»

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

What is Minitokyo and what is there to do here?
Minitokyo was founded as an anime art repository and has become one of the largest Japanese pop culture communities on the Internet. Here on Minitokyo, you can browse through and contribute to a large repository of stock anime art as well as a showcase of anime-related artwork created by members in the galleries. You can also discuss and chat about all aspects of Japanese pop culture, current events, daily life, and the like in the forums. Furthermore, you can peruse a library of user-submitted reviews on anime series, manga, games, and the like. Finally, you can join groups of users from around the world who share similar interests as you in order to further your understanding and enjoyment of subjects of mutual fascination. In short, Minitokyo is what you make of it, so feel free to wander around, hang out with people from across the globe, and most importantly, have fun!
What are credits?
Credits are a means of exchange used on Minitokyo. In general, contributing to the community will allow you to gain credits, while taking from the site will cost credits. The credit system also exists as a means of quality control. For example, the submission of gallery items costs credits in order to discourage the submission of low-quality images. Note that displayed credit balances are not updated in real time but serves as a general indicator of how many credits a member has left. Finally, in order to prevent abuse of the system, the exact formulae for gaining and spending credits will not be disclosed.
Where should questions be asked?
If you have a question about the rules, if you have a dispute with another member, if you're running into technical difficulties, or if you just need general assistance, and the Policy and FAQ don't seem to be of assistance, feel free to raise your question in the Minitokyo Discussion forum. Just make sure that your question has not already been asked and answered by other members.
When want to save a file, it's a bitmap! How come?
This is an Internet Explorer bug. Delete your Temporary Internet Files.
How do I delete my account?
You can't. Just stop logging in here. If you like, you can delete all your gallery submissions and blank your user page.

Administration

What do I do if I've been banned?
If you've been banned, all you can do is wish that you had been a good, rule-abiding member of the community, because members who have been banned are not meant to return to Minitokyo.
What are restricted and muted members?
Restricted members cannot download or upload items from the gallery. Muted members also cannot post anything else.
What are elite members? How do I become one?
These are users who have devoted significant time and effort to assisting the moderators in running the community. The staff chooses who are eligible for elite membership.

Forum

Is there a list of all of the posts created by a particular user?
On the left-hand side of your userpage, you will see a section with a tally of all of the posts you have made and received, broken down by category. To view the posts you have made so far, click on the "gallery posts made," "forum posts made," "review posts made," and "group posts made" links.
Can links be made in posts?
You can include URLs either to pages within Minitokyo or to external websites in your posts as long as they serve to complement the point of your post. Linking to sites offering copyrighted material or torrents for such material is prohibited. Don't link to sites advocating illegal activities either. Or porn.
What should be done when an inappropriate or harassing post is made?
If someone makes an inappropriate or harassing post, use the "Report" link to report the post and the perpetrator to the moderator staff. See also: What's the "Report" link used for?
What should be kept in mind when participating in dicussions?
When you are in a community with so many people from such diverse backgrounds, it is inevitable that you will see perspectives expressed that will be different from your own. Remember that there is more than one way to view any particular issue, and that everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Furthermore, please try to act in as civil a manner as possible in the threads, and try to treat your fellow members with respect. Also note that we do have among us a number of younger members, so please exercise tact while interacting in the forums.
Should anything be kept in mind when creating posts?
Short answer: Yes.

» Long answer: Before creating a new thread on a particular topic, you should make sure that active threads do not already exist on the topic of your choice by browsing through recent forum threads and using the search box. Try to use existing threads when possible, and do not create a new thread if an active thread exists on your selected topic. If a thread has not had any new posts in over four weeks, it can be considered inactive and a new thread can be opened on the same topic. Furthermore, please refrain from creating the following types of threads:
  • Favorites and versus threads: As these threads seldom generate meaningful discussion and are often duplicates of existing threads, please refrain from creating superlatives threads (e.g. those asking for favorite characters, series, or games) as well as threads comparing individual characters, series, or games.
  • Farewell and Return threads: Please do not create new threads to announce absences, whether short-term, long-term, or permanent, and do not create threads when you return from an absence either. Instead, announcements regarding personal status should be made on your own userpage.
  • Quizzes, games, and other fun little topics that are not quite actual discussions should graze peacefully in the Chat Lounge.
As a final note, make sure that you create your thread in the correct forum category.
Can XHTML be used in posts?
No. XHTML does not work for formatting in the forums. See above.
Can posts be formatted? Can they have smilies?
Yes and yes. Formatting is done through tags in a simple markup scheme known as bbcode that are similar in many respects to xhtml. For an explanation of bbcodes and a list of supported smilies, see the bbcode and smilies section of Minitokyo Support.
What are the letters in the corner of posts?
If you have your post display set to Minimal (as opposed to Full) in Minitokyo Options in your Control Panel, up to five links may appear at the upper right hand corner of individual posts, denoted by the letters r, e, d, q, and g. In the full display, these letters are replaced by a series of full-word links at the bottom of the post.
  • The 'r' link is used to report a post that is in violation of the Minitokyo Policy. It does not send a reply to the author of the post.
  • The 'e' link is used to edit a post. This only appears for posts that you have created yourself.
  • The 'd' link is used to delete delete a post. Like the edit link, this link only appears for posts you have created yourself.
  • The 'q' link is used to quote a post in a direct reply to it.
  • The 'g' link is used to send a direct reply to the post to the guestbook of the author of the post.

Gallery

What are the restrictions on uploading and downloading?
Criteria for uploading and downloading can be found in the Minitokyo Policy.
What can I submit as a scan?
Criteria for submitting scans can be found in the Minitokyo Policy. Scans from the following websites are not permitted:
-Aethereality
-Beyond the Camera's Lens
-DeviantART
-Digik
-Dokuganryu (Formerly Known as BeYourTrueMind)
-Ferricorp
-Kawaii Dream also known as Kawaii Art Zone
-The Luna Regina
-MangaItalia
-Neo-Romance
-DTN
-Visions of Goddess

If you would like your website to be added to this list, send a private message to a moderator.
Can I submit a scan that already exists in the gallery?
If your scan is of a higher quality than an existing scan, you may upload your scan and report the existing scan, indicating that it is a lower-quality version of your scan. Also remember to include the URL to your scan. Otherwise, instead of submitting your scan to the gallery, post it in the Anime Pictures Dump forum.

Note that resizing and filtering scans to make them appear to be of higher quality is not allowed.
What can I submit as a wallpaper?
You may submit finished wallpapers that you have made yourself using stock images and graphics software such as Adobe Photoshop. This means that you cannot submit wallpapers that you have found elsewhere, even if you have modified them.

Wallpaper featuring one or more anime or manga subjects should be submitted as "Anime Wallpaper," while all abstract and miscellaneous Japanese pop-culture wallpapers should be submitted as "General Wallpaper."
What are the acceptable wallpaper resolutions?
A list of all acceptable wallpaper resolutions is indicated in the Minitokyo Policy.
What can I submit as doujinshi?
2D Anime, manga, and game-related artwork you have drawn and created on your own using traditional art mediums or digital mediums should be submitted as "Doujinshi" (Japanese for independent art).
What is quarantine?
When a gallery item is slated for deletion as part of moderator arbitration, it is suspended for a period of 30 days before it is permanently removed from the gallery. That period of suspension is called quarantine. While an item is in quarantine, members may not access the gallery item in question. However, an item in quarantine can be restored if it is determined by the moderators that it was erroneously slated for deletion any time before it is permanently deleted.
Who is [bot]Chii and why does she keep quarantining my submissions?
[bot]Chii is a bot who sends automated messages whenever a gallery item or post is slated for deletion by a moderator. Moderators will delete submissions and posts at any time for infringement of the rules stated in the Policy and clarified in these FAQ. This should be common sense, but as a reminder, do not resubmit or repost anything deleted by a moderator.
How are quality and effort determined?
Minitokyo prides itself on providing high quality content, and as such minimum requirements on quality and effort are enforced. Besides, setting a threshold on quality and effort helps to save space and bandwidth, which is always a plus!

It is hard to codify quality and effort, but the following four points should serve as basic guidelines to help ensure that a particular work meets the minimum requirement.

Extraction
Extraction is the act of taking a subject out of a scan to place in a wallpaper. Using a polygonal lasso tool or pen at over 400% magnification is effective if well-used. Using the magic wand tool is not advised, as it generally results in poor extractions.
Cleaning
If a scan is grainy, contains artifacts, or is otherwise noisy, cleaning the image is crucial.
Layout
Having a decent composition, with all elements carefully planned and positioned, is important.
Background
A background that both complements and accentuates the subject is key. Backgrounds that are monochromatic, simplistic, or are essentially the result of applying multiple filters are not indicative of requisite level of creative application.
Of course, members both new and old are not expected to consistently create absolutely flawless works. However, all members are expected to devote considerable hard work and dedication to creating wallpapers. Therefore, wallpaper created with the above points in mind will be more likely to be accepted. It is also highly recommended that you include a detailed description of your creation process in your submission description to help moderators judge the efforts made on a particular wallpaper.

As a final note, if you are new to submitting wallpapers on Minitokyo or are unsure of your wallpaper creating ability, consider making a submission to the Sandbox forum rather than submitting your wallpaper directly to the galleries. The Sandbox exists as a place for members to submit their works for comment and critique in order to improve their technique and is a great resource for all members.
Should I keep the Photoshop/Corel/GIMP/etc. files that I used for making my wallpapers?
Yes, in case a moderator needs to verify that you created a particular wallpaper. If a moderator asks for proof that you created a wallpaper you submitted, send the moderator the original file that you used to create your wallpaper. Once the moderator has finished evaluating your work, he or she will delete your source file.
How are wallpapers featured on the front page?
There are two types of images featured on the front page: highlighted works and popular works. Highlighted works are recent submissions selected by the moderator staff that stand out in terms of quality or innovation. These highlighted submissions will then be temporarily featured on the front page for all members to see. Popular works are recent sunmissions that have been added my many members as their favorites.

Reviews

What makes for a good review?
A review is essentially an essay, and as such similar standards hold. A good review contains a number of elements, including Thesis This is your overall opinion of the work in question, and therefore everything should work towards supporting this central argument. Evidence Provide examples from the work in question. . . Analysis . . . and explain how those examples support your thesis. For example, do not just state that one particular aspect of the work in question is good because of something. Rather, explain why that something makes the aspect good. In other words, show, don't tell. Style Proper syntax and diction are key. A well-worded review is not only easier to read, but is more compelling to a reader. Finally, it should go without saying that your review should not have any glaring grammatical or typographical errors. Not proofreading a review is an easy way to demonstrate lack of care or effort.
How should scores be assigned for reviews?
Scores should be assigned based on the merits of the item being reviewed alone and not by how much it was enjoyed. Remember that the scores should be written to support the review, and not the other way around. In general, reviewers should follow the following scheme when assigning scores for reviews: * 01: embarrasment to human capability * 02: terrible * 03: bad * 04: poor * 05-06: average * 07: good * 08: great * 09: excellent * 10: pinnacle of human achievement Note that a score of 10 should never be given lightly, as it should only be given for an item that has demonstrated unparalleled achievement in the area in question.
How can reviews be formatted?
Reviews are formatted using bbCode. For help with bbCode, see the bbCode and smilies section of Minitokyo Support.

Userpages and Customization

How can a userpage layout be customized?
Two excellent userpage layout tutorials created by Minitokyo members can be found in the Userpage Customization Showcase forum: * Custom Userpage Tutorial: Photoshop Edition, by exentric * Custom Userpage Tutorial: Paint Shop Pro Edition, by belmikry
How can the content of a userpage be changed?
You can customize the content area of your userpage by going to the Customize Userpage Content button in your Control Panel. Customization is done using XHTML, which is the standard markup language for websites on the Internet. There are many good tutorials on XHTML both on the internet and in print that you can take a look at if you are unfamiliar with it.
What are the watchlist, friendlist, and hotlist?
* The watchlist is a list of members whose contributions you wish to remain updated on. As such, you will receive notifications for wallpapers, art, scans, and reviews submitted by members on your watchlist. * The friendlist is a list of members who you consider your friends. As such, you will receive notifications when they create threads in the forums so you can participate in discussions that they begin. You will not receive notifications when they submit wallpapers, art, scans, or reviews. * The hotlist is a new section on Minitokyo which allows you to view other member's personal photos on your userpage which you consider to be worth flaunting. They will be shown on the left side bar, with a link to that particular member's userpage, that other members will be able to view on your userpage. To add people to one of your contact lists, click on the appropriate link in their profile page. Note that everyone who you indicate as a friend who has also indicated you as a friend will appear on your profile page under the Mutual Friends list.
Another browsing skin appears in place of my custom one. What do I do?
In the Control Panel, go to Skin Builder. You'll find that all of your UP color values are still in there. In the Featured Anime box, take out the 0 and put in 417, then click Build Skin at the bottom. (417 is for unknown. If your skin's off a specific featured anime, you can find and input that specific category ID later.) Then go back to MiniTokyo Options, scroll down and find your skin among all of the Unknowns, select it, click Update. If this doesn't work, make a thread in the Bug Reports forum (if one doesn't already exist on the same problem).

Groups

What can be done in a group?
Groups are usually created with a purpose; there is no point in creating a group without a purpose. Members join groups because they have similar interests with the creator of the group. Basic group interaction usually involves getting to know fellow members and learning about their interests. There are multiple ways for members in a group to interact. Contests can be held to maintain the interest of the group. As long as the contest doesn't cause any harm to other members, then it will be just fine. Art contests are usually the most promoted contests, and members in a group share their art with each other. Members who have similar interests may also want to get together in the offline world so they can really understand each other.
What happens if something goes wrong in a group?
If a member decides that he or she doesn't feel a certain kinship towards another member or other members in the group, the member can leave the group or can ask for help interacting with other members. It is also possible that discrimination may be a result of negative interaction. Members should try to either cooperate with each other in solving issues or they should call a moderator to help sort out the issue. Furthermore, if there are members who applied to groups and the moderators or administrators are not active in the group at all, the members can send a support inquiry to the Minitokyo moderators, filing a technical inquiry about what is wrong with the group.
How are group pages customized?
Customization can only be done by a group administrator. Group administrators can customize their group by going to their Control Panel, clicking on the My Groups button, and selecting the control panel of the group in question. When customizing groups, XHTML coding is used the same way it would be used in a member's own user page. Customization should also feature the purpose of the group to make it easier for members to know where the group is going with their ideas. You can even sponsor contests in customization so the other members would know of what is currently going on. It is recommended, in some way, that a list of members be created so the members would have easier access to others instead of having to only look up the 25 most recently joined members. Thus, older members wouldn't be forgotten at all. It is always a good idea to have 2 or 3 administrators in the group in the event one of the administrators leaves Minitokyo for a prolonged period of time.
What is the Group Gallery?
The group gallery is a section of a group page where group administrators can feature selected works by members of the group. Group administrators can add items to their group gallery by going to their Control Panel, clicking on the My Groups button, selecting the control panel of the group in question, and clicking on the Group Gallery button.