The call of the otaku
What would that sound like, anyway?
I was contacted through my handy-dandy contact form the other day by a representative from MTV, those exploiters of youth the American music-and-youth-focused cable TV network. A few fun facts about MTV:
- They used to show music videos. True story.
- Back in the day, I listened to my Dead Kennedys Frankenchrist tape a lot, and my favorite song on it was “MTV Get off the Air.” (Song | Lyrics)
- MTV pretty much invented reality television as we know it, thanks to Real World. That means, for better or worse, they know reality TV. Which brings me to our point.
They are recruiting for an episode of their reality series True Life, this one focusing on fanboys. So here’s the text of the recruitment flier that I thought I’d pass along, because the thought of an aniblogger on the boob tube is too awesome to miss:
Are you a young person who is obsessed with a certain book, comic, or video game? MTV’s True Life is looking for young people who are die-hard fans of certain brands, characters, or fantasy series.
Are you obsessed with comic books, anime, fantasy, or manga? Do you like to dress up as your favorite character and attend conventions with other fans? Have you ever waited in line overnight for a book, movie, or videogame release? Do you have tattoos depicting your favorite brand or characters? Have you ever missed work, school, or other important events to engage in role-playing or cosplay? Are you misunderstood by your family or significant other because of it? Do you aspire to author your own graphic novel or comic series despite your parents’ disapproval?
If you appear to be between the ages of 16 and 28, and want to share the story of your fantasy obsession, email us at fanboy@mtvn.com with all of the details. Be sure to include your name, location, phone number and a photo, if possible.
Tell MTV why you need to be seen and heard. This is your chance to let others see what your life is all about!
I think it’s more accurate to say that this is your chance to look like an ass in front of everyone, but there you have it. Unfortunately I am a bit older than 28 and I appear to be 12, so I can’t apply myself.
If you make it, you’ll be in such diverse company as deafness, schiziphrenia, high school graduation, cheating partners, and anorexia. I’m really not certain if this is open only to US residents or not, although I would tend to think so. Here is the flier in PDF form, in case you want to download it or whatevs. If anyone does go out for this, please let me know so I can set the Tivo.
- otou-san out!
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:04 pm
The last thing I want is my room and obsession broadcasted to the world, even though it’s not like I’m a closet otaku. Everyone that I know is aware I watch anime. But they DON’T know I have a Haruhi body pillow and figures they may consider “revealing” or “inappropriate.”
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:19 pm
or “illegal in malaysia”
(I’m sure in Caifornia no one bats an eye though…)
August 22nd, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Wow how shameful. LOL Before you go “who’d ever do this?” just think of all the narutards who parade in cosplay at the sakura matsuri and kinokuniya. They’re all attention whores and they will do anything to get 10 minutes in the spotlight so they will get more than enough volunteers.
I personally would like to see the ultimate results, it would be such a lolfest.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Haha, I am sure they will potray the person in a *snicker* good light.
August 22nd, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I did actually say to myself “who’d ever do this?”
I don’t get out much, I don’t go to cons, and I don’t see the cosplaying choads. But I’ve seen the pictures and I’m sure you’re right — it will most likely be that kind of tool who shows up, and will probably deserve whatever ridiculous portrayal MTV gives them.
August 22nd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Hmm… I think this fits under “what I won’t be watching this fall”.
Remember the good old days, when it was all “I want my MTv”? Now it’s all “I don’t want any MTv”.
August 22nd, 2008 at 4:16 pm
I think the only time I really “wanted my MTV” was when I thought Dave Mustaine was going to come on the air and beat the piss out of Capt. Soulpatch Ricky Rachtman (sp?). But they wouldn’t have shown it anyway.
well, and that Cure video where they’re all inside the wardrobe. That’s fun.
August 22nd, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I think a lot of us have probably seen Merchants of Cool….
August 22nd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Man, nobody ever mentions An American Family anymore when referring to early reality TV.
August 23rd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
I should apply, but I can’t have the government knowing about my obscene possessions!
August 27th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Oh man, if the government ever saw what I watched….