Buzzscope has an article on the comic publisher Speakeasy Comics and the effects on Diamond’s stricter policies. Speakeasy publishes the print version of webcomic Butternutsquash, the first issue is to hit the shelves on December 28.
Speakeasy’s business model is similar to that of Image’s of offering to be the middleman dealing with printers and Diamond, but unlike Image with financial responsibility resting on the creators if the comics fail to break even. Interesting to note is that Speakeasy is looking at the web as an alternative for comics that don’t sell enough copies.
The independent comic books are just not selling well right now (look at many peoples’ sales),†Fortier conceded. “Printers are changing their policies, Diamond is changing their policies; it means we have to think outside the box and offer alternatives.â€
The primary alternative, the option to publish canceled issues electronically, in their entirety, via Speakeasy’s web site, raises other questions, though, not the least of which is the status of creators’ contracts with Speakeasy should they opt for another solution, perhaps self-publishing or moving to another publisher.
“If we are looking at publishing the book online,†Fortier explained, “we agree to waive our publishing fee for that issue. Should a creator choose to take their book elsewhere, we would have to discuss the canceling of the contract, and I can’t really get into specifics of what that would entail to each creator.â€
Like I said, man…I hope it starts a trend. The more, the merrier.
I wish it luck– but PV tried this WITH Comixpress… It’ll probably get swamped like Comixpress did too.
Maybe if there are more choices, it can all level out.
“Someone build a GOOD indy distro system that has no real quotas…. a print on demand place like comixpress if they could get their act together on timeliness would work….”
DJ,
That’s exactly what 01Comics is doing, and will be doing in 2006 with Digital Publishing, P.O.D. with KA-BLAM, and a indy/small press/webcomic creator’s resource site. I hope it starts a new trend.
http://www.01comics.com
http://www.ka-blam.com
AP. Furtado
http://www.apfurtado.net
I think this is a lousy move on SpeakEasy’s part. Instead of folding up shop and calling it quits thanks to Diamond’s sheninanigans, they’re making the creators pay. DIAMOND should be the one to pay. — Look at Butternut Squash’s options now….. either sell 1750, which isn’t likely in the indy market AT ALL, or they get billed.. OR…. DRUM ROLL…
They get the luxory or SpeakEasy publishing their collected book online— where it came from in the first place.
BLAH… I fucking HATE Diamond now. PLEASE, someone stop them. Someone build a GOOD indy distro system that has no real quotas…. a print on demand place like comixpress if they could get their act together on timeliness would work….
Sigh… Comic books. How you burn my soul.