Tools

We still recommend ATP and look forward to ZAS, but if you have a site without an SQL database you should look into I-Strip an automation system created with PHP. Additional discussion of I-Strip pros and cons can be found on this Rocketbox discussion thread. Continue Reading →

Rocketbox alerts us to cartoonist.ws a web host dedicated exclusively to the web cartoonist. Here is what they have to say:

Cartoonist web site is the only web hosting company dedicated to bringing quality and discounted web hosting for cartoonists around the world. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, we have a hosting solution for you! Continue Reading →

A small request from ThomasTails, an aspiring webtoonist:

The host. The most trusted person on the Internet. And yet, one of the most unreliable. Here is my paradox. The first major discriminator is cost. I’m a thirteen year old, who is going to go into high school when the summer is over, and I’m not going to have much money. Well, there is geocities and angelfire. But wait, no. Why? Let’s say your publishing webcomic.angelfire.com. Your comic is going to be considered low quality becuse of it.

You don’t go, making web comics, so that it will make tons of money. You go in with the understanding that you are going to make squat and that you will be lucky if you ever get in the black for all of the time and effort that you invested in it. You have a story to tell, and you want to tell it. And there you go. You understand my problem. I may not get very far, if I don’t find a good host. I need direction.

So, is Keenspace accepting new sites again? What other hosting options (extremely low cost, let’s say under $9 a month) have readers had a good experience with? Continue Reading →

Slashdot has the story: the GIF Patent expires on June 20, 2003, otherwise forevermore to be known as GIF Liberation Day. Continue Reading →

Over at talkaboutcomics dot com, Bob Stevenson writes:

I haven’t updated my site in a while because I’ve been trying to solve a few problems I’ve had with web-comics in general. Long story short – the result is an invention of sorts, The Bobble. I don’t think anything in the Bobble is particularly new but I haven’t seen any attempt to deal with this set of issues outlined below in one package or on a web-comic site. Continue Reading →

Version 2 of the secret comics database is now operational and lets you search the full text of Roomies/It’s Walky and Wings of Change. Continue Reading →

On the message boards for Carson Fire’s Elf Life there’s a section devoted to Carson’s Webcomic Clinic. Lots of good discussion and helpful tips on automation scripts and hosting as well writing, art and production issues. Continue Reading →

Although I haven’t pestered Greg Stephens about the timing yet (and I suspect the date will be “when it’s ready”) it looks increasingly likely that Greg will be releasing a public version of the excellent set of scripts he coded to run Zwol, (which, if you haven’t visited, is a great site with comics by Greg and others and a healthy discussion forum) which he has labeled “ZAS” or Zwol Archive System. Check out the recent updates in Greg’s “The Latest Word” column on the front page of Zwol. Continue Reading →

Version 7.3 is now available for download at http://atp.cx/?a=downloads

For those unfamiliar with this program, ATP Autosite is a site automation script to remove the hassle of constantly updating your site.

PHP based, it can auto-update, on any schedule you want. It has a navigation system to let your viewers read your entire archive (all dynamically generated so as to save on disk space and avoid broken links at the same time).

This version is an update of 7.2, expanding on the premise and usability, as well as fixing numerous bugs.

As well, this version introduces some new features, like the ability to manage multiple comics from the same copy of the script, and an extensive Manual.htm Continue Reading →