11 O'Clock Comics Episode 114

[deadcowaroma]

It was only briefly mentioned in the episode, but....

I was able to catch up with 28 Days Later using the comixology app and Chris is right, it is real freaking good. I did think it started out a bit weak, but the story definitely ramped up after that first arc. They dialed back the Selina character’s “This is not a game!” routine and they added in some interesting twists with the military.  It definitely has me interested in keeping up with the series.

I think what really draws me in to each issue though is the art. If the art wasn’t as good as it is, I probably would have never made it past that first arc. Declan Shalvey’s art though is very much like one of my favorite artists, Michael Lark, and it really pulled me into each issue. Even more of a surprise though was the fill in artist for issue #9, Leonardo Manco. His art meshes perfectly with Shalvey’s but yet is a totally different style. It’s really is like if Michael Lark was doing the book with Alex Maleev filling in. Boom really lucked out getting these 2 guys working on their comics.

[VinceB]

If you ask people what they want, they want the best service/most product for the lowest price...they want everything for nothing... and you can't run a business like that.

I think the reality of the situation is that they won't run their businesses like that, not that they can't.

You may recall my desire to sell resin figures of my own design. I've done my homework on the production process, calculating the cost of the materials, the time it would take me to produce varying number of runs, and what it would cost me to package and ship the things. If I priced the things in accord to what other creators get, I could easily sell them at $50 a pop. I refuse to do that. I know what each would cost me in materials and labor and, in my opinion, $25 is more than fair. Believe me, I wouldn't be losing money on that deal. So why do the other guys charge $50? Because their sound designs and production standards have earned them good reputations, sure, but the real reason is because they can, and their runs sell out every time. I realize that's how business is done, but not for this guy. What's so wrong with charging a reasonable price for a product? But...but...but...you could be making twice as much for your art! Yeah, and feeling like a thief in the process. Not worth it to me.

[New Mutant]

Can I live?
Re: Your opening comments concerning my humble self and David ...

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/E2dpfLRggcA&rel=1" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/E2dpfLRggcA&rel=1</a>

... because a brother gotta eat.

But have no fear. I'd never take the ones meant for you, Vince. 

[Dave A]

I think the reality of the situation is that they won't run their businesses like that, not that they can't.

You may recall my desire to sell resin figures of my own design. I've done my homework on the production process, calculating the cost of the materials, the time it would take me to produce varying number of runs, and what it would cost me to package and ship the things. If I priced the things in accord to what other creators get, I could easily sell them at $50 a pop. I refuse to do that. I know what each would cost me in materials and labor and, in my opinion, $25 is more than fair. Believe me, I wouldn't be losing money on that deal. So why do the other guys charge $50? Because their sound designs and production standards have earned them good reputations, sure, but the real reason is because they can, and their runs sell out every time. I realize that's how business is done, but not for this guy. What's so wrong with charging a reasonable price for a product? But...but...but...you could be making twice as much for your art! Yeah, and feeling like a thief in the process. Not worth it to me.

That is a noble attitude I wish others shared. But, I doubt your work -- no matter how good it turns out to be -- will ever be considered a premium product.

There's a sad and strange (but proven) theory that the more a product costs, the more a customer's perceived value of the product falls in alignment with that cost. Ie, a customer sees a $25 figure next to a $50 figure, and typically says, "The $50 figure must be superior", just based on the price. Charging half as much as your competitors is how you get saddled with labels like "cheap knock-off".

It's insane to people who can actually discern between different levels of quality in a product without a dollar sign attached to it, but that makes it no less true, unfortunately.

[VinceB]

That is a noble attitude I wish others shared. But, I doubt your work -- no matter how good it turns out to be -- will ever be considered a premium product.

That's a distinction I'm more than willing to accept. Let 'em perceive the product as they will. If I somehow manage to corral a few patrons who appreciate and value the product, I'd be a happy man.

[whirlwindx]

Outro: God Is in the Radio by Queens of the Stone Age

Alright! 

[Dave A]

That's a distinction I'm more than willing to accept. Let 'em perceive the product as they will. If I somehow manage to corral a few patrons who appreciate and value the product, I'd be a happy man.

And that's awesome! But, I'm sure you'd be hard-pressed to argue, that isn't really a way to run a business. At least, not in this world. Wish there were more like you, though! 

By the way, you and David are spot on about Bendis nailing Benjamin J. Grimm in New Avengers #1. I was ECSTATIC with the issue.

The only thing that bugged me a littttttle bit about the issue was that a lot of the conversation seemed to be set up to address what Bendis knew would be internet jokes and fan concerns. Tone that down a bit, and we've got a perfect book to me. 

[Andy Jewett]

What's so wrong with charging a reasonable price for a product? But...but...but...you could be making twice as much for your art! Yeah, and feeling like a thief in the process. Not worth it to me.

This is exactly why I think my commission prices will never elevate (much at least) beyond where they are now.

[Just Bill]

That's a distinction I'm more than willing to accept. Let 'em perceive the product as they will. If I somehow manage to corral a few patrons who appreciate and value the product, I'd be a happy man.

Today, right now, I  VinceB. 

[Greg Leclair (greg1ca)]

I'm about halfway thru the episode. Wow, the Chris legion of fans are out in full force on the call ins. Good for him It IS nice to have him back. In listening this week I do notice a different rhythm to the show with three people (or perhaps this combo of 3). It just seems quieter and more converstaional. Not better or worse, just different. Of course I want Wood back, but it's try to have different mixes as well, as we have had in recent weeks.

Looking forward to the second half on my way home (after I stop for my own drink roll call supplies).

Also...Anna Torv is hawt! Fringe is rocks. And Justified is the best new show on TV

[VinceB]

Today, right now, I  VinceB. 

I shall bask in the glow for as long as it lasts.

Our boy Woooode, however, would not be pleased. Not at all.  

[Comicbookhero (Michael Moskop)]

Great episode guys.

I'm an idiot. I am listening to the last episode and forgot I am a week behind. Move along. LOL.

[Andy Jewett]

PS. Jason, buddy, pal, my friend... I missed hearing you on the show. Hope all is well.

[InspectorSpacetime]

why chris was dropping out


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1289162/Lightning-strikes-Willis-Tower-Trump-Tower-Chicago.html

[Peter]

I for one loved Whitehead's voicemails in this ep. THAT was some real talk.

[deadcowaroma]

I think the reality of the situation is that they won't run their businesses like that, not that they can't.

You may recall my desire to sell resin figures of my own design. I've done my homework on the production process, calculating the cost of the materials, the time it would take me to produce varying number of runs, and what it would cost me to package and ship the things. If I priced the things in accord to what other creators get, I could easily sell them at $50 a pop. I refuse to do that. I know what each would cost me in materials and labor and, in my opinion, $25 is more than fair. Believe me, I wouldn't be losing money on that deal. So why do the other guys charge $50? Because their sound designs and production standards have earned them good reputations, sure, but the real reason is because they can, and their runs sell out every time. I realize that's how business is done, but not for this guy. What's so wrong with charging a reasonable price for a product? But...but...but...you could be making twice as much for your art! Yeah, and feeling like a thief in the process. Not worth it to me.

You're a man that thinks with your heart, Vince. That's why we all love you.  The Man though thinks with his calculator. And he's a bastard.

[Farrell]

I'm about halfway thru the episode. Wow, the Chris legion of fans are out in full force on the call ins.

Same guy three times, no offense meant to Chris.  I was nodding my head along to him (Chris, not "Widehead") a lot during this episode.

[tomkaters]

But...but...but...you could be making twice as much for your art! Yeah, and feeling like a thief in the process. Not worth it to me.

That is a dangerous road for the creative. When I was still doing stage shows in Chicago there used to be a lot of debate about how much we should charge for a show. We started at $5 but after awhile there was a feeling that maybe we should charge $10. Now I don't know if people would pay that much, but I felt we could do a show that was worth $10. If I was wrong, well we could go back to $5.

We stayed at $5 and stagnated. We didn't get better, and think there was a general feeling we couldn't get better....which guaranteed we couldn't do better. The price you charge for you creative output is a mark of responsibility, and can push you to improve yourself.

Vince...you are extremely creative and very talented. You may say that the thief remark is just self deprecation but you should be careful not to let that take a hold of you.

It is hard thing to let people pay you what you are worth.

[Andy Jewett]

It is hard thing to let people pay you what you are worth.

amazing. Thanks for sharing Mr. Katers.

[Dave A]

That is a dangerous road for the creative. When I was still doing stage shows in Chicago there used to be a lot of debate about how much we should charge for a show. We started at $5 but after awhile there was a feeling that maybe we should charge $10. Now I don't know if people would pay that much, but I felt we could do a show that was worth $10. If I was wrong, well we could go back to $5.

We stayed at $5 and stagnated. We didn't get better, and think there was a general feeling we couldn't get better....which guaranteed we couldn't do better. The price you charge for you creative output is a mark of responsibility, and can push you to improve yourself.

Vince...you are extremely creative and very talented. You may say that the thief remark is just self deprecation but you should be careful not to let that take a hold of you.

It is hard thing to let people pay you what you are worth.

Another excellent point. You can add up parts and labor and come out to a basic cost, but that cost doesn't include the thing you're providing that no one else in the world can: your creative vision.

Since that's the X factor, what you're (unintentionally) telling people when you charge less for your work is that you don't think it's worth as much as the work of other artists. If you don't think your own work is worthwhile, why would anyone else?

As a guy who's seldom done creative work for any price tag above "free", I struggle with this all the time.