Batsu is a japanese rock forum created in 2003 by Kevin and Brad. Over 25,000 users strong it has become one of the most well-known sources for Visual kei fans to find information on artists such as Dir en grey and Gackt.

Controversy

Under Construction Period

For an undisclosed amount of time between September 2007 and February 2008 registration was disabled to keep banned users from coming back under new accounts. The registration was disabled under the guise of a forum renovation, which the sole remaining administrator Kevin referred to as 'Under Construction.' During the UC period features were gradually disabled and more restrictions were added, resulting in an even larger amount of users recieving bans. In February 2008 Batsu reopened its doors as a place where people could "hang out, make friends, and chat about the latest thing."<ref>http://batsu.org/viewtopic.php?t=38057</ref>

The new minimalist approach to Batsu has been met with a lukewarm response from its active members.

Event Failure

In late 2007 the sole remaining administrator Kevin organized a concert tour under the pseudonym WOW ROCK. The tour included the japanese visual kei bands ANTI-FEMINISM and Hagakure.<ref>http://www.wowrock.com/en/calendar/2007/</ref> Due to lack of organization and promotion the US tour was a failure, some venues practically empty with less than thirty people. Injuries were reported at each show due to lax security, some people recieving tacks in their eyes.

However this was not the first time that an event planned by Kevin did not work out in his favor, as he once before promised fans a Moi Dix Mois stateside appearance which never came to fruition.

Bans

Since its inception several people have been banned from Batsu for insignificant reasons by the sole remaining administrator, Kevin. Bans are not lifted and several users have complained about not being given ample warning before their accounts were banned or deleted. Many users come back under a different account, either to troll or to rejoin the community at large. Kevin has declined to comment and whether or not Brad supports this remains unclear.

Brad Mystery

As of late April 2008 it would appear as if Brad has been banned and stripped of his administrative powers. Reasons for this are still under investigation and details remain unclear. Kevin has declined to comment on this situation and Brad has not resurfaced under another username.

Notable Members

Notable members include mark park and kight.

External Links

Batsu

Spamfest (must be registered to view