Two BIG things today!
First off, it's WebComics Awareness Day! [See http://russcon.org/wca2003/] Planet Earth (and other tourist traps) takes part in this very special and important day by drawing attention to an aspect of the online cartoonist and thier job. Many talented cartoonists love their work. In fact, there are dozens and dozens and dozens of cartoonists who wish they could afford to support themselves through their work. But unfortunately, online comics creators are generally paid like waitstaff -- through tips. Ask any cartoonist out there what percentage of their readers send in tips and you'll hear some low numbers, something along the lines of less than one percent.
Today would be a great day to thank all the cartoonists whose work you enjoy. And no, I'm not saying "Give them money, you ungrateful bastards." I'm saying drop a buck in that PayPal tip jar, buy something at that online store, click on that banner ad to generate some click-through revenue for them, or even just e-mail a cartoonist and say thanks for all the entertainment they provide on a daily or weekly basis.
I know that each and every cartoonist out there feels burnt out at times. Each and every cartoonist goes through a crisis of faith. Showing support through a message, a donation, or a store purchase really helps. Happy cartoonists mean more cartoons.
Secondly, today starts off the May 2003 Donation Drive. Planet Earth (and other tourist traps) merchandise is only sold during the biannual donation drives and today, WebComics Awareness Day marks the beginning of this drive. If you'd like a dice bag, character sketch, some original comic strips, a t-shirt, or playtest versions of Road Trip, now is your opportunity to make a donation and get cool stuff. More details can be found by clicking on the banner ad found at the bottom of every page (and the top of the PE(aott) pages).
Posted at May 5, 2003 12:08 AM
Way too much cool stuff here. You're gonna break me, Thomas. Damn cartoonists.
I'll be donating when we find out about them dice bags.
Posted by: Stephen at May 5, 2003 08:52 AMI have also decided to purchase a dice bag when they become available. Also, I'll use the tip jar more when I get rich, and buy other loot. I should be rich about the time I finish paying off my house, which could be as little as eleven years. In the mean time, keep coming up with cool ideas like the dice bag.
Posted by: Monkeyman at May 5, 2003 09:04 AMSpiffy. Not sure if I'll qualify for any goodies, but I'll see if I can rustle up something.
If I do, it'll probably be $15 for a sketch, being the art freak that I am.
Posted by: Sosiqui at May 5, 2003 11:12 AMGive me an address, Mr. Deeny? I promise any stalking I do will be under the influence of Ellmyruh, so you have nothing to worry about. =-O
Posted by: Sarah at May 5, 2003 08:28 PM