[Saecryd]

I don't know if this bothers anyone else, but the current method that companies like FUNimation use to sell me titles that I really want is not something that I support, which is a nice way of saying that it sucks pretty hard.

Currently, after acquiring a license, Western distributors will slowly release a series one DVD at a time with a huge mark up until finally offering the box set after the show has had it's run. Most often you get very little extra content, if you get anything extra at all.

I don't know about you guys, but fansubbers have this system beaten at every step. Episodes are released days after they've aired in Japan with varying quality, with some fansub groups offering better translations than others, and some fansubbers even using horrendously ugly typesetting and fonts. When the finish has finished it's run there's always a torrent of the whole available soon after for anyone who wants to catch up later.

I am of the belief that Western distributors need to adopt a system that closely mirrors what fansubbers are doing. After acquiring a license they should be professionally translating each episode as they air and offer them to their paid subscribers on their website a few short days later.

Subscribers could customize their subscription package, adding shows to their line-up (following each show would cost a certain amount), keeping up to date with new upcoming series, and being able to discuss the episode on the distributors private message board.

After the show has run it's course the full torrent is made available, purchasable for a low rate for any subscriber who missed the show while it was running.

Bringing the show to DVD would begin only after it's had it's run, eliminating the costly and wasteful one DVD at a time approach and allowing companies to focus on making a good box set.

What do you think?

Oh, and before folks say "WHY PAY WHEN YOU CAN DOWNLOAD FOR FREE HUR HUR" this is for people who are actually interested in supporting the studios who produce work that deserves some money. Without money from the fans (that's us) these studio would go bankrupt and there'd be no anime for anyone.