Thanks to the dozens of donators and Wiki-ers, and the support from all around, I’m Just Drinking: The Podcast is now live. You can find it at www.imjustdrinking.com/podcast. This episode features the webcomic Fragile Gravity, by Barb Fischer & Chris Impink. The drinks displayed are The Girl Next Door and The Bitter Stoat. Please enjoy the show and stay tuned for the next episode, which will air on October 9th.
Fucking Webcomics.
I look back at my archives of this blog and I see someone I was once. That’s what we all do when we reflect. That’s what’s to be expected during reflection. About a year and a half ago, when I started this, I admit I was jumping aboard the Webcomics Critic Bandwagon (before it was really a bandwagon to speak of, in my mind). It was a field that was not densely populated. To put it bluntly, not many people were doing it.
So I often wonder why I did.
I love Webcomics. The raw accessibility is what draws me to them more than anything else. Second, of course, to loving the medium itself. If you know me personally (and even if you don’t you could probably gather this from my general attitude), you know that I hunger for success. Validation. Any sort of tangible proof that I’m an intelligent or creative person. A lot, if not most of us, also want that. It’s a pretty basic human need. Seems to be often more at the forefront of my mental wish list than other things, and I just want to be honest about it. Webcomics helps me feel like a big shot, even though I’m so not there yet.
Conventions have fueled this greatly. At this point, I’ve been to fewer Cons as an attendee than as a participant of some kind, whether it be as a panelist, a member of the press (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) or pushing my wares in the artist alley. That’s 7 out of 10 total. Not many cons altogether, but I’ve only been seriously doing this for a year anyway. And I don’t intend on stopping, for what it’s worth. When I’m at these cons, I’m making new friends. New contacts. Both professionals and casuals. More people than I, regretfully, have the mind to remember. There’s just so goddamned many of them.
I’ve managed to “con” my way into these things, usually, by convincing them I’m some sort of Webcomics Expert. I’ve done a shitload of Webcomics 101 and other type panels, moreso than my background of experience truly warrants. I regard it scathingly because I have to continuously remind myself (not just in Webcomics, but in all the walks of life I partake) that I haven’t done that Goddamned much. Even less successes. Fortunately, I’m often able to use my failures to help others in the “Do What I Say, Not What I’ve Done” model of advice. Generally speaking, it’s been good. I’ve received no complaints.
I’m better at talking about comics than I am at making them. That, as any critic who yearns to be an artist can sympathize with, is a painful thing to embrace. Because, dammit, we want to make things and entertain people.
This past summer of cons has thrown my dissatisfaction of my station into my face repeatedly. Wizard World Philly, ConnectiCon, Otakon… people ask me the question that is to be asked, as I am a man who surrounds himself with Webcomic professionals every chance he gets:
“So, what Webcomic do you do?”
Generally, I explain like this:
“I’m kind of a rare case, where I’m at conventions moreso for my knowledge than my craft. But to put it simply, I do everything in Webcomics that doesn’t actually involve making a Webcomic. I used to make a Webcomic called The Hoojie Crew, but these days I do a criticism blog, a podcast, I run a collective, I’m on the committee for the Webcartoonist Choice Awards, I’m involved with Clickwheel as an animatic editor, I run a Wiki dedicated to compiling and creating Webcomics-themed cocktails…”
That’s usually the point where I trail off and wrap it up when the person I’m talking to stares at me blankly, as if to say, “So, you’re not a real Webcomic artist, are you?” And that’s uncomfortable. I do a fucking lot, more than I usually have time for. But to the average viewer, none of that fucking matters. Because I don’t actually make a Webcomic. Why don’t I make a Webcomic?
Well, I used to. You may have known that, you may have not. I don’t bring it up often, specifically, because as most “artists” do, I’m thoroughly embarrassed and ashamed of my previous efforts. An artist’s their own toughest critic. Even tougher, you might imagine, if they were also a practicing fucking critic at the same time.
It was called The Hoojie Crew, and it was about (shock!) the random fictional adventures of me and my dorm-mates with the more than occasional reference or discussion of a video game. I could rarely stick to my own update schedule. I made practically every mistake you could make when starting out. I even made one of the characters into a catgirl for Christ’s sake.
Although, I do look upon it fondly, as well. It was fun while it lasted. I learned a ton just by doing and failing and re-trying and failing again. It was the work I cut my teeth on. Experimented on occasionally, fucked around with, and learned with. I jumped right into Webcomics expecting fame and notoriety, not knowing a damned thing about Webcomics. Heck, at that point I don’t think I was even fully aware of the existence of more than a dozen Webcomics. I didn’t know what PVP was. I didn’t know what Webcomics were. And this was in 2003. By then, things were really starting to take shape. And I was jumping in expecting immediate rewards (on then-KeenSpace, no less).
But the fact remains that while I was doing it, I was enjoying it. While I was working on it, I was learning a lot. So I’m glad for it, and I am lovingly and respectfully putting it to rest for multiple reasons, including ones that don’t really need discussing right now.
And I miss it. The act of making Webcomics, that is.
I’m pretty tired of going to cons without something wholly tangible to show off. I’m tired of speaking to all my Webcomics partners and friends about traffic and business and method without having anything to really go on than outdated experiences and speculation. I’m tired of being the guy that does everything in Webcomics without actually making a Webcomic. That missing element needs to be re-inserted. And after a year of being totally burnt-out on drawing comics, and the enjoyment thereof. I miss making comics very, very much. And I feel ready. Ready to get back into the habit.
What I’m trying to say is, rather than shutting up, I’m putting up.
I’m going to start making comics again, the way I want to make them, in the most professional manner I’m capable of. I’m doing them with my lovely girlfriend Sarah. I’m going to do my best. I’m going to make something I’ll be proud to show off, and use to practice and get better at the craft, so that when I want to make something truly big and artistic, I’ll be ready.
So. Premiering September 1st, PUPPIES!! will be born. You will find that at www.puppies-comic.com and I do hope you will enjoy it. I will be updating it on Fridays, and Sarah will be updating it on Mondays. I’m going to have some fun, Goddammit.
I’ve had a great run here. I feel satisfied with what I’ve done so far on I’m Just Saying. And that’s a good feeling. I’m putting this blog aside for now, and putting that energy into Digital Strips. Though, I’ll still be using this space for announcements and things. The archives have had the riffraff and othersuch unimportant entries cleared out. What remains is all the substance I’ve put in here over that year or so, whether good or bad. I also added a list in the sidebar of some posts that I consider to be classics (also, whether good or bad). You never know, though. Something might just move me to write some new stuff here. I guess that depends on Webcomics, et al.
There’s a few people I’d like to thank for their parts of the duration of this thing. Thanks to Eric Burns, Wednesday White and the Snarkoleptics, for giving me the idea to do this thing in the first place. Thanks to AleX Kujawa, for encouraging me and sticking by me with Biscuit Press as the best webmaster I could ask for (through all the good and the bad). Thanks to Zampzon and Daku for bringing me on to Digital Strips. Thanks to Rob Balder for the massive help in launching I’m Just Drinking, and all the general sort of comradery and mentoring he’s given me. Thanks to Annie, LucasTDS, Abby L, and all the other frequent-commenters that indulged me in discourse (including that motherfucker, Will G). Thanks to T Campbell for getting me involved in my first paying job as a video editor with Clickwheel, AND the WCCAs. Thanks to Xaviar Xerexes for all the times he’s quoted me, or otherwise pointed people here for Important Webcomics Stuff. Thanks to anybody I forgot to mention, because this list turned out to be a bit more than “a few” as I was typing it.
And, of course, thanks to all of you people that have simply read along. I obviously wouldn’t have been doing it if it weren’t for you.
Hasta
-Phil!
I wanted to take a brief moment and thank the people that have donated to the birthday barstock drive so far. Here they are, those nice and wonderful people who have bought me a drink this past week:
- Tim Demeter
- Samuel Nolting
- SurfDog Studios
- Kris Straub
So far Tim’s in the lead with the highest donation ($15), so unless anyone tops that, we’re doing the first episode on him and Reckless Life. Possibly the next runner-up as well, because there’s only one drink for Reckless Life at the moment. Unless more drinks are made for it, and that would be a different story.
I’ll be closing off the drive on the 16th, so if you want to help, or if you want to ensure that your comic and drinks are done first, that’s the day to make it happen. Big thanks to everyone who’s helped donate or spread the word so far.
Howdy. We’ve been at this for a little bit now, this wiki nonsense. One month to be exact. It’s been going great, got a lot of active people and a lot of recipes brought in. Many of which rock especially hard. But something’s felt missing around here. Something fun and interesting to keep everyone coming back. Then it hit me:
Podcast.
In one month, I, Phil Kahn, will be turning 21. Officially. September 17th is the day. On that day, I and a select crew will be shooting the first episode of “I’m Just Drinking: The Podcast.” That episode will go up online and live and stuff the following week. Episodes will then proceed to be updated every two weeks.
What’ll go on in the show? Well, I’ll be showing you, the viewing audience, how to prepare the drinks that go with a randomly selected (or viewer-requested) Webcomic. All step by step and visual-like. Then my crew and I will be sampling these drinks and offering our thoughts on them, the Webcomic in question, and whatever fun drunken assery may ensue.
So why am I announcing this so far ahead of time? Because there’s a couple of snags. First off my stock is damn near dry, and I lack a few essential supplies needed to really do well. So, I’m starting a donation drive.
I’m Just Drinking: Phil’s Birthday Bar-stocking drive for Podcasting!
You know how when someone asks you for money on the street, your main objection is that they’re just going to use it to buy booze? Well, this time, you know for a fact that I’m going to use it to buy booze. If you donate to this drive, it’ll help me buy the necessary ingredients and tools I need to start this podcast. If you’re a Webcomic creator and you donate at least $10, your comic will be placed on the queue to be done in the first slew of shows. Whoever donates or raises the most will have their comic done for the first show.
Plus, y’know, if you and I were at a bar, and I told you it’s my 21st Birthday, you’d probably buy me a drink. Right?
Well you’re not gonna be there that night, so fuckin’ pony up.
The fabled Secret Project goes live on Monday. Stay tuned.
Heh. I spent so much time at Wizard World Philly this weekend, and the recovery thereof, I completely missed out on my WCCA nominations. Yep, I’m half an hour too late.
Ah well. I have no regrets. But sorry for those who were looking forward to my nominations.
Some of you may have noticed I ain’t said shit here in like two weeks. That’s because I’ve actually been keeping myself plenty busy with video work and secret webcomics-based projects. So, in my book? Actually producing work to the point where I barely even have time to read webcomics registers as a solid win.
I really, really like keeping busy. I’m one of those. I like keeping busy because it makes me feel like I’m accomplishing things, and I also enjoy complaining about not having any time to myself. That, and the hard drive thing put a major dent in my webcomics-reading habits. I’m still catching up on my trawls and still getting back into the habit of reading them every day. I’m realizing that I’m going to have to clean house on my reading lists. Maybe I’ll post about what made the cut/did not make the cut and that might interest you or something.
But the main point is that while I enjoy myself some criticism, I enjoy myself some actually making stuff more. I think most, if not all of you can feel me on that one. If’n you’re curious to see what kind of terrible work I’ve been making as a film student, you can scope some of my work on my “vlog.” That’s short for Video Blog, and I fucking hate that word more than I hate the word “blog.” But it’s there, and it’s got an RSS feed, and it’s got a comment section, so feedback would of course be lovely. There’s a lot more material I’ve got waiting in the wings to upload on there. Maybe I’ll post something once a week until I run out of stuff to post.
Mmm… how about Mondays? Starting on Monday I’ll put something random and new on there for all to see. That work for you? Super.
Anyway, thanks, as always, for continuing to read this thing. Even when, and especially when, I go through the nice cricket chirp weeks.
So yeah, I wish I was in better shape computer-wise, otherwise I’d've noticed that yesterday marked one year of I’m Just Saying. A year of webcomics review, criticism, contemplation, and all other sorts of nonsense.
But I’m sitting here, in my little office, wondering how the hell I should be commemorating 366 days of webcomics criticism. There’s any ammount of back-patting and masturbatorial writing I could put here. I could make a big deal out of this, sit back, feel proud, rest on my laurels and so forth. I could write some big prolific speech about Webcomics’ history, present, or future, or the state of webcomics criticism, or what I think should be done where and how, or whatever. But I don’t really think I need to.
I like webcomics. I think that’s pretty safe to say, anyway. I love the immediacy, I love the potential, I love the quality of work. I even like the exclusivity a little bit. There’s something magical about this little medium of ours. I don’t think I’ve been able to get into anything more than comics, and possibly webcomics in particular. I’ve earned myself a small ammount of notoriety at this point for various reasons. I’ve made some cool friends, I got to talk a lot about stuff I like… I had a blast.
That’s all that should matter, I think.
I owe a lot of it to you guys, though. The readers, the fellow ciritics, the dialoguein’ creators. Thanks for reading, and thanks for sticking around. Y’all’re probably the only reason I’m accomplishing anything with this here blog.
Had a brief chat with the PC Repair guy the campus employs. I’ll be able to take Murray in for them to fix up, free of charge since I’m a stewdent. Unfortunately, the soonest timeslot they had available in my timeframe was 1:30PM on the 10th.
Well, fuck. At least there’s a shitton of computers all o’er the campus with high speed everything that I can use in a pinch. Like now, only this is one I’m using is found within the computer lab inside my off-campus housing place. You know, one of those places that offer apartment amenities at dorm prices with dorm-lame administrators?
Yeah. But anyway, that’s the state of things at the moment. Apparently there’s drama going on in webcomics over that book. As per usual, I stay out of the drama until I think of something really profound to say, or a reasonable facsimile thereof. In the meantime, if you can find my LiveJournal, you’ll be treated to some delightfully melodramatic posts about stuff.
Toodles.
I’ve got some bad news, folks. Until further notice, I do not have a computer.
When turning it on this morning, everything went fine and dandy up until a certain point during loading my startup programs. This loudass clicking noise just started up. So naturally, I shut it off. After trying to boot it up again, it got past the BIOS but started clicking again right after. Several more attempts yielded the same results.
I think it’s my hard drive :(
I’m taking it into the Tech Center to get it looked at. Hopefully they can fix it. But unfortunately, until further notice, I do not have a computer. The points in the day where I’ll be checking e-mail will be few, and finding me online is highly unlikely. Also, of course, posting here will be rare if at all. If you have my phone number, you can reach me that way.
I’ll keep y’all posted as things go. Thanks, as always, for sticking around.