How do we save the Comic Industry

[tony ingram]

That's not how digital comics work. You can raed your books on Comixology's site, you don't actually get to download any fils you can back up.

So you are paying good money not to actually own anything.

[glennsim]

So you are paying good money not to actually own anything.

Which is offset by the fact that you can re-download it whenever you want, unlike a physical copy which, if lost, is gone forever.

[glennsim]

So, sales of American comics are no longer declining steadily year after year? Thanks for that news. I can't imagine how the publishers all missed it...

Actually, sales look to be up this year. So technically the answer to your first question would be "no."

[glennsim]

Whip W, Hi. Never used system, so didn't know how it works. (Looks like general consensus is that there's no easy way to back up on own device. But... on other hand... see at least few users say that comixology comics, once down loaded on I-pad, can be viewed subsequently on I-pad without wifi connection in place. So must be some file left on own device??)

That's not how digital comics work. You can raed your books on Comixology's site, you don't actually get to download any fils you can back up.

As I understand it, if you are using a tablet with an app, then the file is downloaded to the app and you can then read it offline. But the file is embedded in the app, so you can't juggle individual comics files around. I'm not sure but I assume that if you back up the entire tablet's contents, the comics would be backed up as well.

However, if you are viewing over a regular PC by going to the Web site, then you are essentially "streaming" the comic, and the file doesn't reside on your PC. This is presumably because there are a much greater number of people who have the knowhow to break in to their computers files and rip the comic files out of them for pirating, if the file was there.

Here's a great article on the basics of digital comics: http://marvelmasterworksfansite.yuku...1#.UNMc37nnaUk

[tony ingram]

Which is offset by the fact that you can re-download it whenever you want, unlike a physical copy which, if lost, is gone forever.

You're all going to look pretty silly when the inevitable happens and that company goes out of business taking 'your' files with them...

[Jeff Brady]

You're all going to look pretty silly when the inevitable happens and that company goes out of business taking 'your' files with them...

Considering that company is propped up by Diamond and the publishers, the chances of that happening are pretty slim. And if the Singularity does occur, the publishers themselves will host the files, because Comixology will have given them all of the subscribers' account information.

[Whip Whirlwind]

You're all going to look pretty silly when the inevitable happens and that company goes out of business taking 'your' files with them...

Just curious, but do you have any digitally downloaded anything?

Not saying you're wrong, but due to how easy it is to copy and redistribute files as opposed to physical objects, most companies operate on the "you don't own it, you're licensing it" model. Otherwise, you would be free to copy and redistribute as you see fit, since you own it.

I haven't checked Comixology's EULA, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is some provision that states that if they go out of business you could still access your comics. Does anyone know for sure?

Considering that company is propped up by Diamond and the publishers, the chances of that happening are pretty slim. And if the Singularity does occur, the publishers themselves will host the files, because Comixology will have given them all of the subscribers' account information.

Also, this.

And, unless comixology goes down really really hard (to the point that it kills the brand name), WB, Disney, or Diamond (if they're still around) would most likely try to buy them out.

[glennsim]

Considering that company is propped up by Diamond and the publishers, the chances of that happening are pretty slim. And if the Singularity does occur, the publishers themselves will host the files, because Comixology will have given them all of the subscribers' account information.

Yeah, for there to be a problem:

a) Comixology would have to go out of business.
b) ...with nobody buying them out
c) ...with them not giving the publishers the information

I was reading an article about the top 10 or so worst business decisions (like Kodak sticking with film instead of digital, stuff like that). In about 75% of the cases, the end result was the company being bought out or some other thing like that. Very few just disappear.

[tony ingram]

Just curious, but do you have any digitally downloaded anything?

No. Buying a service like a telephone or internet connection is one thing, but I won't generally spend money on something I can't physically hold and keep. If I want music, I buy a CD (or a record, or a casette; yes, I still play them, and they still work), if I want a movie I buy the DVD, and I'm not interested in reading comics or books off a screen: I'm a collector, I need to own stuff.

[carabas]

Doesn't change the fact that they have been written for kids. Read any interview with Gosciny, Uderzo or Herge.

That's not even a serious question.

Care to link me to some that aren't in French? Seriously. Googled around a bit but can't find any.

[Bonemachine]

Thanks glennsim for bringing sense into this discussion.

Some people in this thread are acting like mainstream superhero comics are the only ones that existent and there's no such thing as The Walking Dead and all successful IDW comics.

[tony ingram]

Thanks glennsim for bringing sense into this discussion.

Some people in this thread are acting like mainstream superhero comics are the only ones that existent and there's no such thing as The Walking Dead and all successful IDW comics.

Well, there are considerably more thanthose two examples. But that doesn't change the fact that comics sales have been falling for decades across the board.

[glennsim]

Well, there are considerably more thanthose two examples. But that doesn't change the fact that comics sales have been falling for decades across the board.

Yes, but if they try to change to appeal to a larger audience, there are apparently people who will stop buying them at the drop of a hat.

[Whip Whirlwind]

No. Buying a service like a telephone or internet connection is one thing, but I won't generally spend money on something I can't physically hold and keep. If I want music, I buy a CD (or a record, or a casette; yes, I still play them, and they still work), if I want a movie I buy the DVD, and I'm not interested in reading comics or books off a screen: I'm a collector, I need to own stuff.

Fair enough. Wasn't criticizing you, it just seemed like you thought the lack of ownership was an issue with comixology in particular as opposed to a widespread issue that effects pretty much every digital "product".

I think with comics though it's definitely something that they need to look into further, since a lot of readers do have that collector mentality. Unfortunately most attempts at implementing DRM that allows you to actually own a digital product end up making use of that product so complicated that its not even worth it.

On the other hand, I think plenty of companies would be better off just accepting piracy as an inevitability, and instead focus on providing a product that has enough value and is easily accessible enough that it's not worth it.

[MFitzH2O]

Just wondering: why no adds in digital? Don't get me wrong, it's nice to watch TV without the commercials, but in comics, the 'fast-forward' button is a flick of the page. Without the cost of paper and printing, adding back in the adds ... wouldn't that add bank to their bottom line?

Well, there are considerably more thanthose two examples. But that doesn't change the fact that comics sales have been falling for decades across the board.

This is because they're not readily accessible to the general public. They're not on newsstands, they're not in racks at the grocery store, they're not even at bloody Walmart. They're in small, obscure specialty stores. Kids don't run into them anymore, mom won't buy them to keep the kids quiet. They were largely impulse buys and now have to be sought out. Fix it? convince chain stores to put 'em on the magazine racks again. And that's easy to do. Everyone write to all the chain stores grocery and otherwise and ask for it. Not one letter with 10000 signatures, but 10000 letters each with one.

It's an easy fix: demand it. The sales will follow as will a new generation of fans.