Rick Olney--Fibber or Mega-Giganta-Fibber?

[GCom]

They didn't intend to.

It was just that they said something offensive to Colleen Doran, and she smacked'em so damn hard they spun around in place.

Okay. You. Get over here and clean my monitor of the tea from that spit-take you just caused.


With Tolerance For Spicy Lemon Pixels...

GCom

[Danny Donovan]

You're ChrisChross the artist?

Jeez, and this whole time I thought you were ChrisCross the rapper.

*smacks forehead, then tosses old ChrisCross cds in the trash*

Actually that was KrisKross, they were gonna make you jump you know.

Chris Cross is the prolific artist formerly of Firestorm and the critically acclaimed Captain Marvel.

He's gonna make ya.. um.. I dunno. But piss him off and you don't wanna know. :p

[MacQuarrie]

Eh, I look at Liefield and say that art is U-U-UGLIE!..whether he's a guy or girl.
I love that more females our coming into the hobby/industry, it was so lacking going to cons back in the early 70's. More power to you!
Please, can we kill this "hobby/industry" thing?

If you're creating comics, whether for pay or love of the medium, you're in the comics industry, either as a pro or an amateur.

If you're buying them, reading them, collecting them or talking about them, you're in the hobby of comics.

These two distinct areas do not coincide as often or as interchangeably as the Dicks of the world would have it. Reading, collecting and discussing comics is a hobby. Writing, drawing, publishing and retailing them is an industry. There is some overlap (most pros are fans), but they are two separate areas, and scumbags like Peanut insist on confusing them for their own profit and advantage. We have to stop ceding that ground to them.

[JamesRitcheyIII]

Actually that was KrisKross, they were gonna make you jump you know.

Chris Cross is the prolific artist formerly of Firestorm and the critically acclaimed Captain Marvel.

He's gonna make ya.. um.. I dunno. But piss him off and you don't wanna know. :p

Chris Cross was the synthesizer player for the 'eighties new wave band, Ultravox! He draws, too? :confused:

:D

[JamesRitcheyIII]

Please, can we kill this "hobby/industry" thing?

If you're creating comics, whether for pay or love of the medium, you're in the comics industry, either as a pro or an amateur.

If you're buying them, reading them, collecting them or talking about them, you're in the hobby of comics.

These two distinct areas do not coincide as often or as interchangeably as the Dicks of the world would have it. Reading, collecting and discussing comics is a hobby. Writing, drawing, publishing and retailing them is an industry. There is some overlap (most pros are fans), but they are two separate areas, and scumbags like Peanut insist on confusing them for their own profit and advantage. We have to stop ceding that ground to them.

Good point. Any pros or 'quasi-pro wannabes' like me out there who still collect? Most of the artists I know (including myself) don't collect anymore. The writers seem to be more prone to keeping up on minutiae in relation to continuity--which I personally feel pollutes and 'dates' the mythological qualities of the archetypes some of these 'costumed characters' have become.

[SteveForbes]

They didn't intend to.

It was just that they said something offensive to Colleen Doran, and she smacked'em so damn hard they spun around in place.

Now, THAT'S comedy!

I was just about to go get something to drink when I read that. Good thing my mouth wasn't full at the time!

-llama

[JTPencils]

I'm Baaaaack!! Though that doesn't bring about the same interest and mud slinging as the pop up's of the looney one, I WAS out of the loop for a week (and yeah, as expected, fell about 40 pages behind!)...

But I want to thank Bev especially for keeping me updated as to the latest developments, as well as some interesting things that are developing over at Unscrewed!

I'm still trying to picture in my mind, peanut's first day in the pen...

"What you in fo?"

"Assault..."

"Armed robbery..."

"Took out a whole neighborhood with a machete..."

"I screwed comics people, charitable industries, bragged about my own pompous self, and then insulted everyone with every bigoted thing I could think off my pointy head..."

Suddenly, RO think's he's important and powerful, because the rest of the general population invite him to a shower party.

[Danny Donovan]

Now this is a bit of old news, and honestly I am loathe to link it because it's fairly mean to Ronee and I don't believe the amount of ire is called for here but there is something interesting inbetween the snark.

http://comicsworthreading.com/2006/07/22/snark-ronee-returns/

For those that don't care to go through the whole article this is the bit I'm refering to:

Personally, I was going to run the PR just to make fun of it, because the CEO of this new venture is Rick Olney (http://www.jazmaonline.com/interviews/interviews2.asp?intID=290). Longtime online observers will recall the name as someone who had a number of public meltdowns on Comicon.com, back in the day, as well as possibly engaging in tax fraud by claiming to run a non-profit that didn’t have any of the proper forms. I can’t think of two people that better deserve each other.

Now this was written in 2006, and it states there has already been something of a case of Tax Fraud that had been brought up. So Matt you may be interested in e-mailing Johanna see what she might have that you could use there.

It seems that if charges were at least alluded to as early as 07-22-2006 there is probably a much LARGER thing at play here than we originally thought.

And this is just for the Non-Profit Orca program. not even taking into consideration the St. Judes thing.

hmmm....

[Kurt Busiek]

Good point. Any pros or 'quasi-pro wannabes' like me out there who still collect? Most of the artists I know (including myself) don't collect anymore. The writers seem to be more prone to keeping up on minutiae in relation to continuity--which I personally feel pollutes and 'dates' the mythological qualities of the archetypes some of these 'costumed characters' have become.

Lots of comics creators still buy and read lots of comics.

For my part, though, I don't think of it either as a hobby or as collecting, any more than I consider reading books a "hobby," and having lots of them a "collection."

I don't collect books. I have a library. I have a comics library, too. Some for research, some for enjoyment, with a massive overlap.

Watching GREY'S ANATOMY is not a hobby, nor is reading USAGI YOJIMBO. It's a leisure activity.

kdb

[Paul D. Storrie]

As there was some reference by Olney the Lonely earlier in the thread about getting Billy Tucci to do a cover for him, I thought I'd do a little bragging. See, I've actually got a book coming out with a cover by Billy Tucci. Appropriate, since he's the creator of one of the lead characters.

The comic in question? The Shi/Tenth Muse crossover coming in June from Blue Water Productions. Written by yours truly, illustrated by Nadir Balan.

http://a389.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/20/m_e3fa394392e56ac9180462269895496c.jpg

And, yes, I expect to be talking to Billy at the New York show at the end of the month and will make sure he knows all about Olney's shennanigans.

PDS

[Calliope's Comics]

Hey this should be the cover to the MMC convention to commemorate all of the fun with lawsuits he is going to have. Or use it as the cover to the Unscrewed Book. I am sure someone with photshop can add Rick in.



http://i13.ebayimg.com/05/c/06/bb/15/84_7.JPG

[Calliope's Comics]

As there was some reference by Olney the Lonely earlier in the thread about getting Billy Tucci to do a cover for him, I thought I'd do a little bragging. See, I've actually got a book coming out with a cover by Billy Tucci. Appropriate, since he's the creator of one of the lead characters.

The comic in question? The Shi/Tenth Muse crossover coming in June from Blue Water Productions. Written by yours truly, illustrated by Nadir Balan.

http://a389.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/20/m_e3fa394392e56ac9180462269895496c.jpg

And, yes, I expect to be talking to Billy at the New York show at the end of the month and will make sure he knows all about Olney's shennanigans.

PDS

Billy already knows of the situation. I called him the second all of this went down to explain everything to him and he told me he was giving Chuck Dixon a call to see what was going on. That cover looks great and the rough pencils that Billy has on his website are awesome. Oh is there anywhere I can link to so I can post that pic on Billy's site?

[PatrickG]

Lots of comics creators still buy and read lots of comics.

For my part, though, I don't think of it either as a hobby or as collecting, any more than I consider reading books a "hobby," and having lots of them a "collection."

I don't collect books. I have a library. I have a comics library, too. Some for research, some for enjoyment, with a massive overlap.

Watching GREY'S ANATOMY is not a hobby, nor is reading USAGI YOJIMBO. It's a leisure activity.

kdb

I'd agree there. But I would say that, for instance, framing and collected vintage/signed/rare comics is a hobby and some pros DO that the way McFarlane collected sports memorobelia.

For instance, reading and buying books is not a hobby. But Truett Cathy (the Chik-Fil-A founder) having a complete set of first edition Horatio Alger books in a special display in his office would lean more towards the hobby thing, wouldn't it? Even if he might read 'em, the primary purpose of the case is to display them as art or a museum piece.

Some comics pros have libraries of comics. Some pros have CGC graded Golden-Age books on a wall.

Heck, I have a friend who came across a HUGE collection of Golden and Silver Age books at a flea market. The first Alan Scott/Hal Jordan team-up. Complete Hawkman and Aquaman runs. 1940s Shazam comics. And I'm scared to buy anything off him since he's looking to market to collectors. I'd rather get trades even if the prices were reasonable just because I feel awkward having something that precious around.

A friend got me a 50s Batman comic for Christmas and I haven't opened it yet because I already read a reprint once and I feel anxious just having it around. 'Course, i probably will open it just because I love the way the paper in those old comic smells and how course it feels on your fingertips. Heck, just talking about it makes me want to buy a pack of baseball cards in hopes of finding some of that crunchy, stale chewing gum.

I devour and abuse and reread comics and that kind of assorted memorabilia like a kid. I'm not sure if that qualifies as a hobby OR a library. I'm half scared somebody will take a hit out on me if they learn that I've stepped on comics (y'know, if I set one down on the floor by the couch or bed and forgot it's there), rolled 'em up to stick in my pocket and that I keep them unbagged on shelves or sitting exposed in plastic crates in my closet. I read 'em till the covers wrinkle and pull away from the staples and the paper frays.

I do the same with books to some extent too.

As far as what Matt said...

I agree that too much continuity can make things stale and that writers need to be exposed to more non-comic book work. At the same time, I think it's really important for writers to have an extra appreciation for the form and what's been done and what hasn't been done and what could stand to be followed up on and what you should avoid like the plague.

Visual arts are often about what you can express or convey, especially in comics, whereas writing seems to be in large measure about what you can take in and how you process it in your head and in words. Not that a little of both isn't healthy for both sides to have.

[TomStillwell]

I'd agree there. But I would say that, for instance, framing and collected vintage/signed/rare comics is a hobby and some pros DO that the way McFarlane collected sports memorobelia.

For instance, reading and buying books is not a hobby. But Truett Cathy (the Chik-Fil-A founder) having a complete set of first edition Horatio Alger books in a special display in his office would lean more towards the hobby thing, wouldn't it? Even if he might read 'em, the primary purpose of the case is to display them as art or a museum piece.

Some comics pros have libraries of comics. Some pros have CGC graded Golden-Age books on a wall.

Heck, I have a friend who came across a HUGE collection of Golden and Silver Age books at a flea market. The first Alan Scott/Hal Jordan team-up. Complete Hawkman and Aquaman runs. 1940s Shazam comics. And I'm scared to buy anything off him since he's looking to market to collectors. I'd rather get trades even if the prices were reasonable just because I feel awkward having something that precious around.

A friend got me a 50s Batman comic for Christmas and I haven't opened it yet because I already read a reprint once and I feel anxious just having it around. 'Course, i probably will open it just because I love the way the paper in those old comic smells and how course it feels on your fingertips. Heck, just talking about it makes me want to buy a pack of baseball cards in hopes of finding some of that crunchy, stale chewing gum.

I devour and abuse and reread comics and that kind of assorted memorabilia like a kid. I'm not sure if that qualifies as a hobby OR a library. I'm half scared somebody will take a hit out on me if they learn that I've stepped on comics (y'know, if I set one down on the floor by the couch or bed and forgot it's there), rolled 'em up to stick in my pocket and that I keep them unbagged on shelves or sitting exposed in plastic crates in my closet. I read 'em till the covers wrinkle and pull away from the staples and the paper frays.

I do the same with books to some extent too.

As far as what Matt said...

I agree that too much continuity can make things stale and that writers need to be exposed to more non-comic book work. At the same time, I think it's really important for writers to have an extra appreciation for the form and what's been done and what hasn't been done and what could stand to be followed up on and what you should avoid like the plague.

Visual arts are often about what you can express or convey, especially in comics, whereas writing seems to be in large measure about what you can take in and how you process it in your head and in words. Not that a little of both isn't healthy for both sides to have.

See, Patrick, I'm like you in regards to my comics. I don't have a collection. I just have tons of books that I constantly re-read.

Few are in mylar bags with boards, none are in any sort of organization. I throw them into longboxes until the next time I have the urge to read them again.

Lately I've been sending my comics to our troops in Iraq. I'm just reaching in boxes and grabbing handfuls at a time. Although, I do admit sometimes there is some weeding out of my very fondest books.

[Kurt Busiek]

I'd agree there. But I would say that, for instance, framing and collected vintage/signed/rare comics is a hobby and some pros DO that the way McFarlane collected sports memorobelia.

Absolutely. Just as, in your Truett Cathy example, we can see what we do think of as a book collector -- someone who is buying certain books (usually first editions) for the pleasure of ownership more than for the story within.

I was responding in a thread which made the distinction that anyone making comics is in the industry, anyone buying them is a hobbyist. I don't think either are true, but that doesn't mean I don't think that there are people who can be said to be in the industry and people who can be said to be hobbyists. Merely that it's not that sweeping.

I also think it's worth not making the assumption that anyone who buys comics is a collector or a hobbyist, since it carries with it the assumption that that's what comics are about -- they're like stamps, coins and gum cards.

To some, they are. But to most, I think they fall into the same category as books, magazines, movies and TV -- they're entertainment, a storytelling medium. The more we make the assumption the buying comics equates to collecting for a hobby, the more we're pre-marginalizing the form.

There are people who collect comics as a hobby, you bet. There are people who collect books as a hobby, too, or collect movies, or magazines, and so on. And there's nothing wrong with them doing that. It's just not the automatic assumption that if you pick up the latest Stephen King, Car & Driver or box set of Grey's Anatomy, you're a hobbyist/collector.

I think comics would be better off if they were thought analogous to other forms of entertainment -- some of which get collected by collectors -- rather than a priori objects to be collected by hobbyists.

kdb

[PatrickG]

Lately I've been sending my comics to our troops in Iraq. I'm just reaching in boxes and grabbing handfuls at a time. Although, I do admit sometimes there is some weeding out of my very fondest books.

That's very cool.

I assume there's a way of knowing if they're comic fans first? Or the army filters 'em out? I suppose, it's an appreciated gesture in any case.

Heck, maybe chromium die cut covers provide better body armor than what they've got.

[Corrina]

Where do you send them Tom?

I've been wanting to get rid of my single issues and I would love to send them to our troops. D'oh me for not thinking of it.

[Papergirl]

I'm Baaaaack!! Though that doesn't bring about the same interest and mud slinging as the pop up's of the looney one, I WAS out of the loop for a week (and yeah, as expected, fell about 40 pages behind!)...

But I want to thank Bev especially for keeping me updated as to the latest developments, as well as some interesting things that are developing over at Unscrewed!

I'm still trying to picture in my mind, peanut's first day in the pen...

"What you in fo?"

"Assault..."

"Armed robbery..."

"Took out a whole neighborhood with a machete..."

"I screwed comics people, charitable industries, bragged about my own pompous self, and then insulted everyone with every bigoted thing I could think off my pointy head..."

Suddenly, RO think's he's important and powerful, because the rest of the general population invite him to a shower party.
HA! Nice!

And welcome back, JT! Glad the computer's all better and recovering nicely from its surgery!

~Bev

[Reverend Smooth]

Good point. Any pros or 'quasi-pro wannabes' like me out there who still collect? Most of the artists I know (including myself) don't collect anymore.
I only collect stuff by creative teams that I like. I haven't collected much of anything in the last couple years because of poverty (this may be the reason why artists stop collecting, freelance art is not the most lucrative of careers).

Now that I have a machine that lets me do cgi stuff, this will change-- but I have other things to do first, like pay a penciller and buy a new wheelchair and some actual nice clothes.

Re: hobby-- like I said earlier (or at least I think I did)- working on comics is one of my jobs. Reading them is one of my hobbies. Confusing them, imo, just leads to unprofessional attitudes (though some people undoubtedly manage it, there are always exceptions).

[NatGertler]

Good point. Any pros or 'quasi-pro wannabes' like me out there who still collect?Yes -- I collect books of Peanuts and Schulz-related material, actively seeking out volumes that I don't already have, even if I already have the content in other. This forms the base for the AAUGH.com reference library, which at this point is more than 800 volumes.

My other comics purchases at this point are an accumulation, rather than a collection. I do hope to organize them at some point (I last sorted things about a decade ago), but that's so I can locate ones for business reasons (I do reprint collections, and it's handy to look at things that might be worth reprinting) and possibly creating a pile of ones worth parting with and seeing if I can get some money out of them.

[Paul D. Storrie]

Billy already knows of the situation. I called him the second all of this went down to explain everything to him and he told me he was giving Chuck Dixon a call to see what was going on.

Good deal.

That cover looks great and the rough pencils that Billy has on his website are awesome. Oh is there anywhere I can link to so I can post that pic on Billy's site?


I'm linking to the Blue Water Productions MySpace image gallery. I'll send you a PM with the link for the thumbnail and the larger image.

PDS

[Koben Kelly]

I thought you were KrisKross the rappers.

C'mon... give the kids some love! After all... they started the nationwide wearing your clothing backwards craze, right? Right?

Daddy Matt'll make Rick... JUMP JUMP!

[Danny Donovan]

C'mon... give the kids some love! After all... they started the nationwide wearing your clothing backwards craze, right? Right?

Daddy Matt'll make Rick... JUMP JUMP!


Daddy MACK! Daddy MACK!

It was Mack Daddy and Daddy Mack!

lol.

Yes, I know... I live in the 90's.

I am sadly addicted to http://www.retrojunk.com/

*sigh* A much simpler time. :p I want a do over! :p

[Koben Kelly]

Daddy MACK! Daddy MACK!

It was Mack Daddy and Daddy Mack! :p

Produced by the eventual Mr. Janet Jackson... Jermaine Dupri. He discovered them at a shopping mall talent show, fer Chrisakes.

What the F ever happened to those kids (who are now probably in their mid-twenties), anyway? Did they go the way of the Rumpshaker guys?

[Blake Petit]

We can only hope...

And they've gotta be older than that. I was in high school during their height of popularity and I'm turning 30 this year. :shudders in realization:

[THEDOC]

Please, can we kill this "hobby/industry" thing?

If you're creating comics, whether for pay or love of the medium, you're in the comics industry, either as a pro or an amateur.

If you're buying them, reading them, collecting them or talking about them, you're in the hobby of comics.

These two distinct areas do not coincide as often or as interchangeably as the Dicks of the world would have it. Reading, collecting and discussing comics is a hobby. Writing, drawing, publishing and retailing them is an industry. There is some overlap (most pros are fans), but they are two separate areas, and scumbags like Peanut insist on confusing them for their own profit and advantage. We have to stop ceding that ground to them.

Sorry to me it's both, it's my way to keep the fun in doing this stuff and to some, they feel publishing or creating Small Press, it's not about the money but the joy of creating. They still see it as a hobby.
Now running a shop is all business and I have seen folks who treat that liek a hobby godown in flames.
But I will just refer to it as comics when talking of such things.

[THEDOC]

I saw this on the Jazma Interview with Rick:
Who knows what an "APA" is? I founded an amateur press association known as "ORComx" for creative people looking to explore their creativity and expression on a smaller scale. APA's are groups of people with like interests that put their creative efforts on paper supported by camaraderie and opinion. The ORComx APA just mailed its 59th issue with the help of its central mailer, Dennis Kininger.
"
Is her claiming to have started APA's or that his is the longest? I think Jerry Bails (Rest his soul) is spinning in his grave. I suppose Rick invented Fandom.

[TomStillwell]

Where do you send them Tom?

I've been wanting to get rid of my single issues and I would love to send them to our troops. D'oh me for not thinking of it.

There's someone I know from another message board in Iraq who hands them out to his squad mates. They love easily portal reading material, stuff they can keep rolled up in a pocket and read anywhere.

There's also this very worth organization.

http://www.heroes4heroes.org/

[NatGertler]

Is her claiming to have started APA's or that his is the longest?I don't see either of those claims in the quote you provide.

[Reverend Smooth]

Now running a shop is all business
So should writing and making art on a deadline, since it's guaranteed not to be fun for a good part of the time, and people tend to drop hobbies that are not enjoyable.

I am a comics enthusiast, mind you, and that enthusiasm is part of why I want to work in comics. But my hobbies have nothing to do with making art.

[neko onna]

Yes, I know... I live in the 90's.

I am sadly addicted to http://www.retrojunk.com/

*sigh* A much simpler time. :p I want a do over! :p
I LOVE that site...it is like going home again..and again..and again..

in fact just that little visit just now...my get up and go..musta got up and went..I hanker for a hunka cheese....WHA HOOO!

[Samuel Catalino]

Has anyone noticed the physical resemblance between R.O. and Michael Devlin?

I was just wondering if anyone picked that one up....

[TonyIsabella]

Yes -- I collect books of Peanuts and Schulz-related material, actively seeking out volumes that I don't already have, even if I already have the content in other. This forms the base for the AAUGH.com reference library, which at this point is more than 800 volumes.

My other comics purchases at this point are an accumulation, rather than a collection. I do hope to organize them at some point (I last sorted things about a decade ago), but that's so I can locate ones for business reasons (I do reprint collections, and it's handy to look at things that might be worth reprinting) and possibly creating a pile of ones worth parting with and seeing if I can get some money out of them.

Get out of my head, Nat!

At this point, I'm an accumulator. I aspire to being a collector, but first I'd have to organize my accumulation of stuff to figure out what I actually want to collect and keep. And then try to sell off the rest.

Complicating matters is that I receive something like 300 review items every month. If I was making any money, I'd hire an assistant to help me sort out this stuff, keep track of it, and the like.

Tony
whose life is so hectic at the moment that reading this thread is actually sort of relaxing

[NatGertler]

Get out of my head, Nat!But it's so cozy in here and the rent is so cheap!

[Danny Donovan]

I LOVE that site...it is like going home again..and again..and again..

in fact just that little visit just now...my get up and go..musta got up and went..I hanker for a hunka cheese....WHA HOOO!

Bwahahahaha It is a brilliant place. :p Personally I got a kick out of the old school HBO commercial

da na na... da na na.. da da da. da... da na na.. da na na... :p

Also all my favorite cartoons back in the day

I've ended up downloading so much stuff that is no longer on TV..:p


Tony! good to see you back and around. welcome back to thread crack. :p
I'm like you, a pack rat. I always say "I collect collections." I have so many comics and toys and other odds and ends from my travels but I'd never part with any of it because it's all sentimental to me.

[Reverend Smooth]

I used to be a serious collector of novels and indie comics, but a) when I was homeless, it became a serious inconvenience to find storage for all that stuff (hence me hanging on to Collen Doran's ADS and a few Lackey novels and not much else, at the time), and b) I then had to sell off the whole collection for a plane ticket to the US.

Which really hurt, but a job was more important than comics.

It turned out to be inevitable anyway, because that company jacked me, and I was homeless again. Somebody, still not me, would've ended up with a nice collection for free.

Since then, I haven't collected much. (Of anything, and particularly not since I plan on buying an rv within the next few years to live out of and will, once again, have no storage.)

[Sarah Beach]

I saw this on the Jazma Interview with Rick:
RO on Jazma
Who knows what an "APA" is? I founded an amateur press association known as "ORComx" for creative people looking to explore their creativity and expression on a smaller scale. APA's are groups of people with like interests that put their creative efforts on paper supported by camaraderie and opinion. The ORComx APA just mailed its 59th issue with the help of its central mailer, Dennis Kininger.

Is he claiming to have started APA's or that his is the longest? I think Jerry Bails (Rest his soul) is spinning in his grave. I suppose Rick invented Fandom.
Nah.

But what I've always found amusing in glancing at this quote is that he first off (in speaking to an apparent fandom audience) he feels the need to lecture on just what an APA is. Admittedly, since the internet has exploded in the last 7 to 10 years, APAs aren't quite as prevelent. But he talks like the audience isn't going to have a clue on what they are - not a safe assumption.

And also note the harping on "just mailed its 59th issue". Without any indication of how frequent the APA is! If it's a monthly (and there have been some that frequent), that's a mere 5 years! Heh. He doesn't know how to "sell" a record of any sort. :p

[bert]

I want news dangit!

why do lawsuits take so long. . . . :(

[Crowley]

I hate that this thread has besmirched Giganta's good name.

[Charles RB]

I want news dangit!


Here you go. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/) ;)

[Reverend Smooth]

Here you go. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/)
;)

From a story on the front page:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557753_bottle_ap220.jpg

So cute.

I am also annoyed that, speaking of black and white animals, orcas are now associated with Olney. I like orcas.

[MacQuarrie]

Absolutely. Just as, in your Truett Cathy example, we can see what we do think of as a book collector -- someone who is buying certain books (usually first editions) for the pleasure of ownership more than for the story within.

I was responding in a thread which made the distinction that anyone making comics is in the industry, anyone buying them is a hobbyist. I don't think either are true, but that doesn't mean I don't think that there are people who can be said to be in the industry and people who can be said to be hobbyists. Merely that it's not that sweeping.

I also think it's worth not making the assumption that anyone who buys comics is a collector or a hobbyist, since it carries with it the assumption that that's what comics are about -- they're like stamps, coins and gum cards.

To some, they are. But to most, I think they fall into the same category as books, magazines, movies and TV -- they're entertainment, a storytelling medium. The more we make the assumption the buying comics equates to collecting for a hobby, the more we're pre-marginalizing the form.

There are people who collect comics as a hobby, you bet. There are people who collect books as a hobby, too, or collect movies, or magazines, and so on. And there's nothing wrong with them doing that. It's just not the automatic assumption that if you pick up the latest Stephen King, Car & Driver or box set of Grey's Anatomy, you're a hobbyist/collector.

I think comics would be better off if they were thought analogous to other forms of entertainment -- some of which get collected by collectors -- rather than a priori objects to be collected by hobbyists.

kdb

My only point was to put the kibosh on the idea that making comics is a hobby, especially when tha targument is put forth as justification for screwing people over. Certainly none of the categories in question are hard-and-fast rules, but for a publisher to prattle on about "the hobby and industry of comics" is kind of slimy. That's what I was objecting to.

[bert]

Here you go. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/) ;)

News on the Olney stuff, you silly !

Team Rocket wins the day again!

[Reverend Smooth]

Well, Olney seems incapable of distinguishing between 'enthusiast' and 'hobbyist'.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

As Sara Beach has posted he usually does each news release with a " Hobby & the Business of Comics " line. And its wrong since ya can't run a business like a hobby.

[Kurt Busiek]

My only point was to put the kibosh on the idea that making comics is a hobby,

In some cases, of course, it is.

Not in TightLip's case, though -- it seems to be a hobby for him, but he represents it as paying, professional work to those he's gulled.

Certainly none of the categories in question are hard-and-fast rules, but for a publisher to prattle on about "the hobby and industry of comics" is kind of slimy.

I think in those phrases, he was trying to encompass the readership and the professionals. Not that he did it well, but that's no surprise.

That's what I was objecting to.

Sure. And in true Internet tradition, I was engaging in the hobby and industry of nitpicking!

kdb

[Calliope's Comics]

In some cases, of course, it is.

Not in TightLip's case, though -- it seems to be a hobby for him, but he represents it as paying, professional work to those he's gulled.



I think in those phrases, he was trying to encompass the readership and the professionals. Not that he did it well, but that's no surprise.



Sure. And in true Internet tradition, I was engaging in the hobby and industry of nitpicking!

kdb


Kurt,
I would not refet to it as Tightlip not knowing the difference since it does not exist anymore, well at least not at this exact moment.:D

However, Rick not being able to distinguish between business and hobby explains why he is in the current situation.

[britlion]

I think somebody has been indulging in the eggnog a little early... that has to be the most unfocussed rant I've read in a lonnnnnnnng time!

You mean you never looked at http://www.timecube.com/ and scratched your head?

[TonyIsabella]

But it's so cozy in here and the rent is so cheap!

And what about that view!

Tony

[TonyIsabella]

Tony! good to see you back and around. welcome back to thread crack. :p I'm like you, a pack rat. I always say "I collect collections." I have so many comics and toys and other odds and ends from my travels but I'd never part with any of it because it's all sentimental to me.

I'll just be popping in from time to time. I'm in the midst of getting ready for major house renovations at the same time that I'm moving forward on a bunch of projects...including something I've been calling "my next Black Lightning." However, the downside is that I'll be putting Tony's Online Tips on hiatus until March 1. Something had to give. Sigh.

Tony

[Sarah Beach]

Sure. And in true Internet tradition, I was engaging in the hobby and industry of nitpicking!

kdb

I approve of this statement!! :D :D

NITPICKERS OF THE WORLD UNITE!!


Of course, the activity does constitute a crucial part of my day-job, so I get a lot of practice at it.

[Paul D. Storrie]

And what about that view!

Tony

And the acoustics!

PDS

[THEDOC]

Yeah. (It doesn't matter, my ego is big enough to not care if I come first or second in terminology.) XD

It's useful in that he'll bounce his writing off me and I'll help with some of that, and I'll bounce colors off him and he'll offer his input. We've had creative disagreements, but we're mature enough to get over it and move on.

I think that having a dependable and proactive partner helps, because you can both lift each other up when the stresses of the industry grind you down.

I'm sure we'll eventually work on projects separately, but I figure it's better to initially storm the Bastille with your best friend and solid business partner at your side.

(I consider reading comics to be my hobby and working on comics to be my profession. I never consider any art job a hobby, I think it leads to taking work too casually and it's vital, as an artist, not to turn into a laissez-faire flake.)

Steve: Thank you, and please do! (Now I'm interested, feel free to tell me more. XD)

It's not like I don't think there's a market out there for my stuff, but being published makes it easier for other creators to know there's someone in that style out there for projects they might have had on the backburner somewhere. (Like, say, Steve!) :D

And thank you, Doc!

Well I really loved the art on your devaint page though the actual art link on your main page on the Hollow site didn't work.

[wishlish]

Saw this and thought of Olney:

http://www.overduemedia.com/strips/20070208.gif

(Unshelved (http://www.overduemedia.com)is the best webcomic about librarians!)

[Reverend Smooth]

Well I really loved the art on your devaint page though the actual art link on your main page on the Hollow site didn't work.Again, thank you. <3 <3 <3

We fixed that today, the site's being overhauled, but the gallery should work now. XD

I also have the sequentials in my comicspace gallery. :3 (But note that the mall page is not finished.)

[Cam63]

From a story on the front page:

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557753_bottle_ap220.jpg

So cute.

I see they're all back on the bottle.

I am also annoyed that, speaking of black and white animals, orcas are now associated with Olney. I like orcas.

Try imagining one flipping Reek up high in the air just before it's jaws chomp down on his head.

[Cam63]

Kurt,
I would not refet to it as Tightlip not knowing the difference since it does not exist anymore, well at least not at this exact moment.:D

However, Rick not being able to distinguish between business and hobby explains why he is in the current situation.

I'd say he has trouble differentiating between toilet paper and sandpaper.

[Blake Petit]

That is freaking GOLD. :D

Okay, this is getting added to my webcomic bookmarks...

[MacQuarrie]

I'll just be popping in from time to time. I'm in the midst of getting ready for major house renovations at the same time that I'm moving forward on a bunch of projects...
As somebody who has been remodeling a kitchen, pantry and two bathrooms while simultaneously building a couple of websites and drawing a comic story and working on a pitch for another, may I just say I think you're nuts. I know I am.

Good luck with it!

[TonyIsabella]

As somebody who has been remodeling a kitchen, pantry and two bathrooms while simultaneously building a couple of websites and drawing a comic story and working on a pitch for another, may I just say I think you're nuts.

MacQuarrie--Master of the Obvious! :)

Tony

[the4thpip]

I'll just be popping in from time to time. I'm in the midst of getting ready for major house renovations at the same time that I'm moving forward on a bunch of projects...including something I've been calling "my next Black Lightning." However, the downside is that I'll be putting Tony's Online Tips on hiatus until March 1. Something had to give. Sigh.

Tony

That's not so bad, as you finally used (http://www.worldfamouscomics.com/tony/back20070129.shtml)those "Pearls Before Swine" strips I sent you a few months ago for "Comics in the Comics." :D

[JTPencils]

HA! Nice!

And welcome back, JT! Glad the computer's all better and recovering nicely from its surgery!

~Bev

Thanks again Bev.. all seem's well so far from surgery... as long as they didn't try to sneak that darn new Vista in... I'm happy.


Also, I just got a laugh. I don't often go over what's going on with my MySpace area really. But was poking about... and though I've only posted two or three blogs... I've only got ONE reader who is keeping up on them. I'll give ya all one guess who. No doubt this was after I denied his "friend request"...

[THEDOC]

Again, thank you. <3 <3 <3

We fixed that today, the site's being overhauled, but the gallery should work now. XD

I also have the sequentials in my comicspace gallery. :3 (But note that the mall page is not finished.)

Added you as a friend on Myspace and Comicspace. Will keep track when your books come out.

[TonyIsabella]

That's not so bad, as you finally used (http://www.worldfamouscomics.com/tony/back20070129.shtml)those "Pearls Before Swine" strips I sent you a few months ago for "Comics in the Comics." :D

I have so many CITCs in my files that I'll have to run the occasional all-CITC column just to use them.

Tony

[Sarah Beach]

Thanks again Bev.. all seem's well so far from surgery... as long as they didn't try to sneak that darn new Vista in... I'm happy.


Also, I just got a laugh. I don't often go over what's going on with my MySpace area really. But was poking about... and though I've only posted two or three blogs... I've only got ONE reader who is keeping up on them. I'll give ya all one guess who. No doubt this was after I denied his "friend request"...

Is it a "friends only" read, or can a drive-by reader (ie, not registered on mySpace) read it? What's the URL?

Heh. Should I mention here that I did a bit of an update on my own website? Not quite as extensive as I'd hoped to do this weekend (as in, no new reviews or a new article), but another writing sample and a new poem, and some discussion of Unscrewed! (oh, and a new blog entry).

Yes, this is shameless self-promotion: ScribblerWorks (http://www.scribblerworks.us).

So, the peanut is still surfing around? Amazing that he's managed to keep quiet this long.

[Reverend Smooth]

Added you as a friend on Myspace and Comicspace. Will keep track when your books come out.

October 31, this year, and thanks. XD

[THEDOC]

October 31, this year, and thanks. XD

Let me know when your store link opens up!

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Is it a "friends only" read, or can a drive-by reader (ie, not registered on mySpace) read it? What's the URL?

Heh. Should I mention here that I did a bit of an update on my own website? Not quite as extensive as I'd hoped to do this weekend (as in, no new reviews or a new article), but another writing sample and a new poem, and some discussion of Unscrewed! (oh, and a new blog entry).

Yes, this is shameless self-promotion: ScribblerWorks (http://www.scribblerworks.us).

So, the peanut is still surfing around? Amazing that he's managed to keep quiet this long.

Legal action tends to shut people up.

JP

[Matt Doc Martin]

Legal action tends to shut people up.

JP

I am doing my part to staple that fat bastard's mouth shut.

[Papergirl]

Legal action tends to shut people up.

JP

Dick is afraid of Matt's mad skills at digging up every bit of dirt there is.

By the way, for those interested in the the Potato Salad War (http://forums.comicbookresources.com/showthread.php?p=4246531&post4246531), Matt wins, hands down. I admit defeat here. :p

~Bev

[SteveForbes]

I am doing my part to staple that fat bastard's mouth shut.

See, while this is true, it's also very funny.

I'm just glad I didn't have a beverage handy.

-llama

[Larry Dixon]

Hello everyone. I apologize for being scarce; got a flu too, despite a flu shot. Sigh. C'est la vie.

Here's the thing. We've gotten a few people helped out who were critically Olneyed, but I ned to know who else needs a hand payin' da bilz. We're almost out of budget so whoever needs it most, let me know in PM or email.

If I may say so, please don't be bashful or let pride mess you up, because it's not a pride thing at all. You aren't getting a handout or pity, you're getting a little dough because people who love comics want to see you stay in the comics biz and be happy.

[Reverend Smooth]

That's such a kind and awesome thing to do. <3

[AaronJ]

I forget: is Larry Dixon one of the people keeping the young'ns out of the biz (like Waid, Simone, and Busiek), or is he a "Crumb-Catcher" (like Scott Shaw!)?

It's been so long since Rick imparted his special, home-brewed (I think Rick wasn't very careful while fermenting, to be honest) brand of wisdom upon us, that I can't remember. :)

Mr. Dixon, you are class act.

[Matt Doc Martin]

I forget: is Larry Dixon one of the people keeping the young'ns out of the biz (like Waid, Simone, and Busiek), or is he a "Crumb-Catcher" (like Scott Shaw!)?

It's been so long since Rick imparted his special, home-brewed (I think Rick wasn't very careful while fermenting, to be honest) brand of wisdom upon us, that I can't remember. :)

Mr. Dixon, you are class act.

Larry Dixon is the kind of man that makes me look like the useless ass I am. His generosity and goodness set him a step above.

[Papergirl]

Hello everyone. I apologize for being scarce; got a flu too, despite a flu shot. Sigh. C'est la vie.

Here's the thing. We've gotten a few people helped out who were critically Olneyed, but I ned to know who else needs a hand payin' da bilz. We're almost out of budget so whoever needs it most, let me know in PM or email.

If I may say so, please don't be bashful or let pride mess you up, because it's not a pride thing at all. You aren't getting a handout or pity, you're getting a little dough because people who love comics want to see you stay in the comics biz and be happy.
Larry & Misty: The world is a MUCH better place with you two in it.

~Bev

[Larry Dixon]

Larry Dixon is the kind of man that makes me look like the useless ass I am. His generosity and goodness set him a step above.

I can assure you that bert would not find your ass useless. *badoom-cha!*

And yeah, Matt, you're about as useless as, oh, what comes to mind, hmm... about as useless as insulin to a diabetic.

I appreciate the compliments, but this isn't about me or Misty, it's all about the folks who got Olneyed and we are FAR from the only people doing what they can.

But, being held in high regard by you makes me feel terrific, and it's a reward beyond price. Thank you.

You know, Olney's behavior reminds me of the Joker, believe it or not. The angle I've always thought of, when I think of the Joker, is that he is essentially a "spoiler." He takes things that are fun and makes them horrifying; takes things that are dear to people like clowns, toys, circuses and jokes and transforms them into things to make people miserable. He thinks he's funny and clever, and sometimes is, but the results cause pain and suffering. Has anyone else thought that?

[Danny Donovan]

I can assure you that bert would not find your ass useless. *badoom-cha!*

And yeah, Matt, you're about as useless as, oh, what comes to mind, hmm... about as useless as insulin to a diabetic.

I appreciate the compliments, but this isn't about me or Misty, it's all about the folks who got Olneyed and we are FAR from the only people doing what they can.

But, being held in high regard by you makes me feel terrific, and it's a reward beyond price. Thank you.

You know, Olney's behavior reminds me of the Joker, believe it or not. The angle I've always thought of, when I think of the Joker, is that he is essentially a "spoiler." He takes things that are fun and makes them horrifying; takes things that are dear to people like clowns, toys, circuses and jokes and transforms them into things to make people miserable. He thinks he's funny and clever, and sometimes is, but the results cause pain and suffering. Has anyone else thought that?

First off, I also want to sing Misty and Larry's praises. Being a recepiant of their fine generoisity, there are just no words to express how great it is to know someone like you. Ya'll are the top notch in my book!

Also I want to say what a blessing this has all turned out to be, for all the drama and sadness this has caused it has shined a bright light on the industry that is often seen as clique'ish and insular. (which is what people like Rick want you to think, because after all it is the reason they can't break in.)

But to see this amount of camradarie, and whatnot, from people who weren't affected, showing their compassion toward those that were.. Well it makes you glad to be in the business.

secondly, I have thought along those lines Larry! although to me, (before the umpteen billion attempts to give The Joker an origin beyond the toxic bath) it seems like he's a failed comedian, never able to make with the funny himself, he tries to turn everything that is seen as the benchmark of comedy into something horrid, almost punishing people who didn't find him funny.

Sort of like Rick. He can't find anyone to buy his concepts so he tries to punish those that can sell theirs.

Just play on your thoughts there really.

[Matt Doc Martin]

But, being held in high regard by you makes me feel terrific, and it's a reward beyond price. Thank you.


Well, because of YOU I bought my first Mercedes lackey book, "Joust"

Any future books of hers I buy will be based on my enjoyment of that.

[Inkpot1965]

Larry,
From my experience with Rick, I think it's a case of Rick just not having a firm grip on reality. Many times I would throw out pure logic and common sense in our debates over the direction of TightLip, and I was genuinely disturbed to see him ignore reality and come to conclusions laced in denial and fantasy. I don't think that was an act. So mentally, the Joker comparison could hold up.

By the way folks, if you're wondering who the heck I am, I'm new here; just registered. Name is Jeff Austin, former TightLip inker and Rick's first Creative Director.

[Cam63]

Are you related to that guy who used to do make believe wrestling, Jeff ?

[Matt Doc Martin]

Larry,
From my experience with Rick, I think it's a case of Rick just not having a firm grip on reality. Many times I would throw out pure logic and common sense in our debates over the direction of TightLip, and I was genuinely disturbed to see him ignore reality and come to conclusions laced in denial and fantasy. I don't think that was an act. So mentally, the Joker comparison could hold up.

By the way folks, if you're wondering who the heck I am, I'm new here; just registered. Name is Jeff Austin, former TightLip inker and Rick's first Creative Director.

Uh-oh...Rick's magical lawyer is gonna get you now!

Congrats for speaking up. And confirming yet again that he is a man unhinged.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Are you related to that guy who used to do make believe wrestling, Jeff ?



STOOOONNNEEE COLLLLDD , STOOONNNEEE COOLLLD , STOOONNNEEE COOOLLLD !!! : Jim Ross.


I'm sure Jeff pictures a stone cold , Steve Austin stunner on Rick about now. :p

[Inkpot1965]

No, I'm one of the people who work for make-believe publishers.

[Yonar]

No, I'm one of the people who work for make-believe publishers.

... wow. That quote is just.. beautiful.

Welcome to the forum.

[Larry Dixon]

- waves to Yonar over on the other side of the world -
How's that for people coming together; he's off in the Persian Gulf, but part of the merry band at YABS.

Jeff, it's good to see you over here. I hope all is well. Have you checked out the UNSCREWED project yet?

[Yonar]

- waves to Yonar over on the other side of the world -
How's that for people coming together; he's off in the Persian Gulf, but part of the merry band at YABS.

Yeah, thinking of that.

I'm sitting in my fairly nice, AC filled tent, typing on my free internet, and about to go back to my nice, bunk bed filled Air Conditioned bedroom. And I'm chatting with one of my friends online, and they say 'kinda gives you an idea of what it would have been like 20 years ago'. At which point, I thought about the marines out in the sand, in pup tents and backpacks, and the patrolls and sweeps that the army does, and I thought, "Nope. I have no idea."

I'm constantly amazed and thankful for the level of comfort supplied to me in my service, and the wonderful support of those back stateside, who understand the dangers of boredom and complacency in these areas.

And I'm constantly amazed and thankful to how well that people, in general, do treat those who have served their country.

And I'm always reminded, Rick Olney tried to cash in on that generosity.

Maybe he did serve, maybe he didn't, but using service to your country to defend your questionable character is just low. If you find yourself in a position where you have to bring up your service as a shield, you've probably done something to negate any worth that service ever provided the world.

Anyway, I'd like to take the moment to sound off about how grateful I am to the people back home in general, and YABSers and Larry in particular, without whom, my comfort and sanity would have been significantly less.

Keep in mind though.

I /invented/ free.

[TomStillwell]

I can assure you that bert would not find your ass useless. *badoom-cha!*

And yeah, Matt, you're about as useless as, oh, what comes to mind, hmm... about as useless as insulin to a diabetic.

I appreciate the compliments, but this isn't about me or Misty, it's all about the folks who got Olneyed and we are FAR from the only people doing what they can.

But, being held in high regard by you makes me feel terrific, and it's a reward beyond price. Thank you.

You know, Olney's behavior reminds me of the Joker, believe it or not. The angle I've always thought of, when I think of the Joker, is that he is essentially a "spoiler." He takes things that are fun and makes them horrifying; takes things that are dear to people like clowns, toys, circuses and jokes and transforms them into things to make people miserable. He thinks he's funny and clever, and sometimes is, but the results cause pain and suffering. Has anyone else thought that?

I dunno Larry, I see Olney a little differently.

He's more like a very very very dumb Lex Luthor. Key word being dumb.

Lex goes on and on about how he could cure the ills of the world if only Superman wasn't a constant thorn in his side. Superman doesn't even have to do anything but exist to hold Luthor back.

So in Lex's mind, it's never his fault that he's "forced" to contend with Superman and none of that good stuff gets done. Nope, Superman is the cause of everything.

That's Olney. It's not his fault people don't get paid, books don't get published, and throngs of people have find him revolting. It's not his immoral behavior or self-feed delusions causing his many problems. No...it's Gail Simone, Mark Waid, Kurt Busiek, you, me...everybody else.

He has to contend with the plebes. Otherwise he'd be the next coming of Jack Kirby, making the best comics ever while little children sat at his feet soaking in his wisdom.

[Reverend Smooth]

He takes things that are fun and makes them horrifying; takes things that are dear to people like clowns, toys, circuses and jokes and transforms them into things to make people miserable. He thinks he's funny and clever, and sometimes is, but the results cause pain and suffering. Has anyone else thought that?
Yeah.

I posted the classical definition of 'sociopath' (which the Joker also falls under, of course!) and it seemed to fit a lot of what he's done.

It's just nice to see people doing such good things, though. Sometimes I wonder why I'm getting in this industry, and setting myself up for stress, but I'm reminded that there are many, many genuinely good people around and why it's worthwhile to give it a shot.

I'm sounding all gushy, and I'm not even directly involved in this debacle (but I've been had in a similar fashion before, so) but I guess I can't be a crabby misanthrope all the time.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

I am doing my part to staple that fat bastard's mouth shut.

You should get a t shirt with a can of whoop ass in your honor. Many people complained, but you actually did something about it. And for that you should be commended. I don't know if Olney will ever pay a dime, but fraud is a serious offense. Hopefully he will pay for it. It goes to show you that when good people act, good things happen.

You, Mark Waid, Larry Dixon, Colleen Doran, Tom Stillwell and many others deserve praise here for doing various things. Seriously, you guys all have done great things as a result of this. It's refreshing to see good people still out there.

Oh and Larry...Garlic and an apple a day prevents the flu better then any flu shot.

JP

[AaronJ]

Yeah, thinking of that.

I'm sitting in my fairly nice, AC filled tent, typing on my free internet, and about to go back to my nice, bunk bed filled Air Conditioned bedroom. And I'm chatting with one of my friends online, and they say 'kinda gives you an idea of what it would have been like 20 years ago'. At which point, I thought about the marines out in the sand, in pup tents and backpacks, and the patrolls and sweeps that the army does, and I thought, "Nope. I have no idea."

[snip]



That was a beautiful and heartfelt message, man.

[britlion]

I dunno Larry, I see Olney a little differently.

He's more like a very very very dumb Lex Luthor. Key word being dumb.



Ow!

I mean, all Lex has going for him is the smarts (at least in more recent incarnations). Damn. I mean, dumb AND no hair? That would just plain suck!

Wait, was that what you meant, that he's bald? Not much of an epithet really. I wouldn't say bad things about anyone follically challenged. I've met P. Stewart...

[britlion]

I can assure you that bert would not find your ass useless. *badoom-cha!*



Oh dear god *facepalm*

What can I say?

"Mr Dixon, you are attempting an amusing but unfortunately crass joke. Allow or Deny?"

(I guess I have to hand manage until I can sneak vista onto him)

[Reverend Smooth]

Oh dear god *facepalm*

What can I say?

"Unf," would work.

[Yonar]

Oh dear god *facepalm*

What can I say?

"Mr Dixon, you are attempting an amusing but unfortunately crass joke. Allow or Deny?"

(I guess I have to hand manage until I can sneak vista onto him)

I believe that's what YABS was made for, Non?

[Papergirl]

Oh dear god *facepalm*

What can I say?

"Mr Dixon, you are attempting an amusing but unfortunately crass joke. Allow or Deny?"

(I guess I have to hand manage until I can sneak vista onto him)
*dies laughing*

As someone who just dove head first into Vista, that just nearly made me fall out of my chair laughing!

~Bev

[JTPencils]

Larry,
From my experience with Rick, I think it's a case of Rick just not having a firm grip on reality. Many times I would throw out pure logic and common sense in our debates over the direction of TightLip, and I was genuinely disturbed to see him ignore reality and come to conclusions laced in denial and fantasy. I don't think that was an act. So mentally, the Joker comparison could hold up.

By the way folks, if you're wondering who the heck I am, I'm new here; just registered. Name is Jeff Austin, former TightLip inker and Rick's first Creative Director.

Welcome Jeff... there ya go now.. you've went outside the NDA and are not going to get paid. Those huge checks will stop coming forth as they have in the past when... what? You didn't get the checks? Damn accountants.. they said they were in the mail... or maybe it was the postman.. he's an incompetent sort... or wait... maybe... just maybe... looney never intended on paying in the first place... bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Jeff's a great sort of person, and one talented sob to boot. Personally I'm preferential to his inks, but the guy's a talented penciller as well!

[AaronJ]

Welcome Jeff... there ya go now.. you've went outside the NDA and are not going to get paid. Those huge checks will stop coming forth as they have in the past when... what? You didn't get the checks? Damn accountants.. they said they were in the mail... or maybe it was the postman.. he's an incompetent sort... or wait... maybe... just maybe... looney never intended on paying in the first place... bwa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

Jeff's a great sort of person, and one talented sob to boot. Personally I'm preferential to his inks, but the guy's a talented penciller as well!

JT, I am not sure that this sort of sarcasm is appropriate in this thread. I mean, afterall, we wouldn't want to be considered "plebes" or "fanbots" who just follow Gail's bidding and "dog-pile" on poor Ri ...

OK, I can't even type it out. :)

[JTPencils]

JT, I am not sure that this sort of sarcasm is appropriate in this thread. I mean, afterall, we wouldn't want to be considered "plebes" or "fanbots" who just follow Gail's bidding and "dog-pile" on poor Ri ...

OK, I can't even type it out. :)

Was wondering how long you could go without cracking!!

just sign me...

"Plebe JT"

[AaronJ]

Was wondering how long you could go without cracking!!

just sign me...

"Plebe JT"

I ADORE the appellation "plebe". To think that it is supposed to be an insult! :)

(Although, I have to admit, "fanbot" was pretty funny.)

[the4thpip]

I ADORE the appellation "plebe". To think that it is supposed to be an insult! :)

(Although, I have to admit, "fanbot" was pretty funny.)

I just had the greatest idea for a horror comic, ever:
Fanbenplebe!

[Gail Simone]

Larry,
From my experience with Rick, I think it's a case of Rick just not having a firm grip on reality. Many times I would throw out pure logic and common sense in our debates over the direction of TightLip, and I was genuinely disturbed to see him ignore reality and come to conclusions laced in denial and fantasy. I don't think that was an act. So mentally, the Joker comparison could hold up.

By the way folks, if you're wondering who the heck I am, I'm new here; just registered. Name is Jeff Austin, former TightLip inker and Rick's first Creative Director.

Nice to meet you, Jeff, and that's a scary bit of insight.

Gail

[the4thpip]

Look at it this way:
At least Rick does not hold a cabinet level position in the Bush administration.

[Reverend Smooth]

But he'd probably take the credit for their decisions if he could.

[MacQuarrie]

That's Olney. It's not his fault people don't get paid, books don't get published, and throngs of people have find him revolting. It's not his immoral behavior or self-feed delusions causing his many problems. No...it's Gail Simone, Mark Waid, Kurt Busiek, you, me...everybody else.
You inadertently touched on one of the warning signs. Scumbags like Olney always use the passive voice when explaining failures. When bragging about successes (real or imaginary) they use the active voice.

Take note of that. Both parts. If the guy says "the book didn't get published" he may be a weasel. There's a reason people don't get paid and books don't get published, and it's simply that the publisher didn't do it. On the other hand, if the same guy is tossing around a lot of "I" statements about a project that was obviously a group effort, while at the same time attributing his failures to luck, Murphy's Law, or a vast conspiracy, he's a weasel.

While we're on teh subject, let's talk about Murphy's Law. Every scumbag I've ever encountered uses Murphy's Law as his default explanation for everything that he failed to deliver on. Who was this Murphy and why does he get to pass the law?

According to the local folklore, Murphy was a mechanic at Edwards Air Force base back in the late '40s or early '50s, Sgt. Ed Murphy. It happened that a government official, Senator or some such, happened to be touring the place when he passed through the motor pool where Sgt. Murphy was re-doing the work that one of his subordinates had done incorrectly. Murphy was heard to mutter to himself, "if there's a way to fuck it up, that stupid son of a bitch will find it!"

The government guy gave a speech later that night, in which he referred to Murphy's Law, which he had seen fit to edit into the more familiar and press-friendly "anything that can go wrong, will go wrong."

But he had missed the point. Sgt. Murphy was very specific. Anything that goes wrong can be attributed to the idiot who was supposed to do it right and failed to do so. Things do not just magically "go wrong" because Murphy says so. They go wrong because people like Murphy's crewman are too lazy, stupid or apathetic to do it right.

Which brings us back to the Olneys of the world. The real Murphy's Law applies to them. If there's a way to fuck it up, they will find it. Then they will claim that it "just happened" that way.

[Reverend Smooth]

Take note of that. Both parts. If the guy says "the book didn't get published" he may be a weasel. There's a reason people don't get paid and books don't get published, and it's simply that the publisher didn't do it. On the other hand, if the same guy is tossing around a lot of "I" statements about a project that was obviously a group effort, while at the same time attributing his failures to luck, Murphy's Law, or a vast conspiracy, he's a weasel.People need to be acutely attuned to the speech patterns of the people they deal with on a professional basis, especially if they consistently don't come through.

[MacQuarrie]

Oh and Larry...Garlic and an apple a day prevents the flu better then any flu shot.
People say "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but are you supposed to throw the apple at the doctor? How far away will an apple keep a doctor? Will three apples a day keep three doctors away, or one doctor three times as far away? Will this only work with medical doctors, or will it also keep literature professors and other PhDs at bay? What about an orange? Does an orange keep lawyers away? What would you use to keep accoutnants or chiropractors away?

I can't be the only person who wonders about things like this.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

People say "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," but are you supposed to throw the apple at the doctor? How far away will an apple keep a doctor? Will three apples a day keep three doctors away, or one doctor three times as far away? Will this only work with medical doctors, or will it also keep literature professors and other PhDs at bay? What about an orange? Does an orange keep lawyers away? What would you use to keep accoutnants or chiropractors away?

I can't be the only person who wonders about things like this.

An apple on average contains 1.5 grams of Vitamin C, moreso then your average orange, contrary to what marketing teaches you. Combining that with garlic is a potent antiviral combination. When you're sick, every two hours or so with that combination will actually eliminate virtually any cold or flu inside a day or two. Much more effective then any flu shot or cold medicine on the market (and no side effects!).

This combo also fights other things with limited to total effectiveness including but not limited to Cancer, Diabetes, hormonal imbalances, hair loss, esophical issues, asthma and well the list goes on and on. I'd suggest it once a day for everyone. It really does keep doctors and psychologists away. As for other PHDs...well...I suggest you test it out and give me a call.

As for lawyers...there is no known cure for getting them away from you, but for a temporary diversion I've been told castor oil and Ex Lax tends to give them other problems. That may border on cruel and unusual though.

I'd give a cure for Olney, but Matt beat me to it.

JP

[Gail Simone]

Well, well, well, here we are two months later.

None of Rick's threats or promises have come true. No lawsuits, no payments, no discussion of the small press groups he screwed, no nothing.

Again...NO ONE SHOULD LISTEN TO ANYTHING HE SAYS. He threatens because he has nothing left, and he's completely impotent and about as scary as a doorknob.

Just a quick update for Rick, so everyone remembers what an empty suit this guy is.

Gail

[the4thpip]

An apple on average contains 1.5 grams of Vitamin C, moreso then your average orange, contrary to what marketing teaches you.

JP

According to this table (http://www.naturalhub.com/natural_food_guide_fruit_vitamin_c.htm), Oranges have about 10 times as much Vitamin C as apples.

I think that healthy food like fruit and garlic can prevent getting sick, same with regular exercise. I get a cold only every year and a half or less. But once you have a real viral or bacterial infection, there is not much that helps. There is no way an apple and garlic will help you get over a real influenza virus infection in 2 days, that takes one or two weeks no matter how you slice it.

[MacQuarrie]

You still didn't answer whether we should throw the apple at the doctor.

[Reverend Smooth]

Diabetes, hormonal imbalances, hair loss,
A strict diet for me knocks down the diabetes (which then allows me to eat on occasion foods that are not good for me, in moderation). Apples and garlic have done nada for the hair loss (since I look like a chemo patient -- for similar reasons -- if I don't shave my head, I just run around bald) or the hormone imbalances (addison's, early menopause).

I do chug apple juice in mass quantities when I have colds or the flu, though.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

According to this table (http://www.naturalhub.com/natural_food_guide_fruit_vitamin_c.htm), Oranges have about 10 times as much Vitamin C as apples.

I think that healthy food like fruit and garlic can prevent getting sick, same with regular exercise. I get a cold only every year and a half or less. But once you have a real viral or bacterial infection, there is not much that helps. There is no way an apple and garlic will help you get over a real influenza virus infection in 2 days, that takes one or two weeks no matter how you slice it.

My mistake on the first part. If you go here (http://http://www.martinsapples.com/health_nutrition.cfm) you may see why I misread.

To the second part though, I hate to disagree with you. That's what I use when I'm sick. It doesn't last a week. I haven't had a flu last a week since I was thirteen. It works. But hey, if you disagree, try it next time you get the flu. I guarantee you will not be down for a week.

JP

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

A strict diet for me knocks down the diabetes (which then allows me to eat on occasion foods that are not good for me, in moderation). Apples and garlic have done nada for the hair loss (since I look like a chemo patient -- for similar reasons -- if I don't shave my head, I just run around bald) or the hormone imbalances (addison's, early menopause).

I do chug apple juice in mass quantities when I have colds or the flu, though.

By any chance rev...with what you eat, is there any quantities of soy in your diet?

JP

[Reverend Smooth]

By any chance rev...with what you eat, is there any quantities of soy in your diet?

JPReasonable. I like edamame (I'm thinking of making myself some right now, actually) and tofu and soy iced mochas. I ate a lot for a while, but it didn't seem inclined to kickstart anything at all.

My adrenals are toast, I'm afraid. I'd probably have to take large quantities of actual estrogen, and the last time I got put on birth control, I became incoherent, started projectile vomiting, and fell down a large flight of stairs.

(It was kinda funny in a dysfunctional tasmanian devil sort of way.)

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Double Post...sorry
JP

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Reasonable. I like edamame (I'm thinking of making myself some right now, actually) and tofu and soy iced mochas. I ate a lot for a while, but it didn't seem inclined to kickstart anything at all.

My adrenals are toast, I'm afraid. I'd probably have to take large quantities of actual estrogen, and the last time I got put on birth control, I became incoherent, started projectile vomiting, and fell down a large flight of stairs.

(It was kinda funny in a dysfunctional tasmanian devil sort of way.)

Type one or type two diabetes?

JP

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

You still didn't answer whether we should throw the apple at the doctor.

You could...but I hate wasting good food.

JP

[the4thpip]

To the second part though, I hate to disagree with you. That's what I use when I'm sick. It doesn't last a week. I haven't had a flu last a week since I was thirteen. It works. But hey, if you disagree, try it next time you get the flu. I guarantee you will not be down for a week.

JP

I just doubt it was influenza then. It was probably a common cold with a fever.

[the4thpip]

And wouldn't Mac be more likely to put the apple on the doctor's head and then aim for it with an arrow? :confused:

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

I just doubt it was influenza then. It was probably a common cold with a fever.

Oh it was definitely the flu. All I'm going to tell you is try it. Trust me, I'm not bsing you.

JP

[Reverend Smooth]

Type one or type two diabetes?

JP

Would you believe that it seems to have changed?

What initially happened is that my body's immune system went insane and attacked my adrenal glands and pancreas, and for about two years I couldn't seem to produce much insulin at all. Like, I'd eat lettuce and I'd get sick. Sugary ickiness would ooze out of my skin. I start tasting rotten fruit, etc.

I couldn't get insulin. No medical insurance, no income. I'm a resident, not a citizen, so no disability coverage.

I went on a complete caveman diet for years- no sugar, no dairy, no processed anything, hardly any carbs, only minimal whole grains, no bread, pasta, etc- or I'd get dangerously sick. I got put on adrenal hormone supplementation by the only guy who'd treat me (a homeopath/naturopath who had been a regular doctor for like 40 years), and kept up the diet.

Now, I seem to be able to produce limited amounts of insulin (there is some limited improvement in everything overall, but I'm still bubble-girl), but I get hypoglycemic at least a few times a day. I need to eat every three hours or so. My kidneys and liver seem to be working much better, though, and I can eat limited quantities of sweet stuff if I am careful about it.

So it seems that the more my addison's improves, the more the diabetes improves. When my adrenal function starts decreasing, though, I suddenly find that I'm forced to limit my diet even more than I do now, and sometimes I have to go without food at all and deal with that, and diabetic symptoms become severe.

I have seen a lot of doctors, and the ones here (except for the one) won't treat me. They acknowledge that I'm ill, but they just have no idea how to proceed without killing me, which they've almost done already. x.x

Sorry for the long explanation, but it's a complicated deal because of my failing endocrine system.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

I'll PM you. There are quite a few things you can try. I make you no promises, but these things will probably improve your situation. Assuming of course, you'd like the suggestions.

JP

[Reverend Smooth]

I'll PM you. There are quite a few things you can try. I make you no promises, but these things will probably improve your situation. Assuming of course, you'd like the suggestions.

JPSure. Dun wanna hijack the thread more than I have already, and it's not entertaining reading. X:

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

And wouldn't Mac be more likely to put the apple on the doctor's head and then aim for it with an arrow? :confused:

Hmm...I never thought of William Tell. Sounds like fun. I don't know if I'd do it to doctors though...politicians on the other hand...

JP

[Typo Lad]

I've been offline for four days. Have I missed anything?

[EdContradictory]

You still didn't answer whether we should throw the apple at the doctor.

Gregor Samsa says "no."

http://biology.clc.uc.edu/graphics/taxonomy/animals/arthropoda/insecta/coleoptera/dogbane%20beetle/JSC%209906%20Adams%20Co%20Dogbane%20Beetle%20Cline Rd.JPG
"Please don't."

[wishlish]

I think I figured out why Olney's been so quiet this week.

He's snowed in. And so's his wife. He's only an hour away from the area that got 11 feet of snow. Chances are, he's stuck in the house, grumbling, while Mrs. Olney's yelling, "STAY AWAY FROM THAT COMPUTER, RICK! We're in enough trouble!"

Pleasant thought.

[NatGertler]

None of Rick's threats or promises have come true. No lawsuits, no payments, no discussion of the small press groups he screwed, no nothing.But has he killed anyone? HOW WOULD WE KNOW?? I mean, people who have been killed rarely post, so they couldn't tell us!
(I hope that Rick is actually learning from being shown that others actually take action.)

[Ronée]

Now this is a bit of old news, and honestly I am loathe to link it because it's fairly mean to Ronee and I don't believe the amount of ire is called for here but there is something interesting inbetween the snark.

http://comicsworthreading.com/2006/07/22/snark-ronee-returns/

For those that don't care to go through the whole article this is the bit I'm refering to:



Now this was written in 2006, and it states there has already been something of a case of Tax Fraud that had been brought up. So Matt you may be interested in e-mailing Johanna see what she might have that you could use there.

It seems that if charges were at least alluded to as early as 07-22-2006 there is probably a much LARGER thing at play here than we originally thought.

And this is just for the Non-Profit Orca program. not even taking into consideration the St. Judes thing.

hmmm....YES, I am aware of Johanna's dislike of me and oh damn well. I was mad when this came out because of the seeming attack on me personally so I automatically dismissed the rest of it... hindsight.

[Inkpot1965]

Thanks for the welcome, folks. The reason I stayed out of this so long was that I was[in my old-fashioned and probably misguided way] trying not to air my laundry in public. But I can see I share laundry with quite a few folks[a disturbing thought? Heh]. Unfortunately, I've been stiffed out of thousands over the last few years, and my normally laid-back nature is just about spent. I'm about ready to just make a list of deadbeats in every forum I can, and let them all squirm. I have to say it's partially on my head because I tend to wallow in fly-by-night companies, practically guaranteeing a screwjob. Not that I'm trying to relieve these folks of any blame, just realizing that if you hang out in a dark alley at night, you probably WILL get mugged. Rick's not the first or last to screw me, just the most insane.

On the health note; I take a small handfull of vitamins every morning, and I've only been sick 3 times in the 7 years I've been taking them. I used to average 2 sinus infections a year before, but that's pretty much disappeared these days. And when I DO get sick, it rarely lasts more than 2 or 3 days.
Can't beat results like that.

What was that old saying? "That which doesn't kill us makes us a survivor of TightLip?"

Oh yeah. Rick, if you're reading this....
Why did you name your company TightLip, when it would've been much more appropriate to name it TightWad?

[Ronée]

Hello everyone. I apologize for being scarce; got a flu too, despite a flu shot. Sigh. C'est la vie.

Here's the thing. We've gotten a few people helped out who were critically Olneyed, but I ned to know who else needs a hand payin' da bilz. We're almost out of budget so whoever needs it most, let me know in PM or email.

If I may say so, please don't be bashful or let pride mess you up, because it's not a pride thing at all. You aren't getting a handout or pity, you're getting a little dough because people who love comics want to see you stay in the comics biz and be happy.that is so sweet. and honestly, I would take u up on that cause that 800 would really help me and the kids right now, but Rick should be paying that bill not you.

[TomStillwell]

that is so sweet. and honestly, I would take u up on that cause that 800 would really help me and the kids right now, but Rick should be paying that bill not you.

It's not about paying Olney's debt. Rick's going to have to man up and do what is required even if the court has to sell off his comics.

This is about helping people in need. Same with the auction I'm working on. Olney's going to pay, but it might be some time, and many folks need help now.

[Kozemp]

Oh it was definitely the flu. All I'm going to tell you is try it. Trust me, I'm not bsing you.

JP

Not for nothing, man, but I seriously doubt a disease that killed 100 million people as recently as 1918 - a significant portion of them healthy adults - can be cured by apples and garlic.

I thought I had the flu a bunch of times in high school and college. Then I actually got the flu once. Holy fucking shit. I had colds and various infections over the years that I thought were flu but once I had the real thing I will never mistake it for a serious cold again.

I spent eight days in bed, and every single second I wished I was dead. My friends and my family had to set up a schedule in and out to take care of me - if I'd had health insurance I would have gone to the hospital. About eight years ago I spent a week in the cardiac unit of a local hospital and I'd rather do THAT again than get the flu.

I would have to say that if you were able to get up every two hours to eat apples and garlic you probably didn't have full-blown influenza.

Yeah, that's the sound bite - if you don't spend every second praying to God asking him to kill you, you don't have the flu.

JLK
<shudders at the memory>

[SteveForbes]

Yeah, that's the sound bite - if you don't spend every second praying to God asking him to kill you, you don't have the flu.

JLK
<shudders at the memory>

That's not funny, but at the same time, that's hilarious!

-(maybe touched in the head) llama

[Larry Dixon]

that is so sweet. and honestly, I would take u up on that cause that 800 would really help me and the kids right now, but Rick should be paying that bill not you.

This should help. Check your email.

That's about it for what we can offer right now though, all. I hope we haven't missed anyone.

[TomStillwell]

Auction update:

Check out this list of really generous folks.

Kurt Busiek (Astro City, Action Comics)
Tony Isabella (Black Lightning, Hawkman)
Mark Waid (52, LOSH, Empire)
Larry Dixon (fantasy/sci-fi cover artist)
Mercedes Lackey (Mage Winds, Owlflight)
Troy Hickman (Common Grounds, City of Heroes)
Colleen Doran (A Distant Soil, Orbiter)
Taki Soma (you'll never die)
Paul D. Storrie (Gotham Girls)
James Owen (Star Child)
Scott Shaw! (Oddball Comics, Zoo Crew)
Nat Gertler & About Comics (The Factor)
Lance Boucher (InterFan)
Timothy J. Tobolski (Cartoonist)
Jim Taylor (The Wrath)
Nicola Scott (Birds of Prey)
Tom Beland (True Story...Swear To God)
Jamal Igle (Firestorm, Nightwing)
Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Secret Six, The Atom)
Marv Wolfman (Teen Titans, Nightwing)
Karen Ellis (Planet Karen)
Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle, Black Ligthning)
Craig Kemper (The Fourth Wall)
Jim MacQuarrie (MonkeySpit.net)
Chuck Satterlee (Of Bitter Souls, Smoke & Mirror)
Alice Woodside (Woodside Country Store)
Ben Templesmith (Fell, Hatter M, Wormwood)
Chuck Dixon (Connor Hawke: Dragon's Blood)
JoSelle Vanderhooft (Owl Skin)
Greg Rucka (Queen & Country, Checkmate)
Ron Marz (Cyberforce, Ion)
Marc Andreyko (Manhunter, Torso)
Billy Tucci (Shi)
Chris Moreno (Dracula Vs. King Arthur)

More people will be added before the auction goes live. Stay tuned.

[SteveForbes]

Dagnabbit, Tom! I want my second helping of Nicola Scott!

-(trying not to drool) llama

[Kozemp]

That's not funny, but at the same time, that's hilarious!

-(maybe touched in the head) llama

The thing for most people that lets them know they really have the actual flu for the first time is the INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE PAIN it causes.

You talk to people and they're like "oh, man, I had the worst flu last week... I went through a whole box of tissues every day."

You say to them "could you move your arms? Could you walk? Could you lift your head to talk to people? Was any part of your body not in constant, brain-melting agony? If you answered yes to any of those questions you didn't have the flu." Then, if it isn't a friend you're talking to, you say "so suck it up, you whiny bitch." Actually, I suppose you can say that to your friends too.

Although to be technical the diagnostic criteria between cold and flu is actually fever, not the fact that a cold can make your neck hurt a bit and the flu causes you to feel like you've been injected by 7.999cc's of that shit Jack Bauer used on his brother last week. But who's counting?

JLK
sucking it up

[SteveForbes]

The thing for most people that lets them know they really have the actual flu for the first time is the INCREDIBLE, INCREDIBLE PAIN it causes.

You talk to people and they're like "oh, man, I had the worst flu last week... I went through a whole box of tissues every day."

You say to them "could you move your arms? Could you walk? Could you lift your head to talk to people? Was any part of your body not in constant, brain-melting agony? If you answered yes to any of those questions you didn't have the flu." Then, if it isn't a friend you're talking to, you say "so suck it up, you whiny bitch." Actually, I suppose you can say that to your friends too.

Although to be technical the diagnostic criteria between cold and flu is actually fever, not the fact that a cold can make your neck hurt a bit and the flu causes you to feel like you've been injected by 7.999cc's of that shit Jack Bauer used on his brother last week. But who's counting?

JLK
sucking it up

I remember when I was in high school, one Sat in the winter, I felt totally horrible. I mean, HORRIBLE. Everything hurt, and I wanted to sleep but I couldn't. It was hard to talk, it was hard to swallow, I didn't want to do anything but be totally divorced from my body. I was miserable.

My cousin comes upstairs and tells me that my father wants me. It was all I could do to drag myself out of bed and downstairs to see what he wanted.

So, I get downstairs, and he tells me that he wants me to go to the store to get something. My head was pounding, I was cold and hot, and everything hurt. I looked at the man, squinting because the light in the kitchen was bright, and I told him "no."

My father said, "What?!" It was high pitched with surprise, and laced with menace. I didn't care. There wasn't anything he could do to me that my body wasn't already doing all by it's lonesome.

So, I said no again, and I told him that I felt horrible and that I was going back to bed. I then turned around and walked out, and I distinctly remember the shocked look on his face as I shambled upstairs. (I might have crawled- I don't remember.)

Now, you have to understand something. I'm Black. There is a disctinct difference in the way that Black and White children are raised. Black children who are raised respectfully do NOT say no to their parents, on pain of death. It's really that simple. And my father is a stocky man who lifts weights- he's been doing so since high school. So while he's not tall, he's just a stocky, physically strong guy. He worked all the time and was always tired, so he always seemed to have a bad attitude. Yes, I was afraid of my father.

In all honesty, I didn't expect to make it alive back up to my room, but I really and truly didn't care. I just wanted it all to go away, but I thoroughly expected him to take my head off.

My father came up later with a glass of orange juice and a couple of aspirin. He told me to take it and to sleep. Drinking the juice hurt like hell because my tongue was cracked- breathing through my mouth because my nose was blocked, and swallowing the aspirin was torture, too.

Come to think of it, I didn't go to school for a couple of days, either.

In all honesty, I'd rather go through Boot Camp again than relive those couple of days. At least I got something out of Boot Camp.

And now, I'll be singing like Elton John: "And that's why they call it the flu..."

- (making songs my own) llama

[Sarah Beach]

Gee, Steve. But look what you got from the flu! Your dad acknowledged that you were actually a person who might need some attention! He brought you asprin & orange juice!

I have to say I haven't been that sick in a long time. I had a touch of whatever it was going around, before Christmas - something intestinal, and it was really, really draining. After three days of getting precious little nourishment, because everything was flushing straight through the system, I was reduced to trying to figure out what the body would absorb. I turned to water and sugar (in the form of jelly beans). I was probably getting better by that point anyway, but that did help reboost my energy levels.

I'd rather not feel that again, thankyouverymuch. It wasn't the worst I had, but it was bad enough.

[JTPencils]

Thanks for the welcome, folks. The reason I stayed out of this so long was that I was[in my old-fashioned and probably misguided way] trying not to air my laundry in public. But I can see I share laundry with quite a few folks[a disturbing thought? Heh]. Unfortunately, I've been stiffed out of thousands over the last few years, and my normally laid-back nature is just about spent. I'm about ready to just make a list of deadbeats in every forum I can, and let them all squirm. I have to say it's partially on my head because I tend to wallow in fly-by-night companies, practically guaranteeing a screwjob. Not that I'm trying to relieve these folks of any blame, just realizing that if you hang out in a dark alley at night, you probably WILL get mugged. Rick's not the first or last to screw me, just the most insane.

On the health note; I take a small handfull of vitamins every morning, and I've only been sick 3 times in the 7 years I've been taking them. I used to average 2 sinus infections a year before, but that's pretty much disappeared these days. And when I DO get sick, it rarely lasts more than 2 or 3 days.
Can't beat results like that.

What was that old saying? "That which doesn't kill us makes us a survivor of TightLip?"

Oh yeah. Rick, if you're reading this....
Why did you name your company TightLip, when it would've been much more appropriate to name it TightWad?

Jeff... without going out of bounds on the NDA, which might give looney some actual legal footing (as if that's even a remote possibility right now)... is there things from your experience as his CD that you can perhaps give some insight to? We know he's a nefariously sneaky sort... so I'm sure there were "secrets" that he wanted kept between the two of you, that in reality have no basis. Any insider info you could perhaps share??

Here's a thought... more people survived the Titanic then TightLip!!

[SteveForbes]

Gee, Steve. But look what you got from the flu! Your dad acknowledged that you were actually a person who might need some attention! He brought you asprin & orange juice!

I have to say I haven't been that sick in a long time. I had a touch of whatever it was going around, before Christmas - something intestinal, and it was really, really draining. After three days of getting precious little nourishment, because everything was flushing straight through the system, I was reduced to trying to figure out what the body would absorb. I turned to water and sugar (in the form of jelly beans). I was probably getting better by that point anyway, but that did help reboost my energy levels.

I'd rather not feel that again, thankyouverymuch. It wasn't the worst I had, but it was bad enough.

It might have been kinder for him just to shoot me in the head. At least I wouldn't have had to get out of bed, then.

Dad: Son, I need you to go the store.

Me (weakly): no...

Dad: What?!

Me (weakly): i feel horrible and i'm not going anywhere.

Dad: Yeah?! Stay right there...

Pause. Pause. Pause.

SFX: Ka-chak!

Dad: Son, I need you to go to the store.

Me (weakly): n-

SFX: BOOOM!!!

-llama

[NatGertler]

that is so sweet. and honestly, I would take u up on that cause that 800 would really help me and the kids right now, but Rick should be paying that bill not you.Which doesn't mean that you couldn't use some money now, and the community is coming around in various ways to support you.

But (and this is important) none of this money -- not whatever Larry and Mercedes have kindly offered, not anything that comes from the auction -- should be seen as decreasing Rick's debt to you one iota. If we're doing this to be nice to anyone, it sure ain't Rick. I suspect that all involved would be happiest if you continue to do whatever it takes to extract all appropriate money from Olney.

[TomStillwell]

Which doesn't mean that you couldn't use some money now, and the community is coming around in various ways to support you.

But (and this is important) none of this money -- not whatever Larry and Mercedes have kindly offered, not anything that comes from the auction -- should be seen as decreasing Rick's debt to you one iota. If we're doing this to be nice to anyone, it sure ain't Rick. I suspect that all involved would be happiest if you continue to do whatever it takes to extract all appropriate money from Olney.

QFT.

Olney's not getting off the hook. This is relief, not payment of his debts.

[Sean_Jackson]

Yeah, that's the sound bite - if you don't spend every second praying to God asking him to kill you, you don't have a kidney stone.

Fixed that for you.

[Inkpot1965]

JT,
Secrets? Can't think of any offhand. I do know that Rick has a serious paranoid streak in him. He always thought someone was out to get him. Occasionally would have me ask Tightlippers if anyone had e-mailed them asking about him or company stuff. Weird. Now through his own actions, he made sure people ARE out to get him. Irony? Or Rick's desperate need for attention?

[TomStillwell]

JT,
Secrets? Can't think of any offhand. I do know that Rick has a serious paranoid streak in him. He always thought someone was out to get him. Occasionally would have me ask Tightlippers if anyone had e-mailed them asking about him or company stuff. Weird. Now through his own actions, he made sure people ARE out to get him. Irony? Or Rick's desperate need for attention?

Probably big helpings of both.

[NatGertler]

I do know that Rick has a serious paranoid streak in him. He always thought someone was out to get him.And by making sure that there would be people out to get him, he keeps the concern from seeming so crazy.

Remember, the person who says "I'm being stalked by an astronaut in a wig and a diaper" is only crazy if it's false...

[the4thpip]

Yeah, that's the sound bite - if you don't spend every second praying to God asking him to kill you, you're not sharing a ride with Rick Olney.


Fixed it for ya.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Not for nothing, man, but I seriously doubt a disease that killed 100 million people as recently as 1918 - a significant portion of them healthy adults - can be cured by apples and garlic.

I thought I had the flu a bunch of times in high school and college. Then I actually got the flu once. Holy fucking shit. I had colds and various infections over the years that I thought were flu but once I had the real thing I will never mistake it for a serious cold again.

I spent eight days in bed, and every single second I wished I was dead. My friends and my family had to set up a schedule in and out to take care of me - if I'd had health insurance I would have gone to the hospital. About eight years ago I spent a week in the cardiac unit of a local hospital and I'd rather do THAT again than get the flu.

I would have to say that if you were able to get up every two hours to eat apples and garlic you probably didn't have full-blown influenza.

Yeah, that's the sound bite - if you don't spend every second praying to God asking him to kill you, you don't have the flu.

JLK
<shudders at the memory>

Like I told you brother, I've been there. And yes, it works. Doubt me all you want. But as I said, don't knock until you try. Sometimes the strongest diseases can be taken out with the simplest things; keep in mind I've only given you one possible solution. There are many in the case of the flu. Many of them as simple as what I've already given.

JP

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Which doesn't mean that you couldn't use some money now, and the community is coming around in various ways to support you.

But (and this is important) none of this money -- not whatever Larry and Mercedes have kindly offered, not anything that comes from the auction -- should be seen as decreasing Rick's debt to you one iota. If we're doing this to be nice to anyone, it sure ain't Rick. I suspect that all involved would be happiest if you continue to do whatever it takes to extract all appropriate money from Olney.

Seconded for truth.

JP

[THEDOC]

Rick hasn't visited his Myspace since the 7th. Maybe someone did pull the plug on his 'puter.

[Blake Petit]

Rick hasn't visited his Myspace since the 7th. Maybe someone did pull the plug on his 'puter.

Or maybe the power company got tired of him telling them he wouldn't pay the bill until they signed his NDA.

[Magneto_X]

Or maybe the power company got tired of him telling them he wouldn't pay the bill until they signed his NDA.

Or maybe he and his wife were kicked out by their relative and/or their lease expired.

[J. Morgan (Bat) Neal]

But I got better.

[wishlish]

I still think the snowstorm could be a factor. 11 feet of snow is 11 feet.

[Danny Donovan]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/dannydonovan3/Random/random%20random/20060405bingo.png

Rick's favorite boardgame!

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Its 12 foot of snow last I heard and it could be a world record for that area. Ya just know he's gonna return soon. :)

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a75/dannydonovan3/Random/random%20random/20060405bingo.png

Rick's favorite boardgame!

What, no your mom jokes? Geez...I want a refund with this boardgame. ;)

JP

[the4thpip]

What, no your mom jokes? Geez...I want a refund with this boardgame. ;)

JP

Yo momma jokes are a staple of Internet culture. No way do they lose arguments by default. :mad:

[JTPencils]

With all that snow, no doubt peanut and his invisible lawyer are outside shoveling more then just the usual BS right now.

[PatrickG]

Wow. The Shortpacked guy really must be a Transformers fan.

He jokes about TF fans a lot but some of those I've only seen on Transformers Message Boards.

[MacQuarrie]

Wow. The Shortpacked guy really must be a Transformers fan.

He jokes about TF fans a lot but some of those I've only seen on Transformers Message Boards.

I've seen examples of every one of them here at CBR or (more often) at Newsarama and Comicon's forums. No one genre has a lock on it.

[Matt Doc Martin]

With all that snow, no doubt peanut and his invisible lawyer are outside shoveling more then just the usual BS right now.

I'm gonna go with "heart attack after shoveling" That is why he has been offline...and us mean trolls are NOT helping.

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

I'm gonna go with "heart attack after shoveling" That is why he has been offline...and us mean trolls are NOT helping.

I thought I was a plebe myself...

JP

[Larry Dixon]

I still think the snowstorm could be a factor. 11 feet of snow is 11 feet.

He could burn all those stockpiled issues of TALES OF THE SPOOKY to keep warm!

Oh, wait.

[Reverend Smooth]

Snowed in, wouldn't he have more internets and phone time?

[TomStillwell]

Snowed in, wouldn't he have more internets and phone time?

Not with Mrs. Olney waving a frying pan each time he looked longingly at the computer.

[JTPencils]

I'm gonna go with "heart attack after shoveling" That is why he has been offline...and us mean trolls are NOT helping.

Well... not pointing fingers or nuffin Doc... but some of us trolls have been doing things to incur serious chest infarctions!!! So I wouldn't be surprised in the least.

"Mail call!"

"Ugh... chest... burnin',... can't get to armor!... no power!!"

[Danny Donovan]

Snowed in, wouldn't he have more internets and phone time?


I would assume that lots of people must be without power at the moment so no internets or phone.

[Reverend Smooth]

I may be spoiled; my canadian hometown would regularly get buried -- and I mean, like, higher than the roofline of the house buried -- but the power would stay on.

[Ronée]

First of all... Larry, you guys are examples of superheroes. I thank you kindly for your assistance, this will actually go towards my daughters bday party next month since xmas was less than it could have been.

As for where Rick is, I am sure he is sitting in a corner shivering in his "they are all out to get me" bunker.

[Reverend Smooth]

That's what he gets for dropping dirty business bombs into the talent supply.

[NatGertler]

I'm gonna go with "heart attack after shoveling" That thought leaves me wondering whether his criteria for a doctor parallel those for selecting a lawyer. Where can one find a doctor that refuses to be publicly identified, who encourages you to be publicly self-destructive, and who just sits there smiling a happy meal smile no matter how up a creek you are.

(Doctor/patient confidentiality my patootie! I want an NDA!)

[Koben Kelly]

While I would love to imagine the man suffering under ten feet of snow, cut off from power, or simply fearful of his wife weilding a frying pan...

I have to imagine that Matt has honestly put the fear of bringing it into his collective consciousness. Receiving a phone call from a rep of St. Jude's has shaken his constucted reality wherein he can do whatever the F he wants. I truly believe that Rick operates under a carefully constucted fantasy world that he is supreme ruler of. Any action he has taken to benefit himself has been 100% acceptable...

UNTIL HE BAITED THE WRONG M-F'er.

Reality may have dawned on him, and it's possible that he's realized that no good at all can come of him posting on this -or any- thread.

Keep us updated, Matt. Thanks.

[NatGertler]

I would assume that lots of people must be without power at the moment so no internets or phone.Just a quick note to remind everyone that lack of electrical power does not mean a lack of telephone service (if anything, phone service seems to be the more reliable of the two.) As such, even if you're into all of the modern cordless phones, speakerphones, etc., it's a good idea to make sure you have a phone on hand which does not require an electrical socket, so that you may be able to use it during emergencies when the power is out.

[the4thpip]

Just a quick note to remind everyone that lack of electrical power does not mean a lack of telephone service (if anything, phone service seems to be the more reliable of the two.) As such, even if you're into all of the modern cordless phones, speakerphones, etc., it's a good idea to make sure you have a phone on hand which does not require an electrical socket, so that you may be able to use it during emergencies when the power is out.

Yeah, I dug out my old phone after those hurricane-like winds left me without power for a few minutes last month.

[Matt Doc Martin]

While I would love to imagine the man suffering under ten feet of snow, cut off from power, or simply fearful of his wife weilding a frying pan...

I have to imagine that Matt has honestly put the fear of bringing it into his collective consciousness. Receiving a phone call from a rep of St. Jude's has shaken his constucted reality wherein he can do whatever the F he wants. I truly believe that Rick operates under a carefully constucted fantasy world that he is supreme ruler of. Any action he has taken to benefit himself has been 100% acceptable...

UNTIL HE BAITED THE WRONG M-F'er.

Reality may have dawned on him, and it's possible that he's realized that no good at all can come of him posting on this -or any- thread.

Keep us updated, Matt. Thanks.


Let's not forget the VERY REAL suits he has been faced with already.

But I'd love to see his face when he hears from the Attorney General's office. I have sent two different complaints off, along with evidence OF HIS OWN DOING! Rick, you got a big mouth on you. I thank you for that. Makes you an easy target. I look forward to finding yet more to get you on. And watching Ronee, Tim, and a number of others lining up to take a poke at you.

I really don't like you, peanut.

[Inkpot1965]

Heh, heh, heh........

[Matt Doc Martin]

Heh, heh, heh........

What?

*10chars*

[Inkpot1965]

I've been talking to Jim Taylor too much. I'm becoming evil and taking pleasure in the crucifying of Rick.


HI, RICK!!

[Matt Doc Martin]

I've been talking to Jim Taylor too much. I'm becoming evil and taking pleasure in the crucifying of Rick.


HI, RICK!!

I'm not saying he asked for it or anything...well...

Except for "bring it", and do your worst, and Nyah, nyah.

Fucktard DID ask for it!

[Inkpot1965]

Actually, Jim's wife accused me of being a bad influence on Jim. It always ends up being my fault. Rick seemed to think so when I was Creative Director. CD must be a French phrase that means scapegoat.

[JTPencils]

Actually, Jim's wife accused me of being a bad influence on Jim. It always ends up being my fault. Rick seemed to think so when I was Creative Director. CD must be a French phrase that means scapegoat.

She didn't say you were a bad influence... she said together we're dangerous. I'm already a bad bad man... I cause chest pains.

[Richard Sullivan]

Actually, Jim's wife accused me of being a bad influence on Jim. It always ends up being my fault. Rick seemed to think so when I was Creative Director. CD must be a French phrase that means scapegoat.

Yep. I don't believe Rick had any good things to say about his CD's especially after they left TLE.

[TomStillwell]

I'm in kind of a downer mood today, feeling sick and worn out...stretched too thin, and a conversation I just had with an industry pro about Olney took the wind out of my sails.

This is an artist working for one of the Big Two. Someone who has been "made" after years of working in comics.

I asked him if he wanted to be involved with the Unscrewed! auction.

"No. It's a pretty common problem."

Wow. What a totally defeatist attitude. Acknowledging that a problem is happening often enough to make it common yet taking no action to improve the situation.

This exchange bothered me more than when I was told the other day by another artist working for a Big Two publisher that...

"It sucks, you know, but it's not really that important, right?"

I guess I'll take complacency over apathy any day.

The Olneys of the world count on both.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Don't let it stop you from fighting the fight. Hell, I have NO stake in this, and I will not let up until justice is done.

[bert]

Don't let it stop you from fighting the fight. Hell, I have NO stake in this, and I will not let up until justice is done.

Cheer us up Matt!

tell us how you're gonna make Olney squirm. . .

[Larry Dixon]

Hell, I have NO stake in this, and I will not let up until justice is done.

Mr. Martin I must respectfully disagree. We all have a stake in this, because it tends to the welfare of something we love and people we care about. :)

[Danny Donovan]

Tom, this is something I have seen a lot from the younger guys that get in the business. The ones with the "hot style" that get picked up after a very short time and they believe that once they are there at "the show" they're made for life.

They don't know how fickle the business is yet. I will say you go to that same artist in six months or so and ask them how things are going they'll swear a blue streak about some guy that took advantage of them.

The purpose of Unscrewed! is to say YES, this is something that happens all too frequently but it's going to end, because we're going to hold people accountable.

Rick may not have been the first person to screw a creator but he's damn sure going to be the one everyone that follows him think of before they try to be underhanded to the talent.

I spoke to an artist today, I was hoping to draw something for me for the anthology, and he had some passing grumbles with Rick, but never got too involved. He said he hoped we run him out of the biz, and if he wasn't swamped with projects (he's very good. lol.) he'd throw in with us, even if he had nothing but a few sore words exchanged..

For every one person that says "meh. doesn't effect me. sorry." there's six others that say "I know EXACTLY what you're going through. I'm in."

Or if they can't because of timing reasons, they make their concessions with a very heavy heart.

;) I did however, pass the artist your e-mail Tom, in case he wanted to donate some art to the auction. Don't be defeated!

[Jamie Coville]

This exchange bothered me more than when I was told the other day by another artist working for a Big Two publisher that...

"It sucks, you know, but it's not really that important, right?"



I'm pretty sure I know who that artist is, he very recently mentioned turning down a charity book saying it wasn't really that important on another message board. He openly said he was being a dick by saying that. I guess he just has a different perspective on what's important enough to be worth his time.

I wouldn't let it get you down, you've got a great group of big name creators helping you already. I doubt any charity book gets everybody they ask, but typically those that turn them down have legit reasons (deadline crunch), lie or not respond at all.

[TomStillwell]

I'm pretty sure I know who that artist is, he very recently mentioned turning down a charity book saying it wasn't really that important on another message board. He openly said he was being a dick by saying that. I guess he just has a different perspective on what's important enough to be worth his time.

I wouldn't let it get you down, you've got a great group of big name creators helping you already. I doubt any charity book gets everybody they ask, but typically those that turn them down have legit reasons (deadline crunch), lie or not respond at all.

The thing that gets me is that I wasn't looking for people to donate their time to a book, just donate a little something to an auction. How hard would it have been for one of these artists to grab a comp copy of one of their books, sign it, and drop it in the mail?

I'm not mad at either of these artists. They don't owe me anything, other than delivering on the books I pay for each month. I expected people to say No at some point, for whatever reason. I wasn't prepared for the blaise attitude. I respect their choices and wish them well.

I am really disappointed in them as professionals working in comics. Their artwork just lost a little shine to me.

This is not really getting me down and I'm elated at all the folks stepping up to the plate to help out. Just today Peter David was quick to offer his help when asked. Sean McKeever too. Overall people have been fantastic.

[Sarah Beach]

Yeah, the list of donors is impressive, as are what is being offered!

I guess the thing is that we can't change everyone's attitude and outlook on situations like this all at once. Heck, we've already made a minor revolution just by standing up, coming together and saying "This is wrong and must stop now." That's a big step.

Of course, it seems obvious now. But gosh, .... back in, say, November, would we all have said it? In a collective sense?

That's a bit rambling, but the point is that we're changing attitudes about how to respond to unscrupulous publishers right now. And that's a good start.

[Typo Lad]

"No. It's a pretty common problem."

"It sucks, you know, but it's not really that important, right?"



Ahhh... defining deviency down. Gotta love it.

"Sure it's bad, but other things are worse, so I will ignore this bad thing."

If more people believed ethical behavior was important, then unethical behavior would be a lot less common.

Duh?

[Joshua Pantalleresco]

Ahhh... defining deviency down. Gotta love it.

"Sure it's bad, but other things are worse, so I will ignore this bad thing."

If more people believed ethical behavior was important, then unethical behavior would be a lot less common.

Duh?

"Evil can only win if good men do nothing."

JP

[Ian Boothby]

"Evil can only win if good men do nothing."

JP


Or if evil buys a lotto ticket.

[SteveForbes]

Or if evil buys a lotto ticket.

There's a story in there! It could be downright hilarious in the "write" hands! It doesn't need to be any more than four pages, either!

-(thinks there's a story in everything) llama

[Sarah Beach]

There's a story in there! It could be downright hilarious in the "write" hands! It doesn't need to be any more than four pages, either!

-(thinks there's a story in everything) llama

Hmmmm. "Thinks there's a story in everything" -- isn't that editor-think?

No.... wait..... there's a story in that. Must be writer. ;)

[SteveForbes]

Hmmmm. "Thinks there's a story in everything" -- isn't that editor-think?

No.... wait..... there's a story in that. Must be writer. ;)

Yeah, yeah. Sure, sure.

I'll tell you what. I'm seeing a fat guy in a red devil suit, complete with horns, walking in to buy a lotto ticket.

He introduces himself as Revil (pronounced Reevil), and the hilarity ensues from there.

Four pages.

-(i believe) llama

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Yeah, yeah. Sure, sure.

I'll tell you what. I'm seeing a fat guy in a red devil suit, complete with horns, walking in to buy a lotto ticket.

He introduces himself as Revil (pronounced Reevil), and the hilarity ensues from there.

Four pages.

-(i believe) llama

Ohhh come on why make up a name when you can change the one the story is based on to create a classic name. Picture it like this.


For the chosen who had worked at BigTit Comics , they never imagined the horror they would go thru. Now faced with taking a man to court among battling his evil online , its the forces of comic book good vs Dick Bolney. Coming to you this fall !

[Yonar]

Fer fun, because I wasn't up to much else.

SPAM!

“Hey lad, How’d you like to be in print lad? I’ve seen some of your stories. They’re great…”

The voice asking was unique, and caused the clerk to look up. It wasn’t so much gravelly, as broken, as if someone had chewed up rocks, swallowed them, then coughed them up to speak. It sounded /wrong/ in a very basic way, and the clerk saw why.

It was quite startling. He had, after all, just smoked a joint out back, and this was not what he needed for his buzz. This, in fact, was about as wrong as could be.

The guy in front of him was a devil, and he knew. It wasn’t the horns, he was fairly sure no one else could see those. It wasn’t the great black wings, or even the red skin. There was a shimmer about him, as if those things were just things that his mind expected to see when faced with.. this man.

He really wasn’t spectacular. He was nothing but a middle aged man, with short, curly black hair, blue eyes, and a smile which showed his fangs, which were really quite normal looking teeth.

But he was Evil. And He knew it. It was in his eyes, and in his voice, and in his heart, and the clerk was afraid.

“God…” the clerk muttered to himself, in his half drugged stupor.

“Oh, no gods here. I left those gits fighting about who would get the first whack at me. They’re all a bunch of bullies, that lot, thinking that just because they’re gods, they can condemn me.” His laugh was abusive, his smile wider, as he looked into the clerk’s eyes.

“I know you… You’re the one… you draw the life out of those who deal with you, you give them promises and gifts, but they never do come up full. I won’t work for you.”

“Brave words lad. Brave words. I’ve given more to you and yours than you can dream. Why, just look around. That weed you smoked? That was my idea, smoking it. I was around when all they were doing was smoking tobacco, and here there was this great stuff, and I saw the market ripe. Course, no one would tell you that was me, I’m just the guy who suggested smoking it, no they all get rich off my idea, but they don’t tell you about me.
That’s the story of me life, boy. I come up with the ideas, and they steal them all. I give and give, and everyone just takes from me. You can hardly blame me for a few whiners, they all stole from me, after all. Their stories, their work, I helped them all come together. I threw the parties, I raised the money, I even donated to charity, all for them, to help them all, and this is the thanks I get, a bunch of busy bodies, slandering and judging me.”

“What do you want from me?”

“Just a little help, lad. You look the bright sort. I need a man to talk to the people for me. You’ve done some work, right? Done some books, right? That’s why you work here part time, and write stories at home? You’re going to be big, son, really big. Work for me, write for me. I’ve got a few ideas you could write on, and we can get an artist on your existing stories.”

“But, sir, I’ve just got the two, and there’s so much work here to be done.”

“Don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about it. I’ve got all that covered. You can quit here, I’ve got you a nice fat paycheck, and you can work on your writing full time. Just quit here, we’ll get you all set up.”

“You.. You’re serious? I mean, is there a contract or something?”

“Of course there’s a contract, lad. There’s always a contract. That’s for your protection, right? Once you sign, you’ve got my guarantee you’ll get paid.”

“Don’t listen son.”

The new voice was clear, crystalline, golden even. It was everything the other man wasn’t.

The weed induced vision gave this man wings, golden and shining, his smile glowed with golden light, and the halo shone so bright above his head that his face was hidden. A good man. An angel.

“Don’t listen to anything he says. He’ll offer you a job, but he’ll just drag you down son, and when you come back here, all they’re going to remember is that you quit without your two weeks, and you won’t get your job back. And you will be back here, you’ll find out soon enough, he never delivers on his promises, and his contracts are just to keep you from talking about the things you've worked on.”

“SHUT UP! I have NDA’s to protect my interests! You’re lying and slandering me, just like all the others who don’t know anything! Get out of my way, and leave me alone! This boy deserves a chance, I gave you yours. You turned your back on me, now I'm here to find some loyal writers!”

“You mean he’s… He’s done this bef’re?” the half stoned clerk was confused, it seemed that the devil had a point. After all, anything either of them said could be a lie, but the devil, he had these great ideas…

“Yeah, he did it to me. And a few of my friends. He made sure we were too upset or scared to talk to each other. You see, Evil can only win if good men do nothing, and we were all scared to do anything. I’m ashamed to say it took a few brave people standing up, and telling me about their suffering before I stood up myself.”

“Shut UP! You’re just trying to confuse the boy! You’re going to ruin me, you and all your meddling! How dare you judge me, after I gave so much to your industry, and your work! I promoted you! You and the rest of you brats have ruined my buisiness. I can’t pay people if I don’t sell anything, and you’re making it impossible to produce things, what with the lot of you always stopping people from working for me!”

“You could get a job, or produce something of your own for once. You could stop taking credit for the work of others. But you’d rather whine. Go on, get out of here.”

“You’re all plebes. But I know one way that I can still win.”

“Yeah, what’s that?”

The Devil paused, and smiled real big, and turned to the clerk, pulling out a dollar bill.

“Gimme A Power Ball Ticket.”


-------------

Edit: I changed a bit for tense reasons. I added a bit on the line about the contracts to keep you from talking. still not sure I like that line. I may change it to something more like 'his contracts are just so he can scare you later. He'll claim you broke your contract, and threaten to sue if you tell anyone.' But I'm not sure how long winded I want to be. I also added a bit to the devil's response.

[SteveForbes]

THAT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!

Somebody put that in Unscrewed! PLEASE! I won't even ask for credit for the idea!

-(doesn't want or need an NDA) llama

[Reverend Smooth]

THAT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!

Somebody put that in Unscrewed! PLEASE! I won't even ask for credit for the idea!

-(doesn't want or need an NDA) llamaAnd illustrate it. X:

[SteveForbes]

It could be illustrated or just a text piece. It doesn't matter. That's high hilarity.

-(knows hilarity when he sees it) llama

[Reverend Smooth]

It could be illustrated or just a text piece. It doesn't matter. That's high hilarity.

-(knows hilarity when he sees it) llamaDo it like Dream Hunters, is what I was thinking. XD

[Kurt Busiek]

The thing that gets me is that I wasn't looking for people to donate their time to a book, just donate a little something to an auction. How hard would it have been for one of these artists to grab a comp copy of one of their books, sign it, and drop it in the mail?

Don't complain when people don't contribute -- they're not required to.

View the contributions as a plus, and non-contributions as a neutral. Active harm would be a negative.

I can tell you from experience, comics pros get auction requests all the time. Literacy auctions, school auctions, charity auctions -- if we contributed to all of 'em, we'd have run out of belongings years ago. Doesn't mean they're not worthy causes, just that we get a lot of requests.

kdb

[THEDOC]

I'm in kind of a downer mood today, feeling sick and worn out...stretched too thin, and a conversation I just had with an industry pro about Olney took the wind out of my sails.

This is an artist working for one of the Big Two. Someone who has been "made" after years of working in comics.

I asked him if he wanted to be involved with the Unscrewed! auction.

"No. It's a pretty common problem."

Wow. What a totally defeatist attitude. Acknowledging that a problem is happening often enough to make it common yet taking no action to improve the situation.

This exchange bothered me more than when I was told the other day by another artist working for a Big Two publisher that...

"It sucks, you know, but it's not really that important, right?"

I guess I'll take complacency over apathy any day.

The Olneys of the world count on both.


Tom,
We have had the same reaction to some of the "bigger" local names to come to The Jam, it's like they don't need us though they bitch that all there is around here is WizardWorld! Go figure, their loss. You are doing a great job!

[TomStillwell]

Don't complain when people don't contribute -- they're not required to.

View the contributions as a plus, and non-contributions as a neutral. Active harm would be a negative.

I can tell you from experience, comics pros get auction requests all the time. Literacy auctions, school auctions, charity auctions -- if we contributed to all of 'em, we'd have run out of belongings years ago. Doesn't mean they're not worthy causes, just that we get a lot of requests.

kdb

Kurt, I wasn't complaining because they didn't contribute. As I've said before, they didn't owe me or the auction anything. I've expected people to say no all along or not respond at all. Those generous folks donating are, as you say, a plus.

Instead I was put off by their attitudes. One didn't consider creators getted stiffed important while another just chalked it up as a common problem and shrugged.

Not donating isn't a harm. Not caring about your fellow creators...that's a harm.

[Kurt Busiek]

Kurt, I wasn't complaining because they didn't contribute.

Tom, when you say:

The thing that gets me is that I wasn't looking for people to donate their time to a book, just donate a little something to an auction. How hard would it have been for one of these artists to grab a comp copy of one of their books, sign it, and drop it in the mail?

...you're complaining that they didn't contribute.

kdb

[THEDOC]

Tom, when you say:



...you're complaining that they didn't contribute.

kdb

But you know what he meant, it was really the apathy these turks had to a very serious problem that might bite them in the ass one day.

[Yonar]

THAT WAS GREAT!!!!!!!

Somebody put that in Unscrewed! PLEASE! I won't even ask for credit for the idea!

-(doesn't want or need an NDA) llama

And illustrate it. X:

It could be illustrated or just a text piece. It doesn't matter. That's high hilarity.

-(knows hilarity when he sees it) llama

Do it like Dream Hunters, is what I was thinking. XD


Glad you guys like it. Some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. Don't know if I'm really happy with the speach about his contracts so that you won't talk bit. But enh.

And as for unscrewed, I wouldn't dream of asking to be put in. I'm just a guy who scribbles things on paper once in a while.

There are a lot of people who do, and have done, real work, this was just a sketch, a joke of sorts.

[kingdom2000]

But you know what he meant, it was really the apathy these turks had to a very serious problem that might bite them in the ass one day.

You could say that about any chartiable enterprise out there so the logic is false. They don't want to participate, respect the choice and move on. Trying to guilt or push someone to get involved is a sure fire way to make sure no one will.

[Yonar]

I don't much like this conversation. We're nit picking, and complaining about something which serves no real point. Tom's been working very hard, and got frustrated at what he viewed as an invalidation of his efforts by people whom he thought would be in a better position to appreciate them.

It's not like Tom grabbed anyone and beat them up, or named names, or even called anyone a slacker. He complained, he vented, and he went right back to working very hard on what is a HUGE charitable undertaking.

Let's not fall to fighting amongst ourselves as to the nature of charity, the position of apathy, or the statements of discontent and frustration which have been made in the stress of organization.

Tom's a volounteer, doing a great job, and he felt hurt that people could so casually disregard what we all view as a serious threat and a serious issue. He's not hunting them down and forcing them to give, he's not going crazy on us, he's just venting.

Let's all just take a step back, and move on, yes?

[Reverend Smooth]

Glad you guys like it. Some of the dialogue felt a bit forced. Don't know if I'm really happy with the speach about his contracts so that you won't talk bit. But enh.
To be fair, it's the first draft tossed up on a forum. I take that sort of thing into account. XD

[Yonar]

To be fair, it's the first draft tossed up on a forum. I take that sort of thing into account. XD

True. But I'm very self critical, especially of dialogue I write. Thanks for being so generous though, and thanks to JP, Ian Boothby, and Steve Forbes for the comments that became that rough draft.

It was interesting, writing this, because I very much wanted to write a dialogue centric piece, where I could let the 'devil' rant with plenty of RO references, and slip in some jabs there, but I'm never happy with my dialogue. I have this feeling that the words come out stiff and pedantic, no matter what 'voice' I'm trying to imbue. I'm actually fairly pleased with most of the 'devil' lines in this, if anything, I'd shift some more wheedling and 'who can you trust' lines in towards the end when the 'angel' and the 'devil' are arguing. Probably a few more threats to hold the angel in breach of contract or something.

Anyway. It's just a draft, a sketch, as it were, and I'm sitting here, trying not to go back and edit it for the fourth time, and try to change it more.

After all, I already fixed the glaring errors in past tense, and added a bit to two seperate lines. I'm sure I'm missing some grammatical fixes I need to make, but I'm also sure if I go back, I'm going to start rewriting the dialogue again, and I'm fairly sure I need to stop that. ;)

Anyway, thanks for enjoying it, and everybody stay 'Unscrewed!'

[Reverend Smooth]

Anyway. It's just a draft, a sketch, as it were, and I'm sitting here, trying not to go back and edit it for the fourth time, and try to change it more.When I have art that's giving me that kind of problem (I usually end up with a couple 'drafts'), I set it aside for a day or two and then come back to it later. When it's not so fresh in my mind it's easier to be more objective and correct the flaws better.

<3

[TomStillwell]

Tom, when you say:



...you're complaining that they didn't contribute.

kdb

Not at all. I was talking about that while both acknowledged the problem, neither were willing to do anything about it.

If they had just said no it wouldn't have bothered me at all and we wouldn't be having this conversation. If they had said they couldn't help I would have been fine with me too.

I didn't like their attitudes. I'm entirely entitled to my opinion in that regard.

But no, not complaining. In fact yesterday I had some more people not wishing to contribute and they were respectful and gracious when declining.

[TomStillwell]

You could say that about any chartiable enterprise out there so the logic is false. They don't want to participate, respect the choice and move on. Trying to guilt or push someone to get involved is a sure fire way to make sure no one will.

When exactly did I try to guilt or push someone to get involved?

I'm not mad at either of these artists. They don't owe me anything, other than delivering on the books I pay for each month. I expected people to say No at some point, for whatever reason. I wasn't prepared for the blaise attitude. I respect their choices and wish them well.

[DungeonmasterJim]

When exactly did I try to guilt or push someone to get involved?

I kind of took what Kingdom 2000 was saying in general about charities even though there was a 'you'. I took the 'you' as anybody asking for donations.

Of course, I got pissed at a charity when I told their rep on the phone I had just gotten laid off right before Christmas and that I had some big bills coming which was the truth. The guy just kept asking for donations. It was a charitable cause I liked but I got so pissed at this guy that I told him no. And I stayed pissed enough where I stopped giving to the charity entirely.

DM Jim

[CutterMike]

True. But I'm very self critical, especially of dialogue I write...

...but I'm also sure if I go back, I'm going to start rewriting the dialogue again, and I'm fairly sure I need to stop that. ;)
'

When I was working on my degree project, back in the dark ages (a 40-page comic bok, BTW), and was obsessing and redrawing, a friend of mine, looking over my shoulder, pointed out that art is a two-person job:

One person sits at the drawing board and does the work.

The other stands behind hir with a ball-peen hammer and swings it at the appropriate time, saying "It's DONE!"

Since he WAS standing behind me, and I couldn't see his hands, I took the hint, put down the WiteOut(tm), and started on the next page

Even pro writers have a spouse/friend/first reader who looks at the stuff with fresh eyes - right here you've got metric oodles of them,

Go wild - write and don't obsess.

(...now where DID I put that hammer... is it in the hall closet...? ...or did I...mumblemumble...) -wanders off, panel right.

[Sarah Beach]

Yonar -- I really liked your little sketch. It made me chuckle. And also reminded me of one of the two Millenneum episodes that I'd want to own (I don't need the whole series). And of course, both those episodes were written by the incomparable Darren Morgan.

Anyway, the episode was "Somehow Satan Got Behind Me": 4 tempter demons gather at a donut shop and describe their recent jobs - turns out they'd each crossed Frank's path (and he's the only human who can recognize them as what they are). It's a brilliant piece of satire.

But it's that "devil in the ordinary world" thing, which your piece reminded me of. Heh.

[Alan Lynch]

Anyway, the episode was "Somehow Satan Got Behind Me": 4 tempter demons gather at a donut shop and describe their recent jobs - turns out they'd each crossed Frank's path (and he's the only human who can recognize them as what they are). It's a brilliant piece of satire.

But it's that "devil in the ordinary world" thing, which your piece reminded me of. Heh.

And that in turn reminded me of the ace episode of the Batman animted show where Killer Croc, Joker, Penguin and...The Riddler (maybe?) sit around describing how they "almost got" Batman.

"I threw a rock at him". Priceless.

[SteveForbes]

I remember that episode. It was great!

I miss Batman: TAS. How many non-comic reading adults do you know stopped their day in order to watch it? I knew a few.

-(thinks animation should go back to its roots) llama

[Kurt Busiek]

But you know what he meant, it was really the apathy these turks had to a very serious problem that might bite them in the ass one day.

He was directly complaining that they didn't contribute.

It's not a crime, it's not a hateful act, but it doesn't need to be danced around as if saying "how hard is it to send something?" isn't a complaint that someone declined to contribute.

kdb

[Flamebird]

And that in turn reminded me of the ace episode of the Batman animted show where Killer Croc, Joker, Penguin and...The Riddler (maybe?) sit around describing how they "almost got" Batman.

"I threw a rock at him". Priceless.


"It was a BIG rock".

[Kurt Busiek]

It's not like Tom grabbed anyone and beat them up, or named names, or even called anyone a slacker.

And nobody claimed he did.

Tom's a volounteer, doing a great job, and he felt hurt that people could so casually disregard what we all view as a serious threat and a serious issue. He's not hunting them down and forcing them to give, he's not going crazy on us, he's just venting.

I appreciate that Tom's a volunteer and is doing a great job. If that means that nothing he says is open to even the mildest criticism, though, you should have spelled that out ahead of time.

kdb

[Sarah Beach]

Good morning, all.

I'm so pleased to know you all.

:)





(Just thought I'd throw in some upbeat response to stir into the mix. I do get Kurt's point. And Tom's. And appreicate both sides of the reaction. 'Nuff said? ;)

[TomStillwell]

He was directly complaining that they didn't contribute.

It's not a crime, it's not a hateful act, but it doesn't need to be danced around as if saying "how hard is it to send something?" isn't a complaint that someone declined to contribute.

kdb

I'm sorry, Kurt. We're just going to respectfully disagree at this point.

If these people decided to donate items today it wouldn't change the fact that I had a problem with their attitude. That's my issue to deal with and not anything external.

You see it as dancing, which I find odd since at no point have I changed what was initially said. Even before you remarked on my post, I had stated that I respected their decision and wished them well.

The issue was that while both acknowledged a problem but wouldn't, not couldn't, do anything about it. Thus my "how hard is it?" comment. So the complaint relates not to the fact they wouldn't donate but the fact that they refused to help make the situation better in any way.

I appreciate that Tom's a volunteer and is doing a great job. If that means that nothing he says is open to even the mildest criticism, though, you should have spelled that out ahead of time.

I'm fine with criticism. I don't consider myself untouchable like Olney.

[SteveForbes]

Group hug?

-(plush) llama

[Sarah Beach]

Group hug?

-(plush) llama

Since I like both of the gentlemen in question.... not a bad idea. :)

[TomStillwell]

You know, it is good that Kurt called me on what he felt was wrong.

We don't have enough of that in comics and life in general.

"As iron sharpens iron, so let one man sharpen another."

I always preach it and I try to live it.

My respect for Kurt as a writer and person is gianormous. In a civil and thoughtful manner he called me on my behavior.

Now, I can be a big baby and blow him off, get mad at him for questioning me.

That's how Rick Olney would handle it.

Or I can be a mature person and reflect on said behavior.

This is how I handle it.

So the calls for group hugs are nice but not needed. There's no hard feelings here.

Besides, I know some of you guys are all grabby.

[SteveForbes]

Tom! I thought you said you weren't going to expose my ulterior motive for a group hug?!

-(shocked and appalled) llama

[Danny Donovan]

Wait Sarah's givin' away hugs? Man I need to find some nits to pick. :p

[JTPencils]

Wait Sarah's givin' away hugs? Man I need to find some nits to pick. :p

There's a whole bushel of unclaimed nits down in the basement if you're looking for some Danny.

As for Sarah, I won't claim a hug yet... but so far, my interaction with her has been quite enjoyable! A pleasure to exchange emails with.

Sarah, have gotten thru most of that Bat script from your site, will be contacting you about it shortly.

[JamesRitcheyIII]

Wait Sarah's givin' away hugs? Man I need to find some nits to pick. :p

Naw. It' seems quite obvious to me that Sarah longs to be the meat in a Tom and Kurt Hug Sandwich!:D






BTW--Turn on yer damned Yahoo IM!!!
Your site failed to upload thrice, and I need to know if the XDrive link to GL#1.zip works, and if the file is uncorrupted.

[THEDOC]

You could say that about any chartiable enterprise out there so the logic is false. They don't want to participate, respect the choice and move on. Trying to guilt or push someone to get involved is a sure fire way to make sure no one will.

I'm not saying force them just that someday it might happen to them and then they will want help I would be there and help if I can. Sorry I guess I am just too old school, like Fandom was in the 60's and early 70's. Olney is a blight to Fandom.

[Cam63]

I'd even accept a hug from an ex-NASA employee who's been driving all night.

Hmm... What's that smell ?

[neko onna]

sorry I started a new project that is sucking my life out of..well..my life..and now have a bit of the flu(which sucks for deadline motivation)...

Have I missed anything..any news..has anything started moving forward?

[THEDOC]

Well all is quiet on the Olney front ie: Rick hasn't surfaced in a while.

[Papergirl]

Dick's either running scared or had his internet priviledges taken away from him.

Probably both. :evilsmile

~Bev

[Samuel Catalino]

Don't complain when people don't contribute -- they're not required to.

View the contributions as a plus, and non-contributions as a neutral. Active harm would be a negative.

I can tell you from experience, comics pros get auction requests all the time. Literacy auctions, school auctions, charity auctions -- if we contributed to all of 'em, we'd have run out of belongings years ago. Doesn't mean they're not worthy causes, just that we get a lot of requests.

kdb

Kurt,

Very good points, and I agree with you. As another poster assumed though, I suspect that Tom (No disrepect or dig intended to Tom) was venting out of frustration with his opinion of someone's attitude, but like you said said, people are not required to contribute.

Best,

Samuel

[Samuel Catalino]

Dick's either running scared or had his internet priviledges taken away from him.

Probably both. :evilsmile

~Bev


Bev,

I suspect R.O. will be back in one incarnation or another.

Best,

Samuel

[Cam63]

Bev,

I suspect R.O. will be back in one incarnation or another.

Best,

Samuel

Maybe as a breath mint.

[Matt Doc Martin]

Maybe as a breath mint.

Who wants a "Donkey Turd" flavored mint?

[Gail Simone]

QUIT BEING MEAN TO DONKEYS.

Gail

[Larry Dixon]

QUIT BEING MEAN TO DONKEYS.

Gail

I know that at least one has a fire breathing dragon, and he's not afraid to use it.

[Samuel Catalino]

Maybe as a breath mint.

I doubt it.

[AIPman1]

Orca Fresh Breath Mints: When you really, really need tuna breath

[Samuel Catalino]

QUIT BEING MEAN TO DONKEYS.

Gail

Gail,

Where are the donkeys?

Best,

Samuel