To answer some questions you might have about our club meetings -

How often do you meet?

At least once a month.  Currently, we attempt to hold two meetings a month.  Sometimes we are only able to schedule one meeting a month if the rooms are not available or if there are conflicting events (conventions, festivals, etc).

We are also trying to hold a meeting at each location - one in North Syracuse and one in DeWitt.

Our upcoming meetings currently scheduled:

Feb 6th, 11:30a-2:30p @ North Syracuse Library Trolley Barn Lane, between Rt 11 & South Bay Rd
Feb 27th, 11:30a-2:30p @  the DeWitt Community Library (Friends Room) in Shoppingtown Mall (directions)
Mar 13th, 11:30a-2:30p @ North Syracuse Library

Do you meet the same Saturday each month?

No - meetings may be at the beginning, middle, or end of the month. Firstly because we depend on the room being available, but also because there may be other conflicts over the course of the month that might interfere with member turnout (such as holidays or other local events). We’re fans too, and if the majority of us plan to be away at an out-of-town convention, we try to schedule around that or forgo having a second meeting that month. We realize that this may be confusing, but all the more reason to join our mailing list and/or check AnimeSyracuse.com for our next scheduled date!

What do you do at the meetings?

Well, watch anime of course! More than that however, it’s a chance for members of meet and socialize with their fellow Otaku. We have a variety of interests and enjoy being with other members of the fandom. Some members use the opportunity discuss their latest manga titles they are reading, anime shows on television, industry news, or related interests like superhero movies or video games. Some members show off anime related artwork, bring AMV’s they’ve created, and some members even like to come try out their new cosplay.

Of course, we also take advantage of the opportunity to plan group events, whether it’s big events like the Festival, or more informal events like meeting up for Fathom screenings or carpooling to conventions. If you want to get involved, showing up to meetings is a good place to start.

Do you have a set screening schedule?

No - members bring a mix DVDs to share and we pick what we watch as we go, attempting to screen as many movies and episodes as we can in the time given.

What types of anime do you watch?

All kinds (except hentai, of course). Usually members bring their latest finds, which include both new releases and rare titles. We usually try to keep a good mix of comedies and dramas (don’t expect all magical girls or all mecha in the same meeting, but there is likely some of each). We also frequently sneak in some internet clips, parodies and AMV’s to fill out the time, especially if there isn’t time enough at the end for an entire episode.

If we know ahead of time we will be debuting a new title, we will try to post it in advance.

OK, have to ask - dubs or subs?

Both - a few members believe in the purity of the original language, while a few others hate reading subtitles. But the majority of us have no strong preference so we watch both.

How do I join?

Just show up! We welcome all comers. The only restriction we do have is that we generally limit the group to ages 15 and up, lest any young minds be shattered by a glimpse of fanservice.

What can I bring?

Just about anything you want. More general audience titles do tend to win the crowd (for example, moe or BL titles may not be to everyone’s taste). Do be aware that we can’t always screen everything that everyone brings - we only have 3 hours and it goes by quickly. Remember to be respectful of other members who may not have the exact same tastes in genres and titles as you. We may also save certain more mature titles for days when the audience is mostly made up of our older members (Shin Chan would be a good example). As guests of the library and out of respect for our younger members, please be conscious not to bring titles that are excessively violent or sexually explicit.

THE NEXT ANIME SYRACUSE CLUB MEETING IS SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH, 2010. To sign up for our mailing list, e-mail animefan519@gmail.com.