reality check time

[Daxhack]

Not a day goes by that I don't think about dropping my strip. Not a day goes by that I don't think about how much work I need to do. Not a day goes by that I don't think about every single thing that's wrong with my life.<P>But I think I found the problem. I think too much.<P>Perhaps it would be better to say that I spend more time thinking about problems than I do fixing them, or at least working on them. Way more time.<P>It is a good thing that every single day I come to this conclusion too. But then I just draw my comic and go to bed. I need to come to this conclusion earlier in the day, so I actually get work done, leaving me less to think about tomorrow, and all the subsequent days thereafter.<P>I think I got the ball rolling one way, now I just have to stop the ball from rolling that way, and push it the other way instead.<P>But then will I accuse myself of thinking too little? Perhaps. Can't know till I've tried, I guess. But then again, I know smoking is bad for me, and I haven't tried it either. Back and forth I go again...<P>JB<P>------------------
<A HREF="http://pwwoi.keenspace.com" TARGET=_blank>http://pwwoi.keenspace.com</A>

[Daxhack]

Damnit, I'm thinking again! I seem to spend every waking moment, active or not, thinking about the same problems with my life. It's like I'm in constant pain, because I can't do what everyone else seems to be able to do, and it lingers in my mind. No matter where I go or whom I meet, I am constantly reminded of my problems. I think I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown that's been building for 7 years.<P>I can't really talk about my problems with my friends, it goes against my nature to tax them with my emotional problems, and they aren't really qualified shrinks anyway. Perhaps that is what I need... a shrink. Someone to help me sort my problems out.<P>Before I do that, anyone got any testimonials about their experiences with shrinks they'd like to share?<P>------------------
<A HREF="http://pwwoi.keenspace.com" TARGET=_blank>http://pwwoi.keenspace.com</A>

[Lazy]

I bit of insight in what can happen when your comic becomes too much to handle.
<A HREF="http://www.keenspace.com/forums/Forum58/HTML/000022.html" TARGET=_blank>http://www.keenspace.com/forums/Forum58/HTML/000022.html</A> <P>

[Daxhack]

Thanks gopus, nothing like a comic or four to brighten anyone's day. (I only edited the message to get the images to show properly, BTW).<P>And Lazy, that's quite the introspection. I can see why so many keenspacers quit after only a few strips, or even a few weeks of strips. It is hard work to make something that can compete with the best stuff out there. But once we overcome the delusions of instant success, gigantic readerships, quitting our day jobs and frolicing about in the spotlight like hollywood stars, we are free from the pressure that kills comics like salt on slugs.<P>I've noticed my readership drop sharply since I started the "non-existant relationship break-up" storyline, but I'm also not worried about it. I don't check my stats every day anymore. I check them maybe twice a week now, more for feedback than for warm fuzzies. I think you're right, the only thing I should take seriously is updating daily, and throw everything else to the wind. I'll never possess the raw talent of Bill Waterson or Todd McFarlane, but I don't have to.<P>I also know I don't have a large readership cause I don't advertise. I don't do a lot of fan art, guest strips, or walkabouts, and I haven't joined any banner clubs, spotlights, web rings, or even little circles of comic artists who are all friends. I'll get around to all that later. After all, it's just a hobby right? No point treating it like a business.<P>JB<P>------------------
<A HREF="http://pwwoi.keenspace.com" TARGET=_blank>http://pwwoi.keenspace.com</A>