye is just the wrong approach, we still continue this good will and are not sharing English licensed releases of games.

But there was never such will for Japanese releases, as with those, following the points mentioned in point 2 of this post, the creator will have more success in building fandom and true fans.

And as such we are sharing Japanese copy of Planetarian, a game Aaeru added to the website, improved by a collective fan effort many years ago. It is the same version a lot of you (Including me) were able to enjoy for free, thanks to the original fan effort and Fuwanovel sharing service. And the same version, translated out of passion for the game, shared between fans of Key to make their games even more popular.
Without this fan copy and all the other fan translated Key games, most of us would not be able to enjoy them. Without the effort of fan subbing, lot of people would not be able to enjoy Key anime.
And without that the English Key fandom would not become what it is today, a fandom that is able to organize a giant project like Key 15th Anniversary Letter.
A project that will even be collaborating with Sekai project to deliver their letter, signifying their dedication.
A project full of TRUE fans who will buy the official Sekai release even though they have probably played Planetarian several times.

And you are asking us to simply remove all that from existence so only you and other people in the past were so privileged to enjoy it for free and become a fan. That new people cannot join the club anymore, become a fan of a free version to later potentially evolve into a true fan supporting Key by buying figs and games all over the place, just like many Fuwanovel members do.

And the same goes for Grisaia, we are sharing a Japanese version of the game improved by fan translation, a version that was able to build pretty big fandom of its own. A favorite game of many thanks to the free fan translation and the free availability on Fuwanovel (among other places).
A fandom built thanks to a collaborative effort of not only translators and other people on the project, but also seeders on the torrents, page creators, article writers, even people just saying "I loved this game" in a public place - all those efforts however important or hard they might be created what Grisaia true fandom today is and as such tons of them will be able to afford the steam release, while others can keep sharing the word and original fan project for free, to get even more people on the board to be able to spend their money, time or effort or combination of those to further support their beloved game.


And in the end by removing the original fan translation patch you are not only depriving newcomers of things you were able to have yourself, depriving them of the sun that used to shine on you.
But you are also undermining all the efforts of the people trying to share and make the game as popular as possible with the means available to them. Some people have money to import the game from Japan or later buy the game on Steam, some people only have words.
But power of the words might in the end turn out more powerful than power of money. By sharing a VN and making more people be interested in it and talk about it, you are essentially trading words for words - effort and words of the original creator for the good words and effort of review writers or simply people telling their friends to play it. And in the end this trade will result in a profit for the creator, as more and more people will be interested in the words the creator has to say in their games, more and more people will want more of those words and become a true fan, patron and supporter, trading their currency for more words.


4. Fuwanovel as a negative profit website

Since this was already said, I will keep it short.
But Fuwanovel, unlike many other sharing websites such as nyaa, generates ZERO profit of any of this. Quite the opposite, running website and fees connected to this actually costs money and we rely on charity of people, paying their money to host and run the website, offering their seedbox so we can spread the game torrents as quickly as possible.
And even the times when many of us together collected the money to buy the forum software, with whatever we could put aside at that moment.
And still there is not a single ad on the website, not a single cent was generated on Fuwanovel and that is how it is going to remain.
Efforts of all the people working on maintaining the website, work put into coding and additional features, forum moderation, creating new pages for newly released projects, maintaining good upload speed by seeding - all those efforts are done with 0 compensation and 0 profit.
And as such everyone can expect everything on Fuwanovel be equal to everyone, whether you came a year ago or now, you will have access to the same games for the same equal price, 0.
That's because 0 is the ONLY price equal to everyone in the world and even though $1 might seem equal to all Americans, it is not equal to everyone in the world, only 0 is.

And as the mission statement goes, Visual Novels for the World.

Oh, so when they talk about how traps are good or not every ones happy.But when I mention lolis in a bad way, I'm derailing the thread... This is the pure and wise judgment of staff. (now I understand you batman)

But anyway's I'll just say that i agree that i don't think i prefer one archtype over the other. Some are done right, wile other aren't. Kud from LB was a fun loli...

I was really angry at Katawa Shoujo. Misha was my absolute favorite girl, and her route was the only one that didn't exist. GAAAHH.

?! False, I believe my life is worth more than most people. I'm afraid to say, but sadness and pain are not justifiable reasons for suicide, as far as I'm concerned. I've never experienced terrible pain or sadness, though, so I cannot say if I would retain my sanity during such occasions.
 
Next person aspires to become a lawyer.

Welcome to the forums! I wanted to comment on your thread but it's been taken hostage by world geography...
Anyways, have an image!



 
 
If you think this is all a pain, make sure to give my company a call!

Then you can just name it whatever you want.

Atlantic Ocean, near the Spanish Coast  The command ship of the Irish Fleet November 1914  

 
A Formal announcement from the countries of the Holy Alliance:

Atlantic Ocean, near the Spanish Coast  The command ship of the Irish Fleet November 1914  

 
A Formal announcement from the countries of the Holy Alliance:

Atlantic Ocean, near the Spanish Coast  The command ship of the Irish Fleet November 1914  

 
A Formal announcement from the countries of the Holy Alliance:

?
What's suposed to be brilliant? Are you refering to the move? The roleplay? My incopetency?
 
(By the way, what you just said is a sarcastic catchphrase of mine ) 

Jeez, you seem to want to do everything. Well, wish you luck with that. 
...
If only I had half the motivation... *grumble grumble*
 
Nevertheless, welcome to the forums! I hope you enjoy your stay!
To welcome you, I have prepared a little something... Have an image!

Accepted, welcome to the great Global Policeman of the world.
 
"The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is being invaded. This shall not be tolerated. New generals shall be brought to combat the french threat. 
 
We fight to repell our French foes from our island. Troops shall be sent to repell this threat.
 
Furthermore, the King formally announces the Holy Alliance, a coalition formed by the Great German Empire, by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, by the Swedish Empire and by the Ottoman Empire to make a better Europe for everyone."
 
The French will regret this, 4 commanders? Pft, we'll show you what we're made of.
I attack the French on the British island.

Accepted, welcome to the great Global Policeman of the world.
 
"The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is being invaded. This shall not be tolerated. New generals shall be brought to combat the french threat. 
 
We fight to repell our French foes from our island. Troops shall be sent to repell this threat.
 
Furthermore, the King formally announces the Holy Alliance, a coalition formed by the Great German Empire, by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, by the Swedish Empire and by the Ottoman Empire to make a better Europe for everyone."
 
The French will regret this, 4 commanders? Pft, we'll show you what we're made of.
I attack the French on the British island.

Accepted, welcome to the great Global Policeman of the world.
 
"The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland is being invaded. This shall not be tolerated. New generals shall be brought to combat the french threat. 
 
We fight to repell our French foes from our island. Troops shall be sent to repell this threat.
 
Furthermore, the King formally announces the Holy Alliance, a coalition formed by the Great German Empire, by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, by the Swedish Empire and by the Ottoman Empire to make a better Europe for everyone."
 
The French will regret this, 4 commanders? Pft, we'll show you what we're made of.
I attack the French on the British island.

1914: The Great War

STORY
Prologue:



June 1914:



July 1914



August 1914



September 1914




INFORMATION


How to Play:
- You must choose a country, and lead it until it is completely destroyed. You may not switch to a different country while your country still survives.
- If your country has been shamefully defeated by a superior nation, you may continue your life and lead the superior nation's army. If two or three nations have divided your country, the country with the most territory captured from your nation is your new nation.
- You may attack once every twenty-four hours.
- The number of territories you capture is determined by the last digit of your post number. To gain your post number, 'quote' your attack post and switch to coded view (The switch on the top-left corner of the full editor). Added to one-tenth of your total territory count, rounded down. You may only capture a maximum of 12 territories per attack. For Example: Spain wishes to take Portugal for the glory of the king. The last digit of Spain's post was 5, and her total territory was 42. 5 + 42/10 = 5 + 4 = 9 territories captured from Portugal
- You may also attack in a very specific way.
For Example: Germany attacks Russia in what is now modern-day Poland.
The territories captured will be modern Polish land.
For Example: Germany attacks Russia's Baltic regions.
The territories captured will be modern lands of the Baltic states.
For Example: Germany invades France, but crosses Belgium.
Germany will first capture Belgium, then move into France.
- You may attack by sea, if you have territory in the same sea sector, which are those greyish-blue lines in the ocean.
- You can form an alliance/royal marriage/pact/entente with other nations. These can be made public or private. Be wary.
- To balance the Russian player, the same attack formula will be used, but the resulting number is divided by 4, rounded down once more. This is due to Russia having a large amount of territory, and the Russian army was one of the worst during WW1 (and even WW2, before Germany angered them too much).
- Roleplaying is highly encouraged. It's a tradition practised among the Commission.


Current Map:


Nations:
- A nation may have up to three controllers. They will make individual decisions, but they will operate from the same country. Which means a country with one controller may attack once, two controllers may attack twice, and three controllers may attack thrice. Having multiple controllers will make your expansion faster.
- A captured nation must assist the occupier. If your nation has been captured by a stronger nation, you will assist them in their conquest, even if the nation is already full. You will assist the overlord nation until the end of the game.
- You cannot liberate captured nations. You cannot return a country to its independent status. - A country may only unite once. You can unite with any nation, which effectively increases commanders and territories. Note that any penalty a country may have will be effectively removed. Even a small nation such as Luxembourg can unite with a massive country such as Russia.
- Ceasefires are possible. A ceasefire can be declared in secret, or announced publicly. A temporary ceasefire between two nations gain a 'trust penalty'. If you have attacked a country you had a ceasefire with, your attack will be divided into three.
 
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland [Royal Red]
Before 1914, the world was under Pax Britannica. Which means Britain was the global hegemon and global policeman.
Territories: 51 (Starting) 43 (Currently)
 
Under French Occupation
The Kingdom of Spain [Yellow-Orange]
Spain had no reason to fight World War One, since it was not allied to any country.
Territories: 42 (Starting)
 
Third French Empire [Revolutionary Blue]
France was Germany's main target in World War One.
Territories: 73 (Starting) 180 (Currently)
 
Greater German Empire [imperial Grey]
Contrary to popular belief, Germany did not start the war.
Territories: 114 (Starting) 194 (Currently)
 
Russian Empire [Green]
The Russians left the war in 1917, due to the Russian Revolution. This gave birth to the Soviet Union.
Territories: 136 (Starting) 119 (Currently)
 
United as Greater Germany
Austria-Hungary [Pale Violet]
Austria wasn't really mad about the assassination of her archduke. She just found a good opportunity to take Serbia.
Territories: 89 (Starting)
 
Kingdom of Serbia [Pale Teal?]
Serbia actually obeyed the ultimatum.
Territories: 13 (Starting) 24 (Currently)
 
Under German Occupation
Luxembourg
Invaded by Germany as part of the Schlieffen Plan.
Territories: 1
 
Under French Occupation
Belgium [Lime]
The Belgians were the bravest of Gauls. Oh wait, that was during the Roman era.
Territories: 10 (Starting)
 
Under French Occupation
Netherlands [Orange]
For some strange reason, the Kaiser of Germany did not want to invade Netherlands. It stayed neutral as a result.
Territories: 12
 
First Portuguese Republic [Pale Green]
For some strange reason, Germany declared war on Portugal.
Territories: 12 (Starting) 9 (Currently)
 
Kingdom of Italy [Dark Green]
Italy was neutral until 1915.
Territories: 43 (Starting) 20 (Currently)
 
Swiss Confederation [Red]
The most peaceful place in Europe.
Territories: 9
 
Under Ottoman Occupation
Kingdom of Bulgaria [Camouflage Green] 
They were afraid of Ottoman invasion, and allied themselves with the Central Powers.
Territories: 12 (Starting)
 
Under Ottoman Occupation
Greece [Hellenic Blue]
Greece didn't want to risk another Ottoman invasion.
Territories: 20 (Starting)
 
Montenegro [brown]
I almost forgot this was here. 
Territories: 5
 
Albania [Red-Violet]
I don't know what Albania did during World War One.
Territories: 5
 
Ottoman Empire [Turkish Green]
The Ottomans had no clear goal during World War One. 
Territories: 42 (Starting) 69 (Currently)
 
Under Swedish occupation
Norway [Arctic Blue]
She was neutral in World War One.
Territories: 12 (Starting)
 
Disputed by Britain and Germany
Denmark  
She was also neutral in World War One.
Territories: 7
 
Sweden [Northern Blue]
It would have been more interesting if the Swedish interfered.
Territories: 20 (Starting) 45 (Current)
 
Romania [Light Brown]
I almost forgot about this.
Territories: 15 (Starting) 5 (Currently)


Players:
1. Paragon4696 - Greater Germany
2. Aneki - France
3. Ohiowar - Sweden
4. Tiagofvarela - UK
5. Arturia - Serbia
6. Krill - Ottoman Empire
7. Jeftai - Netherlands  France
8. MrAldred - France
9. Maefdomn - France
10. Tamachan<3 - Austria-Hungary Greater Germany
11. Crysis99 - Russia
12. Satoshikyouma - Spain France.

Current Alignments:
Holy Alliance
Greater Germany, Great Britain, Sweden. Ottoman Empire
Revolutionary Commission
France, Russia
Serbia (Co-Belligerent)

The way you word that makes it look like you're reminiscing about something embarrassing...
By no means does it offer any comfort, in fact, it does just the opposite, makes me feel like I committed a grave mistake...
 
I give you 3/10 for trying though.