Alright! Network problems solved, new DoS up in your face.

First things first, a correction. The charity show we’re a part of on the 28th is no longer for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Now it’s something a bit closer to home. The show is now benefiting Cal Robbins, infant son of producer/Channels member J. Robbins. For information on the cause, click here.

Secondly, strap yourself in, it’s rant time.

As you may have noticed, I’ve been hinting towards big things for us in 2007. One of those things includes a very aggressive con schedule, hitting as many as we can, as often as we can. Due to it’s relative closeness and generally strong reception towards webcomics, this February’s Katsucon in DC was going to be the first stop in the new year.

However, this week, certain details have come up, which for the time being have halted our plans to attend the con.

If you attend conventions with any frequency, you’d know that the main place for webcomics such as us to get any attention and/or sales is in the Artist’s Alley. A showcase of artists in different styles and mediums, it’s arguably the most diverse, and most interesting place in a convention. We’ve been lucky to be part of these for both Otakon and the Baltimore Comic Con, and were looking forward to making a splash at Katsucon. Due to their new, almost draconian table requirements, however, I’m sad to say that we won’t be a part.

Katsucon staff has made a push toward returning the Artist’s Alley to it’s “roots”. Citing a personal belief of returning the Alley to hand-drawn art by various fan artists, as well as an increased worry about copyright infringement (a’la Otakon this year), all tables must have at least 75% hand drawn artwork for sale, with a limited 25% of the table representing any other media/etc.

I, unlike a lot of the people currently arguing these points online, understand Katsucon’s approach and ability to enforce such demands. However, I also believe this greatly hinders the diversity and overall quality of the Artist’s Alley, and even the convention as a whole. As a co-creator of a growing webcomic, we don’t have 75% of our table covered with art for sale, rather, we use the con as a promotional vehicle, going out of pocket to create mini-comics and convention exclusive posters to give our fans/possible future readers an early taste and hopefully favorable impression of our work. What for, you ask? In the hopes of creating a loyal and devoted fanbase, so we can grow as artists and even businessmen. This decision takes our ability to do so at Katsucon and throws it away.

In turn, my response is simple. I’m not going to pitch a fit, I’m not going to call names, I’m going to vote with my dollars. Between printing costs, hotel costs, travel, etc., we put hundreds of dollars into each convention appearance. That money’s going elsewhere. Another con, another event. Anyone else reading this who feels that way? Don’t spend your time ‘fighting the Katsucon nazi’s’ (as one jaded internet poster put it)…vote with your money. The silence of not being at the con speaks volumes greater than any internet post ever could.

And that’s my rant for Friday.

We’ll be back Monday with a new comic, have a great weekend.

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