July 25, 2004
i prefer my own business models
We’ve seen the internet profoundly change all sorts of communication professions: writers, journalists, filmmakers, advertising & marketing etc.
But I wouldn’t say cartoonists are at the vanguard of post-Cluetrain thought.
I keep seeing internet cartoons formatted for newspaper. In other words, “I would rather have these cartoons in a newspaper, however until my ship comes in, I am putting them online as a kind of stop-gap.”
This is strange to me. Newspaper syndication has been a dead medium for years. I really don’t know of any still-working cartoonists who are (a) using the mainstream newspaper route as their central distribution channel (b) doing work that is fresh and interesting and © making a lot of money.
Sure, magazines may have have more leeway in the creativity department than newspapers, but the money is pathetic.
Whatever, it’s their choice. The thing I like about gapingvoid is it has allowed me to do my thing (for fun and yes, profit) without having to marry myself to somebody else’s business model. Especially somebody else’s LOUSY business model, which traditional publishing basically is.
The older I get, the less I like other people’s business models. I prefer my own business models, thank you very much.
This is what the internet is really about– this is what causes the excitement. It’s all about giving more people control over their own business models, not relying on third parties to supply them. This is true in publishing, retail, advertising, the law, you name it.
Hugh,
Have you checked out Scott McCloud? Aside from cartooning and similar sounding names, you guys have quite a bit in common. His book “Understanding Comics,” is probably the best book on communication or art I’ve ever read.
http://www.scottmccloud.com
Check it out.