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Rob Balder

Rob Balder is the creator of the clip-art comic strip PartiallyClips, which recently reached its third anniversary online. The strip has appeared in the pages of more than two dozen newspapers and magazines, and is currently running weekly in seven US cities. He is the Associate Editor of Nth Degree, has released a CD of filk songs, and is the creator of Get Nifty, the Sluggy Freelance card game.

Case Studies in Webcomics Book Collections by Rob Balder

By: Rob Balder
Department: Features
Issue: June 2005 Issue

Disclaimer

In this article, I am taking a look at the experiences of webcomics creators who have (or soon will) put portions of their archives into book collections. I'm using first person, because I will be including my own experiences as well.

This article is intended to tell a range of stories. It is not meant to be the definitive guide to putting your webcomic into book form. The creators I selected represent some, but not nearly all, of the most significant approaches and achievements in webcomics book publishing. You are especially invited to add your own experiences to the comment thread.

The Quality Question: Traffic, Appeal, Mass Appeal, and The Passion of the Stalin

By: Rob Balder
Department: Features
Issue: March 2005 Issue

One of causes of head-scratching among newer webcomics creators is the question of quality as it relates to popularity. Why are there popular comics that suck? Why are there great comics without much readership? (There are plenty, if you look.) If your comic's readership isn't growing much after a year (or two, or three), does it mean it isn't good enough to "make it?"