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Happy Monday all!
Hope you had a great weekend.
This is a fun week. Please stay tuned.
I’m finishing up getting Book Four to IDW.
Unfortunately…something got screwed up in the scheduling and the book solicitation got scheduled for July instead of May.
I’m talking to them now to see if we can get the book before that so I can get you copies at the cons.
As for cons. Money’s been really tight for us this last year. Well….REALLY tight.
We MAY not make it to San Diego this year. We have our booth. And it would have been our 20th anniversary at the con this year.
Donna and I have been attending since 1990.
But it’s just SO expensive. I mean….REALLY expensive.
Add to that, the fact that we didn’t get our hotel. It just may not happen.
I’m also looking into seeing if Baltimore is possible again this year.
I usually make back my money. But we need to see if we have the money to outlay for the hotel and airfare.
Hopefully things will pick up soon.
Other than that. I’m looking forward to the local cons.
Hope you enjoy the week.
Scott
Speaking of things picking up soon in the money area, are you planning to do some TDC store combos and specials? You mentioned this a week ago or so.
Okay Alex isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed… Holding my head.. I am hoping that sometime this week he will stop being blantantly stupid and wake up to the reality it isn’t just his friends there are whole communitys that need him to be their shining star of leadership… but after the last “2 minutes” there ain’t much hope… Yet who knows maybe that is why he loves Naj… he is the braun she is the brains…
And Alex showing his slow moments once again lol
Hope things go well Scott =3 I’m roooting for you 😀
lol, lightning hits his brain.On another note… I LOVE the new vote incentive!! thats going on my desktop right now.
LOL!!!! Oh Alex, of course they’re rock giants!!!
** Facepalm **
as far as alex’s slowness goes, i think it’s really like scott said earlier – it seems worse than it is because of the once a day updates. it kind of makes sense that he would have been slow to pick up on what’s going on, between having just entered dreamland, and being freaked out thinking that nastajia’s in trouble, and having never met other rock giants… i don’t think i would’ve figured it out much faster than that.
Besides, if even Arvamas didn’t originally click in that Paddington would grow up to be a rock giant, and he’s been living in Dreamland all his life (and probably not with as much stress all at once as Alex has been having lately), we can forgive Alex this momentary lapse in recognition…
Scott, why not run a donation drive for the con this year? I’m sure some fans, who wouldn’t be able to attend the con and actually buy stuff, would be happy to support your convention activities in another way! 🙂
Are comic cons fun? Because, well, I, *tear* I’ve never been to one before…….. *looks around* no don’t look at me like that!
A donation button wouldn’t be a bad thing to have anyway. IMHO
Oh god. I love and hate that after all that training and everything he’s been through, Alex is still stupid. XD
LOOOL
okay… let’s give him the benefit of the doubt and say he didn’t recognize them as paddington’s kin because he was too focused on getting back to nastajia and making sure she’s alright.
though I do have the strong urge to pat his head now. (patronizing? me? nah. 😀 )
to elaborate on my comment:
if it were me in that situation, all that would register to me would probably be “there’s something big in my way between me and nas. big means threat.” (not surprising seeing how he comes back to DL after he was “kicked out” witnessing how nicodemus was hovering over her). and that together with already worrying about her leads to overreaction before he has the whole situation properly processed.
seems to me like he’s a single-minded person (focused on one thing, pretty much nothing else is getting through to him). like when he was trying to learn how to fly: I bet that in his mind there was “oh my god. so high up. I’m going to crash!” playing in a loop and getting in the way of him realizing that DL doesn’t exactly work like the real world. he panics too much. 😀
… hm, I was going to say that with his important role in DL he should better learn how to multitask soon… but all that’s needed is probably to stop panicking so much. panic is getting in his way now just as much as back then. haha, poor little guy. 😉
I literally did a pacepalm after I read this page! 😀
About the con….Scott, why don`t you try make a *little* more money with this webcomic. I`m sure that there are tons of people here who`d gladly contribute, be it donations or buying something from your store. We all love the story and you`re giving us this story for FREE for…what is is now…some YEARS now. EVERY DAY!!
I know you want to bring us this great story for free on the web, but you put so many hours in this comic, so much costs for the technology…I think it`s rather fair if you set up a donation button. If you don`t like asking for donations you can make exclusive wallpapers or some other stuff we haven`t seen yet…a sketchbook, a print of one of your great paintings or drawings…anything, and let us donate for it to see. 🙂
I wouldn`t even go to a con because I live in Europe, but I would think it great if you got the chance to promote your comic even more, to speak with other creators…
This stuff is on here all for free, and your books are cheap…I`m sure lots of us would be glad to show you some `material` support for all the work you do. Not because you ask money, but because we would like to support you and this story. 🙂
And once again Alex proves he doesn’t even have rocks for brains >.<
Hmmmm… maybe this is his secret in entering Dreamland… I've been thinking too hard!
Seriously, this was slow even for him 😀
I think the best way to put it is “Doh!!”
Alexander Carter, I grant thee the noble title of “Sir Obvious”.
Or, as the above poster said “D’oh!”
Ever had that moment of disorientation when you just wake up? Alex has it when he goes to sleep…
Whoa… Alex is a bit slow on the uptake, isn’t he…
Noooooo… they’re faries.
You can almost hear a “ding” as the light turns on for Alex. Great writing, Scott.
Also in Europe, and I totally agree, let the people who want to help you get to the con help you. It would be kinda sad to not let you go to something you have been doing for 20 years just because you lack a bit of money. If you put the donation button up i will be one of the first people to donate.
yes, exactly. I’d like to attribute the slowness in the current situation to that too. and in a way, he IS just waking up in dreamland…
poor alex getting picked on by everybody right now makes me a bit sad for him.
he’s generally slower than some others, but he’s not that stupid…
Uhmm…Is Alex REALLY going to be the future king of dreamland?
Isn’t there any rule that forbids dumb kings?
Or the Sword is malfunctioning after so many years?
comic is great. comments are even better. to echo ever one here “boy Alex is slow.” I laughed so hard.
Relay Alex they are big and made of rock.
When Alex realized they’re rock giants…….the dim bulb brightens!
Yes. My plan was to do it with Book Four. But since it’s been delayed a couple months…I’m holding out until maybe June.
Unless IDW can print it early.
Thank you for the suggestion.
I’ve always felt that Donate buttons gave a “pan handler” feel to the site.
No offense to those who use it. But with so many other ways of supporting us (click ads, buy books, etc) I just haven’t felt comfortable taking donations.
Maybe that will change if times get any worse. But for now…I’ll get the store up and running again. We’ll go with that.
I think they are for fans.
For us on the OTHER side of the table…it’s a lot of work.
I’ll get the store up and running.
Though you guys bring up a good idea.
I’d LOVE to do a Europe con. Who here knows which good ones to hit?
And could we raise enough for me to come out?
Wow Alex a new record!
DINGDINGDINGDINGDING! And a royal GOOSE EGG to Alex for picking up on that more quickly than…well, than…than…a caterpillar.
Also face-palms head! lol!! He’s so cute in his cluelessness. ;D
Has SDCC always been expensive or is it just it’s become so “popular” that those who run the con feel they need to charge more?? As far as Baltimore, it’s a bit of an odd offer, but Scott & I have a house in York, PA which is about 45 mins north of Baltimore. It’s empty at the moment, but you’d be more than welcome to use it. Might be a bit like camping, but with electricity and running water. lol!
Well, you have to consider that they do look significantly different from Paddington. Momentary confusion should be justifiable. But in Alex’s case, a few minutes of confusion is also justifiable. 😛
In Alex’s defense, I only knew they were rock giants the first time we saw them was because they share the same eyes as Paddington. Besides, though these pages come days apart, it’s really probably been less then a minute in sequence, if that. So we can forgive him his confusion.
I had the time of my life at the New York Comic Con two years ago. I even discovered Dreamland there. I don’t know the price of admission because a friend invited me to come with him, but I recommend a fair amount of spending money. I blew $200 easily.
Ive been away for a week in a place where there was no internet. Just caught up with the webcomic. Very pleased with the comics ive missed. ^_^
So sad. I wanna see my Scotty and Donna.
I hope the situation changes, and as for donations buttons, i see your point.
However i do not agree with you. I see those buttons and always evaluate if i am going to donate based on what is supplied.. If it is something useful or entertaining i give. I don’t feel any charity in this mind, just payment for services.
Rob
are you gonna make it to HEROES CON ?!?!?!
(please say yes!)
I would love to buy your books when i get the extra money, also I saw on the store before a replica of the sword, think is was a necklace. Would you put that back in as well? I lost my sword necklace and want to replace it. Yours would be perfect
But we don’t want him to wake up to “reality”! He has so much more to do in Dreamland …
😉
Don’t feel too bad, Mdng. I’m 37 and a lifelong geek, and I’ve never been to a con either. Maybe someday …
(sigh)
😉
Welcome back! Don’t forget to VOTE …
😉
[headdesk thud] ‘sigh’ Alex, Alex, Alex… ‘tsk’, ‘tsk’, ‘tsk’…
All the cons seem expensive to me. Here’s hoping you get to San Diego, and here’s hoping I can get to even the local cons to see you…
*clicks madly on all the ads*
Hey, every little bit helps, right?
😉
DUH!! (smacks Alex upside the head).
Hey Scott, if you can’t make it to San Diego, you can always come to Pittsburgh! 😀 Although it is rather short notice now since the con is at the end of this month.
Haha! Oh Alex …
Just wanted to say that I agree with VoodooChief regarding the donation buttons. Although it’s a free-willing ‘donation’, it’s really a method of giving back to you for brightening up our mornings (or whatever time of day people read this). It reminds me of NPR (natl public radio) – which I’m a member of because it makes me feel good to give towards something that I value and would be REALLY sad if it were gone. Perhaps you could put it in the store if you dont like it on your main page?
Hey, its not panhandling if we get something back. Maybe a nice email with a few hints on what will be in future strips, maybe a nice ebirthday card for a fan of the donators choice, maybe even drawing a sketch dedicated to the person. There are quite a few things that i would find more fun than any money i was giving up
“You’re rock giants…”
Man, took him long enough to figure that one out, eh? 😆
I’m sorry, but I just have to say it: Light Dawns on Marblehead. 🙂
Some other webcomic artists have done it when they had computer problems for example, I even remember one time Crystal Yates has a donations drive up because she wanted to go to a con, and they all came out. So who knows, your audience is large enough I think.
I don`t know a well known con here in Europe. I think they are small and focus a lot on the creators in their own country but then again I don`t really know any but a fairly large one here in the Netherlands. There I only see Dutch creators, it`s mostly two days known as the `stripdagen.` (comic days) I see Belgium and France as the countries with the most know comics so I can imagine them having a con of some sorts… I think England and Italy must have them too.
Personally I`d consider going to a con in England, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and maybe France…other countries would still be too far for me… 🙁
Maybe you could do a survey to see where your audience (and esp. Europeans) come from…
Poor Amber, now you can`t get back to Dreamland!
I TOTALLY agree. I was reading these comments to see if anyone else has posted this. I’m an East Coast girl and I know I won’t be able to go to San Diego, but knowing that I would absolutely donate money to help send you guys there! I like helping spread things I love and if getting you guys to San Diego means that another person will find out about Dreamland, I’m all for it.
=)
Thank you both so very much.
I’ll consider it. It’s definitely not a pride thing. But it is overcoming a lot of how I grew up. Not asking for handouts and such.
I’d much rather sell something. So that you guys get something in return.
Sketches and books are great.
I have several things to say so please bear with me. (1) Ales, you’re so slow it’s painful! Yet very hilarious; I am almost willing to forgive you :). If you realize how slow you were, then that will be a sign that your not totally lost. (2) I really hope you make the San Diego Comic Con. I’m might be going this year (for the first time :D) and would really want to see you there. I understand if you can’t, though. Please put up a donations button!!! I, also, understand your view, but just put it in the side bar, or other indiscreet place. (3) The vote incentive is great as always but something of Felicity’s fur strikes me odd. It almost looks like she is petrified in some places. Please don’t hate me (cowers)!
I’m totally sold out.
I’ll see if I have a spare one tucked away somewhere. Just remind me when the store goes back up.
Sorry you lost it.
Thanks. I’ll look into it.
I should. It’s a 7 hour drive.
Absolutely.
🙂
Yeah, Penny. Maybe next year?
Does clicking on the ads help much? I ask this because it’s easy to do. Hopefully more people can do this for you. Getting you to the top of the reader board at Top 100 Comics could draw more attention to the comic and maybe give you more ad clicks as well. When the store is open, I’ll buy some more of your books and perhaps some sketches. Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll all do what we can to get you back into the red again.
Does clicking on the adds get you more money? I admit I don’t normally do it but if it increases revenue for you I’ll click everyone everyday.
so is there going to be an update in the comic soon or,and i hate to say this, is this comic dead?.
oh wait scratch that i looked at the last post date wrong lol
Go Alex with the keen observations!
lol XD alex just NOW noticed they were rock giants.
I’ve never been there but a few of the webcomics I read (Gunnerkrigg Court, Darken, Hard Graft) have gone to UK Webcomix Thing in the past. Can’t remember any others getting mentioned but I’m in the US so I’ll never get over there anyway.
Yes. It tells the advertisers that the ads are working.
Then they advertise more.
It definitely does help.
LOL!
Yes. I update every day. 5 days a week.
Have been doing so for 4 years now.
sssssssssssssssssssssssssllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllloooooooooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
lol ya sorry about that mate can’t wait for the next update really want to see what happens
….may i ask why it gave me Kiwi’s pic?
Scott, many respected projects online accept donations, like free software projects in which I am involved. At the same time, some of them have ads or other kind of financiation too.
Even though, I agree with you: People that want to donate could just buy the books and present them to some friend of theirs. That way, they would donate _and_ spread the word at the same time _and_ make their friends happier.
Alex, Alex, Alex… you’re just figuring they’re rock giants out NOW? What the F-Minus makes you think you can lead Dreamland if you can’t even figure out you’re talking to rock giants?
Oh, Alex. Alex, honey.
Random. You can make your own using Gravatar if you’d like.
Wow. Just … wow.
Does he know anything about anything? How did he get into college?
“Oh wait, you’re rock giants!” Thank you, Captain Obvious.
Another option, which would have to be done through the forum, is that of auctions, and those can be done two ways: One, where you make a drawing or have something or other which you will give the winner, and people post in the thread their bids, winner to be the highest bidder come a certain date, and they make their donation via paypal or whatever, and you send them whatever it was they bid for.
The other way of having fund-raising auctions is like we did over at the College Roomies From Hell!!! webcomic forum: a certain number of forum members, who also happen to be artists of varying degrees, get together and put up auctions, eBay style, where the participants bid, and the highest bidder come a certain date (usually 48 hours per auction) will have one of those artists draw him something. Instead of the money going to the artist, it goes to the webcomic author (in this case, you, Scott). They can ask pretty much for anything as a drawing, whether it be TDC related, or related to that forum user (whether based on his avatar, a roleplaying game, or whatever).
To better understand what I mean, please refer to the two CRFH!!! Fanart Webathons (as they were called) to see how they went:
http://maritzacampos.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=580 This fanart webathon raised $498 US for Maritza Campos (some images in that thread no longer show, as the CRFH!! fanart gallery crashed, and was later moved to a new location)
http://maritzacampos.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=776 This fanart webathon raised $343 for Maritza Campos
Something to consider, no?
*facepalm* You’re not the brightest crayon in the box there, Alex.
good point there- waking up would not allow us to see what happened to Nastajia. 🙁
clicking on those is actually helpful? cool! now I have an excuse to zone off and look at all of those random comics that look semi-interesting! and it helps Dreamland Chronicles! this is good news, best since the news that break was in a week (it’s over now though…*sniff*)
i’ve only been to two cons in my life- Blizzcon of ’08 and San Diego ComicCon of ’09. both were well worth the cost and time and hassle driving there, and both were very fun (plus I got Dreamland Goodies at Comic Con-the first 3 books!).
aw thnx guys.
good luck raising the money scott!
hey, maybe when we geeks are all “rich” enough we can all go to one (or more).
:facepalm: Oh Alex…its good to see the usual you again. Just try not to think any harder than you are now, or you might just not be in good enough shape for later.
Oooh! I’d love to go to Ireland, but I can’t at least not till i fall asleep
where where where is it? *thinks* hmmm, when is it might be the better question…
aw, i wanted kiwi’s pic. at first it gave nic’s evil eyes *muahahaha*
Lake_Wrangler- excellent idea. Some friends of mine did something very similar via forms in a text based RPG (Dragon Soldier; not worth your time, trust me) in which we sold our clan for real cash. Then, we went and had a picnic/party at the park from the cash. We got $100, just for the record….
Scott- Would I be correct in assuming that you get money just from people clicking on the ads, based on what you said? I guess I just assumed people paid you to put the ads up.
Silly me. Next post answered my question. “Patience, young padawan.”
I see that Book 4 is available for pre-order on Amazon.com. Is it better to buy the books directly through your store or to order them via Amazon? Oh, holy cow, I just got an idea….
So, some guys who wrote a book made it a point to get the word out that their book was going to be released on such-and-such a date. They used a website to get people to sign up for an email reminding them to purchase the book from Amazon on that date. The idea was that by purchasing the book on that date, it would send it up the Amazon best-seller’s list like a super-sonic missile for that particular time-period, allowing people to see the book that wouldn’t have otherwise. Scott, once you have a final release date for Volume 4, you should do something similar that gets A LOT of people purchasing it the same day.
case in point with my own gravatar 😛
and the Netherlands of course, duhh 😛
OK, I’ll make sure to click on them all every day!
Oh my goodness, Alex is so SLOW! lol.
HAHAHAHA!!
God, that page made me laugh!
The eyes are open, the mouth is moving, but Mr. Brain has long departed.
…And the last horse crosses the finish line.
Agreed
What was your first clue?