Comments on: I told myself I wan’t going to get involved…

By: william G

william G — Sun, 17 Apr 2005 17:42:33 +0000

I think “the bigger game” is coming, and coming soon. I can kind of see it on the horizon, and I’m not certain what shape it’s going to be, but it doesn’t look like what’s up top now.

At best, it’ll be the Surface Sixers thinning out of the field a bit and making the demand side stronger than the supply side, causing people to start paying out more. At worst, the bottom will fall out.

If I had to pick a median, I’d say that webcomics will become a farm system for print publishers.

By: Bob Stevenson

Bob Stevenson — Sun, 17 Apr 2005 14:26:04 +0000

“Or you can tell your folks I’ll take submissions, too.”

Good to know. If I get another big wave, I’ll mention it. I thought people were submitting to get traffic or a strip that mentioned their characters. Lately though, creators seem more interested in what I have to say. I have been spending more time on the writing so that’s good to hear.

By: Phil Kahn

Phil Kahn — Sun, 17 Apr 2005 03:08:34 +0000

I’m glad you feel that way, Bob. I really have no idea where this criticism community thing is going. All I know is that its size is growing, it’s making making a much bigger impact, and I’m trying my damnedest to keep up.

Let me know if you want to lighten the load, I’d be glad to help. Or you can tell your folks I’ll take submissions, too. Although I think I should fear the e-mail onslaught if you do such a thing. Still, it’d be fun.

By: Bob Stevenson

Bob Stevenson — Sun, 17 Apr 2005 01:59:30 +0000

I feel like the whole critique game at this point is akin to an art-class critique, a warm-up for some bigger game that, for most of us, won’t come. There’s validity in both kinds of reviews though, the ones from peers and the others from critics. Frankly, most of our stuff, particularly some of the stuff I review, is not ready for prime timem but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of some discussion (I try to make sure my reviews are more discussion than decision.).

As long as we accept each kind of review for what it is, I don’t think there’s a problem. There is a huge need for more reviewers though. I accept submissions and am backed up more than three months at this point. People want help, advice and honest opinions and I’d welcome more people jumping into the game.

By: meaghan

meaghan — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 17:25:52 +0000

We’re all small in comparison to PVP. And I acclaim your comic, and I’m a critic… maybe.. I dunno. I like using that phrase!

And yeah, people will complain no matter what. The thing is to not give them an easy target. Make ‘em WORK for their trolling!

By: Phil Kahn

Phil Kahn — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 15:32:10 +0000

Honestly, Will? I didn’t even know it was YOU who did Delineated Life until I discovered this discussion on Meaghan’s LJ. I’ve read it before, and really, really dug it.

I know, I know… “Delineated Life, Delineated Blog.” I just didn’t put two and two together. That happens to me a lot. :P

By the by, I’m waiting for more of that. Get crackin’, you.

By: william G

william G — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 15:21:37 +0000

Small but critically acclaimed?

My masculinity feels bruised by that for some reason.

By: Phil Kahn

Phil Kahn — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 14:59:49 +0000

I think I see what you’re saying. But then I think, Wouldn’t the non-creator-critics’ motives be called to question, based on their tastes and preferences? If a non-creator blasted PA, fans’d pipe up “That’s not fair cuz you don’t like gamer comics/profanity/violence/industry jokes!” But again, that doesn’t matter, because we need that total diversity.

Oh, and I’m glad you’re glad :D

By: meaghan

meaghan — Fri, 15 Apr 2005 14:35:44 +0000

I’m glad you pointed me out to your blog thing here. This is exactly what I’m talking about. More people with MORE perspectives. There isn’t one true criticism style that trumps all others.

The only reason I want more of the “MORE” to be non-creators is because when you get people like William G. writing, his motives automatically get called into question, and not just to see where he’s coming from, but to NEGATE what he’s saying. Granted, even if he’d done it anonymously, fans of whatever he critiqued would come in drones, but he was a way easy target with his small, critically acclaimed comic “going after” the big, popular comics.

And yeah, we need criticism, we need constructive criticism, we need opinions. They’re better than money on the internet for us webcomics junkies.

By: Phil Kahn

Phil Kahn — Thu, 14 Apr 2005 17:30:17 +0000

That, too, is what I’m saying. Spot on.