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17 years ago
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Prompted by the discussion at Ebonyleopard's journal. (http://www.furaffinity.net/journal/776256/#cid:6426994)
Radio Comix has published its last issues of Furrlough and Genus in their current formats -- maybe even their last issues, period, depending upon a final word from Elin, who was looking into the possibility of continuing them in a different format. This is likely the end of the standard furry comic through the traditional market.
Comics will likely continue through other venues -- there are several that are currently being published through POD (Print On Demand) sites... and, of course, there are still the online webcomics.
The discussion has me wondering how much bother any of it is worth these days? Is there really much interest in furry art (meaning comics, film or literature that aren't pornographic in nature) in the fandom? One of Ebonyleopard's remarks stands out: "For a fandom, there is less and less to be a fan of."
There's also a good bit of discussion about paysites, digital art theft, and whether or not making money from one's art is in anyway an honorable action.
All of which has prompted me to put together an impromptu poll. If you feel inclined to take it, just answer yes or no, and feel free to elaborate if you wish:
1: I read furry comics. (Webcomics, comic books, etc)
2: I read furry stories. (Novels, novellas, short stories.)
3: I only read them if they're pornographic or at least have something sexy going on.
4: I never read books.
5: I only read or look at stuff online.
6: I think the artist/writer deserves any payment he demands.
7: I think the artist/writer deserves whatever I can afford.
8: I gladly pay donations to the artist/writer's website if there's a pay-button available.
9: I'd like to pay the artist/writer, but I'm broke, out of work, and about to be evicted.
10: Screw the artist/writer; all art should be absolutely free to the public.
11: Look! Squirrel!
Radio Comix has published its last issues of Furrlough and Genus in their current formats -- maybe even their last issues, period, depending upon a final word from Elin, who was looking into the possibility of continuing them in a different format. This is likely the end of the standard furry comic through the traditional market.
Comics will likely continue through other venues -- there are several that are currently being published through POD (Print On Demand) sites... and, of course, there are still the online webcomics.
The discussion has me wondering how much bother any of it is worth these days? Is there really much interest in furry art (meaning comics, film or literature that aren't pornographic in nature) in the fandom? One of Ebonyleopard's remarks stands out: "For a fandom, there is less and less to be a fan of."
There's also a good bit of discussion about paysites, digital art theft, and whether or not making money from one's art is in anyway an honorable action.
All of which has prompted me to put together an impromptu poll. If you feel inclined to take it, just answer yes or no, and feel free to elaborate if you wish:
1: I read furry comics. (Webcomics, comic books, etc)
2: I read furry stories. (Novels, novellas, short stories.)
3: I only read them if they're pornographic or at least have something sexy going on.
4: I never read books.
5: I only read or look at stuff online.
6: I think the artist/writer deserves any payment he demands.
7: I think the artist/writer deserves whatever I can afford.
8: I gladly pay donations to the artist/writer's website if there's a pay-button available.
9: I'd like to pay the artist/writer, but I'm broke, out of work, and about to be evicted.
10: Screw the artist/writer; all art should be absolutely free to the public.
11: Look! Squirrel!
I agree that it seems too many people DO think they are entitled to things nowadays. It used to be, if you wanted something, you bought it. If you didn't have the money for it, you saved up, and THEN bought it. Funny how things change, huh?
I actually was able to formulate a method to prevent piracy of my work, and it wasn't by anything high-tech. It's actually very low-tech, and since most kids these days don't even know how to use something as simple as a Walkman, I think it's fair to say they won't be able to find a way around this solution. Heh.
I reckon I'll answer your poll while I'm at it...
1) Not normally. I occassionally read "Broken Plot Device" when I get the chance. It's a very entertaining and well-done comic, in my opinion. That's the only online comic I read.
2) No. I prefer Stephen King or nonfictional books. I DO read fan-fics that folks send to me, though. Does that count?
3) Nope. I'm not 18 anymore; porn isn't particularly interesting anymore.
4) Oh, I read. I just don't partake in any "furry" stuff. I especially like motorcycle magazines and spec sheets, but then, that's pretty much my number one hobby...
5) No. I prefer books to computers.
6) Yes. If I can't afford it at the time, I'll work to save up the money. I take it not many of these art thieves have ever actually bought anything for themselves in real life, have they? I'd love to see them pull this shit at a car dealer.
7) No. If I want it and can't afford it, then I either save up the money or I don't get it. Basic economics, man.
8) I don't browse other artist's sites, nor do I follow any particular artist. I draw this stuff (as time allows), but that's about the extent of my involvement. And I rarely, RARELY do transactions online. I still use money orders or checks for eBay, and I've spent thousands on that site buying bike parts. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, as the saying goes...
9) Nope. No money? Too bad. No product.
10) If the artist deems it as such, then fine. But if they do not want it handed out for free, or if they demand payment for their work, then you better pony up the cash. It's the very least one can do, since creating work takes time and money, and only a fool does work for free.
11) That's what they make guns for.
Good to see you on here, man. Look forward to future discussions. Thanks for your input on Shawntae's board, by the way. I don't get online much, but your voice was pretty much saying the same thing mine would've said. Good work!
1: I read furry comics. (Webcomics, comic books, etc)
Yes
2: I read furry stories. (Novels, novellas, short stories.)
Yes
3: I only read them if they're pornographic or at least have something sexy going on.
No (in fact, that sometimes discourages me)
4: I never read books.
*looks at huge stack of books she's currently reading* I think that would be a "no". :D
5: I only read or look at stuff online.
Goodness, no! I'd much rather hold a book/piece of art in my hand than try to look at it on-line.
6: I think the artist/writer deserves any payment he demands.
Yes! Well, within reason. :D
7: I think the artist/writer deserves whatever I can afford.
That and more, since I can rarely afford much.
8: I gladly pay donations to the artist/writer's website if there's a pay-button available.
Whenever I am able, yes. :)
9: I'd like to pay the artist/writer, but I'm broke, out of work, and about to be evicted.
That, sadly, is more true than I would like it to be. :(
10: Screw the artist/writer; all art should be absolutely free to the public.
*refrains from saying what she'd really like to say to whoever believes that*
11: Look! Squirrel!
Mystee?! *looks around frantically* :D
Yes! Webcomics and books. I used to read comics, but there aren't many good ones anymore.
2: I read furry stories. (Novels, novellas, short stories.)
Yes, books mostly. I try to find stories online, but it is almost impossible to find quality stories.
3: I only read them if they're pornographic or at least have something sexy going on.
No. Porn is often interesting, and that is an easy point in favor of a porn story, but it takes more than that. A story needs character interest, plot, development, that kind of quality stuff. Porn is just the easiest way to score an interest point, and to get yourself out of competition with the mass market media.
4: I never read books.
No! I read books all the time. There just aren't many furry ones.
5: I only read or look at stuff online.
No, see above.
6: I think the artist/writer deserves any payment he demands.
Yes, if people are willing to pay it. I think a fan is within reason to wait for prices to drop or not buy if they like the work but think it is too expensive.
7: I think the artist/writer deserves whatever I can afford.
Yes, if I can afford it and the artist is willing to take it, that is ideal.
8: I gladly pay donations to the artist/writer's website if there's a pay-button available.
No, I need more than a button. I need to see donation goals, or a request for donations, or something.
9: I'd like to pay the artist/writer, but I'm broke, out of work, and about to be evicted.
No? If I'm that broke then I'm buying food, not books and artwork.
10: Screw the artist/writer; all art should be absolutely free to the public.
No, that's too far the other way. An artist should be able to charge money for their work. They should offer a reasonable preview or money back if a customer is disappointed.
I'm too shy to ask for money back, but I have definitely bought portfolios that I was disappointed in, and a few that I felt roundly cheated by. I don't make common practice of it, but I have rarely downloaded a portfolio first when I couldn't get a good enough preview from the artist. But then I either deleted it if it was junk, or deleted it and bought it if it was good.
11: Look! Squirrel!
Is that breasts on a squirrel?!?