Over the last couple of months I have been working on having a more professional face to the comics around here. Exiern has plateaued and some extra effort is needed to take it to the next level. That means a more smooth and polished look to the website (coming soon) and a author who is not a whiny baby (less sure when that is coming)and who doesn't misspell every other word (don't hold your breath on that one).
It also means not spouting off about anything and everything that annoys me. Instead I have to think about the long-term possibilities and business deals. And let me tell you that has been a hard thing to do this week. Because this week has been a real “what the…” week for me let me tell you.
I have seen horrible horrible webcomics getting paid money and receive acclaim. I have seen creators that I not only respect but idealize make deals that are sure to compromise the integrity of their work and then get complemented on the deal. All and all I have seen some real trash touted at treasure and it has left me feeling like this:
Cartman has the right idea
But being professional mean that you don’t go around picking fights for no good reason. It means holding your tongue and being mature. And it’s very much not fun.
So if you will excuse me I am going to find a non hybrid car to lock my self in the garage with.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
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4 comments:
Since when?
Take Scott Kurtz, considered just about the most successful of the webcartoonists. He picks fights and is a bit of an asshole when it comes to online discussions (though in RL he's apparently a nice enough chap).
If you ask a dozen people what "professionalism" means, they'd give you two dozen answers. Now, while I strive to encourage web cartoonists to act more mature and in a professional manner... I honestly can't say with a straight face that professionalism in the webcomic field means not spouting off about things that annoy you.
And there's always private journals that are friend-only you can gripe in. ^^
Rob H., Tangents Reviews
I love that clip - you are right - Cartman has absolutely the right idea - he may be evil incarnate but he makes a lot of sense.
I also think that acting like an adult means picking where you have your fights and when, if you have a valid point to make then have the confidence to make it - who are these sell outs you speak off? I do not follow the scene that much, I like what I like and that is good enough for me.
Picking your fights is just good tactics. Diplomacy is just the art of saying "nice doggie" while looking for a decent stick.
Yes, the world is full of people who exchange honor and quality for money, power, fame... And people who don't compromise their principles at all... and pay a different price.
Know what you want. Know what you have. Know what price you will pay for what you seek. Just don't let the fact that there are liars and cheats and whatnot get you down when they try to sell you on a bad deal. That's like being depressed that there's carnivores and bacteria looking to consume you. Life's harsh, but at least you're wanted. ;)
I think I see what you mean. And yes, being professional means biting your tongue. A lot. And still, at least in my experience, the professional part means getting paid. And that, to some extent, involves selling your work. And as soon as you sell it, you have to listen to the buyer/customer (who is usually a whiny bitch).
I have resigned, more or less to this. I try to live off selling my work and not my soul, and then doing my own projects for fun instead of profit.
But I still ramble to all my friends and family everytime a customer says something plain stupid or asks for the impossible. Nice trick is to have a professional website and a private blog or something.
What I really wanted to say though, is that I found this webcomic some weeks ago and I really, REALLY like it! Keep up the good work!:D
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