Ryan Kopf's Blog

Convention drama from Ohio? Nobody is safe from Ohio!Jan 20, 8am

Often I ask myself: why do anime conventions become hotbeds for unforeseen drama and challenges. These vibrant hubs for fandoms seem to attract a unique blend of issues. From internal staffing issues to filling public fountains with soap and causing a mess, I've seen it all.

Why I Built Maiotaku, The World's Oldest Anime Dating SiteDec 8, 23 8pm

As an anime fan, I have always been passionate about the community and the culture. Growing up, I found it difficult to find like-minded individuals who shared my interests. My school wasn't really filled with nerds, and most of the anime people in my school were even more socially awkward than I was.

Abortion Is Not Allowed Because Your Body Is PropertyDec 1, 23 8pm

What a weird sentence to start with, right. "Abortion Is Not Allowed Because Your Body Is Property". What on Earth could that even mean. It sure grabs attention. But what could I possibly mean. Abortion is such a divisive issue.

These people are stealing your job.Nov 16, 23 8pm

It's a tale as old as time: the ultra-rich exploit the working class for their own gain.

Another!? convention disaster!Nov 10, 23 9pm

Hey fellow nerds. We are excitedly gearing up for another fantastic year of Con+Alt+Delete at the Hyatt Regency O'hare in Rosemont. But as we prepare, I came across another anime convention in my news feed.

The challenges of organizing anime conventions.Nov 3, 23 7pm

Today I write to you about organizing anime conventions - it's not always so easy, and there's growing challenges. You might think that I would celebrate seeing failures from other conventions. After all, doesn't the chairman of Coke smile whenever Pepsi stock goes down.

Why Arguments Against Solar Are WrongSep 15, 23 8pm

Fossil fuels, like coal and gas, have been the backbone of our electricity supply for decades. Despite the environmental harm they cause, the owners of coal mines and gas plants have claimed that there are no viable alternatives or that such alternatives are too costly to implement.

I'm tired of these states restricting LGBTQ+ rights.Sep 8, 23 8pm

You don't have to be gay or queer to understand that restrictions on the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community are not only unfair to gay people, but they are fundamentally dangerous to every person who lives in our democracy.

Just how profitable is the healthcare industry?Sep 1, 23 6pm

Normally I write about anime and anime conventions, but I want to talk today about something that affects everyone and is getting to be a bigger and bigger issue. A lot of people who attend my conventions are young people who work retail or other part-time jobs that don't provide health insurance coverage.

The Benefits of Going AbroadAug 25, 23 6pm

I am incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I do. As part of AnimeCon.org, I get to travel to Japan every year to connect with members of the anime industry and work on bringing them to our events in the US.