What is the general sentiment over Bato.to (aka Batoto)? As you may be aware, generally the only aggregator site we allow to be listed for scanlations (and thus count as proof for a release) is MangaDex, which is currently down. The original Batoto closed its doors 3 years ago. I'm unsure how this current iteration holds up (especially in terms of how it treats the scanlators). I've heard reports that Batoto is being run by the same people who run MangaFox and Kissmanga, so how true are these statements?

Should we allow Batoto on MangaUpdates?

I'm specifically asking if we should allow Batoto group links to be allowed as the scanlator's website, as per this policy:
https://www.mangaupdates.com/faq.html?cid=3#item16

Edit: Decision has been made to not permit Batoto by itself as proof of a release

A just ruler amongst tyrants

I wasn´t aware that Batoto 2.0 hosted its own scanlations efforts by users but it sure does.
Is how it allows hosting scanlations different from MangaDex? If not then let's mark the originators of the translation as the group. Like: XY on Bato.to

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Just before some time (not quite sure how long, probably a couple of months, when Mangadex went off) they were a cancerous website, with lots of ads.

Lately I have only seen 2 ads per page, and not in the reading pages, but not sure how they are going to work when Mangadex, Genkan or Project Suri get better.

Also maybe they allowed uploads so they could rip faster and easier for their family website (mangapark.net).

So I think we should wait before allowing them. They could come back at being a site full of ads.

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As you may be aware, generally the only aggregator site we allow to be listed for scanlations (and thus count as proof for a release) is MangaDex, which is currently down.

What does this mean? Are you referring to the group listed as "MangaDex Scans"? Or do you mean listing MangaDex as a source site under the "Website" section of various scanlators' profiles?

I'd just appreciate some more clarification on what is being asked.

Should we allow Batoto on MangaUpdates?

"Allowing" it how, exactly?

I've been reading a few series on there, so here's my impressions despite not completely understanding the question. The current iteration of Bato.to allows the hosting of webtoons and manga ripped from pay-to-read platforms, but also hosts a variety of scanlation groups who upload their releases there. For example, the group "Batoto Scans" which has already been added to MU is a legit scanlation group that is only loosely affiliated with Bato.to by name.

From the Instructions page of Bato.to:

13. Are Bato.to and Batoto scans related?

No, they aren't.
Bato.to is a platform where ANY comic fan can upload content for their fellow comic fans. The "content" includes scanlations as well as official comics. On the other hand, Batoto scans are a scanlation group (like any other) who translate raw/original content into english and share it with other comic fans. To put it simply, Bato.to is a site, and Batoto scans are a group of people who scanlate using the site's name as their own.

I have no opinion on the ads others have mentioned because I never go without an adblocker on any browser or platform, so I haven't seen any, and there don't seem to be any intrusive ones that try to sneak past my adblocker either.

I'm specifically asking about allow Batoto group links to be used as a reference as a scanlator's website, as per this policy:
https://www.mangaupdates.com/faq.html?cid=3#item16

We take this seriously because would not like to condone an aggregator site with questionable character

A just ruler amongst tyrants

If it's a reference for scanlator's website, I vote for no. It's not needed. Just stick using MDX as the main source. Even though there are a few original groups in Batoto, they will eventually upload their content and update their profile to MDX as usual so it's better not to. Just to be safe.

Edit : I forgot to add that my previous comments don't apply to all. I agree with what baiyang (below me) have said.

In regards to Bato.to as a product/for-profit site, they seem to have removed all ads and state that "Batoto does not earn any profit." in their FAQ. At the same time though, they still host rips of official translations.

IMO they're not as reputable as the original bato.to or mangadex, and unless a lot of releases are falling through the cracks, I'd hold off on accepting Batoto group links. If the groups really want their releases to be listed on MU, it's not that hard to make a discord or a blog.

i disagree with allowing new batoto to be used as a scanlator's website. they're still an aggregator site like any other, not like mangadex in the slightest

Quote from baiyang

At the same time though, they still host rips of official translations.

IMO they're not as reputable as the original bato.to or mangadex, and unless a lot of releases are falling through the cracks, I'd hold off on accepting Batoto group links. If the groups really want their releases to be listed on MU, it's not that hard to make a discord or a blog.

Yeah, this is essentially my sentiment about the current iteration of Batoto. And from what I can tell a lot of their scanlators are either speedscanners, MTLers, or refugees from mangadex. I personally don't think we're losing too much by disallowing Batoto-exclusive groups.

And I don't think it'd be good for MU to associate with an aggregator that explicitly and openly rips directly from official sources, such as Tapas or Tappytoon.

I have seen evidence of Batoto taking down uploads of scanlations when their scanlators don't allow reposting, and they don't delete credit pages, from what I've seen, but I think that's a bit... ironic, considering how they happily rip from official sources. In fact, I wouldn't hesitate to say that many of these rippers congregate specifically on Batoto.

Like, we're all pirates at the end of the day, but there's degrees to it, you know? And I think Batoto takes that line a bit too far.

EDIT: Also, just noticed this, but the "Back to the Forums" button up there just returns me to the last page I visited, instead of, uh, taking me back to the forums. Is this an error from pinning a thread that's just never been caught until now?

Some groups are active on BTT. MD is down and some scanlators themselves upload on BTT.

Many series uploaded around 4 years ago (1xxx days ago), BTT said it was done by bot (no uploader shown). Those are old series and releases that already existed on MU.
Of course there are series uploaded by scanlator at that time.

Since I started reading on BTT, I noticed all series are uploaded by human. These show uploader's name.

BTT don't allow uploading without scanlator's permission or delete scanlator's credit. But some users still do it. Of course if BTT notice, or other users report to BTT, BTT warn those uploader and hide or delete it.

I'm talking about release in English.

Scanlators on BTT (I think mostly) have discord server or other channel.
Imo it's best not to show BTT links on MU. Keep both MU & BTT safe

I'm specifically asking about allow Batoto group links to be used as a reference as a scanlator's website, as per this policy:
https://www.mangaupdates.com/faq.html?cid=3#item16

We take this seriously because would not like to condone an aggregator site with questionable character

This makes more sense now, and I agree with everyone who posted above that Bato.to should not be added as a website source given the amount of official translations they repost, and the fact that the majority of their catalogue is compiled the same way as any old aggregator.

There seems to be a lot of redflags with them being the same people as mangafox&co and the fact they're still hosting official translations and aggregating without authorisation.

Why does any scanlator group even consider posting their scans there? Do they not know it's not the old batoto any more?

Since Bato.to and Batoto Scans are two separate entities, maybe we could keep Batoto Scans but without linking to the Bato.to website. And I agree that it takes zero effort to open a Tumblr or similar website to host a scanlation group, so that would be preferable to just publishing on Bato.to/wanting to be linked on Bato.to.

As for the website itself, I use it and think as long as they don't profit from it it's a pretty nice website.

I know few groups still seem to post there, possibly not realizing that it's no longer the same bato.to and some are allowed reuploads. It's gotten a bit better but there is definitely still a lot of unauthorized and sometimes resized releases (and all the ripped officials) that makes me wary so for me I'm against their website links. I think this situation with groups using it as site should be alleviated once Mangadex is back though. Hopefully.

Please never die, MangaUpdates.

Quote from meniel

Since Bato.to and Batoto Scans are two separate entities, maybe we could keep Batoto Scans but without linking to the Bato.to website. And I agree that it takes zero effort to open a Tumblr or similar website to host a scanlation group, so that would be preferable to just publishing on Bato.to/wanting to be linked on Bato.to.

Batoto Scans is already allowed and listed here: https://www.mangaupdates.com/groups.html?id=13349

A just ruler amongst tyrants