TWCL

Casual Notice · Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 10:33 pm Post subject: Illustrated Advice Jam

Rules of this jam are simple. Come up with a piece of advice you believe no new webcomicker can live without, illustrate it, and post it here. Points will be subtracted for sincerity or practical value. Will post my first offering today or tomorrow.
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What I lack in sincerity, I make up for in sarcasm.
S*P*Q*R

RustMonster · Joined: 19 Mar 2010 Posts: 587

smbhax.com · Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 3:49 am Post subject:

So *you're* the one telling people to do that! D:

(You left out the ironic t-shirt, though.)
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jpcline · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 289

holy crap. that is fantastic advice Rustmonster. The only thing I want to add is that these facial expressions, and only these facial expressions, should be used for the characters.

Like this:

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http://calmblueoceans.com/

sgiav · Joined: 23 Mar 2011 Posts: 8

LOLOL "You're not some kind of drawing machine here."

Gonna put something together when I have some time later this week.

Casual Notice · Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 1:06 am Post subject:

EDIT: Don't forget to have the video link to your website.
_________________
What I lack in sincerity, I make up for in sarcasm.
S*P*Q*R

RustMonster · Joined: 19 Mar 2010 Posts: 587

The next set is for smb and jpcline!

I mean, it's dedicated to them. Not that it's for them because they need it.

I mean, because they don't need it.

You know what I mean. Just read it.

Chilari · Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 1:46 pm Post subject:

This is all very sound advice. I'll make one to add to it, but might not be able to upload it til I get back to Great Britain. I might be able to though, it is a possibility...
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"S*P*Q*R"

Chilari · Posted: Tue Apr 12, 2011 2:09 pm Post subject:

The wonders of modern technology. Basically, this comic page is exactly what you should do.

See how I used biro on lined paper, ignored rulers (they're no mainstream), made the characters identical except their hair, and asked readers to buy merchandise and donate on the very first page (with the promise of a further five pages I've said I've created but haven't really). However, I neglected to use incorrect grammar or spelling, for which i apologise; it was an oversight. Also the characters are talking about creating a webcomic themselves! How meta is that? Clearly they are interesting enough because they are playing on the conveniently labelled xbox.
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"S*P*Q*R"

jpcline · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 289

Now you just need to put "Charlie Sheen set us up the bomb" on a T-shirt and charge 25 bucks for it.

Step 3? Profit.
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http://calmblueoceans.com/

jpcline · Joined: 24 Mar 2009 Posts: 289

Art and writing are obviously the least important parts of a comic, so I think fledgling webcomiceers need to think about mastering social media and e-commerce. Here's some good "pro-tips".
1) Under every single comic there should be a 3 paragraph blog entry that sums up the inspiration and meaning of the joke. Sort of like Jerry Springer's final thought.

You see, people don't come to your site to read your comics, they want read all about you! You're an artist, someone interesting! Your website is an extension of your online e-persona and your blog is the perfect outlet for getting your thoughts across. (Note: some people use their actual comic for this, but they are probably either hipsters, gay, or gay hipsters.)

2) Add every single wordpress widget you can find. People love these things, and the more the better! They make them for twitter, and tumblr, and blogger and facebook and livejournal. You can even stream the latest posts on your page to create one giant wall of text links. It's pretty cool! If you make em as big as possible, people won't be able to resist clicking.

3) Put adspace up in every available corner to create a streamlined monetinizerating e-destination. Your site needs to scream "I'm in it for the money!", so that readers know you are a serious professional!

Here's a mockup of a quality, content-driven web destination.

This is the road to stardom, and you are on your way!
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http://calmblueoceans.com/

cdrcjsn · Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 8:18 am Post subject:

See...this thread. It applies to me. I've done all those things. All of them.

Now I feel bad about myself and my comic.

/sigh

well...not the sex tape...but whatever.
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Chilari · Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 11:55 am Post subject:

jpcline, you forgot the essential piece of advice that you only post thumbnails of pages on the home page and then the reader can click on it for the full size thing. This was you can cram in even more adspace, by creating a page that basically consists of the comic page then a few adverts. And then if they want to see another page they have to click back on their prowse, go into the archive, and click each page individually to access it. That's what people want right?
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"S*P*Q*R"

Casual Notice · Posted: Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:22 pm Post subject:

cdrcjsn wrote:

well...not the sex tape...but whatever.

You say that, but where did I get the frame for my contribution?
_________________
What I lack in sincerity, I make up for in sarcasm.
S*P*Q*R

tamraherman · Joined: 12 Jan 2012 Posts: 1

Nice!