ADV on copyright infringement

>And there's an even bigger problem. Run a Google search for "Naruto," and the top hits won't be Toonami. You'll get sites like NarutoFan that serve up the latest episodes of the show, recorded straight from Japanese TV.

>Within days, fans subtitle the shows on their own and release them over peer-to-peer networks like BitTorrent.

>One answer to both of these problems, said ADV spokesman Chris Oarr, is to invest upfront in new anime shows rather than waiting around until a series hits it big in Japan. "ADV has been an equity partner and a co-producer of anime series for over 10 years. It's now commonplace to see us in the credits for shows like Samurai Gun."

>Oarr also believes that sewing up U.S. rights early on helps prevent piracy. "They know that we will go after people who are ripping us off. You can't find a single torrent of Samurai Gun out there."

Gee, I wonder if it's because of their efforts or because Samurai Gun sucks. Seriously, does it suck? I haven't seen it or much buzz around it. Without the fanbase generating aspects of a complete or partial fansub, does it have a chance to sell in decent numbers?

It's also the Japanese anime makers as well. Because they need to avoid reverse import, they always ask for a high price for their lisence and put severe conditions and retrictions like how Eva on tapes could only be 2 eps per tape because gainax said so.