Alright, I think I've heard enough when I keep hearing the word 'fanservice'. Mind you though, the word by itself isn't bad and can still be used. But it keeps being used in the wrong way. For example:
Showing the two main characters out on a romantic date after such a long time spent saving the day is fanservice.
Showing someone looking attractive a short time into a piece of media is not.
The word you should be using instead is 'pandering'. Makers want to give their target audience reasons to stick around, even if it means using cheap methods to do so. Said cheap methods include the latter example, or where not inappropriate cute things like bunnies. Or people being mean to one person under the guise of comedy. Whatever works really.
Fanservice on the other hand should only count as such when the setting and characters have for the most part been established. It's like in romantic sitcoms where fans just want the main couple that's on display to just hook up already. Another example being where a fan-favorite character gets a filler episode of their very own.
In brief, pandering and fanservice are two sides of the same coin. One seeks to gain fans, and the other seeks to please the fans already there. Am I clear enough on this yet?
Showing the two main characters out on a romantic date after such a long time spent saving the day is fanservice.
Showing someone looking attractive a short time into a piece of media is not.
The word you should be using instead is 'pandering'. Makers want to give their target audience reasons to stick around, even if it means using cheap methods to do so. Said cheap methods include the latter example, or where not inappropriate cute things like bunnies. Or people being mean to one person under the guise of comedy. Whatever works really.
Fanservice on the other hand should only count as such when the setting and characters have for the most part been established. It's like in romantic sitcoms where fans just want the main couple that's on display to just hook up already. Another example being where a fan-favorite character gets a filler episode of their very own.
In brief, pandering and fanservice are two sides of the same coin. One seeks to gain fans, and the other seeks to please the fans already there. Am I clear enough on this yet?
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