The call of the otaku
What would that sound like, anyway?
I was contacted through my handy-dandy contact form the other day by a representative from MTV, those exploiters of youth the American music-and-youth-focused cable TV network. A few fun facts about MTV:
- They used to show music videos. True story.
- Back in the day, I listened to my Dead Kennedys Frankenchrist tape a lot, and my favorite song on it was “MTV Get off the Air.” (Song | Lyrics)
- MTV pretty much invented reality television as we know it, thanks to Real World. That means, for better or worse, they know reality TV. Which brings me to our point.

They are recruiting for an episode of their reality series True Life, this one focusing on fanboys. So here’s the text of the recruitment flier that I thought I’d pass along, because the thought of an aniblogger on the boob tube is too awesome to miss:
Are you a young person who is obsessed with a certain book, comic, or video game? MTV’s True Life is looking for young people who are die-hard fans of certain brands, characters, or fantasy series.
Are you obsessed with comic books, anime, fantasy, or manga? Do you like to dress up as your favorite character and attend conventions with other fans? Have you ever waited in line overnight for a book, movie, or videogame release? Do you have tattoos depicting your favorite brand or characters? Have you ever missed work, school, or other important events to engage in role-playing or cosplay? Are you misunderstood by your family or significant other because of it? Do you aspire to author your own graphic novel or comic series despite your parents’ disapproval?
If you appear to be between the ages of 16 and 28, and want to share the story of your fantasy obsession, email us at fanboy@mtvn.com with all of the details. Be sure to include your name, location, phone number and a photo, if possible.
Tell MTV why you need to be seen and heard. This is your chance to let others see what your life is all about!
I think it’s more accurate to say that this is your chance to look like an ass in front of everyone, but there you have it. Unfortunately I am a bit older than 28 and I appear to be 12, so I can’t apply myself.
If you make it, you’ll be in such diverse company as deafness, schiziphrenia, high school graduation, cheating partners, and anorexia. I’m really not certain if this is open only to US residents or not, although I would tend to think so. Here is the flier in PDF form, in case you want to download it or whatevs. If anyone does go out for this, please let me know so I can set the Tivo.



