If you’ve found yourself searching the net for something amusing to read lately, you might want to check out something called “The Otaku Elimination Game” here. The main purpose of the OEG is to weed out bloggers from the anime blogging community who use the term “otaku” incorrectly. As explained on their site, the original definition of an otaku was someone with an unhealthy obsession towards something (usually anime). Nowadays, however, it seems like anyone with a remote interest in anything related to anime is calling themselves an otaku. At some point the creators of OEG felt that enough was enough and started their campaign to separate the true otaku from the average fan.
Unlike elimination games that you find on TV, the OEG does not involve contestants running through obstacle courses for a chance to win some cash. Instead, they search the internet for any and all anime-related blogs that they can find and add it to their list of competitors. Every so often, they will then pick out 4 or more blogs from the list and put them on the chopping board. The team at OEG evaluates each blog by searching through it and determining whether or not it misuses the term otaku. Blogs that throw the word around everywhere are given the axe, while blogs with no mention of the word get to move on to Phase 2 of the game.
What makes the OEG site interesting to read though, is that unlike most people in the anime blogosphere, the team at OEG isn’t afraid to criticize your blog by dragging it through the mud. They look at everything, including content, writing style, site layout, colour scheme, photography skills, and even who’s on your blogroll. These guys tell it like it is, if they see a horribly layout, don’t be surprised if they compare it to something that comes out the rear end of your dog. Think of them like Simon Cowell from American Idol and The X Factor, but for anime bloggers instead of performers. So if you’re looking for something to kill some time and you enjoy seeing (or in this case reading) peoples’ reactions to harsh criticisms, then give the OEG a shot. You might also find an interesting blog to follow in the OEG’s list of approved sites.
