yaoi.caFAQ
Introduction
Scanlations (or scanslations) are something I once had mixed feelings regarding. Over the last couple of years I have understood their appeal and their necessity among the yaoi loving community, and no longer have the reservations I once had. Much of it boils down to "each person is responsible for their own karma".
I love manga, I really do. The saddest part for me is not being able to understand the story (when there is evidence of a story, that is). In a short anthology story (also known as a one-shot), it's not so critical, but when an entire beautiful plot-filled book or series is in my possession, I really want to know what's going on. The sexual content only takes me so far. On the other hand, I'm very grateful when I find raw text translations, and this satisfies me too. However, I understand the appeal of a scanlation and not having to sit there with paper (or computer monitor) in one hand and the manga in the other. The benefit of a text translation (over a scanlation) is that many subtleties bound within the Japanese language are usually not lost (with a good translator) because there is no need to worry about fitting everything into a limited text bubble. It boils down thusly for me, personally -- if a manga is very deep and rich in story, I'd prefer a text translation, whereas for a standard story, I'm fine with a scanlation. But really... I'll take what I can get.
However, some individuals feel there is a moral dilemma bound up within a scanlation (a text translation still requires you to own the manga). Essentially, an original work is scanned, the Japanese text replaced with an English translation and then distributed in electronic form. There is hard work involved on behalf of the translator, cleaner (the one who makes the images look nice), and editor (the one who places the text on the images). Nevertheless, I will maintain that there is a world of difference between having a scan of a manga and a hardcopy of the same manga -- there really is nothing like holding a hardcopy in your hands.
There are those who only ever acquire scanlated versions of a manga without purchasing the original (for a multitude of reasons). I understand that accessibility is sometimes an issue (there are countries in the world where yaoi is quite verboten and difficult to bring in); cost is another (some people can only afford a few titles now and again but their love of yaoi exceeds their acquisition capabilities) and so on. There are many ways that scanlations fulfil all sorts of valid needs and in the long run I believe that they do more good than harm. There will always be those who download scanlations without any intention of supporting the mangaka or publisher, and it's been my observation that such individuals tend to have only a passing interest in manga. I feel that there are sufficient addicts to make up for those who only ever "score scanlations from on-line". And as I mentioned above, each person is responsible for their own karma, which, along with death and taxes, are the only unerring laws of the Universe.
Scanlations are also a great way to find out more about a book or series before purchasing. There's no doubt about this. It's a little disappointing to buy something for art and story only to find out that the story isn't appealing. I admit that I mostly buy for art and if there happens to be a good story as well, then it's an added bonus -- but then I'm driven even more mad when I realize there is a hugely complex and appealing story that I can't decipher (my obsession over Dr. Ten's Map & Passage series' led me to paying a professional translator). When a plot evidences itself within a manga, that's when the hunt for translations or scanlations enters the picture, and in truth, the more the merrier. I consequently believe that scanlations encourage sales and do not hinder them -- after all, one is more inclined to buy a recommended tankoubon if one has access to a translation for the volume.
Yaoi Daily has become a crucible of experimentation regarding the human condition for me. I've been absolutely blown away and fascinated by the influential nature of sharing sample scans and scanlations. From what various members have stated, Yaoi Daily has caused a surge in manga purchasing (both Japanese tankoubon and licensed manga), and I love that fact because promoting the works is the most important aspect of sharing. I, myself, have purchased many manga that I would not have otherwise purchased, based on seeing scans. And I know that many other Yaoi Daily denizens have also had their pocketbooks taxed as a result of regular visitations to this community. That particular piece of knowledge is encouraging.
On the whole, I believe that scanlations are very positive for more reasons than I can share at this time. I hope this explains my positioning on scanlations.
Can you read Japanese?
No. I recognize various "sex noises" and some names, but that is all. I have no affinity for foreign languages, and will therefore never learn Japanese (no matter how much I would like to be able to read Japanese).
Will you scan all of (insert manga title from my list) for me?
Sorry, no. I provide a number of sample scans so that you can see what the interior artwork is like. I try to offer a variety of both general scans and explicit (where applicable). If you like what you see, then please purchase the manga.
Are you involved in any scanlation groups?
I consider myself a Ronin Scanlator. I've produced scanlations with Insaneneko where I scanned, cleaned and edited. I am working with a wonderful group of people (together we form the Dr. Ten Translation Project) on various Dr. Ten titles, where I am scanning, cleaning and editing as well. I do my best to improve my skills with each release but my physical disability prevents me from spending a tremendous amount of time cleaning and editing. But I do find scanlating relaxing and enjoy the process. Maple Syrup Scanlations comprises of some of the same members as The Dr. Ten Translation Project and is for our non Dr. Ten releases.
Would you consider working on a scanlation?
Possibly, yes. I have no qualms about scanning a manga book from my collection (I won't disassemble/debind most of my books though), possibly cleaning and editing, however, I cannot perform the translation myself and would need someone to provide the translation. I am not as competent as other skilled graphic manipulators out there, so you could probably do much better. For samples of my current skill level, see the latest releases on the list of Projects.
Currently I am involved in the scanlation of various Dr. Ten titles, and presently do not have time to involve myself in other projects (very sorry). I anticipate the Dr. Ten Translation Project will be finished around Q3 of 2007, after which I may be available for scanning, cleaning and editing of titles that I'm passionate about (i.e. Suzuhara Shino, and Toizumi Shuuya).
Can I use your scans for a graphics project (i.e. icons, wallpapers etc.)?
Sure. I don't own the artwork and scanning does not give me any special privileges or rights. Feel free to take and use for your personal projects. Credit to me as a scanner is certainly not required.
Can I link to your images (scans)?
No. Do not hotlink to my images. You can, however, provide a link to this web site or parts thereof.
Can I host your scanned images on my web site, forum and/or web server?
Sure. I don't own them.
What are your general scanlation policies?
Scanlations are provided as a service to English speakers so that they may better understand the story.
Scanlations are not intended to replace the purchase of the manga. Please support the mangaka by purchasing their manga.
What are your scanlation distribution policies?
Scanlations must not be sold, nor any monies acquired from their distribution.
You may distribute the scanlations via your own ftp, web site, forum, blog etc. or IRC provided that you keep the entirety of the file(s) together and do not omit or modify any pages in any way.
DO NOT provide a direct download link to the original source of this scanlation from this web site. However, you may link to any page of this web site.
You must cease distribution of a scanlation if the manga is ever licensed in the English language.
What are your policies regarding non-English translations from your scanlations?
If you wish to translate manga from English into another language, contact me first for two reasons:
- For confirmation that no one else is already translating in your chosen language (should you care about such things) &
- I'll give you the raw .png files (if you wish) to make your job easier.
Credit to any of the English scanlation teams involved is also requested.
