How America handles something as sticky and the Berne Convention when it comes to foreign media.

Yeah, I know, stuff happens, but this is for the benefit of those of you in the audience who don’t know this.

In America, they don’t hand out lawsuits like Halloween candy to people. In fact, they know that this is a fastrack to corporate suicide. Companies like ADV and Funimation actually announce their licenses at conventions and the like. Yeah, you got that right. They announce their licenses out loud. At conventions. Where there are a lot of people. People who will know about the whole thing. And then, the list appears online, via the usual channels.

Most people are happy enough to oblige with the wishes of the company.

For those who didn’t catch the announcement or are a bit too earnest, they send a Cease and Desist Letter. All it says on the letter is to simply please stop fansubbing the series in question. Nothing about lawsuits or threats of jailtime or anything.They know the customer base is extremely small, and they can’ t go around accusing fans for being selfish. A simple “Please” and “Thank You” goes a long way, folks. Remember that. It works internationally.

Speaking of small customer bases, ADV et al knows that having bad rep completely and utterly destroys their chances of making money. (And overlicensing, but that’s another mater I do not have the authority to discuss on). For example, 4kids has one of the worst reps around, and they’re paying the price. Their horrible localizations of Pokémo, Yu Gi Oh and One Piece has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. ADV et al have their critics, but at least they are nice enough to admit they need their customers and that they could do better.

If you remember my earlier article about ADV, they are trying to adapt to the market, Video On Demand and whatnot. They know they can’t beat the crowd, so they might as well try to adapt to the crowd’s taste. Well, that is how any company should try to do. Try to adapt to the market. And at least care for the the community as well. Really, a small gesture of kindness beats any form of heavy-handed punishment easily. Greed does not profits make, but kindness and common sense.

If you don’t want to listen, I can’t say anything. I can only inform and educate. You can’t force a horse to drink water, only lead the horse to it.