Social Media: Business or Pleasure?

A ComicLab member complained about following too many people on Bluesky. It was too difficult for them to cultivate a feed that suited their interests! This brought up a topic that has Dave and Brad divided: Are you on social media for business or pleasure?

Today's Show

• You're not on social media to read
• UPDATE: Spice Rack Comics webring (NSFW) — special thanks to Matt Sowers at RCSI Publishing
• UPDATE: Dave and Brad's transposed faces
•  Started too soon on Patreon

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Dave Kellett and Brad Guigar explore various themes related to comics, social media, and community building. They discuss the challenges of navigating Bluesky Starter Packs and the innovative idea of reviving web rings to foster community among comic creators. Their humorous banter and differing perspectives provide valuable insights for aspiring cartoonists and social media users. In the following conversation, they explore the dynamics of collaboration in creative projects, particularly focusing on establishing a webring for cross-promotion among cartoonists. They discuss the importance of lists, group agreements, and the balance between individual creativity and collective efforts. The conversation also delves into the challenges of managing a Patreon account, the significance of audience building, and the lessons learned from past experiences in comic creation. Ultimately, they emphasize the value of growth and learning from one's creative journey.

Takeaways

• An authoritative accent can shape perceptions.
• Social media should be used strategically, not just for reading.
• Starter packs can lead to overwhelming follow lists.
• Curating your social media feed is essential for focus.
• Building a community is crucial for comic creators.
• Webrings can enhance cross-promotion among creators.
• Engagement on social media can lead to audience growth.
• Being selective with follows can prevent overwhelm.
• Humor and personality can enhance social interactions.
• Experimenting with new strategies can yield positive results. Collaboration can enhance creativity but comes with challenges.
• A webring can be a powerful tool for cross-promotion.
• Clear agreements are essential in group projects.
• The benefits of collaboration can outweigh the costs.
• It's important to have a process for ad approval in a web ring.
• Patreon should be approached with a focus on audience building first.
• Reflecting on past experiences can lead to growth.
• There is no such thing as wasted time in creative pursuits.
• Learning from mistakes is crucial for future success.
• Evaluating your creative direction is important after years of work.

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Brad Guigar is the creator of Evil Inc and the author of The Webcomics Handbook. Dave Kellett is the creator of Sheldon and Drive.