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Coach · 09-25-2014, 12:18 PM

Hello All,

I wanted to come to the CP braintrust to see if I can get some info/advice on starting a new comic. I have spent the last couple years putting together a bunch of cartoon strips, mostly for my own personal hobby, but would like to look at possibilities for making this a real thing. The industry has obviously changed significantly since Peanuts and Calvin & Hobbes, etc.. My main concern now is how to get it out there and what are the options/best ways?

My initial thoughts:

- Create a website and run it straight from there (ala Oatmeal or Cyanide and Happiness)

- Start Facebook and Twitter accounts where posting would essentially be from the main character of the comic (a dog) and update with new strips that I've made, comment on whatever events/postings as the character.

My Concerns:

- I know The Oatmeal (and most other webcomics) are made on the computer, and I've tried that and have programs and whatnot for it, but I do much prefer drawing and scanning, is this a problem?

- None of my stuff is copyrighted. I'm not even sure how to do that. Do I need to send it to a publisher for something like that? Can I just do it myself? Could I just keep my originals in dated, sealed envelopes? What are the itellectual property rules for something like this?

- I have no idea where to start with a website and building one. I could take a course or figure it out I'm sure, but I'd rather not spend time on that and look to have someone run a site for me if this was the case.

- Facebook and Twitter own whatever information you post there, including pictures, if I am not mistaken. I don't want a situation where I've posted original work and it's all of a sudden "not mine"

If anyone can answer these questions, has advice, or a completely different idea of how to go about this, it would be much appreciated. I know there are a lot of lawyers and tech people here so feel free to offer up any pro-bono advice you're willing to give. Or PM me if you actually work with stuff like this and would like to see what I have/set up any type of meeting. Thanks CP!

MattyC

09-25-2014, 12:18 PM	#1
Coach Franchise Player Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Vancouver Exp:	Starting a New Comic Hello All, I wanted to come to the CP braintrust to see if I can get some info/advice on starting a new comic. I have spent the last couple years putting together a bunch of cartoon strips, mostly for my own personal hobby, but would like to look at possibilities for making this a real thing. The industry has obviously changed significantly since Peanuts and Calvin & Hobbes, etc.. My main concern now is how to get it out there and what are the options/best ways? My initial thoughts: - Create a website and run it straight from there (ala Oatmeal or Cyanide and Happiness) - Start Facebook and Twitter accounts where posting would essentially be from the main character of the comic (a dog) and update with new strips that I've made, comment on whatever events/postings as the character. My Concerns: - I know The Oatmeal (and most other webcomics) are made on the computer, and I've tried that and have programs and whatnot for it, but I do much prefer drawing and scanning, is this a problem? - None of my stuff is copyrighted. I'm not even sure how to do that. Do I need to send it to a publisher for something like that? Can I just do it myself? Could I just keep my originals in dated, sealed envelopes? What are the itellectual property rules for something like this? - I have no idea where to start with a website and building one. I could take a course or figure it out I'm sure, but I'd rather not spend time on that and look to have someone run a site for me if this was the case. - Facebook and Twitter own whatever information you post there, including pictures, if I am not mistaken. I don't want a situation where I've posted original work and it's all of a sudden "not mine" If anyone can answer these questions, has advice, or a completely different idea of how to go about this, it would be much appreciated. I know there are a lot of lawyers and tech people here so feel free to offer up any pro-bono advice you're willing to give. Or PM me if you actually work with stuff like this and would like to see what I have/set up any type of meeting. Thanks CP! MattyC __________________