Comics and Cash

Warofwinds · Post by **Warofwinds** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:44 am

I'm doing research for an article I'm thinking about writing for the newsletter. Basically, it's gonna be about methods of donation that webcomic authors use, how often it works, and opinions about donations for free comics. The poll will reveal no one's identity, so I'm hoping you all will answer truthfully (money's a touchy subject, I know).

Also, if you have the time, I'd appreciate author input on how you feel about keenspace authors asking for donations. Keenspace provides free hosting, so do you think people SHOULD be asking? If the money is used only to better the comic? What about extenuating circumstances or an author calling on an audience for a little help?

Have you ever had people write to you telling you they disapprove of you asking for donations?

(There will be a second post later asking about merchandising, so leave opinions about that for later please.)

PS: I plan on citing names with permission.

Thanks a lot everyone.

Mvmarcz · Post by **Mvmarcz** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:48 am

I USED to have a button but when I changed the layout I left it off for whatever reason, I dun remember...I only ever got one donation before anyway. I may put it back up now that more than 12 people go to my site. Though I'm not expecting anything.

Spriteville, USA · Post by **Spriteville, USA** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:52 am

I'm going to put a paypal button if a random person I don't know visits the comic and asks if he can donate. Then I'd consider it.

ManyWorlds · Post by **ManyWorlds** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:55 am

I have neither the reader base, nor the update schedule, to reasonabley ask for donations.

Jops · Post by **Jops** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 9:58 am

I've put a paypal button, but it's more more because i want something to fill that space on the website rather than 'cause i actually want money.
Then, hey, if someone is willing to donate.... heh, a few bucks are always welcome.

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:02 am

I have no PayPal button..... because I don't know how to put one up. x_x

JBerserk · Post by **JBerserk** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:13 am

I don't need a Paypal button! I have a job! hehehe

Christwriter · Post by **Christwriter** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 10:52 am

I'm considering it. Casually considering, as I'm not sure what you need for one, and if it's a credit card for ANYTHING I'm pretty much screwed.

I haven't taken any money yet because of the reason above, and because I'm still pretty much a light-weight. Judging from past reader participation (rusty tag board, few-if-any votes and total lack of fan-mail) If I put a Pay-Pal button on my site, the account would probably expire due to lack of use (slight exageration. However, I wouldn't want my first donator to die due to a tetnaus infection because the button's developed sharp, rusty points). I'm waiting until either my fan-base suddenly starts (gasp!) actually showing enthusiasm or I hit 100 visits in a day. If I'm gonna whore the comic for money, I'm gonna do it in an area where the traffic is generous.

CW

Starline · Post by **Starline** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:22 am

I was going to put one up soon.
But I would actually prefer to be commissioned than to receive only donations. I have this bad habit of liking to work for cash.

But having recently graduated and I'm having a hard time finding people who want to hire some fresh outta school.

Mvmarcz · Post by **Mvmarcz** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:26 am

starline wrote:I was going to put one up soon.
But I would actually prefer to be commissioned than to receive only donations. I have this bad habit of liking to work for cash.
But having recently graduated and I'm having a hard time finding people who want to hire some fresh outta school.

Ha I have this bad habit of working for free

Toxic · Post by **Toxic** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:59 am

You should all buy my upcoming Get-rich-quick-from-webcomics book.

Starline · Post by **Starline** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:15 pm

[quote="M

Kirb · Post by **Kirb** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:24 pm

starline wrote: Oh I work for free all the time! It's more fun that way. It's getting free money that makes me feel awkward.

Huh. Working for money makes me feel awkward.

So that's why I don't have a paypal button.

I demand free money.

Dr Legostar · Post by **Dr Legostar** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:44 pm

I want to set up a system by which instead of sending me money through paypal people can send me legos, it's much more efficent that way, cuts out the middle man. As of now I have no button, don't think I ever will either. Unless it's a button of the above mentioned variety.

Specterz · Post by **Specterz** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:57 pm

I have no button, mainly because I feel no one would give me anything, and that'd only make me a sad panda...
Also, I have no credit card.

Leonine · Post by **Leonine** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 1:51 pm

I don't have a button yet because I am lazy....

I agree with most of you, I don't yet have a reader base strong enough to warrent a donations link.

Dutch! · Post by **Dutch!** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 1:51 pm

I don't have one, but it was suggested that maybe I put one up. Not because people wanted to donate, but because there was minor interest when I mentioned the DVD of the musical version of the strip had been made and someone was interested in purchasing it to have a look.

Well, once I found out I could get the bloke to make further DVDs if necessary, I looked into applying for a paypal button just in case, but the site didn't appreciate my credit card for some reason, and I haven't been interested enough to go back and find out why.

Nanda · Post by **Nanda** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:27 pm

Mo-ney?

....what's that?

Tim · Post by **Tim** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 2:59 pm

Nanda wrote:Mo-ney?

....what's that?

A painter from the Renaissance, I think.

MariaAndMichelle · Post by **MariaAndMichelle** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 3:23 pm

No button. We seriously doubt people would want to give us money for the stuff we do.

Comic Genesis Forums

Comics and Cash

Donations and Cash

Comics and Cash