If you’re a fan of anime, manga, or just Japanese culture in general, you may have come across the term “Gelbooru”. But what exactly is Gelbooru and why is it so popular among fans of Japanese media?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Gelbooru and explore everything you need to know about this popular imageboard website.
What is Gelbooru?
Gelbooru is an imageboard website that specializes in hosting and sharing anime, manga, and Japanese culture-related images. It was created in 2005 by a user known as “Gelbooru-chan” and has since become a popular destination for fans of Japanese media.
The website is known for its vast collection of images, with over 2 million images currently hosted on the site. These images are user-generated and can be uploaded by anyone with an account on the site.
How Does Gelbooru Work?
Gelbooru operates similarly to other imageboard websites, such as 4chan or Reddit. Users can create an account and upload images to the site, which are then categorized and tagged by other users.
The site also has a tagging system, where users can add tags to images to make them easier to find. This allows users to search for specific types of images, such as “silver wolf gelbooru” or “gelbooru animated”.
Is Gelbooru Down?
One common question among Gelbooru users is whether the site is down or not. Due to the user-generated nature of the site, there may be times when the site experiences technical difficulties or server issues.
To check if Gelbooru is down, you can visit websites such as DownDetector or IsItDownRightNow, which track the status of popular websites. You can also check the Gelbooru Twitter account for any updates on site outages.
What Makes Gelbooru Different?
While there are many imageboard websites out there, Gelbooru has a few features that set it apart from the rest.
One of the main differences is the site’s focus on anime, manga, and Japanese culture-related images. This makes it a popular destination for fans of these types of media, as they can easily find and share images related to their interests.
Another unique feature of Gelbooru is its “random” button, which allows users to browse through random images on the site. This can be a fun way to discover new images and artists on the site.
Gelbooru and Copyright
One of the most controversial aspects of Gelbooru is its stance on copyright. As a user-generated content site, Gelbooru does not actively monitor or remove copyrighted material from the site.
This has led to some legal issues for the site, with some artists and companies filing DMCA takedown notices for their copyrighted material being shared on Gelbooru without their permission.
However, Gelbooru does have a policy in place for removing copyrighted material upon request. Users can submit a DMCA takedown request to have their copyrighted material removed from the site.
The Coffin of Andy and Leyley Gelbooru
One notable example of a DMCA takedown request on Gelbooru is the “Coffin of Andy and Leyley” incident. In 2019, a user uploaded an image of a coffin with the names “Andy” and “Leyley” written on it to Gelbooru.
The image quickly went viral and sparked a debate among users about its meaning and origin. Some believed it was a reference to a real-life tragedy, while others thought it was a hoax or a meme.
Eventually, the creators of the image came forward and revealed that it was a fictional image they had created for a school project. They requested that the image be removed from Gelbooru, and the site complied with their request.
Gelbooru Alternatives
While Gelbooru is a popular destination for anime and manga fans, it is not the only imageboard website out there. Here are a few alternatives to Gelbooru that you may want to check out:
Danbooru
Danbooru is another popular imageboard website that focuses on anime and manga-related images. It has a similar layout to Gelbooru and also allows users to upload and tag images.
One unique feature of Danbooru is its “pool” system, where users can group related images together into a pool for easier browsing.
Sankaku Complex
Sankaku Complex is a Japanese website that features news, articles, and images related to anime, manga, and Japanese culture. It also has an imageboard section where users can upload and share images.
One notable feature of Sankaku Complex is its “tag blacklisting” system, where users can block certain tags from appearing in their search results.
Pixiv
Pixiv is a Japanese online community for artists and creators. It features a wide range of content, including illustrations, manga, and novels.
While Pixiv is not an imageboard website, it is a popular destination for fans of anime and manga to discover and share artwork.
Conclusion
Gelbooru is a popular imageboard website that has become a go-to destination for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. With its vast collection of user-generated images and unique features, it has solidified its place in the online community.
However, it is important to remember the site’s stance on copyright and to respect the rights of artists and creators. By understanding the rules and guidelines of Gelbooru, we can continue to enjoy and share our love for Japanese media in a responsible and respectful manner.