Manga Database FAQ (how we choose main titles, vol count, etc)

[sothis]

Unlike the anime database, the manga database provides a number of challenges. Here at Anime-Planet we prefer quality and consistency over blindly doing what other sites choose to do (especially if the results are not consistent/quality), and manga makes things difficult.

I've chatted at length with Zakiel and cassiesheegirl over the time the database has been up (as of this post, only a few months) and we've come to a few conclusions. Please note that there isn't a way to have a perfect solution - this is the solution we think works the best for most cases. If you have helpful, respectful or constructive feedback to give, please do so. Flames are not welcome.

First, a list of decided-upon policies (followed by a list of unresolved issues):

1. All volume counts will be listed in Japanese tankoubon format. This means that if the US release is different (for example, Parasyte), the volume count may appear to be incorrect.

2. All titles will be split up according to the Japanese release. For example, Rozen Maiden and its sequel were released as 2 titles in Japan, while only one series in the US. Thus, we will use the Japanese version and post 2 entries.

A prime example of this problem is the Rose Hip Zero/Magnum Rose Hip/Rose Hip Rose trilogy. Tokyopop (and TP in general tends to be strange in how they deal with manga, so likely their titles will very often be numbered differently than we post them) chose to release RHZ as 5 vols instead of 3 - the last 2 volumes (which technically take place AFTER RHZ's sequel, RHR) being Magnum. So I'll need to change the RHZ entry from 5 to 3, and add an entry for Magnum (annoying, as I already returned the vols to the library -_-)

This was a hard decision but since most people read the Japanese versions (or scanlations of them), we have to go with the majority. It's not possible to post several episode dropdowns for each version type, so yeah.

3. Chapters are only posted if there is a definitive source that lists the total number of chapters. This does NOT include extra chapters/specials/one shots included in the volume. This information is hard to find so generally we leave chapters off.

4. Chapters are only posted alongside scanlations if both the Japanese release is still ongoing, and the chapters are relatively close. For example, if a series has 22 volumes released but only 10 chapters are subbed, we will not list the 10 chapters. This is because the count is very highly off of the real chapter count (we'd add the real one if we can find it, but that's unlikely) and if the series suddenly is completed in volumes, we now are unable to mark it as completed (we'd either need a full chapter count at that point, or people would lose their data if they were marking chapters). Note that this is also an 'unresolved issue' below.

5. US volume 1 cover is always used if it exists. JP volume 1 cover if not. Same with main titles - US, then JP.

This might seem strange given we use the JP volume count, but we have our reasons for doing so. JP versions are listed as alt titles.

6. Compilation manga will be listed - at least for now - as only the compilation. Individual stories will not be posted as individual one shot entries (note: I know that I posted a few of these in the past that must be removed)

7. Start/end years are listed based on serialization. As this is very difficult information to acquire (especially end date), often we leave end date excluded.


As a note, we will likely make some changes to current entries as needed based on these policies, some of which were decided upon on the date of this post.


Unresolved issues:

1. Should we list pilot one shots?

2. How to handle titles that have subbed chapters way behind volumes, so people can still mark them

3. more TBD

[Drahken]

I think pilot one shots should definitely be listed. If they started as a 1 shot but then became chapter/volume 1 of the ongoing series then they should just be counted as ch/vol 1 of the series. If they're a true 1 shot though (ie a chapter 00), then they should be listed seperately.

[Lanxdata]

Originally Posted by Drahken

I think pilot one shots should definitely be listed. If they started as a 1 shot but then became chapter/volume 1 of the ongoing series then they should just be counted as ch/vol 1 of the series. If they're a true 1 shot though (ie a chapter 00), then they should be listed seperately.

I agree completely with Drahken on this.

Originally Posted by sothis

Unresolved issues:

2. How to handle titles that have subbed chapters way behind volumes, so people can still mark them

I would like to say why not keep it consistent with the Anime. In that only adding an Anime/Mange only when is has been subbed. But what about if the beginning portion has already been subbed and suddenly the the fansubbers stop. Would you just halt updating the Manga even though several chapters have been released since its last subbing? I'm sure there has to be are a number a users who can and do read the original Japanese releases that would still like to keep up with it. Although they not be entirely vocal on the forums.

Another question.. is there an actually a large number of Manga that are partially subbed that could be added? or is it within a manageable size?




-- I hope I'm clear about what I'm saying... its kinda later here ... night

[sothis]

the problem is, there's no way of knowing what chapter the vast majority of japanese manga are at. if you have a fully definitive source that is very up to date and reliable, let me know.