Slice of life is a genre that uses everyday situations as a form of entertainment. To some, slice of life can be considered boring, as the characters do mundane things such as: go to school, find part-time jobs, worry about careers, etc. However, this genre is a popular topic for mangakas to write about, so this article would discuss the appeal of slice of life, and why people watch or read it. Information can include: demographics, manga examples, and the formula for slice of life.
TV tropes is, as always, an excellent resource for this sort of discussion.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/SliceOfLife One part of Slice of Life that TVT mentions is its escapist qualities. The essential notion here is that when building a slice of life world, it may not necessarily reflect real life. Many people seem to personally define Slice of Life as a genre of the ordinary. The environment might be mundane, but viewers are not engaged by material more boring than their own lives. The characters have to bring humor, or drama, or something to the table. The lives of the characters have to be interesting. The context of Slice of Life stories function as a restriction to writers. Therefore, writing the setting should not require much thought. The writer must focus on the characters, keeping in mind what qualities of the characters--their dynamic--makes the story interesting. – pigrocket8 years ago
Two reasons: first, people are endlessly curious about the things they don't know. Imagine being a tourist in a country that you've never been to before, one that seems to exotic to you, say, Guatemala. Yet to the Guatemalans their country is their everyday; it may even be mundane to them. They, however, may find the perpetually grey, rainy England skies endlessly fascinating. Therein lies the appeal to the slice of life genre - everything through a stranger's eyes; someone else's small, normal, boring or annoying is your fascinating. It's a quick, easy and cheap way to escape your mundane life into someone else's, and there is none or little of the fake, touristy stuff. And second: everyone is a bit of a voyeur. Everyone. – lizardxu6 years ago
I believe a helpful look at its negatives would've made this piece richer. It's a bit too one-sided. – SarahKhan894 years ago
Although fanfiction has had a bad reputation in the past (for being strange or ‘weird’), fanfiction allows fans to write stories involving their favourite characters and dwell into their psyche. This article can dwell on the popularity of fanfiction, and express the opinion on whether fanfiction is good or bad.
One function of fanfiction that gets overlooked often is that it allows young writers to develop their skills in a community where they can get a lot of feedback - especially with regards to character development. It's a really good way for writers to take an already existing character and write them in an entirely different story while still trying to keep everyone in character (Not everybody succeeds here of course, but it's a good learning exercise). – Grace Maich9 years ago
While it's true that fanfiction can help young writers to develop, it can also lead to a hindrance of creativity. I never did engage in fanfiction communities myself, but several of my friends did and our characters are markedly different. It used to surprise me when I would find their original characters infused with traits, attitudes, actions, etc. of their fanfiction characters, many of which I knew from reading their fanfiction pieces and more often the original novel. I have often wondered if our characters are so radically different in design because my friends who spent large quantities of time with other writers' characters began to...call it absorb...the basic traits, gestures, tones, actions, and ways of thinking from characters they did not create while I (and some of our other creatives) have only my own powers of observation to draw upon as I watch the people I encounter in everyday life. Whether my notion is correct or not is anyone's guess, but it does beg thought. – jennewymore9 years ago
I enjoy reading and writing fan fiction. That being said I often find it troubling when fan fiction delves into the territory of real people. The amount of fan fiction written for One Direction is frightening. These are real people with real personalities that don't become altered due to your wishful thinking. I know I would not want to read a fanfic about myself. It is those types of fan fictions that come across as delusional and slightly creepy. Writing fan fiction based on fictional works is an interesting way to to keep engaged in a fandom. It is also interesting to see how different people interpret different characters since there is no right or wrong way to interpret a fictional being. Certain fandoms have collaborative role playing in the fan fiction realm as well; It keeps people engaged in the fandom. I believe that is an expression of admiration. People are inspired by a world or a character that they want to invest time and energy in exploring that world or character further. I think that is a great compliment to the creators. There is a lot of badly written fan fiction, but there is also a lot of fan fiction that is written with care to the characters or world that they are exploring. Those fan fictions add to a fandom. – LexzieRulz9 years ago
I think something this article could explore is the stereotypes that surround fanfiction. Some people are embarrassed to admit that they write fanfiction because they're afraid that people wil automatically assume that everything they write is like Fifty Shades of Grey. Another thing to consider is that some fanfictions have been successfully published as original work (with some modifications of course). Examples: Fifty Shades of Grey, The Sidhe, Cinder, etc. – VelvetRose9 years ago
Take a look at all the different versions of Harry Potter fanfiction. There's so much! – JennyCardinal7 years ago
For most, it seems to function as a way to explore already developed characters in new scenarios. It can help to be transferred into original fiction through the way that fan fiction writers have to consider what operations or actions live within the boundaries of the already functioning character. Of course some intentionally take the character outside of written or implied canon, but it acts as a way to structure actions around the believability within diameters already set. – talorelien7 years ago
Fanfiction can definitely be cathartic. For example, if your favorite show gets cancelled or goes in a direction you disagree with, it's fun to put yourself in charge. But I don't like it when fan fiction tramples with the basic DNA or purpose of a show. For instance, if an existing show killed off certain characters (and left them killed off) it feels like cheating to bring them back. Or, if you're doing fan fiction for what is clearly a kid's show, it seems unnecessary and stupid to have the characters become stoners. – Stephanie M.7 years ago
Fanfiction allows for crossovers and allows writers to place their beloved characters in settings which they can relate to in better ways. – Vishnu Unnithan7 years ago
Also, it can be worthwhile to examine what role has been played by producers acknowledging themes from some wildly popular fanfics. Case in point the makers of Sherlock made a tongue in cheek reference to the wildly popular 'gay' theory by showing a happily ever after scene in S3E1 or say, mentioning that Sherlock may have Asperger's in the Baskerville episode. – Vishnu Unnithan7 years ago
Nowadays, many sports animes have become popular: Free! , Haikyuu!! , Kuroko no Basuke, etc. It makes sense for fans who love these sports to watch these animes, but how do they attract non-sports fans to watch it? Is it the storyline, characters, themes, or something else that intrigues them? This article can focus on one anime in particular, or talk about sports anime in general.
DBZ-syndrome is a major drawing/detracting factor. I've been (shamefully) a huge fan of sports manga/anime since I was little, and the fact that these people who aren't Saiyans or heroes with superpowers that can perform these "moves" in real-life events has always been attractive. At the same time, it can be a big factor in turning off many who invest in these sports because it's completely unrealistic. I can't deny that I've tried to mimic Prince of Tennis moves in my own games though. Hey, those are cool. – Austin9 years ago
I am a really big fan of Furudate-sensei, so that lead me reading Haikkyuu!! The above theory is nice, everyone wants to go super saiyan, but I have no interest in being a volleyball player. I am a big fan of Hajime no Ippo, but I really like boxing. So yeah, I know this note is unhelpful (lol). But I am stumped in the idea that I read Haikyuu!! when I can say that I don't know volleyball, or have an interest on it. I like Furudate's art though. I think I like the will to be relevant in sports and take it as a metaphor to the having ambition. – Jill9 years ago
Adachi Mitsuru's Cross Game and its anime adaptation deserves consideration for this topic. It uses sports (here baseball) as a plot device that drives much of the story as well as a sort of thematic glue that unites the characters and their conflicts. In other words, is athletics the only thing that gives the anime depth or is it simply the setting in which the story is being told? – rj2n9 years ago
I think there's a bit of a sports anime version of this "DBZ-syndrome" as well. If you look at Kuroko no Basuke, the abilities of the generation of miracles can lean towards the logic defying and superhuman, but I also think that contributes a bit towards the excitement of the anime (and let's not forget prince of tennis, a sports anime that could truly care less about physics). However, there are other anime like baby steps and haikyuu that don't rely on every other athlete having some crazy powerful ability, but do a very good job of explaining the sports mechanics, and using life off the court to draw viewers into the story. I think this spectrum of sports anime gives a bit more to offer when we're looking at what can attract viewers to the genre. – crpreble9 years ago
I think the animation helps. Free! has some of the most beautiful animation I've ever seen in an anime (the eyes!). Also, from what I've seen of Kuroko no Basuke, the style is really exciting. I might actually check it out in the future. – OkaNaimo08194 years ago
I agree-I am not a sports fan, and don’t even play sports. Though watching Haikyuu, it draws me in. Yes, the characters and animations have a HUGE part in drawing fans in, I think the sports helps add action that so many anime watchers like. – Kthemangalover3 years ago
What is the appeal of harem manga? In cases like Nisekoi, having too many female love interests hurts the story, as time is spent developing the love interests instead of moving the plot forward. As well, fan wars sprout on threads, because people argue which love interest suits the protagonist. Finally, is the ‘harem ending’ unavoidable or a cop out to make the fans happy? This article can use harem manga that do not work because of its genre, or focus on harem manga that are well-written because it utilizes the genre but stays unique in it’s own way.
Perhaps also mention the "gyaku-harem" (the reverse harem of one girl and too many male love interests), the contrasts, as well as the stresses and the headaches in having the relationship(s). – Quill9 years ago
Maybe a discussion about the character at the center of the harem would be illuminating as well. It's usually an awkward, clueless, romantically/sexually inept boy and yet he has some of the most desirable women fawning all over him. That in itself is a sin of wish-fulfillment. – bookgirl79 years ago
I would say that the fan wars are part of what make manga popular. it can be incredibly fun to sit down with your friends and have a laughter filled conversation and debate over your favorite character. I think that controversy in harem animes and the lack of resolution actually makes the manga better. I do agree that too many characters detract from the plot however. – Jutor8 years ago
On August 30 2015, Wes Craven passed away. He was known for slasher films, in particular, A Nightmare on Elm Street. This article will go in-depth about Wes Craven’s contribution to the horror genre, and be an informative article about this film director.
Minor note but "Nightmare of Elm street" should've been "A Nightmare on Elm Street," as far as the title of that film goes. In any case though, another film that needs to been mentioned in an article about Wes Craven is The Last House on the Left (1972) because that was his first film and it was followed by so much controversy over both its advertising (i.e. the tagline "it is only a movie, only a movie...") and its then controversial subject matter of graphic rape and revenge.
– dsoumilas9 years ago
There are many websites trying to give tips and tricks on how to make a viral video, but is there really a formula? What are the first few ‘viral videos’ known on the Internet? What type of content goes viral, and what lengths do people take to make their video have ‘viral content’?
Mentioning White and Black Hat SEO techniques are probably worth adding to the discussion. – Jordan8 years ago
One thing people might do is focus on YouTube, because it's the biggest video-sharing platform on the internet today. Viral videos could be found on eBaum's World, Newgrounds, and albinoblacksheep. It may also serve to make a distinction between viral and popular. Channels/users that regularly get a large amount of hits are hard to go viral since their footprint is always that big. On the same token, people should look at viral users such as Fred/Lucas Cruikshank, people that are one-man teams that took off at the beginning of YouTube. – John8 years ago
Explore the animation industry and the struggles women have to face to earn recognition. For example, in the movie, Brave, Brenda Chapman was taken off the project despite Brenda being Pixar’s first female director for the film. Is the animation industry slowly becoming more accepting of women taking on lead roles? Or is animation ‘just for the boys’ because of its technical skill?
animation of women does in fact give men the uplift but is also gives the characters more of an interest think about it if men in animations was to be your dream guy or a animated visual of what you like it would make you more indulged into it and etc. – TheOfficialLudd8 years ago
Women in Animation has always been a popular topic. Well, women in any field is a popular topic, whether it's actual women or fictional characters.
I don't know the answer to these questions, but I would certainly like to! Your inside topics could be: History of Animation, jobs for women in animation, possible concerns, why women shouldn't work in animation, why they should, a real life example (like Brenda Chapman), plus some more real life examples. All with your opinion. If you are going to have an opinion that women should be allowed or/and are accepted in the animation industry, then do it throughout your paper. However, if you are giving us history and something to think about, sticking to the facts would be interesting. Of course, whether you clearly state that this is an opinion piece or not, there is always a way for your opinions to slip through. – MRose8 years ago
It seems the most popular commercials are unique, unexpected, or strange. Old Spice caught the attention of viewers with their ‘I’m on a horse’ commercial, and the ‘squatty potty’ is now circling around the Internet. Although these commercials are great for marketing, is there a limit as how strange a commercial can be? When does a commercial go from ‘interesting’ to ‘freaky’? This topic can also compare North American commercials with Japanese ones, as Japanese commercials always invoke a reaction.
I think it would also be good to take a look as to why in marketing "any reaction is a good reaction" and how that crosses into other areas of the media. – Qiao ChengHua9 years ago
One Piece is a manga that started in 1997 and is still ongoing today. Despite its humour, there have been sad moments that made readers/viewers cry. For the fan that has watched all the episodes or anime, explain the 5 saddest moments in One Piece and explain how this event affected the story or character.
Totally agree, and I would put scene where they had to leave Going Merry as one of the saddest moment too. Thinking that Luffy and Ussop have a big fight and Ussop decided to leave the crew with wounded body really make me sad. The Ohara and episodes are really sad seeing that the world is trying to erase the truth of the history just to hide their sins. No wonder Robin is having lot of hard time during her childhood. The Fisher Tiger episodes really makes us think deeply about racism, especially when he tells his crew not to tell the villagers how he died just because he want the future generation can choose and figure themselves whether human can be a good or bad thing for them. – RoseF6 years ago
Nowadays, a seemingly innocent phrase has a sexual connotation. ‘Netflix and Chill’ does not simply mean going home and watching netflix, and ‘truffle butter’ is not a type of food. Most of these phrases derive from pop culture, and we have videos on Buzzfeed asking celebrities what these phrases mean and laughing at those who are confused. What does it say about the English language as more words and phrases have double entrendres? What does it say about the generation who uses these phrases in their daily conversations? This article can either explore the origins of phrases, or go in-depth about the English language, and how slang plays an important part in communication.
I think it would be really interesting to discuss how slang plays an important role not only in the English language, but also in other languages. In general, every language has slang words, so how do these slang words affect the language? The slang adds to the complexity of a language because it adds a new set of vocabulary. – ssaylor9 years ago
I would like to see this article take the angle of going in depth of modern english language. It's crazy to me that we have so many phrases, useless in a sense, but "entertaining." I'm curious as to what other countries think of the words we use and the way we use them. I hate to say it, but I'm sure it doesnt give Americans a good look. Truffle Butter? I mean really?! – dylanvictoria9 years ago
Honestly, I'd like to see this article go in both directions. I, being a young adult in a generation that is supposed to be my own, often find myself confused when I get on Twitter or Facebook and see all these phrases or words and not even knowing what is being said! That or listening to modern music and being like "wait, what did they just say? what does that even mean?!" and then having to consult Google just to keep up. I think it'd also be interesting to talk about how this affects the English language and what will become of it, and what will become of those who can't keep up, or even those who come here and attempt to learn our language, along with our ever-changing slang. – Alexandria9 years ago
Yandere Simulator is an Indie Game that explores the yandere archetype, as the objective of the game is to kill all the love rivals before a certain date. It’s development has been documented via blogging, and many Youtubers have played and tested this game. However, this game can be seen as unethical, as the player can kill students with weapons, make them commit suicide, and use lewd photos to receive information. This article would go in-depth about why this game has garnered interest, and how documenting it’s development has generated such a wide audience.
I do believe that the hype which has carried Yandere Simulator through over two years of development is not simply due to its constant update, although granted, it has been helpful, but mainly because of its topic. There is something really crucial in discussing the topic of yandere as an archetype and the love it gets in the online communities. – Ewilan8 years ago
In Inside Out, the creators explain that the reason Riley moves to San Francisco is because moving is a sign of growing up. This is also seen in Spirited Away. This article can analyze the use of this trope, and how the characters changed because of the parents’ decision to move away. This can focus on several movies or one movie.
Very interesting... I think that's because moving is a transition from the familiar (childhood/Minnesota) and toward the next phase of life(growing up/SF). I want to write about Inside Out...so I will have to give this topic some thought. Where did you get the information about the creators? – Constellation9 years ago
I found that fact through this Youtube video: https://youtu.be/IGcMoM_QlDI?t=8m3s Fact number 46. – YsabelGo9 years ago
It also seems to be about the start of an adventure. I'm thinking of the great adventure stories of the past - the classic ones like the Iliad and the Odyssey. The story starts when one leaves their comfort zone. It is also a good technique in writing when you write yourself into a wall--put your character somewhere uncomfortable and see what he does. It seems with kid movies and kid characters, the easiest way to get them out of their everyday routine, and their comfort zone, is to make them move away from home. That's when the fun starts yes? An adventure to get back to that place....but is it ever really the same? – HeatherDeBel9 years ago
In the pokemon games, the father is only present in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald. In the series, Ash Ketchum also does not have a father figure present in his life, and relies on his mother for support. What is the reason for the lack of mothers in this franchise? Is this symbolism? Do mothers have something that fathers lack? Fan theories can be introduced in this article, and the writer can create their own analysis on why this is so. This can focus on either the games or anime, although I’ve only noticed this pattern when playing the games.
Edit: Title should read 'lack of father figures' or the impact of a mother. – YsabelGo9 years ago
Ash's mother did mention how his father would be proud in the first couple episodes so that counts. – SpectreWriter9 years ago
The parents never truly provide a significant part due to the fact that the story is supposed to be all about the PLAYER. In the case of Pokemon, you have to remember that the game is strongly marketed towards kids. Kids want to immerse themselves within the world of the game and believe that the adventure is all about them. The games make you care about your rivals and friends because you are supposed to defeat them in the story. Kids can imagine their real life friends in the roles of their in-game friends. Perhaps it's harder for a child to imagine a link between their real parents and their in-game parents? – cdenomme969 years ago
The lack of mothers is not limited in Pokemon. It's everywhere... e.g. Fairy tales and numerous orphan hero epics. – Jill9 years ago
Yes, Jill is right. Peanuts has no adults at all, same with cartoon Ed, Edd and Eddy, – SpectreWriter9 years ago
You managed to get over that writer’s block and write. But now comes the hard part – editing. Not everyone likes to do it, but it has to be done. Explain the important things to look for when it comes to editing, or give advice on how to make editing easier.
Perhaps look at editing techniques. Rereading as a reader and not a writer, as if you don't know what happens and see how well you understand your own piece, look for the common misspellings and punctuation, an error in development, inconsistencies, perhaps taking note of everything you build up for and state as fact in your piece just in case you do an inconsistency later. – SpectreWriter9 years ago
Editing is crucial to the writing process. Young writers starting out are especially uncomfortable with editing, but it is a crucial skill that must be developed in order to become successful. Perhaps stress this, and then as mentioned above, provide tips on editing techniques. The editing process at newspapers and other publications is extremely thorough and usually runs on a schedule: hard due dates, one day set aside for flats, another for first draft, another for peer editing, and then blocking. Peer review is extremely beneficial if done at a later time in the writing process. Editing on a "flat", or printed copy, is also a good tip. It's easier to find mistakes on a printed piece that don't show up as well digitally. – Emilie Medland-Marchen9 years ago
Definitely! From self-editing to peer editing to critiques! Perhaps you'd like to look at the difference kinds of editing in the story telling business - TV, film, animation, literature, playwriting. Dramaturgy is a vital aspect of new script writing, and passionate dramaturges are a rare find! A good playwright and dramaturge pairing listen to each other, understand their needs. To find a good editor/dramaturge, I've learned, the writer needs to know how they work and what they need from an outside force to succeed. – yase9 years ago
I think what scares most people about editing is simply how many rules there are. There is such a heavy emphasis on "correctness," and no matter how much you edit it seems impossible to get it perfect. It is definitely much easier to edit other's work than it is one's own.
I'd love to see the writer here explore the differences, or psychological reasons for, editing one's own work versus editing another's. There's some great research already being done on the topic, but I'd love to see it given that Artifice take. – G Anderson Lake9 years ago
I think so much of the writing process is editing. Starting to write is one of the hardest parts, and for me, it involves a lot of free writing just to get the thoughts out on paper. Afterwards, it's looking for grammatical errors, fixing sentence structure, rephrasing different parts to make the words flow more fluidly. Editing is necessary because it's refining those initial thoughts and ideas, and coming back to your writing gives you a chance to read your work over with a new perspective. – Kim9 years ago
I enjoy editing someone else's work but not my own. It makes me very anxious. It's simply not pleasant, and I know it shouldn't be this way. I should enjoy editing my work as much as I enjoy writing it. What helps me a little is having a physical copy of my work in front of me. It reads differently in print, and very often you are able to identify your mistakes more easily. I wonder how the process of editing used to be in, let's say, the 18th and 19th century. I have this pre-conceived idea that writers of that time did not need to edit their work very much. Anyone know if there has been research done on this? I think it would be interesting to compare the editing techniques of that time with the ones today. – Desexualize the Banana9 years ago