A Handy Primer For My Fellow Neophyte Comics Creators
Congratulations! You've gotten a comic book published! Now, before you go out into the world and look at reviews from various websites, there are a few things you should know about the comics blogosphere and the various review sites that are out there on the internet. It's not all going to be tea and cupcakes: you will get at least a few negative reviews about your first work. Here's a basic list of things to keep in mind when you encounter a negative review.
- Your LiveJournal "friends list" does not necessarily reflect the taste of the general reading public. Many creators like yourself find that water seeks its own level and they generally congregate around people with similar ideas and tastes. Sadly, this oftentimes warps the perceptions of the writer or artist and they find themselves wondering why somebody disliked or criticized their work when all their friends said it was brilliant. Realizing that people outside of your immediate circle can have valid opinions is an important first step that is absolutely necessary for any creator hoping to become a comics professional.
- When a reviewer does not like your work and criticizes it for faults, do not immediately assume they are a moron. The internet is, indeed, full of ill-informed people who spout complete claptrap at the drop of the proverbial hat, but take a few moments to read the review in full. Do they, in fact, make critical points that are worth consideration? If so, there are a number of reasons they may consider your work to be flawed and it is often worth your time to at least make note of them. You may wish to look at other reviews the person has put online as reference.
- A reviewer may not necessarily like your work, but most likely still "gets it." Many times, a creator immediately assumes that their work was not properly received because the reviewer did not have the require brainpower to understand what was presented. In fact, if the creator has been sent a copy of your work by your publisher, it is likely that your publisher realizes that they may well be able to give it the thought needed. They may not blatantly state they understand the subtle nuance in your use of the rose, but it's probably they noticed it and didn't feel it worthy of comment.
- The fact that a reviewer doesn't make comics themselves does not automatically negate their comments about your work. In much the same way that mechanics don't need to understand the physics behind how a car works but can see if the fan belt has slipped off, reviewers can look at a completed work and dissect it in a way that provides the perspective needed by a creator and audience: the reader's. Consider that some film critics like Pauline Kael were revered by filmmakers because of their insightful commentary.
- Do not respond to a review or comment about your work in anything but a positive manner. When you add a comment to a blog that has reviewed your work, you have to remember that it's not only the reviewer that sees your words, but the site's audience. They may only have 20 visitors a day, but some comics blogs see thousands of readers. Be polite, thank them for their time, and if they liked your work, thank them for their kind words. This should be the end of your commentary about the review. Engaging reviewers in a war of worlds never reflects well on the creator and remember the old marketing adage: people are three to ten times more likely to spread a negative impression than a positive one. Each time you make a statement in public concerning your work, you are engaging in marketing for yourself and your work. Do not endanger your fledgling career because of hubris.
- Marketing yourself and your work includes your personal blog and website. Avoid making negative comments about reviewers; they will find out about them and use them as fuel for a potential conflagration your fledgling career may not be able to escape from. You will also want to note that attacking your critics only gives them the opportunity to dismiss further work from you and makes for a contentious relationship with your publisher. Everything you do and say reflects not only on you, but the company that publishes your work. Nobody wants to work with a Negative Nancy, and you probably don't want to be considered one.
- You are not your comic. Even if they said that your work was subpar, that shouldn't be considered a reflection on you unless they blatantly insult you as a person. Take all commentary, good and bad, in stride and keep it separate from your ego if possible. It may be a good idea to speak to your friends about this if they end up commenting on your behalf. An overzealous friend can turn into your worst enemy if they insult the wrong person.
