There is a right and proper response to that kind of message. One way to address the problem is as a complaint. Feed or weed, air out differences in response videos or wait for it to go away. But that seems weak, at some level the promise of Comicsgate is that creators are rewarded. It sends a message when Edwin (or any other creator) can't say that's happening. A proper response is something different, that unites, that re-inspires and delivers a message of prosperity and unity. Not sure what that looks like, but EVS is a creative guy and I'm sure he will learn from his experiences with Edwin and Mike and do better.
We'll see. I agree Edwin sounds like a total faggot but I recognize creators need more upside to be part of Comicsgate as a movement. Answering that concern will take time, Edwin just doesn't have the fortitude to wait. Sad.
I appreciate this analysis, Ivan.
1. Feed or Weed is kind of my strategy going forward. I'm quick to pluck out people who don't align with where I'm going, because there's really nothing in it for ComicsGate to endlessly try to convince people we're right. This is business, not religion, but still, people who have lost "faith" can go, and go quickly. Those who are enthusiastic will get my support, and I'll encourage them to do the same for others.
2. Response videos have to be rare. I feel like the one I did on Edwin Boyette was called for. But they aren't any fun, and so the fewer times I personally give oxygen to clowns, the better.
3. More new books, more new personalities...the truth about Crowdfunding is that people are drawn more to the personalities who are creating these comics than they are to the comics themselves. I think a vast majority backed CYBERFROG because they liked my show. It's up to me to get them to care about the Frog book they bought. And all around, you see talented creators with either no platform, or dim or irritating personalities failing. Even a book like LONGHARBOR, which under my guidance I believe would have made it well into 6 figures, landed at less than $65K. He didn't have the platform he needed to get the word out. Its the most beautiful comic I've seen in ages. And then there's Preston Poulter, who can't raise $1000 without giving it to himself because he's a total asshole.
Meanwhile, Kyle Ritter, who is ComicsGate, part of the club, part of CYBERFROG, has produced a brilliant looking project in STARBLADES, and who is beloved by all, easily surpassed $125K. He's a first-timer.
Most other new creators under ComicsGate, on my channel, rise to between $25-50K. We're talking about new creators, with their own IPs. These are relatively huge successes. They have no platforms, no real social media presence, but I can introduce them to my audience and help get the word out for them. Give them a boost.
Back to personalities, I think it's fair to say that the first JAWBREAKERS campaign was also propelled largely by the personality of Ya Boi Zack. It didn't NEED to be a great book (even though it was). People bought into it because they wanted Zack to succeed. They came back when they enjoyed the comic he'd sent them.
Look at TUG and his CASE OF THE LITTLEST UMBRELLA. He's cultivated a devoted audience with his YouTube persona, and people wanted to support his publishing effort to the tune of over $100K.
Cecil will enjoy similar results. Eventually, so will Wenger. These guys are huge fun on YouTube. Big support is almost guaranteed.
Jon Malin is fun on YouTube, and he also easily digs close to $200k now. He's also an incredible artist, so it's entirely justified.
I guess what I'm saying is that "unity" doesn't really matter. I don't think it's at the heart of individual success, and I don't think people really care overall. People will back the projects they want to read, or back the projects of the personalities they enjoy. My own campaigns do really well. If you're on my channel, you will definitely enjoy the rising tide to a certain degree. If you aren't, you'll need to either shine really bright on your own, or get on Nick Rekeita's show.
When it comes to #ComicsGate, that's my belief system. I'll never stop talking about what happened to the comic book industry, not because I want to effect change, but because I want to condemn it every chance I get, and demonstrate that there's another way to do comics. Edwin's opinions are irrelevant. This isn't his industry, and he doesn't derive a livelihood from it.
So I'm not too interested.
