Who Attempted to go Digital Only?

[John Lynch]

Whose attempted to go Digital Only? How have you found it and how long have you tried to do it for?

I went digital only back in March, 2009. During the year of 2009 I considered a few times reading paper books, but decided against it each time. Now 21 months later I don't forsee me reading anymore paper comics, with a couple of exceptions.

During the last 21 month I maintained my Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited Subscription, but I've since let that lapse. As cost-effective as it was, it was nowhere near as comfortable as reading comics on the iPad. the iPad has since become my primary method of reading comics.

If I were to buy every single comic on the iPad that I wanted to, it would cost me $682, and I would get approximately 269 comics. After I had read all those comics, I would still want to spend approximately $35 a week on newly released comics on the iPad, which would be about 14 comics a week. With such a library of comics, I don't see myself needing to buy any physical comics anytime soon. While I don't get the latest comics, I am getting comics for a mere $2.50 (on average) instead of $7. I also haven't read these comics, so I am still interested in reading them.

That said, there are some exceptions. One exception is Superman: Earth One. This was a print-only release, so I decided to get it in print. There are also some Golden Age comics that haven't been released on the iPad (such as The Atom Archives, Vol. 1) that I may want to get.

So while I'm not 100% digital, I'm 99% digital, and I'm happy to keep going at this current pace.

What about everyone else. Have you tried and found you didn't like it? Have you struck a happy in-between?

[suss2it]

Do you use the comixology app? I'm considering going full digital as soon as I get an iPad. The comixology app is pretty good on my iPhone 4, but the screen is simply to small for me to always read comics on it.

As soon as Apple releases the 2nd gen iPad I think I'll be going full digital.

[jackdaw53]

Can't see me ever going 100% digital, like my paper for reading. But interested in I-pad for holiday use, etc. What's choice of material like? (e.g. Does back catalogue include stuff like current Peter David run on X-factor or John Ostrander run on Suicide Squad?)

[silents47]

What about everyone else. Have you tried and found you didn't like it? Have you struck a happy in-between?

I'm strongly considering going fully digital for floppies, but I couldn't bring myself to sell my trades. TPBs and hardcovers are my favorite way to read comics by a long shot, but my disdain for regular staple-bound monthlies is luckily assuaged by digital comics.

I've already scanned all of my floppies, and continue to do so whenever I buy them. For example, I picked up a later issue I was missing of the latest Blue Beetle this week, and read it in Photoshop page by page as I was scanning it in. I had a bit of an argument with someone in another thread recently about this, but I'd rather have access to my entire collection at all times and be able to do away with bags, boards, and boxes.

I've got my entire collection in my Dropbox (get it here) (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTE0ODkwNTk5OQ?src=global0) so I can read them on any computer connected to the Internet, or over the air on my phone, which is what I do most often. I already spend 6-10 hours a day staring at a computer screen or my Droid, so reading comics on a screen doesn't bother me a bit.

I understand that a lot of people can't deal with reading comics on a computer, phone, or tablet screen, but if it doesn't bother you (and hell, you can probably get used to it anyway), I strongly advocate digitizing your collection, if not simply buying the comics digitally in the first place. I'm at my mother's house for Christmas, and I've got 5897 issues with me... what's not to love?

[Fused]

Didnt know about dropbox...looks like an awesome tool! Thanks for sharing the link I bet its gonna be great!

[turtlefood]

I was thinking about getting a netbook for some marvel digital unlimited couch reading. Marvel should get digital unlimited working on ipad, but i think they want people buying comics individually so they don't bother :mad:

[mistergoodman]

Can't see me ever going 100% digital, like my paper for reading. But interested in I-pad for holiday use, etc. What's choice of material like? (e.g. Does back catalogue include stuff like current Peter David run on X-factor or John Ostrander run on Suicide Squad?)

They've only just started offering the current X-Factor series (and they offer Madrox), but the only Ostrander Suicide Squad currently available is the recent Blackest Night issue. May I recommend Birds of Prey by Simone?

I decided to go digital-only in the first half of last year, and that's how I justified to my wife buying a Windows netbook/tablet. Unfortunately it turns out that 1024 x 600 doesn't really do comics justice, and Windows wasn't designed to be used with a relatively small touch screen. And the folks who designed Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited (http://marvel.com/digital_comics/) didn't design it with portrait mode in mind.

I did stay 99.5% digital-only though, reading comics on Marvel Digital and downloading occasional comics to my iPhone. I received an iPad as a birthday present soon after it came out. My Windows tablet now gathers dust (okay, it was gathering dust even before the iPad). I think the iPad is a great platform over all, and a fabulous way to buy and read comics, though I hope the next version has a higher resolution screen. I own all the GIT Corp Marvel PDF collections, and the iPad is a great way to read them. Right now my iPad contains every issue of Captain America up to issue #48 of the Brubaker run. So I think I've got about 800 comics on my iPad right now, all legal. And I still subscribe to Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, which I access on my iPad through Splashtop (http://splashtopremote.com/).

I've come to prefer reading comics on a screen. I have to badger myself to read a comic on paper these days.

[Dam Fox]

I'm strongly considering going fully digital for floppies, but I couldn't bring myself to sell my trades. TPBs and hardcovers are my favorite way to read comics by a long shot, but my disdain for regular staple-bound monthlies is luckily assuaged by digital comics.




This is exactly how I am. I love getting trades, but the monthlies not so much. The convenience of taking hundreds or thousands of comics with you wherever you go on a single device is great.

[turtlefood]

This is exactly how I am. I love getting trades, but the monthlies not so much. The convenience of taking hundreds or thousands of comics with you wherever you go on a single device is great.

floppies are indeed annoying. If i really like a book where i'm going to reread it, i'd prefer an oversized hardcover :smile: and not digging through a box of single issues. Digital + trades future!

[jackdaw53]

Mistergoodman.
Thanks for info. I had this naive dream that available back catalogue would be huge.... and I suppose it will be eventually.

But I guess its almost a no-brainer to get an I-Pad.... if only I can steel myself to part with some money.

[mikeman99]

As much as I love new technologies, there is just something about the paper version of my comics that I love. I do think it's pretty cool though to be able to access your collection anywhere via an internet connection. Still, I do look forward to those new release Wednesdays at the store that I would miss if I just downloaded all my issues. But at some point, I don't think we will have a choice, it will all be digital.

[zryson]

im in-between both mediums. i love digital for the ease and accessibility (also the fact i dont have to worry about wear and tear, comic bags and boards and storage and all that other stuff) but i also like to hold the actual paper-based comics. but im attempting to cut back on new comics purchases (monthlies). 2010 was a very mixed year in terms of success on that front but im hoping to cut back and save some $$$ in 2011.

[Melfice]

I read some of the previews on DC's digital comics site, and I don't think the comixology system is that great on the PC formats. Maybe the iPad or iPhone reading digital comics is a lot better. I'm not sure but I like the paper versions better myself.

[TheDarkArcher]

I use both but mainly digital because it's harder to get hard copies where I am.

[John Lynch]

Do you use the comixology app?I do. My only complaint is that the iPad screen is just a little bit too small. Only by a bit. If it had been slightly bigger, it would be perfect. Its a minor complaint that obviously hasn't detracted from my enjoyment in a meaningful manner.


Mistergoodman.
Thanks for info. I had this naive dream that available back catalogue would be huge.... and I suppose it will be eventually.

But I guess its almost a no-brainer to get an I-Pad.... if only I can steel myself to part with some money.If the library is a barrier for you, but one you think could ultimately be resolved, you can always keep an eye out on what comics are getting released and what their back library is like here (https://comics.comixology.com/#). I often wait until a few issues have been released for a series, as I don't want to read random issues, but instead want to read an ongoing story.

[Alex Dragon]

I'm, sure I'll go digital one day but as of now there's no good reason for me to go digital. Right now I prefer paper, I can easily swing by my LCS on my drive from work, I don't care about about back issues, and I wouldn't be saving any money on new issues.

I think digital comics are great for people who don't live near a comic shop and/or is interested in reading back issues/older stories or has issues with space, bagging/boarding/boxing and keeping track of back issues. But none of that applies to me. I have easy access to a comic shop, I like going there, I prefer paper, I don't bag and board, with my discount the paper comics are actually cheaper and as of now the comic shop offers a much bigger selection of new stuff.

I know the day is coming when I will go digital to at least some extent and I don't think I'll mind but several things will have to change for that to happen and I think it will take awhile for those things to happen.

[lasraik]

I'm partially digital now, when the next gen iPad comes out I'm going to try to get one and go digital on all floppies.

I still want physical copies in TPB form of comics I really like, but I've grown tired of floppies. It's a little sad but it's easier to keep track of and with all the business travel I do it's so nice having a good amount of comics with me to read on the go with my iPod Touch. You get used to the screen size. I use ComicZeal, it's a great app.

I use dropbox all the time but never even thought about using it to access my collection, that is a great idea.

[Melfice]

I always hear the term "floppies" as in floppy disks? LOL No one uses floppies anymore...the term must mean something else I'm taking it.

[silents47]

I always hear the term "floppies" as in floppy disks? LOL No one uses floppies anymore...the term must mean something else I'm taking it.

Floppy as in floppy comics, like biweeklies/monthlies/one-shots/whatever, rather than trade paperbacks or hardcovers. It's probably not an industry term or anything, but I've been using it for a few years without too many people having issue :biggrin:

[Ebon]

I won't go digital until every new issue of what I read is digital. Even if the latency between print publication and digital is a long one (I would assume there will be some lag to prevent it from eating into trade sales), once it happens that every issue of every book goes digital then I will.

[maniacmatt]

I'm strongly considering going fully digital for floppies, but I couldn't bring myself to sell my trades. TPBs and hardcovers are my favorite way to read comics by a long shot, but my disdain for regular staple-bound monthlies is luckily assuaged by digital comics.

I've already scanned all of my floppies, and continue to do so whenever I buy them. For example, I picked up a later issue I was missing of the latest Blue Beetle this week, and read it in Photoshop page by page as I was scanning it in. I had a bit of an argument with someone in another thread recently about this, but I'd rather have access to my entire collection at all times and be able to do away with bags, boards, and boxes.

I've got my entire collection in my Dropbox (get it here) (https://www.dropbox.com/referrals/NTE0ODkwNTk5OQ?src=global0) so I can read them on any computer connected to the Internet, or over the air on my phone, which is what I do most often. I already spend 6-10 hours a day staring at a computer screen or my Droid, so reading comics on a screen doesn't bother me a bit.

I understand that a lot of people can't deal with reading comics on a computer, phone, or tablet screen, but if it doesn't bother you (and hell, you can probably get used to it anyway), I strongly advocate digitizing your collection, if not simply buying the comics digitally in the first place. I'm at my mother's house for Christmas, and I've got 5897 issues with me... what's not to love?

I just looked at that Dropbox website, and it looks cool, but does that mean you've scanned every page of every comic you own? Because personally, I'd like to do what you're talking about, but not bad enough to scan over 33 thousand pages.

[Mr. Holmes]

Yeah I'm thinking of using digital for all the monthly comics, and then continue to get print for collected editions.

[silents47]

I just looked at that Dropbox website, and it looks cool, but does that mean you've scanned every page of every comic you own? Because personally, I'd like to do what you're talking about, but not bad enough to scan over 33 thousand pages.

Only 16.5 thousand if you've got a big enough scanner to get both pages :biggrin:

I scanned them, but I did it over a long period of time. I started with the things I knew I'd be reading again, then just scanned a few more in whenever I thought to do it. For about half my comic-reading life, though, I've been scanning them as I buy them, so it never really feels that daunting. 200 pages or so a week sounds like a lot, but it's really not once you get good at it.

Of course, there are scanning groups all over the Internet, but that obviously depends on your opinion of downloading comics and the legality of it in your area. I've downloaded a few things for certain reasons, but only the things I own and only if I find it completely necessary. For example, my copy of The Road Home: Commissioner Gordon had a major printing error that I could get over for the initial reading, but I wouldn't put up with it if I were to read it again. I downloaded it from Rapidshare to replace my bad scan this week, but I've still got the floppy sitting in its bag in all its misprinted glory.

[maniacmatt]

Only 16.5 thousand if you've got a big enough scanner to get both pages :biggrin:

I scanned them, but I did it over a long period of time. I started with the things I knew I'd be reading again, then just scanned a few more in whenever I thought to do it. For about half my comic-reading life, though, I've been scanning them as I buy them, so it never really feels that daunting. 200 pages or so a week sounds like a lot, but it's really not once you get good at it.

Of course, there are scanning groups all over the Internet, but that obviously depends on your opinion of downloading comics and the legality of it in your area. I've downloaded a few things for certain reasons, but only the things I own and only if I find it completely necessary. For example, my copy of The Road Home: Commissioner Gordon had a major printing error that I could get over for the initial reading, but I wouldn't put up with it if I were to read it again. I downloaded it from Rapidshare to replace my bad scan this week, but I've still got the floppy sitting in its bag in all its misprinted glory.

Yeah, that makes sense to do it as you buy. It's just those 1500 issues (not counting GNs and TPBs) that I have sitting around that I feel daunted by.

Thanks for the reply!

[Xero]

The problem with going digital only in the current marketplace is that you are basically leasing your books from ComiXology, you don't actually own anything. Longbox Digital if and when they launch actually give you a physical file that you can archive at your leisure. I love ComiXology, but I balance those singles purchases with cheap trade paperbacks from Amazon that I actually own.

EDIT: I probably should have included a link to Longbox Digital (http://goo.gl/V6n2n).

[mistergoodman]

The problem with going digital only in the current marketplace is that you are basically leasing your books from ComiXology, you don't actually own anything. Longbox Digital if and when they launch actually give you a physical file that you can archive at your leisure.

Yeah, I agree that it's unnerving to accumulate a collection that depends on the continued existance of a fairly new company (ComiXology) for backup and storage. I don't mind it so much for comics that cost one or two dollars, but I don't think I'd want to buy many books for $4, without control of the files.

Longbox has the potential to shake things up in this regard. Unfortunately, the sluggish pace of the Longbox rollout isn't exactly confidence inspiring. It's not available on the iPad or iPhone. They don't seem terribly enamoured of Apple (http://www.bleedingcool.com/2010/10/09/bleeding-cool-talks-with-rantz-hoseley-about-longbox-the-adam-tablet-and-the-apple-ipad/), though they plan to support the iPad eventually. Meanwhile, ComiXology is here now, offering a very nice user experience on the iPad and partnerships with every major comic company.

[Xero]

I'm waiting for comic companies convert their entire back catalogs to digital. It's insane that they haven't done this yet, because that is out of print product that the secondary market is making a profit from, and it is a license to print money.

I'd love to buy a decade pack that included everything DC published in the 70's, 80's or 90's.

[paulski]

Right now, at this point in time, I can't ever see myself going to digital.

[The Crime Dentist]

The experience of reading comics on the iPad is great, I love the way it tells the story focusing on individual parts of panels. But I just can't get over the idea of not owning physical copies.

Although with a closet full of longboxes, maybe I'll come around...

[The Crime Dentist]

The experience of reading comics on the iPad is great, I love the way it tells the story focusing on individual parts of panels. But I just can't get over the idea of not owning physical copies.

Although with a closet full of longboxes, maybe I'll come around...

[prescribeddrone]

I'm, sure I'll go digital one day but as of now there's no good reason for me to go digital. Right now I prefer paper, I can easily swing by my LCS on my drive from work, I don't care about about back issues, and I wouldn't be saving any money on new issues.

I think digital comics are great for people who don't live near a comic shop and/or is interested in reading back issues/older stories or has issues with space, bagging/boarding/boxing and keeping track of back issues. But none of that applies to me. I have easy access to a comic shop, I like going there, I prefer paper, I don't bag and board, with my discount the paper comics are actually cheaper and as of now the comic shop offers a much bigger selection of new stuff.

I know the day is coming when I will go digital to at least some extent and I don't think I'll mind but several things will have to change for that to happen and I think it will take awhile for those things to happen.

I'm on the same boat. I stopped boarding 90% of my new books, get 15% off all merch in the store and I'm a train ride away (30 min ride) and I can go there and back home within 2 hours. Once they start putting out issues on the same week as paper, sure that's super tempting because I hate comics taking up space, I LOVE buying them but hate the space they take up.

So going digital with like 80% of my books and maybe getting like 6 books in print a month or some low number.

And I generally only buy trades to catch up or if I really liked a story in singles (Batman & Robin) I'll rebuy it in trade for easier reading next time.

[fenixREVOLUTION]

I wouldn't mind going digital, but right now, it just won't happen. At the point in time where they have all books coming out same day as print, I probably will, but on the other hand I'd feel terrible about leaving my LCS.

[mistergoodman]

I'm waiting for comic companies convert their entire back catalogs to digital. It's insane that they haven't done this yet, because that is out of print product that the secondary market is making a profit from, and it is a license to print money.

Marvel and DC already release more comics each week digitally than they do on paper (focusing on the most in-demand material). Flooding the market with more would just increase production costs relative to sales and likely make the whole venture a money-loser, as well as intimidating new readers.


I'd love to buy a decade pack that included everything DC published in the 70's, 80's or 90's.

At current pricing a "decade pack" would cost thousands of dollars and only appeal to a very small number of existing readers. Or do you believe that Marvel and DC should release their back catalog for dirt cheap to undermine their trade paperback sales and screw their artists out of royalties?

Marvel actually did do something like that briefly though. GIT Corp released DVD-ROM collections featuring hundreds of authorized PDF scans of Marvel comics. They're out of print now and the prices are starting to soar, but you can find them here and there and they read great on the iPad. DC never did it because the artists couldn't have received royalties at that price point, and Marvel eventually pulled the plug on it. It's safe to say Marvel's not going to be giving away their best material for so low a price ever again.

[Xero]

...At current pricing a "decade pack" would cost thousands of dollars and only appeal to a very small number of existing readers. Or do you believe that Marvel and DC should release their back catalog for dirt cheap to undermine their trade paperback sales and screw their artists out of royalties?..

No Martin, I wasn't seriously asking for a complete decade pack. It was the Christmas weekend and I exuberantly posted a pie in the sky wish. But thank you for your fiscal analysis of my silly little post.

I was actually thinking about a much more granular approach, but my post was admittedly broad in nature. A "Best of the Eighties" series focusing on titles like the Suicide Squad would be awesome.

Have a Happy New Year Mister Good Man, good luck securing that homeland.

[mistergoodman]

I wasn't seriously asking for a complete decade pack. It was the Christmas weekend and I exuberantly posted a pie in the sky wish. But thank you for your fiscal analysis of my silly little post.


Sorry, I see so many crazy posts about digital pricing that my response was a little kneejerk. It looks like Marvel and DC have decided that $2 will be their general price point for back issues. I think they'd lure a lot more new readers in and make more money if they were 99 cents, but they're trying to prop up paper. At least DC offers a fair amount of introductory material for free. I also think they ought to offer graphic novels in the Kindle store and the iBookstore, but maybe there's some challenges there that I'm not aware of.

What I'd like to see: I'd like to see Marvel and DC release all their childrens comics (Marvel Adventures line and the DC kids comics) for FREE via every existing digital distribution system. Get kids hooked. Fill them with ads so that they're not a complete loss. Eventually some of those kids will become addicted enough that they'll start buying the ad-free comics for older readers.

[Pixie_Solanas]

The problem with going digital only in the current marketplace is that you are basically leasing your books from ComiXology, you don't actually own anything. Longbox Digital if and when they launch actually give you a physical file that you can archive at your leisure. I love ComiXology, but I balance those singles purchases with cheap trade paperbacks from Amazon that I actually own.

EDIT: I probably should have included a link to Longbox Digital (http://goo.gl/V6n2n).

I don't like being dependent on any third party app producer to enjoy my comic experience.

What happens if ComiXology folds or is bought out? Never happen? Please. We're still in the infancy of the entire medium in digital form. 99% of what exists now will be radically different (or cease to exist entirely) in 5 years.

And for all the advance talk about Longbox Digital, they still seem more like a loudly-announced credo (love those "testimonials" in their website masthead, lol) than a viable, working technological interface. Wake me when they have an ipad app worth dissecting.

I'll be enjoying my conservatively traditional tangible pulp pages.

[gwangung]

Frankly, I have no sense on how much to charge for older material (or even what the line will be for what is "old"). There's too many unknowns on costs and necessary fees to able to say what's the pricepoint; any talk about "supporting" the paper product is simply talking out your hat if you don't know what the costs are.

I have a lot firmer sense about new product; I very much doubt you'll see anything below $2.50 (and a more likely price is $2.99). Really, not that many areas to cut costs (the 30% cut digitally vs. the 45-55% paper, maybe; cutting paper costs is offset by lack of ad revenue, etc.)

[Alex Dragon]

I also think they ought to offer graphic novels in the Kindle store and the iBookstore, but maybe there's some challenges there that I'm not aware of.

.

Speaking of Kindle...The perfect situation for me would be a Kindle with a screen size of an IPad that supports color pages. And a huge selection of new and back issue comics, magazines, newspapers and books to choose from for under 300 bucks. Right now for me the IPad is in a weird place where it does more than I need it to do but for the price doesn't really do enough. I'd rather it go to the one extreme of doing everything a laptop can for the price they're asking or only do books, magazines, comics, newspapers and magazines for considerably less.