MMM, I always wonder why did an honorific title like otaku derive into a slang-ish meaning?

Correct, the actual meaning of "Otaku" is a formal way of saying "you". And make no mistake, it still does.

The reason the word is used to describe super-fans is because of the way these fans address each each other in very formal terms at conventions.

I mentioned the word, derive regarding words. It doesn't necessary mean that the old meaning of a particular word is instantly lost from the popularity of the new meaning.

Sorry, theoretical linguistics geek here.

QUOTE

I'm not saying they HAVE to be. But what I'm saying is, people who call themselves some sort of label, need to grow up and realise that most people in the real world really don't give a toss.

What I'm saying is, people who say "I'm an otaku" or "I'm a/n (label)" is not mature, and I will never see them as a mature person, be they 14, or 60.

UNQUOTE

An interesting concept, but one with which I cannot agree. Adults do value social interaction, join in group activities, and take an interest in things beyond the mundane. I'm an otaku、football fan, member of a golf club or community support activities group, member of a 4WD club or of drama society or a chess club, or maybe a stamp or coin collector.... All it says is, I have a strong interest in something.

Some activities are considered worthwhile, and people who do not share a similar interest will tolerate and even encourage a person to talk about those activities. Other activities are considered less worthy of patience.

I said "make no mistake" for the general benefit. I didn't mean to imply you personally had thought the meaning had changed.

Oh, perhaps I concentrated on one side of the sentence. My mistake.

I dont think there is anything wrong in being an otaku, before I knew Japan other than just another country I had always loved their manga and anime, but that didnt make me draw towards the country.

However, obssession and setting this as a higher standard is simply nonsense.

But you are a middle aged comic fan...

I never said I was middle-aged, but I am a reader of comics. Does that make me an "otaku"?

Do you consider yourself a comic book fan?