How to support your Johnnys, 101

[saturnianlove.livejournal.com]

Dear friends,

I am not here to start any drama, but I must say that something is really bugging me.
I'm sure a lot of people have seen this post regarding NEWS con shop photo reprints, since a lot of people have ordered. However, the original shop pictures are still available for purchase; is it really necessary to buy imitations already? I've placed an order for my goods at J-AMNOS and their prices seem really good to me. You can buy a whole set of original shop photos for $12 and shipping can't be that much if it's just photos.

Things like this, I wouldn't mind if it was months later and these pictures were hard to find, but they're not. Also, can you see future problems with people buying reprints thinking that they are originals? Or people selling reprints as originals. It wouldn't be any devoted fans, I assume, but I definitely feel squicked about having so many reprints floating around. I also know there's a group taking special orders for Australia or something.

So this is my plea to you, my beloved fellow NEWS fans. If you can afford it, $12 measly dollars on your favorite member/group, please support Johnny's Entertainment and our boys by buying originals.

Here's J-AMNOS's pricelist to get you started. Not that I am affiliated with them in any way.

To the original poster: Since you're not making any money from this project, I'm sure you won't mind that I posted this. My condolences if you do.

Comments

[firedawn.livejournal.com]

I agree with this. I wanted to say something when the original post was made but didn't really want to start drama.

*Ducks under covers*

[colbyni.livejournal.com]

I agree- always buy official when possible. One small point I wanted to add though, it's neither here nor there- passing off copies as originals is rather difficult to do. The official shop photos are printed on special photo paper that actually have "Johhnys Entertainment" printed all over the back of them, while copies are always just gonna say "kodak" or whatever.

[saturnianlove.livejournal.com]

That's true, but people can be really shady over the internet, for srs :/

[nyagcpinkuneko.livejournal.com]

I am the girl who is helping the person who runs J-AMNOS by posting to all of the communities. I have known her for several years now and I can vouch for her sincerity.

And thank you for helping to spread the news about her. She is a very hard working person who saw an opportunity to make things available to the foreign JE fanbase and took it.

[cappuchica.livejournal.com]

I have known her for several years now and I can vouch for her sincerity.
That's good to know because I'm always leery about buying things online. :/

[100-backnumbers.livejournal.com]

I totally agree!
And as the original photos don't cost more than 150 yen, to sell fake re-prints for the same price is just a total rip off!
Also, the seller is breaking copyright laws and it’s not going to help the international fans if fake/pirated goods start floating around here.

[manonpikamishi.livejournal.com]

i buy original things but i don't really see a problem with buying reprints ^___^;;; its just up to the person if they want the real deal or not...maybe people don't want one set but certain pictures from each set? Yes we need to support our boys, but its like some people downloading their music and DVDs yet not buying the actual item themselves ^__^ But i do promote buying the originals. There won't be much value in buying fakes. However it's all about personal choice i suppose. But J-AMNOS seems to be good so that's where I've been ordering.

[aichu.livejournal.com]

I agree. Not only is it not supporting the artist, but it is also downright illegal to be distributing imitations. :\

[nanami2000.livejournal.com]

My opinion about J-amnos:
Sorry but 12 dollars for a set is just insane....i mean i do agree about buying the original.

1 original set costs about 600 yen. A set includes 4 pictures.

But personally as a news fans i would love to sell such pics for a nonprofit price to news fans. It is like helping out and not making sell.

So sorry, i cant support J-amnos even she might be sincere and her intention might be good. But even with mail charges, there is no way a set could cost about 12 dollar.

Anyway...thats just my opinion. Its up to everybody to decide what is right or not.

[ryuenuriko.livejournal.com]

totally agree i got mine originals for 6.50USD plus shipping and i live in aussie which is like the end of the world.
shipping is supposed to cost here cost BIG TIME.

[roselit.livejournal.com]

I agree!~ I actually didn't think about it when I saw that post, but now that you mention it, it kinda doesn't make sense that reprints are being done when the originals are still up for sale... I really want to support NewS, so I'm buying the originals (J-AMNOS is so awesome for making the goods available to fangirls like me who can't get any shinies like those.. T_T)~

And even if the original sets cost 600 yen, as nanami2000 points out, I still kinda really don't give a flip, since to me, it's worth it. XDDDD; Being a fangirl comes with a price, ne~ as long as it's not too extreme in my opinion, I'm fine with it. :3 And I'm sure it's that way for lots of other fangirls too, the ones who can't get access to these goods otherwise.

[nanami2000.livejournal.com]

LOL^^

Its not that i blame anyone buying from J-amnos. ;-)

I think i can understand, since having something original is really a special feeling. I really like the idea of J-Amnos, but i have only problems with the high price.
Even on yahoo auctions the price isnt that high...

anyway...hope you get your goods soon^.^

[xtotchi.livejournal.com]

while i tihnk it's nice to get originals i'd really like to point out that some people are poor and/or in college and don't have 12 dollars + expensive oversees shipping to spare cause that's for food and books or art supplies.. and they've probably spent all the money they don't have preording the calander and singles.. but 1 dollar for a picture and shipping that's a few cents or free is managable that's only a can or 2 of chef boyardi vs a large chunk of food for a couple of weeks. and she takes paypal. I think it's a nice gesture that someone could sell something for no profit even if it's not the original and i think it's nice that someone offers the originals. both people have posted here about their merchandise so people can make up their own minds based on their financial position or other issues to do what's best for them.

also i believe the johnny's boys get paid more like salarytype pay and not in royalties from sales.

[100-backnumbers.livejournal.com]

So because you are "poor" it's OK to steal or to buy stolen goods??
At least with downloads no one is making money or turning it in to a business!
There is NO WAY the seller is not making a profit from this.
1US$ for a reprint! At least around here you can make reprints at a photo lab for less than a third of that price, especially if you are ordering a lot of photos.
She is breaking copyright laws, stealing J-idols hard work and ripping other fans off. I can't see how that is a nice gesture.

[michan-muchi.livejournal.com]

Yeah I agree on bying original stuff but if someone can't afort th shipping and the girl is not making profits out of it than there is nothing wrong it it

Well, to start to support them, I think one should stop downloading dramas and scanning pics. Yes, here in japan scanning an official pic send you to jail. Also, taking credit for the pics when you are not the photographer. You should add that to your post.

[ackradin.livejournal.com]

I agree that people should support their favourite artists (in general, not talking just Johnny's here) by buying originals, but like it's been pointed out

1. Not everyone can afford to do so, and

2. Johnny's don't actually enjoy royalties from the sale of their products, singles, pictures or otherwise, they get a set salary~ So they're not actually getting any richer or poorer, it's the head honcho at the jimusho that's going to get the benifits of people forking out for original items.

[firedawn.livejournal.com]

At #2.. does that mean we shouldn't support? :\

No matter who benefits we still should support.

[cherrylilwolf.livejournal.com]

I dont think there's anything wrong in doing so. I personally just want the photos and dont mind if they are originals a not. Anyway it's up to the person buying to decide whether he or she is willing to pay for reprints. And I dont really think it's illegal since there are a lot of fake JE shops in places like Japan, China and Taiwan that sells reprints of official photos. And of course their prices are most of the time cheaper than originals. She's also not ripping anyone off by selling them way more expensive than originals. I do agree that we should support originals but that would most likely apply to singles, DVDs and not really photos.

USD$12 is really expensive for a set of only 4 photos imo.

[firedawn.livejournal.com]

It's not 4. It's actually like 35.

[firemage.livejournal.com]

This is a bit off-topic, but does anyone know where J-AMNOS is shipping from?

[nicky87.livejournal.com]

taiwan i think...

[luma-chan.livejournal.com]

*nodding* Totally agreeing with this. I got many official photos myself, and couple copies, and it's totally different thing owning the original one than a "fake" X3 Yes I know I'm totally anal and weird about these things but it is! All the copies where from Yahoo auctions where the sellers hadn't informed that some of them were copies but I dunno, they were really old Ya3 photos so I'd have prolly gotten them anyway since they'd be pretty much impossible to get otherwise. But I still miss having the JE & Accosiates watermark on the back X3 I can understand people wanting to buy copies because not everyone has the possibility to get these things any other way, at least not with them costing a whole lotta money but I was still shocked to see how many people actually wanted to buy the copies... Especially since now there actually ARE ways to get those actual pictures too. JE is pretty straightforward when it comes to promoting the boys so "most fanstuff sold" = "most appearance" so the fans definitely should rather buy the officials X3

[nomanymore.livejournal.com]

well I'm glad that the fight was over, well that's wat I think..
I'm really confused right now.. cuz there're like 2 sides of me @_@
I'm a NewS fan but so shame to admit I've never touched an official photo of them (just magazine)...wth
Money is not the question for me, cuz I did spend all my fortune on them, I spent nearly 200$ for their old singles (& new ones too) & magazines in one day! recently for the concert good, it cost me more 90$..
I say all that becuz I know I'm not the only one (!), I believe that NewS' fans never would like doing something that may harm NewS' career,
in my case,I'm not that poor so I can afford $ (even though i'm a jobless), but I know some other who dun't have that chance (living foreign, net, language, & of course money), but it's not becuz they can't afford 15$ to buy NewS' single they're not considered as NewS' real fan or watever ! I think wat's important is that there're people who support NewS, wherever & whoever they are & in wat maniere they do it, as long as they're there I have faith that NewS will sing for us for ever..
I just hope others understand their feelings, if I had 120$ right now, I'll order all 7 sets of photo without hesitation...

[misaru13.livejournal.com]

Bravo bravo...your worlds touched me^^...i agree with you...for some countries in Asia buying those stuffs is really hard...with NEWS's new single...instead of only paying 2900yen to buy two version i must spend 6000 yen...by having my friend in japan buy it and send them to me T__T...i think there are many NEWS's fans want to but NEWS's stuffs but they don't have a chance or they can't spend so much money for the shipping fee.

[argentumfeles.livejournal.com]

*looks sheepish*. I have absolutely no words for the long comment list on this entry.

[redturtlereveri.livejournal.com]

Hi,
I doubt this comment will be read since it's like the 60th or something lol. But anyway, here's my 2 cents.

Two sides to every story right? I don't intend to go into ethical or legal issues because that might just end up causing trouble. And I'm not taking sides. But...

1. I agree that supporting your favorite artist means buying their official goods. I do agree. Just because most of that money goes to the company and hardly even reaches their artists doesn't change the fact that it's THEIR goods. And I've spent countless of $$ on official goods. BUT that doesn't make you any less of a fan by buying unofficial goods especially when it's harder for some to acquire it, whether it be money issues or access issues.

2. I'm not against J-AMNOS in any way, shape or form. I'm for it for those who are willing to spend that much. And for whatever reason it is for putting up that shop, it still gives fans access to goods that they might not otherwise be able to get ahold of (though this can also be said about the reprints). I'm not sure how she's getting their hands on them, or how they run their shop, but what I can logically assume is that they are STILL making money from it, unless I can be proven wrong. 1 four pack of 2007 Con pictures = 600Y or $6/$7. Not $12. That's not even including shipping.

3. I'm not condoning, supporting, or arguing against what other people think regarding fakes and real goods. That's a whole other issue that would just make my head spin. BUT I would also like to point out that one of the most popular places, in let's say, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, sells a ton of fake pictures and they're a huge shop which does sell both official and non-official Johnny's goods. Make what you want of this fact, but like I said, I'm not on either side.

4. "can you see future problems with people buying reprints thinking that they are originals?"
Been there. So I understand. But I'm now aware to ask if it's not stated.
I don't know what's going on with the person selling reprints, but she did state that they were reprints.

Anyway. There was a lot I wanted to say but as I wrote this, it all seemed to disappear. Just wanted to state what I thought. I'm not trying to bring drama or cause anything. but I just wanted to have my say.

[babeluv.livejournal.com]

I am in agreement with redturtlereveri... While I do understand your point on this issue and agree that it's best to support our groups by buying offical goods. However, as we all know, Johnny's artists rarely see the profits of their hardwork. Yet it is great to have their original products. However, if you consider it, most JE fans spend literally hundreds maybe even thousands *cough* on their favorite artists and end up broke. Where does the money go? Most of it's to Johnny's.

Honestly, kiseki_okose offered out of kindness. She really isn't making any real profit out of selling her reprints. She is spreading the JE love... Or that is my viewpoint...

though i understand both sides of this argument, I must disagree with your approach to this issue. If i was kiseki_okose I would be greatly hurt and taken aback after making such an offer out of the goodness of my heart.

From my point of view, for you to directly appoint your comment against her post, you are directly confronting her with your views. You certainly could have been less direct and more kind about this issue...

The fact that you used the word condolences leaves me to believe you knew that you understood this point. So I have to say I am very disappointed that the JE fandom can't seem to support each other and are rather directly opposing each other. i'm sure the JE artists are certain to be proud. *cough*

To wake up to this, you certainly ruined my day. Thanks.

[lacie65.livejournal.com]

I rather see that my money goes to Johnny’s, the company that gives me a lot of joy and entertainment, than end up in the pockets of someone making illegal copies of the products!
If this seller really "offered out of kindness" she would have scanned the photos high resolution so that everyone could download for free or make his or her own copies!
Instead she is running a business where I’m sure she is making an 80% profit by selling fake photos for the same price as it would cost to buy the original!
Where is the goodness in this?

[theochan.livejournal.com]

Though I am neutral on the right or wrong of this subject of buying unofficial goods or not (I don't mind, official or unofficial, as long as it has NEWS on them, I'm happy). I would just like to point out calling any fans who buying/selling unoffical goods "not devoted fans" is over-stepping the mark slightly.

You cannot assume that fans who buy/sell unoffical goods are not devoted, some of the people who have bought the goods in kiseki_okose's post own known fansites, are in fansub teams; all for JE and the fans. Surely you cannot asume they are not devoted enough just because they don't buy the official prints? Isn't that a thoughtless blanket statement?

As much as I'd like to fork out an extra $84 on the official prints on top of the $150 I have paid for official goods so far this year, I cannot and for me $12+shipping (which would be about $4+) is not worth it for four photo's. Though I would just like to point out, the prices at J-AMNOS for some other goods is reasonable, just not the photoset's IMO.

[figuramalaya.livejournal.com]

wow.

[figuramalaya.livejournal.com]

hah. im replying to my own post lol.

How to support your Johnnys 101.

all i can say is...hey. if you like this offer, you take it up.

if you don't, then don't take it up.

Easy. It's not like it's being forced down your throat you know. XD.

just saying. XD

mod--

[kizuite.livejournal.com]

Although you stated that you're not here to start drama, I feel there's tension right now, so I don't want to make that worse.

First of all, I understand your reasons for posting this and your opinion, but singling out kiseki_okose's post was unnecessary. She emailed me telling me she hadn't wanted to cause a stir and that all she had thought about was being excited to share reprinted photos with people who wanted them. She had absolutely no ill intentions nor does she want her reprints to be sold off as originals later on, which hopefully will not happen, but problems will happen no matter what. Not everyone can afford $12 for a original, like I've read in some of the comments, and I'm sure everyone who can afford it will buy originals and support JE and JE's boys, but for those who can't, opportunities like kiseki_okose's offer are something they don't want to pass up. There's nothing wrong with that. I didn't mean to offend with this comment, and I hope there's nothing that can be interpreted as accusations, but next time please take into account that the people selling reprints (or similiar things) usually have no ill intentions and just want to share the goods with other people.

Thanks for reading. ^^

~ Kyandii

Re: mod--

[lacie65.livejournal.com]

The difference between kiseki_okose and others is that she is SELLING pirated goods. It's not the same as sharing for free (like with scans or downloads)!
If she really wanted to just share or help people who can’t afford to pay $12 for a set she could have bought more original photos from Japan and sold them at the original price!

[ayashi-mikage.livejournal.com]

Hm.. don't want to start the drama either but.

this whole post looks like advertising to me.

And no, I'm not ready to pay twice the price for the pix. I know i can afford to go to Japan and get the pix myself, but 99% of my fandom friends can't. So if I can give them something for only the price of copy - I'd gladly do so.
Fans are still spending the fortune on JE related goods, and thank god there's still people who think about others and share.

On the point of originality and such. She clearly stated that these were reprints. And these are con pix - not the ones you can buy at the shop you know :)

[iruy.livejournal.com]

Although I do think supporting Johnny's is awesome, I would have to say (like some others have said) some people, such as a person like me, can't afford $12 for 4 photos when it originlly costs $6 for 4 photos.
Also, $1 in Japanese yen is 120yen not 150yen. 30yen difference. She's selling the reprints for 30yen less than the officials which is very reasonable.

I totally understand your opinion but this post was rude to kiseki_okose when she was trying to share the NEWS love.

[candydarlings.livejournal.com]

i totally agree with this statement((:
well said.whether 12 dollars is expensive or not
tts a whole different issue.but buying the original
is always the best.its like saying'we truely love you
therefore we buy the original no matter the price.'
i mean if you really do love your fav je member,i think this is one way to prove it.well,tts my opinion(: