Your point becomes invalid when you consider the variations between sites. If one site is getting stale go to another and let stories accumulate here then come back when you feel the other site has gone stale. There's so many sites it's not even funny. I switch between here and bato often. Expanding your horizons when reading means reading things you're not necessarily into all the time. I personally have already read most of the stories I was into and have been branching out. I've even set foot outside of yoai and smut on multiple occasions. Pointing at this story (a yoai smut) is such a small genre that of course seeing new content that is varied is going to be hard. The glaring issue here is that translation teams do this for free and these artists don't really want their stories on these sites as they don't profit off of them. With the messy politics of their own personal lives, people sniping their work, others uploading over them, and artists simply asking them to stop also limit the field so much. The variety you're looking for is most definitely there, but you gotta learn a new language and pay for it. Most people aren't really bashing you for disliking what they like, some of them are, but most are confused why you took the time to complain about such a topic like the degeneracy we read is Shakespeare. Anyways, if you want to "find some variety" I can recommend you some stuff if you'd like. I even have an old app you can download (hopefully it still works) to read it offline and maybe find something you don't see elsewhere. Most of the selection is limited though simply because you're being picky, I'll be so honest. The moment you stop being picky you realize there's a shit ton of just plain yoai waiting to be read. That's even with site biases.
Usually multiple sites (or at least the ones I'm use) often do contain uploads of new chapter updates or new story postings that also have been uploaded to mangago or originally come from mangago, but then again you'll see some stories on other sites that aren't posted on mangago, so I mostly agree with you on that.
I have other fetishes that I also really love. Over the years, I have branched out to reading other stories on this site by either searching through tags or scrolling through other people's lists and recommendations to find different types of pairings and characters with different types of personalities to help broaden or step away from my usual likes, so I'm not trying to picky about it at all. There are new fetishes' that I've come to love and some I've come to dislike. That's helped and still continues to help. There were a few times that I've stepped away from reading yaoi/smut for a bit or just consistently go back to reading mangas that I've previously read because of consistent new postings of stories with depictive types of parings (like buff uke either with a smaller seme or manly seme and manly uke pairing) that are just overused to the point that it's become stale or that the storyline was bad, or a mix of both.
I point this out with the smaller seme and buff uke pairing because this type of story contains the same pairing and repetitive story set up: Smaller seme either drugs or ties up and then rapes the buff guy; Smaller seme either blackmails him and starts a forced relationship with the buff guy; Or the author/creator chose to characterize the buff guy with certain personality/behavior to make him a bottom; making him a bottom because of ED and seme finds out and takes advantage of him because of it; Or a just automatically make a bottom entirely. Stories like "Safari Game", "Save me, will you?", "Charming Scarface", "The Use of a Necktie" "Ore no Ushiro ni Tatsu na!!", "Sexual Awakening of an Ex-Delinquent", "Isekai Trip Sex" "Melt at Night", "Ang Ang", and "Kinou wa Otanosimi Deshitane" as well as ongoing stories like "Rough Uniform" and "In my dream, only you come out" are fine examples of this and those stories are at the start of that list.
It's not limited to this type of uke, though. For example, there's also a noticeable pattern in some stories old and new that contain a Handsome-pretty face and slender "beautiful" uke who looks feminine/androgenous to a point that somehow this type of character ususally gets typecast as: a slut, a prostitute/sex worker, or given a sex trauma past. Stories like "Boku no Osekkai Darling", "Pink Heart Jam", "A Kiss for Each Face", "Kuyuru", "TRIAL" "Youchina Koi O Dou Shiyou" are some examples that have that depiction for this type of uke and there are lot more out there.
Anyway, I just feel that the choices made by translation groups on what story gets translated does have a significant impact on what's available, and when their own preferences based on plot align too closely with a particular type of story and/or pairing that appeals to their own fetishes, finding new yaoi/smut, manga/mahnwas that diverts from their own fetishes with yours can seem restrictive. That's why I wanted to point this out and share because there are people who don't even hesitate to comment saying that they like or don't like a story because of this and that. There were some negative comments on this story and I was expressing an opinion and observation because it is existent.
Because of that, I've actually bought a lot of mangas/mahnwas some time ago as a result. As well as partnered (sometimes even paid) individual translators, typesetters, redraw artists to collab on some work for some mangas/mahnwas in my possession as well as taking in peoples requests to pick up stories to translate since known fan translation groups don't take in suggestions or recommendations (no surprise at all).This isn't just for personal satisfaction but also stems from a desire to see a wider range of narratives represented because I love the genre too much because I'm gay in real life.
Also, I'm always eager to discover new manga that I haven't encountered yet, so I'm open to any recommendations you have to offer.
To be fair. I'd like to complain about the amount of fem/twink uke and borderline shotas in yaoi. I prefer bara over fem ukes. I mean what is the difference in reading smut n yaoi if the uke is a fem boy. I read yaoi because its a guy and a guy not a girl and a guy. What is the point of yaoi if the damn uke looks like a flat chested girl with a dick.
You're talking a lot of bs Just say you don't like buff ukes wth and you using an anon acc just proves you're scared lmaooo
There's a broader spectrum to consider though.
It's essential to recognize that the art style in yaoi/smut often leans towards certain aesthetics, but this doesn't necessarily dictate the personality or physique of the uke characters. They can have diverse, non-feminine personalities despite their physical appearance.
Moreover, yaoi stories are not just limited to fem/twink ukes. There are tons and tones of stories, old and new, on this site and others like it that encounter slender semes with varying degrees of masculine traits and appearances paired with fem/twink ukes. This diversity illustrates that yaoi isn't confined to a single character type for either role.
In fact, the yaoi genre encompasses a wide range of personalities and physical characteristics for both semes and ukes. For instance, you can find stories with stoic, introverted, or even dominant ukes, as well as gentle, nurturing, or submissive semes. There are also stories in yaoi/smut that contain semes and ukes with appearances from: crossdressers, deliquents, playboys, nerdy/intellectual, older/mature, flamboyant/outgoing, brooding/intense. This diversity extends beyond just physical traits, encompassing a variety of emotional and personality aspects.
As I've mentioned in my last comment, the selection of stories available to read, especially in translation, is often influenced by the preferences of scalation groups. These groups choose works that align with their own individual tastes, which may not always coincide with every reader's preferences. As a result, the variety of stories YOU encounter might be skewed towards certain pairings or character types. There are more small seme and buff uke pairing type stories instead of the "switch" dynamic or buff seme or buff uke because there are groups that align small seme and buff uke pairings to their taste. That's why I address the lack of stories of buff seme and slender uke pairings, because it's so obvious.
It's also important to acknowledge that not everyone shares the same tastes as you. While I personally enjoy a few stories with buff ukes, this preference isn't universal for me and I'm sure there are many others that feel this as well. It's crucial to remember that to only depict a buff "bara" type, masculine figure as the bottom in a relationship, who's the bottom in the relationship for reasons depicted in my previous comment, doesn't and shouldn't imply that they can only be the ukes in the relationship in yaoi/smut. Yaoi is a diverse genre that caters to a wide range of preferences and tastes, and the beauty of it lies in its variety and the different narratives it can explore.
Ahh, here we have a prime example of natural selection gone wrong. You must be the missing link between idiocy and irrelevance. Did any of my comments dating back to my first one state any despise/hate towards buff ukes? What is there for me to admit when I'm literally just expressing concern about a lack of diversity in the types of new manga stories being shared by scalation groups, for simply a request for broader range of interests and story types in the manga community. Also, I find it really fucking amusing that you're calling me "scared" out for using an anonymous account, but isn't it a bit ironic, considering 'XinXin' isn't your real name nor relates to your real name? And your profile picture? It seems we're both in the realm of anonymity, just in different costumes. We all have our reasons for the personas we adopt online, but mine doesn't necessarily reflect your shit reality. Plus sites like mangago are illegal because they infringe copyright laws as well, as pose risks like malware or intrusive ads, which can affect user privacy and security. That's why I take precaution.
Please who's dumb enough to use their real name here? As if I'm not aware of that. Maybe you're too young to get my point lol. My point in you, you using an anon account points out you don't want to ruin your main acc or probably blow your cover or someone dig up some comments you've made on other stories. You made this dummy account to make discourse and just to comment this.
Moreover, from how you state "it irritates me" the portrayal of buff ukes is already a sense of dislike towards such types. And this line, "There are literally so many stories that have buff characters have the seme appearance (literally), and it feels like a lost opportunity when they are continually cast as ukes, regardless of their personality or the story's context." If that's not distaste then idk what is. Why are you so pressed about it? Sure you want more dynamic in yaoi for personality portrayal, how about you write your own story? But yes yes~ We can have our own opinions but you're just blatantly shitting on buff ukes at this point. I can see your pure dislike on them lol
Bruh...
"Irritate," "hate," and "dislike" have different meanings, intensities and contexts. Did you even pass elementary/middle school? Because this is some basic fucking knowledge that they teach you in English class. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if you are a student right now.
I literally can't believe I'm about to explain this to someone like you:
Irritate means means to annoy or make someone feel impatient or angry, often in a mild and temporary way. It's more about causing a momentary annoyance or discomfort. For example, it's the feeling I get whenever a dipshit like you sends hate comments about me for literally sending a comment based on a personal opinion that's not definite and is mostly from slight observation.
Hate is a much stronger emotion than irritation. Hate implies an intense and deep dislike or hostility towards someone or something.
Dislike means to not find something pleasant or to have a distaste for it. It is less intense than hate and doesn’t necessarily involve the anger or annoyance typically associated with irritation. Dislike is when I just can't stand the sight of your shit comments, but hate... ohh, hate is when I hope you step on a multiple Lego's every morning for the rest of your life. But don't worry, it'll toughen you up a bit.
Also, I've been an active reader on sites like Mangago for the last few years, but never even had an account. I just created my account sometime early this year. Plus, "anonymous" is a username I chose. I mean, mangago makes you create a username and I chose the word "anonymous". Plus, The sole reason I decided to create an account wasn't to stir up discord or hide my identity. In fact, it's quite the opposite. I felt motivated to participate more actively in the Mangago community by sharing some mangas that I've enjoyed and taking in friends suggestions to help get some yaoi/smut stories translated. I literally started working with some people to help translating works in my free time in the beginning of the year because, like you said, I felt there should "more dynamic in yaoi for personality portrayal". Another thing, anonymity on the internet, (I'm sure you might know) serves as a tool for individuals to express their opinions freely without fear of personal or professional repercussions. This is especially crucial in environments where one's opinions might be unpopular or contrary to the prevailing norms. Additionally, an anonymous account, especially an account like mine, allows for the focus to be on the content of the message, rather than the identity of the person saying it. So it's unfair to assume that the sole purpose of an anonymous account is to create discord or escape accountability. There are numerous valid reasons for choosing anonymity, including privacy concerns or a desire for impartiality in discussions.
Homie what the FUCK are you talking about right now
Buff ukes only became the thing recently, previously ukes were mostly all gross effeminate waifboys. There are also loads of yaoi mangas where both guys are just like...boyish dudes. Go outside for a while. Drink a glass of ice water. You are becoming unwell because you spend too much time on the internet obsessing over the dynamics of cartoon homosexuals.
Wow, I didn't realize I was talking to an expert on yaoi dynamics here! Who would've thought that the world needed such an authority on the evolution of fictional bottom types? Your profound knowledge of buff bottoms and twink tops is truly admirable. I can only imagine the extensive research you've conducted in your mom's basement, surrounded by action figures and crusty manga pages. But hey, I won't judge. We all need a hobby, and yours just happens to be obsessing over the dynamics of cartoon homosexuals. I hope one day you get the recognition you deserve for your groundbreaking work.
Fucking literally, another person spreading ignorant comments on someone's opinion? Okay, first off, your comment, "There are also loads of yaoi mangas where both guys are just like...boyish dudes", that's probably smut stories under the school life category where it's, you know, two minors fucking. Not surprising that you would share that. It also represents the art style of the creator, which I mention and explain in my past comments. Secondly, "previously ukes were mostly all gross effeminate waifboys."? The world of ukes is as diverse as the number of brain cells you possess, which is likely in the single digits. Your shallow understanding of character dynamics would make even a potato feel ashamed. But I guess it's easier for you to condemn what you don't understand rather than appreciating the complexities of storytelling. So go ahead, continue typing and wallowing in your pool of ignorance while the rest of us revel in the richness of diverse representation
Consider putting a bullet in your head
The recycling bin called, it wants its insults back. If I had a dime for every time I heard that weak-ass line, I'd buy you a brain transplant, because clearly yours is defective. But hey, I'll consider it after you find a new hobby besides recycling the same tired insults, you unimaginative twit. ╮(￣▽￣)╭
It DOES NOT shock me to hear that you have been told to kill yourself about a billion times.
In all seriousness though, you could've provided me with something to take into consideration or something that slightly disproves what I'm saying (if it even exists) or just a real insult because that's what people like you resort to when you can't even do that, but that's what you gave me? (Yawn). Your words are about as effective as a limp dick in a porno. If you're trying to ruffle my feathers, you'll have to come up with something a bit more creative than that. But I guess I shouldn't expect much from someone who probably peaked in preschool. Now run along, you sad little speck of disappointment, and try to find something remotely interesting to contribute to society or just Discord, Reddit, other messageboards.
And it DOES NOT shock me to see you message the most overused insult in the book. You must be so proud of yourself, you little parrot. But guess what? I'm here dealing with pussybitches like you every damn day (online and irl), and your feeble attempt at originality falls flatter than a pancake in a fat camp. So keep spewing your recycled garbage, you redundant shit. As for me, I'll continue thriving while drowning in the sea of mediocrity that is your online existence.
Ur so right. Hey out of curiosity, you wouldn't happen to be the "NO SMALL TOPS" autist from /y/ would you? Or affiliated? I'm just getting extremely similar vibes here.
Oh so you're not just lacking in original insults, but in social graces as well. How charming! But sorry to burst your bubble, I have no affiliation with any online communities you may be a part of and frankly couldn't care less. However, I can't say I'm surprised that you're fixated on such specific preferences. It's clear that your search for a buff bottom and a small top mirrors your own desperate attempts to find someone who can match your intellectual stature. So good luck on your quest, my friend. May you find the perfect match for your peculiar tastes
Why the fuck did this topic (which at least had the mask of being an intelligent discussion about different dynamics within yoai) devolve into a thread of "Fuck you", "Fuck you too"?
I like to know the answer to that more than anything. I literally only posed a comment about my dislike for this story and others like it that basically shares how the prevalence and repetitiveness of stories like this that get translated that show this type of pairing, a trend that I personally find oversaturated and really just down right unrealistic, as well as the fact that stories like this often fall into a predictable mold of plots like forced relationships through blackmail, nonconsensual acts, or authors imposing submissive roles on buff characters based on superficial/personality traits that results in the smaller guy as the top in the relationship, is really just bad storytelling and creativity. Plus it's also a really weird fetish entirely. I know some couples irl that share that experience and I also like stories with buff seme and buff uke pairings that have good storylines, but if I wanted to read a story with a small and slender guy that has the body of a toothpick and the personality as twisted as a pretzel in a yoga class because of some past trauma of people being mean to him or some shit somehow finding a way of taking advantage of a muscular/buff guy and topping him and seeing this story play out until it's happy ever after for the both of them, I would question my life choices because apparently my standards have reached an all-time low.
However, as you've astutely observed, the discourse quickly devolved into an exchange of insults.
It's intriguing yet disheartening to witness how quickly a conversation can spiral when opinions clash, especially on a site that let's you read translated manga. The essence of any meaningful dialogue is to understand and respect differing perspectives. Unfortunately, it seems that on online platforms with particularly niche communities like this one, people often resort to hostility instantly when confronted with opposing viewpoints. This knee-jerk reaction to immediately dismiss and insult someone's opinion not only stifles meaningful conversation but also reflects a broader issue in online discourse.
I must admit, when faced with unwarranted insults for merely expressing an opinion – one that I believe is backed by substantial amount of evidence – it's challenging not to respond in kind. In the heat of the moment, trading insults can feel justified, especially when it seems like the only language understood by those hurling the insults. However, I recognize that this approach may not be the most constructive.
In retrospect, I realize that responding with hostility was not constructive and only served to further derail the conversation. I appreciate your comment as it's a reminder that we can, and should, strive for a more civil and insightful exchange of ideas, even when we disagree. Let's continue this discussion with the respect and open-mindedness it deserves.
I've come to notice a persistent trend in yaoi manga/manhwa that frankly gotten to the point where it just irritates me—the portrayal of buff guys as ukes. It's a creative choice, sure, but one that feels like it misses the mark on what makes characters truly appealing and multifaceted. The beauty of manga, especially within the yaoi genre, lies in the ability to explore a rich spectrum of personalities and dynamics, far beyond the traditional molds that society often imposes.
But this incessant pigeonholing of muscular/"bara" type characters into the role of ukes seems like a tired trope that's been overplayed. It's not about the physical possibility or challenging stereotypes—it's about the lack of creativity in storytelling. The fixation on this dynamic underestimates the complexity of relationships and reduces the depth of characters to mere physical attributes. There are literally so many stories that have buff characters have the seme appearance (literally), and it feels like a lost opportunity when they are continually cast as ukes, regardless of their personality or the story's context.
It's annoying because it feels like a shallow subversion of expectations—taking what is traditionally seen as a symbol of strength and masculinity and flipping it without adding anything meaningful to the narrative or character development. It's a superficial nod to diversity that doesn't actually celebrate the real diversity of human experiences and identities.
I’d love to see more balance and innovation in yaoi manga portrayals, where a character's physique isn't the be-all and end-all of their role in a relationship. It's high time that buff characters are given the narrative space to be just as varied and complex as their less muscular counterparts.