[FFML] Re: Ranma - Emotional Cost

Commenting on what has already been said in regards to this story. I won't rehash what's already been said, but I will add this tidbit.

The Japanese language has one very strange facet to it. If a topic is common knowledge, its not spoken about. If everyone in the area knows that Main goes north and south and you're giving someone directions, you would just give them the address, not whether its north or south, as the address itself would dictate whether its north or south.

This is something I learned this weekend, from someone who IS japanese, and has lived in Japan. In Ranma, nobody needs to state that Kuno is a blithering idiot, everyone save Kuno and possibly a few others already know it. This is considered common knowledge in the area so its not spoken about. This of course makes understanding an area if you're not one of the locals a serious problem.

Akane saying no to Gosunkugi, without clarifying why, says one of two things. A) No thank you, I'm not interested or B) I'm already involved with someone else.

If its common knowledge she has no feelings for him, then a simple no suffices, as her views are commonly known. If its common knowledge she's already dating, again, no need to say so. Just saying a simple no thank you is polite and doesnt cause either side to lose any respect in the eyes of those around them. I'm sure its more intricate than that of course, but I'll be the first to admit, I don't understand the japanese culture all that well. But, from what I do understand, her giving a reason wasnt really needed.

The idea was good, very deep and emotional in ways, and my lack of knowledge of the series(and i stated so right up front) probably inhibits how I can truly judge the story. The various comments I've seen show that perhaps with some more work, building it up. Like having him try for several days and then finally managing, it might be a much better story overall.

However, before this devolves any further and gets banned, I think its best further comments about honor and japanese culture, in regards to this story anyway, be taken to private email with the author. Even this post may be pushing the line a bit, if it is, my apologies.