So I got a link through LiveJournal to listen to an ANN radio show featuring Adam Sheehan and Lance Heiskell of the Funimation managing department. http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/anncast/2010-01-07 It was awesome to hear exactly what they did on a daily basis as workers of Funimation, and it really inspired me =]
They had a rather long interview but I enjoyed hearing their side of the anime industry.
Than came the Twitter questions from fans that the ANN radio hosts asked, one of which was based off of the hopes of an Ookiku Furikabutte (Big Windup) season 2, which has been a big buzz for me and other Oofuri fans. I read today that the Japanese release will be April 1st, and that's how I dug up this interview. Unfortunatly Funimation didn't have any good news to say about Season 2. They found that, as big as the fanbase is, they didn't purchase as much as they needed to keep the title hot enough to continue =[ so, from my understanding, though I could be wrong, there will not be a second season of beloved Oofuri as far as American packaging goes. At least at this time.
I really love Oofuri, but when I went to purchase it I did find it to be a bit beyond my budget. Even so, when I saw the amazing packaging that Funimation did for the series I... I hugged them lol, seriously, that series is worth every penny, and it got me interested in Baseball! I mean... the show is about REAL LIFE! How many title's of reality anime do people really enjoy? lol
Ookiku Furikabutte has a real potential to break the barriers of Sport fanatics and Otaku, and with that, anime could explode on the scene of America, something I have been longing to happen for 9 long years of addiction.
One thing that Funimation has done recently that's surprised me is put many of their titles on YouTube, complete episodes, no charge. Honestly, I wasn't sure if this was the best choice. I was good since Otaku spend much of their life on the net, and it makes things easier to be passed along. But Funimation was practically spoon feeding the base through YouTube, I mean a COMPLETE DUBBED SERIES there for FREE... I can undertsand the first 5 or 10 episodes, but really, the entire thing? I feel that's what may have tugged greatly on their DVD sales, why buy a $40+ series when you can watch it over and over again through the comfort of your computer. Granted, I think Funimation has been very brave is testing the waters and broadening their advertising spectrum, and that is one reason why I have always loved their work and company. They're my hero's and they're not just settling for the uber otakus, as wonderful as that crowd is
So, I just wanted to cover what I've seen from how Funimation has marketed my most recent favorite anime, and break down, even predict, what may happen as the second season is released
I personally don't want to just give up on the possibility that there may be a comeback for Oofuri in America, and I wanted feedback from anyone who reads this on how you feel, sorry this ia a huge journal, it's just this is an important topic for me. Funimation has really earned my respect as a company, they're risk takers and experiment is many ways, but this is big, bigger than many things I've seen in awhile. This was either a make it or break it advertising strategy and I'm uncertain as to how they could ever perfect it. But this may be just the right push Oofuri needs for the fanbase to start showing itself, I peronally WANT an American second season! I've been psyched by the idea for half of this year already. The potential it has on the market as an anime is big, and I know the fans have seen it. PLEASE! Tell me what you think! Express you happiness and disappointment, I'd really like feedback from the fans!

I believe Ookiku Furikabutte will make a huge comeback, and Funimation will get the pay day they deserve as my favorite Anime marketing company! This chance at a second season may just do it for them

again, sorry for the super huge journal, just needed to vent a bit
THANKS xoxo