Episode summaries, like -griever stated, were rare 2-3 years ago and were damn near non-existent when I really got started in anime about 6 years ago. Without the few episode summaries I did manage to find, I doubt I would have gotten as hooked as I eventually did to anime. Well written episode summaries are needed, IMO to help folks whet their appetite for a series, to act as a bolster to what they’ve already seen, and to get another perspective.

There’s no way I could write episode summaries, no damn way, (I’m too opinionated and too easily distracted to ever do a good summary) but my hat goes off to those who write them well.

As to whether or not the market is glutted with too many blogs solely devoted to episode summaries…I really would like to see more instances of intelligent dialog about actual aspects of anime in blogs AND forums. I’d also like to see more discussions about if/how we as a community are being affected by the changes going on in anime now.

I do have to disagree a little with the idea that summaries are not really needed for subbed series. New people are always getting into anime, or other anime fans may be looking for something to jog their memory. There is some value to revisiting a series. Plus, it’s getting harder and harder to find that information on dwindling fansites.

@Hayase: I do not deny that editorials do take a lot of energy off you. For summaries, it is more of the flow of description. For editorials, it is the creativity, humor or commentary that needs a good twist in it for good reading. both require different things and hence i do not see it being inferior or the easy way out. It’s an easy way to say that but I refuse to be stereotypical. My challenge is: do a proper episode summary and see how easy it is.

@dan dan: yea, it is boring, but sometimes, it’s like writing your own thoughts even. That, to me, differentiates a summary from a mere regurgitation. The usage of words, the style of writing, can bring the episode summary than being merely boring

@Karura: Thankies, to me, that is the most important ^^

@Adun: Can’t agree more. I realize that i tend to read back at what i wrote and laughed at my lame speculations. *mumble* Red garden episode 6 smacked me hard on my episode 3 speculation.

@Prince leon: writing needs to be enjoyed. Without enjoyment, it is but nothing. Same with everything else. It is cliche to say that there is a need for passion but there must be a drive to do anything imho.

@ryan A: Me neither. In fact, for memento’s writing, i tend to refer back after looking at my own summary to make sure that i do not make any factual mistakes =3

@WRex: There’s always a purpose for episode summaries. I do not see it as a form of saturation but in fact, I think once you can capture the attention of your writer, it simply means it’s good. If so, most reviewers in magazines can quit, since they are reviewing the same movie, no ? tee hee.

@JW: Yea, that too, it is boring if it is just a pure summary but i doubt anyone geninuely does that. Hinano is close to it but her summaries are concise and quick, meaning it serves the purpose of information right at the dot. So yea =3

Tee hee, tons of comments from me @_@

That being said, however, I do understand your point; perhaps blogging episode summaries can be boring for the blogger as it requires a lot of work making screencaps (more for me because I also write in captions) and writing detailed summaries, and perhaps it’s boring for the reader too if the summary is too long? I’m not sure how to gauge just what amount is good to attract readers. It’s also discouraging as a blogger to work hard on a summary and no one comments on it.

I do throw in other tidbits here and there and do not just limit myself on episode summaries, but I like to think that they serve a purpose in the anime community.

Summaries, hmm, I wouldn’t count on my own summaries as I would with Garten. They are nice if feeling confused about an episode, but not everyone has the ability to write a summary that stands as solid reference material. Personally, I like the perspectives mixed with plot points, when needed.

Also, bloggin is fun, and being up-to-date with a season feels kinda nice.

Either way, I do my blogging because I enjoy it and if it gets boring then that’s a very bad thing for me.