Hey guys, welcome to the new url for my blog. Before we get down to business, let’s have a moment of silence for my old site domain. You have served us well, fantasticmemes.wordpress.com. I will never forget the good times I had with you. Dare I say that it was fantastic?
But alas, fantasticmemes.wordpress.com, your time has passed, and now I’ve moved on to greener domains.
Although this blog is still called Fantastic Memes for the time being, I have long been aware that I don’t actually write about internet memes very much. That’s why I named the new url after my internet handle, because it gives me the leeway to change the blog name in future to something more reflective of what I actually do around here. But for now, I’m still attached to Fantastic Memes, and I’m sure you are too.
I paid for the new site domain with the profits I’ve made from the translation/reviewing commission service I opened earlier this month. So thank you to everyone who made use of my services! Of course, even if you didn’t ask for a commission, I’m really grateful for your continued readership. My hope is that I can provide even better updates and services in the future. I also want to start using some of the money I earn to support other artists whose work I admire greatly.
Speaking of my commissioning service, I made some changes to the price for commissioning an article. Commissions will now cost a flat fee of 50 AUD, and you can also request editorials on any topic related to Japanese pop culture. More info on the commissions page.
Other than that, nothing much has changed on the blog. In my personal life, however, change is very much on the horizon.
I will be graduating from university this year. I don’t know where my life is headed after this, but one thing is for certain: I want freelance writing and translating to be a part of my career. This blog has played an important part in developing my writing skills and connecting me with people over the years, so of course I want to keep it.
When it comes to maintaining the blog in my working life, I know I have two choices ahead of me: reduce the amount of time I spend on it, or try to earn a few dollars to make it more sustainable.
I’m really happy with the commissions system so far. I’ve found that it’s a good way to earn revenue without putting up ads or asking for donations. I don’t want to feel indebted to anyone, and I don’t want anyone to feel bad about not donating. If you’d like to show your appreciation for me, you can do so by continuing to read this blog and sharing my posts with your friends.
It doesn’t take much to put a smile on a frog’s face!
Other Stuff:
Boku Dake ga Inai Machi is the coolest thing this season. It’s just so polished in every aspect. Please read iblessall’s article on Crunchyroll about the cinematography if you haven’t already.
I caught up with the Assassination Classroom manga and… wow, it’s great. It takes the most predictable turn towards the end, but I was surprised at how emotionally invested I’ve become in Class E and their struggles. I doubt that the anime will get to the really thrilling parts, though.
I know that light novel fans are usually dead wrong when they say this but… the Grimgar light novel is better than the anime, I swear. Also, the fan translation is really, genuinely, honest-to-god good. And I’m not just saying that because I translate for Nano Desu or anything! (Really!)
I spent two months playing the Comyu visual novel on-and-off and… I quit. The Ayaya route filled me with existential despair due to its overwhelming crappiness. It’s a shame I was compelled to drop it because Comyu was actually pretty entertaining for the common route, although if the MC remembers the red colour one more time I will throttle him god damn it.
I am obviously the best character in Konosuba.
You must agree with me. of course. I mean, why else would you read a blog with the url “frogkun.com”? Think about it.
Frog-kun's Blog 
Because I’ve been auto-redirected when I typed fantasticmemes.wordpress.com :P
Also, to tell you you’re wrong, of course. You slimy nubile-girl eating frog ;-)
I thought for a moment you were describing me as a nubile girl. No one has ever said that about me before. I’m really flattered!
Well, I’m glad you realized after a moment that I wasn’t :D
Then again, if you can’t be them, eat them! That’s the frog way!
I think it’s admirable that you know what you want to do. I’m not the best at writting analysis, but you my man have some real solid skills with the keyboard. Follow your dreams and reach for the sky (or some other cheesy phrase, I don’t know). Good luck with your thesis and your commissions business!
Thanks for the compliments and the encouragement. You’re wrong about me being good with a keyboard, though. I can’t even do scales, let alone chords.
First of all you still haven’t changed my blog name’s name in your blogroll but seeing as you’re a busy man it matters not.
Other than that congrats on your new blog and I’m sure this means your content will be better than ever. Not much else to say as none of the shows you’re watching are on my schedule.
Ah, I haven’t updated my blogroll in like two years. I’ve corrected your blog name on it.
And aww, you’re not even watching Boku Dake ga Inai Machi? It’s really good.
Thank you dood.
Oh so that’s ERASED. Didn’t notice the title. It’s on my “marathon it when it’s over” list.
Movin’ on to the big leagues? Don’t forget the little people on your way to fame, my dear friend. :) Congrats on getting your own domain. Looking forward to the many interesting posts to come. Graduation is often exciting and scary but you’ll be just fine. Props and deep respect for being determined to keep translation & writing in your life and career (especially the latter–that’s not easy to do).
[blockquote]the Grimgar light novel is better than the anime[/blockquote]
Haven’t read past “How exactly is he going to ‘do’ him?” but so far anime seems to be performing quite well, so how’s so?
Generally, like with most LN adaptations, the things that suck about the anime also suck in the light novel. But the most egregious problem with the anime – its sluggish pacing – is much less of an issue in the LN. Also, while Ranta’s still annoying, his antics are toned down in the LN and you don’t get to hear his voice.
Congrats on the url. May fantasic memes live on in our hearts. Also good luck with graduation, I think I have a year more probably.
Big league is a big step forward. Been there myself, and it’ll suit you just fine. I since had a major rehaul (another one! Ugh! :P) of mine and renamed it Anime Solstice.
Congrats on your new domain name.
Believe it or not, we are on the same boat. I have finished my Master’s Degree back in 2014 and started working in late July. Ever since I started working 8 hours a day, I don’t nearly have as much time after I come home around 3:30 pm and I go to bed around 10:30 pm, leaving me about 8 hours of free time a day. I guess being a freelancer can allow for a greater degree of flexibility compared to a 9 to 5 job. But yes, the lack of free time aside from weekends and federal holidays took a toll on my backlog growing, especially with video games.
Now, I have to change the url on my blogroll. How dare you.
Good to know you’re doing well with the commissions. (I’m thinking of doing the same in a year or two but I’ll be so irrelevant in front your majesty.) Aside from that, I expect your thesis is going to be awesome (have you worked the kinks on how to share it?) and hope everything goes well after graduation. :3
Also, yes, frog is best char.
Thanks! Good luck with your own commissions and stuff too!
As for my thesis, I guess I’ll include a link to a PDF on my blog when it’s been graded. That won’t happen for quite some time yet, though.
I’m glad you agree with me that the frog is the best character.
No No No, don’t ever change it melody-nyan, I love your home’s name as much as I love you… And I thought ribbitkun.com is better….
P.S : Frogs are not cute. They ARE delicious.
Good luck.
As long as you’re still the same, it doesn’t matter what your URL is!
…I think :D
The evils of capitalism has struck down yet another!
J/K xD I don’t really agree with commissions, but I can certainly see why some people might need them. Though be careful since, the moment when someone starts mixing monetary income into their hobby, their hobby tends to start changing and becoming more… populist ^^’
At any rate, congratulation on taking the next step Frog-kun. Out of curiosity though, who do you use for hosting?
I use WordPress for hosting. It was cheap to make the transition, so I figured “why not?”
Also, I had zero artistic integrity long before I started commissions. Just look at all those posts about shipping and waifus. But in the end, the person I’m pandering to the most is me, and I doubt that’s gonna change anytime soon. But I will keep your words of caution in mind!
“I am obviously the best character in Konosuba”
Meanwhile, I’ll continuously remain to be the ikemen, intelligent best friend who will never possess a harem of his own in Shoujo Tachi.