When I first approached Dr. Glenn with my research topic and asked for her assistance, she was more than willing to share her years of anime experience with me. Her candor during our interview reminded me of how generous and welcoming anime fans have been with me in the course of my research.
Besides helping me understand the dynamics of Japanese anime and her role with the anime club KotoriCon http://kotoricon.tumblr.com/, Dr. Glenn has given me greater insight into the people behind the conventions and the festivals. Her personal story of how she became an anime devotee is proof of the diversity among anime fans.
My personal experience with anime fandom seconds the thoughts of Dr. Glenn. Every anime fan I encountered was more than willing to offer their mentoring and did so with over-sized hearts and without pretense. That is what I remember most of my anime research.
Carthornia Kouroupos -- Research Blog 
Apr 23, 2014 @ 18:32:47
It seems like Dr. Glenn is an awesome person! You indicated that her personal story of how she got into anime is proof of the diversity of anime fans, so now I am curious about what her personal story is! It would be great if you could include it!
Apr 24, 2014 @ 23:06:34
Thank you for your comment, Rachel. Dr. Glenn told me that she got involved because her daughter was interested in attending a convention. Similar to when a parent becomes a coach of their child’s sports team in order to share in their interest. I believe this was the case here. She’s an awesome mom too!
Apr 23, 2014 @ 19:27:14
I find it really interesting that these high-level people are so open about a topic that is still a bit frowned upon by larger society. In my own experience, people are hesitant to claim membership of the anime culture because it labels them negatively as, or makes them seem less socially adept. I’m so happy that you’ve discovered that those of the anime community, possibly due to the “outcast” status many have suffered, are welcoming and warm people.
Apr 24, 2014 @ 23:01:00
Thanks for your comment Jessica. I really hope this blog enlightens people who are not familiar with anime by giving them a positive outlook on this wonderful subculture. They are no different from anyone else–the two cultures more alike than different. I’ll hang with them any day!