I wanted to write briefly about comic book creators (or any type of creator I guess) that become total and complete snobs. Snobs in a way that they act entitled and condescending to not just other creators, but to their fans.
Not too long ago I was following this artist I admired in a way, on this artist's social media. And through the years, I witnessed how this person went from an fantastic artist that was actually quite approachable, slowly become this condescending, entitled, very bitter artist. And it made me really think because, in this artist's personal life as far as I could tell, was actually doing REALLY well, and even professionally now that this artist's creations were being self-published. But the slow change was happening more towards the fan base and particularly the ones that interacted with this person.
This artist had become so rude and condescending to the fans, that I did what I virtually never do: I unfollowed this artist, and honestly, this artist lost me as a fan. This artist, along with a fellow artist, started just blasting fans saying that it was actually fans that were killing the comic book industry, and even started taking shots at other artists that had nothing to do with the conversation.
And it amazed me to see this, especially because at least publicly, I saw no one insulting this artist or showing disrespect. And what really bothered me is, here is this talented artist, who is blasting fans, yet, when it's time to do a kickstarter for their projects THEN fans are good again.
So, the fans that "do not know how the industry works" or that are "killing the industry", are the same ones that are good for reaching that kickstarter goal. And what after that? A thank you, hand out a perk, then be a snob the rest of the year until they need another fundraiser?
All I can say is, do not bit the hand that feeds you. Always remember, sooner or later, you will say something that will cost you, in this day and age, you can spend a lifetime building a legacy, and it only takes one minute for it to all come flaming down. That fan you looked down upon one day could somehow end up being your editor. That fan who'd killing the industry that they know so little about, just might be that one dollar you needed to finalize a successful kickstarter.
Well, I just wanted to get that off my chest, as always, that was just MHO. Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more stuff heading out your way!
-President of the Dangerzone (yes, one word)