I found some anime related databases that may be helpful to identifying the proper way to source material.
http://www.oocities.org/espanol/gapc/an ... dex_e.htmlhttp://www.watchanimeon.com/anime-series-list/http://myanimeshelf.com/anime/My opinion on this rule has been constantly changing. I don't know what is the most proper thing to do. I know what I would like to see happen, but it is clear that my preferred way is not exactly ideal. This proposed rule is equally as flawed and unsatisfactory to my needs. I will try to present the pros and cons of the current system, and the proposed system and see what careful reasoning can say about a potential middle ground.
The current system provides little requirement on what constitutes proper naming conventions for the Source field. It is widely encouraged to use the romanized version of a Source, but really there is no restrictions for unicode source. There is no romanized source option under either system and there really should be.
ProsFlexible- allows for many variations for Source field. Mappers are free to use whatever form they feel is best.
Romanized text is easier to categorize, search for, and identify. There's no need to visit the website for translation unless it is absolutely necessary due to a poor romanization of the sourced material.
Less complications for the mapper. Mappers can use the source that they think is correct. They don't need to find both versions of a Source and the source they find is usually good enough.
ConsNot structured- There are often several correct ways to display a Source. There is no rigid way of deciding which way a Source should be. You may see both methods in ranked maps. Although people really should be checking this. >.> It doesn't give a reason for people to check this is a side con.
Alternate naming conventions are not required to be added to tags.
Inaccurate direct translation of Source can be difficult to translate back into the intended language. Some people get Sources from Youtube. >.> I highly doubt many people check whether a source is accurately displayed. It doesn't give people a reason to check this is a side con.
Requirements for proper sourcing is vague. A proper naming convention is not defined clearly enough.
Source is treated differently than artist/title information. It would be nice to see a policy that applies to everything that shows up on the song select screen.
The proposed system by popner requires that source be in the original language.
ProsUnicode translation must be added to tags or vice versa.
Prevents mistranslations and informs modders about incorrect sourcing. Mappers now have something to go on when they format their Source field. I'm not even sure this was a large problem.
One step closer to tag moderation.
Policy is more similar to that for title/artist in how format is to be handled. Unwritten guidelines for Source formatting will now be written down.
Could provide a wider range of access to people (only a small benefit)
Lowers name length of beatmap
ConsSource field can have more than one correct format. This is a problem with the current system, but the wording on this assumes there is only one way of choosing a Source. There will be cases where both unicode or romanized text will be the proper method and cases where either will be equally proper. The cases where it is equally proper will have disputes, due to mapper preference. The rules shouldn't support ambiguity. We may see an influx of maps using either unicode or romanized text/romaji as a result.
Forces unicode in certain cases without proper romanization. This could be avoided if a preference for romanization was included.
Tag inclusion is not satisfactory representation for official romanized text. It needs romanized field like title/artist for proper representation.
Limited ability to search ingame, and on the web. The more identifiable romanized version of the source will be hidden in tags and the user will only see symbols. I consider this a major flaw. The romanized version is more commonly seen in an English database. A unicode focused Source field will be unfamiliar to anyone who doesn't know the base language.
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I don't mind if we require that the opposite version of the Source is in tags. This would allow people to find the song more easily.
I disagree that we should require the Source use a particular language that isn't English if there is a good direct translation. I'm indifferent about whether that translation is official. I'm not sure how you would know whether it is official or just well translated by an anime website. However we decide, it doesn't matter to me.
Feel free to tear apart my post however you want.