Hi everyone! Lita Eagle here, with another Ayeka Fan Club newsletter! We’re trying to make this monthly now, and with the increase in fan club members recently, it’s important that we keep in touch. I just hope we don’t annoy you with all these newsletters! ^_^
By the way, this newsletter is going to be longer than usual, but don’t worry, we’ll probably be back to writing shorter newsletters next time. Now, those of you who subscribed to the AFC mailing list or who have visited the #Aeka chatroom might have noticed that I’ve hinted about a big announcement recently. Well, finally, you’ll all find out what that is...
But first (Heh, you’ll have to wait a little while, sorry.), because of the influx of new members, a lot of you don’t know who the people behind the scenes at the AFC are. These are people who contribute, but don’t say much, who are vital-- but seemingly unknown to some. So, this newsletter will serve to re-introduce the main people behind the AFC, so all the new members know who we are. Plus, this newsletter will introduce an extra person who will be very much behind the scenes from now on. (You can guess this has something to do with the announcement ^_-) AFC tradition is to interview special guests in every newsletter, but this month, to give you all insight as to who the behind-the-scenes folks are, I’ll be interviewing the AFC crew. In other words, for this month, we’ll be the main guests.
War-ouki: Woo hoo! GUESTS! ::gets out his heavy artillery:: Yes! Some action! It’s been two newsletters with nothing to blow up! I’m itching to get my hands on--
Lita: Er... But War...
War: Awww ;_; but it’s been so long... just a bit of destruction... pwease? I haven’t destroyed anything since those four Tenchi’s... I know nothing could be as fun as that-- but I’ll be happy with a little bit of chaos, really!
Lita: Er... War you don’t understand...
War: I know what you’re going to say, “No, no, War it’s not good for our reputation, between you and our Diplomat PA... it’s lucky...”
Lita: But we’re interviewing you!
War: Huh?
Lita: That’s right folks, War-ouki-- Everyone’s favorite insane, BFG-wielding cabbit! He’s one of the people behind the scenes. Now, unless you want to blow yourself up, you’re going to have to go without mass destruction for another newsletter...
War: Well... okay... this kinda makes up for the fact I can’t blow things up for once...
Lita: Good. Now War, what is it that you do at the AFC?
War: Well, I founded the club’s #Aeka chatroom on DALnet, uh-huh, yup! It’s a fun place where we can talk about Aeka, stuff about the club, or stuff about Tenchi Muyo or anime in general. Sometimes we also do roleplaying there! Would you believe that I roleplay as a homicidal cabbit?
Lita: Er... Yeah, I think I can believe that. ^^;;; So, how do folks get into the #Aeka chatroom?
War: If you’ve never chatted before, just drop by the AFC site and read the instructions on the Chatroom page. The instructions will tell you how to chat either through java applet or by using mIRC software (I recommend mIRC, it’s got lots of cool features and stuff, uh-huh, yup!). By the way, there was an error on the page a while back telling people to go to #Aeka#, but our chatroom is actually called #Aeka (note how there should be only one # symbol). So, if any of you tried to get into the room and no one was there, please try again using the proper name. If you have any further questions, you can e-mail me at kawaii_death@hotmail.com
Lita: Thanks, War! ::huggles War-ouki:: Moving on... to two very important people in the AFC... we must make our way through the AFC’s simulated jungle undergrowth to meet them... now... they *should* be by this tree... but I don’t see the--
Possum: [from behind Lita]: Hello!
Lita: Auuughhhh!!!!!
Possum: ::sweatdrops:: Err... sorry about that ^_^;
Lita: Gah... that’s okay, you just scared me. So you *are* here, have you seen K---
Kale-chib-ki: [from the branch behind Lita again]: Hi Lita!!!
Lita: Auuuuugh!!!! Ack, don’t *do* that!
Kale-chib-ki: Oops... ^_^;;
Lita: Yeesh. Anyway, why don’t we start with you, Kale? What is it that you do for the AFC?
Kale-chib-ki: Well, I formed the Ayeka Fan Club mailing list, which I also moderate. It’s completely separate from these newsletters, and subscription to the mailing list is optional. In other words, if you join the Ayeka Fan Club, you still won’t be on the mailing list unless you sign up for it. We mostly use the mailing list to plan out the ongoing story that we have in the Members section of the AFC site, but we sometimes discuss other stuff too.
Lita: That’s cool. And how do folks sign up for the mailing list?
Kale-chib-ki: Well, Possum was nice enough to post easy instructions on the AFC site ::huggles Possum::, so all you have to do is go to the AFC site and follow the instructions on the Mailing List page. If you have any further questions, please e-mail me at kale_dono@hotmail.com
Lita: Okay, thanks, Kale! ::huggles Kale:: Now, on to Possum... What is it that you do for the AFC?
Possum: I’m the webmaster for the club’s site. My first big job for the club was to change the site’s look using the great new design that fellow AFC member Seion came up with (Thanks Seion!). Since then I’ve added some new sections to the site, fixed a few broken links, updated some members’ e-mail addresses, things like that.
Lita: Wow, that’s a big job! So, what is your next project for the site?
Possum: Well, I plan on posting lots more pictures in the Ayeka Fan Art section of the site’s Gallery page! I recently got permission from a lot of artists to display their Ayeka artwork. ^_^ By the way, if any of you have suggestions concerning site design, or found something that needs fixing (like changing your e-mail address on the Members page), please e-mail me at AFCPossum@att.net
Lita: Thanks Possum! ::huggles Possum:: And now... for our ‘celebrity interview’ Yes, you guessed it folks, it’s that time-- the moment you’ve all been waiting for... drumroll please...
Possum: I don’t have a drum.
Lita: Oh. Well... nevermind....then put your hands together for the new...
War: I don’t have hands, uh-uh, nope.
Possum: Paws.
War: Uh-huh, yup. And why would I put them together...?
Possum: Yeah. You put them together all you have is a pair of paws... that are... together. ::puts paws up together to demonstrate::
War: Uh-huh, yup. Waitaminute!! Did you say celebrity gues--
Lita: [grabbing microphone] Lesell Charis, our celebrity guest, is now officially the new Ayeka Fan Club Vice President!!!!!!!!!
War-ouki: Guest! YES! *BOOOOOOOOOM*
Everyone: Auuugh!!!!!!!!
War: Oops... ^_^;;; Pent-up bloodlust... sorry! ::runs!::
[Lita emerges from the ashes pulling out a frazzled Kale-chib-ki and Possum.]
Kale-chib-ki: WAAAAAAAAR!!!!!!!!! ::chases::
Possum: [chasing Kale, his voice fading to the horizon] ... Now Kale... don’t kill him yet, we still need him to run... #Aeka... Kale... Kale!?
Lita: Phew. ::pulls Lesell out::
Lesell: Gack... so *this* is what it’s going to be like working here?
Lita: ’Fraid so.
Lesell: Cool!
Lita: ^^;;; Well... since you’re the new Vice President, I wanted to interview you.
Lesell: Yay! An interview of me!
Lita: So, why don’t you start by introducing yourself?
Lesell: Well, my name is Lesell Charis, but people can call me Lesell, and I’m a ‘priestess’ and peacekeeper of the site, plus newly appointed Vice President of the AFC. Apart from that, I write fics, draw art and chat in the online TM community. ^_^
Lita: So what is it you do at the AFC?
Lesell: Hey! By the way, everybody, visit my art site!!! http://www.animeart.com/lesell and check out my new Tenchi Muyo webcards!
Lita: Er... yes that’s very nice. So what is it you do?
Lesell: And don’t forget to check out the rest of my site too! I have heaps of cool stuff like... art... quotes... fanfics...
Lita: Err... Lesell...?
Lesell: Sorry! ^^;;;;; rather shameless plug... Hehe ^_^;;; So what was that you were saying?
Lita: What do you do at the AFC?!
Lesell: Oh... Um... hmm... good question! Well, I do things like help Lita behind the scenes, you know *wink wink, nudge nudge* Kinda stuff! Eg, write this newsletter, and make fun of her... oh wait, that’s not really help is it? Well, I also try to keep the peace amongst the members, without being too annoying, I hope. I mean, there’s nothing wrong with a good debate. Hmmm what else do I do...? Well, I try to put pressure off Lita’s duties when she’s busy. Good thing about that is that we have summer vacation at different times, (We live on different sides of the globe) so while she’s busy I’m not and vice versa. I help her with duties, or discuss AFC issues with her and Possum, or basically anything that needs doing, like bios, profiles, reviews, anything to do with the site. Plus, I try to think up new activities and new ideas for the AFC, and its members, so the site is more interesting for everybody. As far other duties go I try and participate by drawing pictures and writing fics about Aeka. (Well, one fic and one picture, but I’m working on it, OK?). I’ve also done some banners and badges for the people who want to display their membership proudly on their site. (Go on folks, put a badge on your site and link it to us!! ^_^). Hmm... apart from that I try and look cute for everyone, =^.^= and generally do whatever needs doing and whatever Lita needs help with. Soon... I will take over the world... Mwa ha ha ha!
Lita: Er...
Lesell: Oh did I say that out loud? Whoops. Scratch that last remark.
Lita: Okay... ^_^;; So how do you like it so far?
Lesell: Well it’s not really any trouble for me because it’s so fun, and I like Aeka so much. I like to think I’m rather unbiased when it comes to the TM characters. I like all the TM! cast, very very much-- but Aeka has always been that little step ahead of the others for me. So when I do things like reviews or bios or profiles (or newsletters), I don’t mind at all. In fact I kinda like the extra work, keeps me busy. So far it’s great. Possum and you and everyone make it really fun (if not insane) to work at the AFC.
Lita: How come you wanted to be Vice Prez?
Lesell: Well, I’ve been a member as long as you have, I think I was #20, and you were #21 or something like that, and ever since I’ve been friends with you, which is as long as I’ve been online. I think we joined together, after we met on the Guestbook, right? So Lita, you were my first online friend! ^_^. Therefore when you became President, I wanted to help you with the site, when you couldn’t work on it. Plus, well there’s the fact that Aeka rocks, and I wanted to help doing something in her honor. I would have always loved to be Prez, but I don’t know if I could handle the responsibility. So, when Kibby and I were talking about it, he gave me the idea to ask you to Vice President of the AFC, given how long I’ve been here and my fondness for Aeka-- so I asked. ^_^ It means less responsibility but all the fun, so I’m happy!
Lita: Thanks for leaving me with all the responsibility ^^;;;;;
Lesell: Well Possum can take the blame too! Just kidding. I do have a degree of responsibility, and I like to think I am responsible, for the AFC too, and responsible as far as behavior and duties go... otherwise... you just made a very big mistake! Mwa ha ha ha!
Lita: ^_^;;;;; Hehehe Maybe we should explain how we got started in the AFC?
Lesell: Yeah. Well, before you and I were in #TenchiFF or anything, I found this site called the “AFC” on the net and liked it a lot-- so I wrote in the Guest Book. I was fairly new to the net, so I wrote a post about anyone wanting to write to me. Well, you (Lita), did, and we got some correspondence going. So that’s how we met. ^_^ Soon we became friends, and you asked me if I was going to join the AFC, and I said yes, so we did. Then after all that we were added and we started doing site things for the AFC, at the time Jaf and Jared (the founders) were running it. (Yay for both of them ^_^). Then you became famous in the Tenchi online community, so I can say I knew you before you were famous. ^_~
Lita: Heh. So what can members contact you for?
Lesell: Anything. Bio’s, profiles, anything they want to contact Lita about they can always contact me about too and I can do pretty much the same things, within reason. (After all Lita *is* the Prez). But I think you (Lita) trust me enough... to have pretty much the same responsibility as you do, without worrying. Or at least I hope so. We kind of share the ‘power’ between the 3 of us, (with Possum too, who’s very important) so as far as that goes, we remain equal to ensure no-one goes power mad and changes the AFC to the “World Domination Page” or something. ^^;;;; (Oops... maybe I gave too much of my future plans away... D’oh!)
Lita: O_O Well, anything else you want to add?
Lesell: Yep, members wanting to say Hi, or suggest something for the site, or something *anything* can E-mail me, Lesell Charis at: lesell_charis@yahoo.com
And that’s all. Also, I want to thank all the Little people who made this day possible... I think I got something in my eye... *sniff* I love you guys. ::holds up her Oscar.:: This is for you!
Oh wait, this isn’t the academy awards... ^_^;;; Oh well, I wanted to say thank you to Lita for saying yes, thank you to Kibby for giving me the idea to ask. Also, Thank you to Happi-chan for the motivation, *^_^* and last, and very importantly, A huge thanks to Jaf, former president and Jared former webmaster, for setting up the *excellent* site in the first place. Thanks guys for doing such a great job! And one more thing, thanks to Lita *again*, and Possum for being so helpful and nice and showing me the ropes and making me feel like part of the family already... *sniff* Ack... I think I got something in my eye again... *sniff*
Lita: Heh. Glad to have you here, Lesell! ::huggles::
Well folks! That wraps up our Newsletter, however we have a few announcements to make before we go, and our monthly fic to feature...
Lesell: Wait Lita!
Lita: Hmm?
Lesell: You forgot to interview *yourself*
Lita: Ack, so I did.
Lesell: Well, we have to introduce *everyone* and you’re our president! So I’ll interview you!
Lita: ^_^ okay.
Lesell: So, start off by introducing yourself.
Lita: Okay, my name is Literary Eagle, but you folks can just call me Lita. I’ve written several fan fics, the most popular one being my “Confess to You” series (Lesell isn’t the only one who can make shameless plugs around here! ^_^), and I’ve also done some fan art. And as Lesell so beautifully told everyone, I’ve been an AFC member for a long time now. I only became president last month, but I’m getting the hang of it. At least, I think I am. ^_^;;;
Lesell: Ha ha ha! Oh Lita you’re so funny.
Lita: I am?
Lesell: Actually, no. Anyway, what do you do around the AFC?
Lita: ^^;;;;; Well, I welcome new members and work on the monthly club newsletter. I also listen to new ideas folks have about the club, and I’m fairly active on the club’s message board, mailing list, and chatroom. Oh, and I write parts of the club’s ongoing story (which can be found on the site’s Members page), and I’ve done some of the Ayeka fan art in our gallery. I work on some other club stuff, too, often collaborating with you, Possum, or other members.
Lesell: And what’s it like?
Lita: It’s a lot of work, but it’s fun too. After all, I’m a huge fan of Ayeka (actually, I love all the characters ^_^). Besides, I’ve made lots of friends here!
Lesell: So, how come you’re president?
Lita: Our former president, Jaf, has unfortunately become too busy to handle the club’s presidential stuff, and when he retired last month I was his first choice as a replacement... I think it was either because I’m one of the club’s most active members, or because he’s trying to make up for the time he almost fed me to some lions during one of our roleplaying sessions. ^^;;;
Lesell: ^^;;; Um... And people now know how we got started in the AFC... umm... why should people contact you and how do they go about doing that?
Lita: I welcome new ideas, so if people have any suggestions for the club, they can drop me a line. They can also contact me for... Well, just about any other stuff concerning the club, particularly things that don’t fall into War-ouki’s, Kale’s, or Possum’s domains. Oh, and feel free to write to me just to say hi, too. ^_^ My e-mail address is literaryeagle@hotmail.com
Lesell: Also, what do we offer members?
Lita: Every member of our club becomes a character in the AFC’s ongoing story (which, as I said, is on our Members page). However, we’ve had a flood of new members recently, so if you go to the Members page and you’re not there yet, please be patient and we’ll write you into the story as soon as we can.
We also try to have a friendly and open environment where people are free to discuss Tenchi-related things, to have fun and participate. We’ve got just a few rules, because we want folks to be respected: no flaming (debate is okay, but only if it’s civilized), nothing way too hentai because some of our members are minors (basically, don’t go too far beyond what the Tenchi anime does), and NO character bashing. We’re all here to share our love of Ayeka, but many of us have other Tenchi characters as our favorites. (And why not? They all have wonderful qualities.) So we want to avoid character bashing on our site as much as possible. We want Tenchi fans to feel welcome here no matter who their favorite character is. :)
Lesell: Anything else you’d like to add?
Lita: I’ll try to explain a bit more about the “no character bashing” thing. Now, any person can come along and post any old thing on our message board or guestbook... the plus side is it can encourage free thought and civilized debate, but the downside is sometimes character bashing appears there and it can’t really be helped. However, we will NOT, for example, post fan art of Ayeka ripping Ryoko’s head off, nor link to fan fics that go out of their way to make Mihoshi look totally stupid all the time. We feel that character bashing goes against one of the main points of the Tenchi series (that they’re a loving family, even if sometimes they drive each other nuts ^^), and it would be disrespectful to members who like those characters. Like I said, we try to be concerned about respect around here.
The other thing I’d like to do is thank Lesell, War-ouki, Kale, Possum, and all my other friends in the AFC for oh so many good times, and also for all their help and support. Thanks a bunch, guys! ::huggles::
Lesell: Okay, and that’s it for the interview!
Lita: Cool! Okay, let’s move on to some more announcements.
Lita and Lesell: First of all, one of our new members, Ken-ohki, wants to hear from fellow Ayeka fans. So, if any of you would like an Ayeka fan as an e-pal, please drop him a line. His e-mail address is kenohki12104641@aol.com
Secondly, another of our new members, Stryver, is looking for someone to help him write a Tenchi fan fic series. He’s also looking for a CG colorist for his fan art, and is looking for suggestions on what to draw next. Please contact him if you’d like to help out with any of these things. His e-mail address is supersayian@hotmail.com
Also, some of you may have seen on the message board and on the Mailing List that our friend and fellow AFC member Ryoke was recently injured whilst on holiday. Luckily, now we know that she is OK (phew) if a bit battered and bruised. We’d like to give her a gently huggle and a hearty “Get Well Soon!!” on behalf of the AFC. We mean it Ryoke! We’re so glad you’re okay. ::huggles:: Take care.
On that note, last but not least of this long newsletter is the link to our monthly fan fic! For those who don’t know, we have a tradition of linking to a Tenchi fan fic written by an AFC member. (Don’t worry, we won’t link to your fan fic in a newsletter without asking for permission first.) For this month, we’re linking to a story called “To Sleep Perchance to Dream”, by Crikit! Please check it out when you have the time, and be sure to send her feedback at crikit@geocities.com
Here’s the link to the story To Sleep Perchance to Dream
As always, many thanks to GenSao for letting us link to the fics on his site!
That’s it! Bye for now, folks! Take care!
Literary Eagle (She’s the president)
Lesell Charis (She’s the vice president)
Possum (He’s the webmaster)
Kale (He’s the mailing list owner, and moderator)
War-ouki (He’s the founder of the #Aeka chat room on IRC)