If I had to guess, I’d say that 95% of anime fans currently have backlogs of some sort, and almost 100% have wishlists; things wished to be seen/read. When it comes to choosing a title from the usual plethora, how does one base the decision? How is it that a series on one of these lists gets the nice little check-off?

It would be interesting to see the various ways viewers go about these questions, which I raise from a stimulating thought that came to me while reading a couple posts on Hop Step Jump! As far as I’ve pondered, and as generic as possible, there exists a list of titles, each holding information; year, ratings, reviews, genre, focus, popularity (usually currently aired) etc. Do these pieces of meta-data direct viewers in certain ways so that one title gets viewed before another (not necessarily currently airing)?

I can understand the advantage of strictly viewing oldest to newest, that oldest title will be known every time, and an evolution of styles+influences would probably be more visible. Ratings and reviews are good as well, why not just watch whatever had the best results, every time, until the list is cleared (some day). This probably has more influence than a title’s age. Even though I don’t go by it, it does play in my decision to watch something before another title. Then there is genre or focus, not grouped, a big one being shounen, etc. Even if a list contains a variety of genres, a viewer could just stick to one genre experience after experience, clear the genre and continue. (I say clear and continue like it happens fast, but I’m sure logs and lists usually take years to clear, fully).

Honestly, my selections would be extremely random if considering the meta-data approach. I can’t recall choosing to watch based on age at all. Ratings yes, and genre sometimes, but usually its how I’m feeling, what I am seeing day-to-day, the atmosphere (my irc nick of the late). I like to feel out a title before I experience it, not really assuming the way it will be but taking a curious guess. Then, if I feel the moments are compatible, I may slide into a story without thinking twice and continue until the end. It could be things like, rainy day, hot day, Summer, Spring, seasons, beach day, forest day, exercise day, coding day, school day etc. that drive me to find a title that fits the moment. Eventually, it all works out and weaves into my days.

I still wonder though, are there more mysterious ways other use to clear their lists? Dart boards, coin flipping, etc.