[discussion] Johnny's Web has an official Weibo account-- what now?

[acidae.livejournal.com]

Chinese fans on Weibo were abuzz over a sudden new post on a previously empty account that claimed it was the official "Johnny's Web" Weibo account from Johnny's Jimusho. Since the account was created in 2011 and sat empty all that time, most were convinced that it was just a hoax by someone who had nothing better to do with their time.

Yesterday, the account was verified by Weibo as a legitimate organization. Underneath the official stamp of approval was a name: Art Bank Co. Ltd, better known as the entity that takes down most Johnny's related videos on Youtube and elsewhere (such as Mozilla Personas). They're a rights management agency in Japan of whom Johnny's is a client, and they are also the company behind the development of the Johnny's Web phone app. If you're a Chinese subscriber to Johnny's Web, you will be able to see the new button linking to their Weibo right in the app itself:



After the shock over the fact that this account was actually legit began to wear off, fans started to worry and panic over the future implications of this sudden move. Some of the sample points brought up:

- Why are they creating a Weibo intended only for Chinese fans and not a Twitter, Mixi, or Facebook account that could target more international fans or even local fans?
- Will people be penalized or even arrested for sharing J-web entries and early leaks?
- What will happen to the scans and videos being shared so rampantly on Weibo?

As international fans in the English speaking fandom, I think it goes without saying that the majority of us depend heavily on the Chinese fans' speed and generosity. There has also been a growing trend of English fans blatantly reposting and reuploading files from Weibo against the original uploaders' wishes, especially to public places such as Facebook and Tumblr. A few Chinese fans have already ceased to share publicly due to all the rule breaking, but this new official Weibo account is sparking new concerns over their admittedly illegal activities. I honestly won't be surprised to see more Chinese uploaders closing up shop in the near future.

I know there are very strong sentiments in the international fandom regarding the fact that we always seem to be forgotten or left at a disadvantage, but I personally feel like recognition comes at a price. Once they fully acknowledge our presence and treat us similarly to the domestic fans, they will also have to address the widespread illegal sharing and copyright infringment that allowed international fandom to grow to where it is today. Would the trade-off be worth it? It's very hard to say.

What are your own thoughts on this? Do you think this is a step in the right direction for Johnny's? Or will this spell trouble for the international fandom down the road?

Frases que conmueven y emocionan

[lifermi.livejournal.com]

Hola, me gustaría pedir la ayuda de uds.

Me gustaría que me ayuden a crear una lista con las canciones de Arashi que al escucharlas conmuevan al corazón.

y si es posible dicirme una pequeña descripción de lo que la canción significa para usted. Y además, mencionar la frase de la canción que hace que usted se sienta emocionada, triste, nostálgica, alegre etc.

gracias

Hello, I would like to ask the help of you.

I'd like to help create a list of songs from Arashi, excited to listen to the heart.

and if possible a small description to say what the song means to you. And also mention the phrase of the song that makes you feel excited, sad, nostalgic, cheerful, etc.

thanks

Translation Magazine, Monthly The Television,2014.07, Sakumoto pages

[yun-miyake.livejournal.com]

here for the translation