Weekend Webcomic Update

Submitted by Xaviar Xerexes [1] on March 8, 2008 - 21:00

BUSINESS

This has been out there on the intertubes this week - Kevin Kelly wrote an essay on 1000 True Fans [2], the notion being that there is a sweet spot on the long tail for the working artist to make a living - not poverty and not superstardom.  Nothing earthshattering in it to most readers here, but well-written and a lengthy discussion ensues in the comments.  FLEEN picked up on it with a post yesterday on [3]venture capital for comics [3].  Well actually Gary is just flagging the idea that print and swag costs money upfront that artists don't necessarily have to do those thing right (and in a way that will actually make real money on the back end).  So we have seen some folks call for pre-orders to help gauge interest before committing the money.  What about just getting someone else to float the money to the creator so there's no hurdle?  Well - let's think about it some.  If it was me I'd much rather invest in a Topatoco set-up; help that kind of thing expand, then give my money to a creator in the kind of scenario Gary is talking about.  But it's an interesting idea to think about.

COPYTHIS

You Thought We Wouldn't Notice [4], a blog focused on pointing out suspiciously similar designs.  FLEEN had great coverage of the recent Soap Swindle saga [5].

HYPE YOURSELF

I'm out of the loop - when did Digg get a Comics And Animation [6] section?

JUSTIFY MY HYPE

Checking out Xylia [7] -- anyone else reading this fantasy webcomic?

International History Club [8] is neither international nor historical.  Discuss.

• Business [9]
• International History Club [10]
• Xylia [11]
• fantasy [12]