FAQ  -  (frequently asked questions)

Can I copy images off the site?
Why doesn't the site have any images from my favorite series/movie/OAV/manga?
Do you take submissions?
Where do I go to buy cool mecha stuff?
Where do you get the material you display on the site?
What are the meanings of these weird words I see on the site like "anime", "mecha", "otaku" and "gearhead?"
Why isn't there more coverage of toys and models here?
Can I link to this site?
Why are updates so slow?

Can I copy images off the site?

I’d prefer you didn’t but I suppose it’s ok if you're just building a private collection for your own viewing. If you’re going to copy these images for use on your own site you should get permission from me first.

Why doesn’t the site have any images from my favorite series/movie/OAV/manga?

It could be because I don’t have any material from that series or because I haven’t yet had time to put it up. I’ll show material from any series that has mecha. Let us know what you’d like to see here.

Do you take submissions?

Certainly. I would love to get help from the online community in building this site.

Where do I go to buy cool mecha stuff?

The Links page has that information. Look for "Consumer Information."

Where do you get the material you display on the site?

From all over. I buy from online stores (listed on the Links page) and from my favorite book stores in Tokyo like Manga no Mori, Animate and Shosen Bookmart.

What are the meanings of these weird words I see on the site like "anime", "mecha", "otaku" and "gearhead?"

anime - A Japanese loanword word that came from English. In the 40’s and 50’s the Japanese were impressed by Disney and other animation coming from the West. They simply took the English word "animation" and started using it in sentences. "Animation" took a long time for the Japanese to say (they have a different pronunciation system) so over time they shortened it from "ah nee meh--shon" to "anime." In Japan, anime means any and all types of animation (but especially cell animation).

mecha - Another loanword from English. Mechanical was shortened from "mekaneekaru" to "meka." It has come to mean any science-fiction mechanical device, especially those with moving parts (like robots and robotical vehicles).

otaku - CLICK HERE

gearhead - A nickname for anyone who likes robots and other machines. It probably came from the notion that anyone who likes machines that much must have gears in their head. I first heard it from Marc A. Vezina of Dream Pod 9 at a convention although he probably didn’t invent the term.

Why isn’t there more coverage of toys and models here?

Because I don't know much about them. I have never built models or collected toys. Want to help in those areas?

Can I link to this site?

Sure. Let me know about your site too if it’s mecha related. Take a look at the Links page for link information.

Why are updates so slow?

Because I’m only one person and I don’t have any help. Want to get involved with GEARS?