So uhm… a funny thing happens hen you spend a couple of years writing weekly anime “Top 5” lists. You sort of end up covering a lot of them. And let’s face it, listicles are like internet weeds, there are so many already, sometimes it’s though to find something to write about.
But Top lists are fun. Fun to write and fun to read and once in a while, that’s just what you need.
So what should a poor little amateur blogger like me do when faced with the sad fact that for the first time they don’t have a top 5 list ready to go. How about any of these:
5. Best Boy/Best Girl lists
These are fantastic in a pinch. Since these lists (well all top lists really but these ones in particular) are so obviously subjective in nature you don’t even have to feel bad about doing zero research. All you need to do is sit down and fantasize about a few anime hotties for a while then write it down. That is MY kind of research.
And you can go the extra mile by finding drool worthy fan art of said best people which is a plus for everyone! There’s a reason these lists are so popular, most people like pretty characters!
4. Top 5 “insert genre here” anime
A lot of anime fans occasionally get in the mood for a specific type of anime. They feel like watching a horror series or a good old mecha. And in those times, a Top list can really come in if for nothing else than finding our what’s out there. I’ve certainly read my share when trying to figure out what to watch next. And I have discovered more than a few shows that way.
The only drawback I would say is that there is a chance you could end up with a list identical to something that’s already out there. For instance I regularly read top horror anime lists and it’s always the same handful of titles. If the top list has a but more substance to it, there might be different descriptions or explanation but when people only put the MAL synopsis these lists get very repetitive.
3. Top 5 characters with “hair colour here”
Another opportunity for fan art or at least some nice character art. You may need to do a bit of research for this one but it’s super easy to find characters with specific hair colours and for some reason really fun. I can’t explain it. I have done this type of list in the past and it was quite popular. And I know that I read these types of lists a lot too as there you go.
If you want to stand out from the crowd a bit, I would suggest substituting hair colour for eye colour. Especially if it’s not a very unusual eye colour. I see the hair colour thing a lot, but eyes are much rarer. Of course you could go with any physical or visual trait. Top 5 Gothic Lolita characters, Top 5 short charas… The possibilities are endless.
2. Top 5 current (or last season) shows
Current or recent titles tend to attract a lot more attention. That’s normal, people are interested in what they’re currently watching not what was on air 5 years ago. I get it. The problem is most people don’t watch all currently airing shows at the same time so you may want to make it a bit easier on yourself by picking a recent season instead.
Either way, it’s a fairly easy list to put together and it makes you relive your favourite recent shows which can be surprisingly motivating for an anime blogger. At least it is to me, When I sit down and think about shows I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it makes me want to watch more and write about them more. What’s the opposite of a vicious circle? A benevolent square? Let’s go with that, it’s a benevolent square…
1. This list!!!
Obviously!
Ok.. maybe not. This was a really weird list to do and it’s only anime related in the most generous interpretation. But meta lists are always a great distraction and people tend to enjoy them. Taking from your on experiences and incorporating the writing of posts into the premise of your list.
Top 5 animes to review, top 5 posts you’ve written, top 5 times you were embarrassed for being an anime fan…or proud… wait a second, let me grab a pen.
I honestly started this top 5 because I was having top list writer’s block and now I have a good handful of viable ideas. I don’t know how successful it was as a top 5 list, but it certainly was a great help with my inspiration. You are more than free to try it for yourself if you think it might be useful!
