A guy at the convention changed how I talk about shows

I was at Anime Expo in LA last year, waiting in a long line for a panel. The guy next to me started talking about a show we both liked, but he kept saying things like 'the narrative pacing in episode 7 was a deliberate thematic choice.' I just said I thought that part was boring. He stopped and said, 'Oh, you mean the pacing? Yeah, it dragged.' It made me realize I was using simpler words that got my point across just fine. Now I don't feel pressured to sound super smart in discussions. Do you ever feel like you have to talk a certain way about anime?

2 comments

2 Comments

stone.evan13d ago

Totally get that! I used to try and sound like a critic, breaking down every little thing. Now I just say if a show is fun or if it lost my interest. It's way less stressful.

-1

valwest13d agoTop Commenter

Saw a podcast where a writer said the best reviews are just "I liked it" or "I didn't." @stone.evan, you're onto something. Trying to sound smart about every camera angle or plot point just kills the fun of watching. I used to feel like I had to have a deep take on everything. Now if a show is fun, that's the whole review. Why make talking about hobbies feel like homework?