History
The project started roughly back in 2001 as a simple one man anime blog. Some friends took interest and asked some of their friends to help and a small group was formed. From blogging, we added anime, gaming, and hobby related content. As the site expanded, various beta and release candidate versions were created. Through meeting more people within the anime industry, more experienced people joined the group.
2007 marked The-O Network's official launch under our current domain name t-ono.net launching with a white background version 1.0 of the site. The network's logo as well as the signature blue flower header was born. (pictures of old version coming soon!)
Various revisions were made leading up to an upgraded version 2.0; this version resembled the old version. We focused on efforts on developing the network side of the site and began advertising our network beta which included an anime business directory and figure database.
Unfortunately, we quickly found the faults of version 2.x and worked tirelessly on version 3.0 (orca build) which launched in early 2008 and placed the network development on hold. The design and features were robust and full of dynamic content; however, we received numerous user complaints that the site was loading very slowly.
After some analysis, and months of revisions, it was concluded that version 3.0 was too bulky, and replaced by a slim down basic version 3.5 (RE build). After some testing, version 3.6 (NU build) came to be in early 2009. We have repushed our efforts into the network side of the site and are preparing to launch our anime business directory hoping to connect fans/customers to retailers and businesses through rating and reviewing as well as interactions with each other.
2007-2009 Highlights
- Gained accepted nationally as anime and gaming press by most conventions including North America's largest anime convention Anime Expo and the largest gaming convention Electronic Entertainment Expo.
- Built relations with various game and anime companies
- Interviewed Takehito Harada (Nippon Ichi Software Character Designer)
- Interviewed with the hit Japanese band Jyukai
(Fate/stay night Ending Song)
(Ah! My Goddess: Fighting Wings Opening and Ending Song)
- Mingled with the Tengen no Toppa Gurren Lagann Production Staff of Gainax Studios
- Interviewed Maika Netsu (Creator of Devil Princess)
- Socialized with Sekihiko Inui (Creator of Murder Princess)
There are probably a lot more we've done worth noting but this is what I can think of off the top of my head at the moment!
We would like to thank all of you, our user, affiliates, sponsors, and business partners for your support.
We have a lot of surprises in store for all of you coming soon especially with our business trip to Japan this Summer 2009!
Executive Editor