Announcing The Webcomic Word of Mouth Project.

[Shishio]

Disregard this.

[LibertyCabbage]

I'm already doing a 'link of the week' thing, so, yeah, I think it's a neat idea. Give them the props!

[Mon Ami]

I'm setting up a link section as well, just have not gotten around to updating it just yet ^-^

[RemusShepherd]

There is a good discussion on what people would like to see of more of in webcomics going on right now at the Cornstalker forums.
One thing that Matt Johnson said made me think:

To be honest, I'd like to see more comic artists willing to be active participants in the webcomic community.

I'm sorry, did I read that right? An elite group that cut themselves away from an existing community, so they could have their own forums that outsiders are discouraged from using, wants to *increase* community participation??

...okay.

As for the Word of Mouth Project, Shishio, I think it's a great idea on paper but I don't expect it to do well. Links to other comics are recommendations of quality. Once your readers realize that you're linking to other comics as part of a pact, they'll stop clicking on the links. If you're not actively recommending them because you can vouch for them -- and you can't, by your system, unless I misunderstand it -- then the links will be no more than more random ads. They'll be free random ads, and that's worth something I suppose, but they won't have the power that an actual recommendation would have.

Well, best of luck with it.

[Komiyan]

There is a good discussion on what people would like to see of more of in webcomics going on right now at the Cornstalker forums.
One thing that Matt Johnson said made me think:

To be honest, I'd like to see more comic artists willing to be active participants in the webcomic community.

I'm sorry, did I read that right? An elite group that cut themselves away from an existing community, so they could have their own forums that outsiders are discouraged from using, wants to *increase* community participation??

...okay.

I really hope you're kidding me.

[CJBurgandy]

yeah, because I never see Komi, Dawg, or Sortelli posting on this lesser elite forum

Nor do I see The Admin of the so called elietist organzing the Comic Genesis FCBD sampler.

[Dr Legostar]

yeah, because I never see Komi, Dawg, or Sortelli posting on this lesser elite forum

Nor do I see The Admin of the so called elietist organzing the Comic Genesis FCBD sampler.

yeah, that'd just be silly.

[CJBurgandy]

you can't post in here, you... you... elitist! If you weren't my brother, I'd give you a stern talking to.

[Mercury Hat]

I'm sorry, did I read that right? An elite group that cut themselves away from an existing community, so they could have their own forums that outsiders are discouraged from using, wants to *increase* community participation??

...okay.

I don't know if you're joking, but frankly your past comments lead me to believe you aren't.

Stop it.

Stop trying to drive every thread into the ground that makes the grievous error of DARING to mention Cornstalker when you're browsing the forum.

Stop playing the "woe is me" act.

Stop demonizing something fun.

Stop. Stop, stop, stop.

I don't care if you have to keep from posting something negative by turning off your computer and standing in a corner when the word "Cornstalker" flashes across the screen. Cut it out.

Everyone else, continue on with the original post of the thread. Don't make me split and lock this.

[Vorticus]

so they could have their own forums that outsiders are discouraged from using

I have yet to see anyone be discouraged from signing up and posting on the CS forums, other than spammers.

Your idea is a good one Shisho. Just one question about it. What happens to the people who update frequently(say 3 a week or more) when they run out of comics to link? relink ones they've already linked?

[Dutch!]

A little more clarification on a point, please. The idea is to link to webcomics wel like. One a week until we run out of webcomics we like and read.

Isn't that what your links page is supposed to be already?

Or are you suggesting that in our little blurbs and things we put up with each update below the strip itself, we actually mention one of those strips we've linked on the links page each week.

The second one sounds more effective, as the first one is what most of us are doing already. Unless you link anybody who links no matter what your thoughts on their comic.

[TRI]

Stuff.

I think we've had this conversation before, people.

Links to other comics are recommendations of quality. Once your readers realize that you're linking to other comics as part of a pact, they'll stop clicking on the links. If you're not actively recommending them because you can vouch for them -- and you can't, by your system, unless I misunderstand it -- then the links will be no more than more random ads. They'll be free random ads, and that's worth something I suppose, but they won't have the power that an actual recommendation would have.

While I'm not saying your understanding is wrong, my understanding is different. Because the choice of links, the number of links, and whether you link to anybody at all, is entirely up to you it seems to me that you are personally recommending them--and that this "pledge" is merely to make your personal recommendations known loudly and often. But I could always be wrong.

----------------------------

Now about the idea itself. I like the idea in principle. I have a links page, but, judging from what little info I've gleaned about what links are being clicked, it seems people mostly click on the links to popular comics... which don't really need my help promotion wise. They're good comics and I don't want to cut them just because they're popular, but I would like a way to more effectively promote the underdogs.

However... I don't really like the idea of regurgitating my links page into my comment space three times a week, nor do I like the idea of having to manually edit my front page every update*, and don't have any of the skills needed to automate the process*.

So while this sounds good in theory... I don't like the practical implications. So instead I think I'll just fall back on restructuring my links page, and maybe adding a monthly or semi-regular recommendation to my front page when I redesign it. Something a la Tsunami Channel's webcomic recommendation spot, or Mara-Chan's "WTF link."

*The major reasons I joined Comic Genesis.

[Rkolter]

I really should update my CornStalker profile... I've got... 16 posts since May of 06. And my signature is just text.

[Warofwinds]

I'm the kinda gal that links almost every comic I come across that I like, in one way or another. I agree though, it would be reaaaaal nice if more people did the same. Breaking INTO the webcomic scene is often a rough ride when it shouldn't be.

[RemusShepherd]

I don't know if you're joking, but frankly your past comments lead me to believe you aren't.

Stop it.

Stop trying to drive every thread into the ground that makes the grievous error of DARING to mention Cornstalker when you're browsing the forum.

'Every' thread, Merc? I've posted in two threads on the subject. Two, spaced out over several months, with a total of three posts (four, now). In your official capacity, can you tell me how often I'm *allowed* to point out hypocrisy on these boards?

Stop playing the "woe is me" act.

Stop demonizing something fun.

Stop. Stop, stop, stop.

I don't care if you have to keep from posting something negative by turning off your computer and standing in a corner when the word "Cornstalker" flashes across the screen. Cut it out.

This has nothing to do with me, except I'm the messenger announcing the problem. If you want to ban me for making only *four* fairly reasonable posts spaced over several *months*, then go ahead. I have not used harsh language, I have not engaged in protracted flamewars, and I have not done anything except tell your friends that they are wrong. Point me to the rule I've broken, and if I've broken no rule except pissing you off, then ban me to show just how deep the elitism lies.

Now I'll leave this thread and not return -- as is my habit, for I know that I'm on thin ice around here just because of whom I am, not because of any fault of my behavior, and I have to be extra-considerate and restrained or I will be prejudged against. But I'll leave you with one thing for those above who obviously don't know what the hell elitism is.

Elitism is a Mesa, where the residents on the high ground come down into the 'common' areas at will, but the commoners are forbidden from scaling the peak. If you want to increase community participation, treat people as *equals*. People only join in communities in which they think they are on level ground. That's all you need to do, period, end of line, and ghod help me I don't understand why human beings don't know this instinctively.

[Komiyan]

When an admin steps in to tell you the discussion is over, it is over.

[VinnieD]

It's a noble project, but I myself already have a sizable links page featuring all the comics I read and I do expand it every time I pick up a new comic, I even mention when I update it and with what on the forum.

Some are big comics like Sluggy Freelance and VGcats, but strangely some of my readers tell me they never saw those comics before going through my links page so I guess if it made one more person laugh it's all for the better. Still most are small time comics like mine that have something unique about them that I want to tell the world about. Some have more readers, some have fewer.

The downside of the word of mouth project is that with as many comics as I and others like me read, it's harder and harder to pick up new comics. as the time to read them and the archives deminishes.

Picking up a new webcomic every update (twice a week) would be outright impossible for me unless I were to drop out of college and quit my job. (as much fun as that sounds like, I think I'd go crazy just staring at webcomics 24/7)

Still it's a good concept that webcomic artists should spread the word about other comics they read. I certainly make an effort to help other comics that catch my interest succeed and usually other artists will extend the same courtesy to me.

As for artists whom are only interested in plugging and critiques. Everyone has to start somewhere. Given a warm reception and time to become part of the community they too will reciprocate. Any time someone joins a community they may at first only take from it but anyone worth his salt will give back as much as they recieve. The same could be said for real life as well.

[CJBurgandy]

well, since Merc said to be good, I will not agrue about how unvaild the make-believe Elitism is. I think it would be almost pointless to point out that some of the most active users on Comic Genesis are some these "Elite Cornstalker" people. So instead I'll get back onto the subject.

The WoM project sounds like a great project, but due to laziness, I know I'd never keep up with it. But I do have my favorite comics linked in on the front page of my comic. I think it's very good to promote comics that read on a regular basis and maybe, announce to your readers when you have a new find. I know a lot of people have a "news" section on their front pages.

[CSchaefer]

I should try to link more on my actual page. I do a lot of 'word of mouth' marketing for other people's comics that I like, but it's, well, actual word of mouth, bringing 'em up in conversation with friends. Hard to reach a wide audience that way.

[Warofwinds]

Sorry, Remus, I'm going to have to kinda agree with Merc and the rest here. And uh, while I really don't feel like getting hammered by the admin for continuing a "closed" conversation, I in no way find Cornstalker to be elitist. Do you consider me being elitist since I'm a member of SpiderForest, another collective? Both CS and SF are just a bunch of like-minded individuals grouping together for the benefit of all their comics. It is meant as no offense to people not in the group, but nor is it a worthless endeavor. If bringing attention to one's comic by gathering with people of the same genre and advertising those same people is elitist, I'd have to say we're all guilty of it then. Anyone who links others, anyone with affiliates is then elitist, as I understand your definition of it. I am proud to say I post on CG's forums, CS's, AND SF's, and I'm pretty sure I'm more than welcome in all three.


And, to uh, give this post some worth other than Kez-smackdown, I'm looking for some more people to link. I usually link one or two comics when I update my news post, so if you're interested (I make a fantasy comic, be aware of who would be clicking your link), send me a PM or somesuch. Kez loves linking people. Just check out my [a href=http://warofwinds.com/p/links.html]links[/url] page