QUOTE (Hiasubi @ Jul 22 2010, 06:25 AM) Im not that shocked since something like this was bound to happen eventualy, but im not all that bothered by its since unless a few more of the key sites go: Mangahelpers, Mangatraders, Mangafox, mangastream etc, go its not that big of a deal since there a still a good few sites, just as big or bigger than OM anyways.
Mangahelpers and Mangafox are already essentially gone. Mangahelpers has shut down entirely while mangafox has complied to remove all licensed titles as well as additional ones upon request.
To be honest, given the recent movements by Japan and US regarding manga, I'm not entirely surprised. The only surprise when Mangahelpers went down so suddenly without any notice. After that, the domino effect was pretty much expected.
Like Anybody said, this is a right move. Manga is cheap as are light novels and there is no reason for sites to be hosting licensed titles unless said titles are not being release (glares at Seven Seas's light novel division).
If this had to deal with fansubbing, honestly, the US anime industry would be making a wrong move particularly due to cost. Anime is significantly more expensive than manga and is not something you can simply go to a store and preview to determine whether or not you actually want to buy it. People won't buy things that they don't like, let alone for a high price.
Compared to animation studios, manga authors and publishers earn very pitiful amounts of money, so I'm in favor of supporting them.