It's no problem, Rob. We actually got a longtime pro helping us out now, so we're making sure our contracts are in line with industry standards. I'm definitely interested in hearing what you have to say still, though. Our website is continually changing, we actually have some titles up now, so make sure you take a look before you send in your advice. Thank you again for volunteering!
Gibson:
RE: Animated comics: What we are doing is different. It will combine interactivity with the comic form of storytelling. I don't want to reveal too many details on how it would work until we get a pilot out (we'll be testing usability and user reactions before going full force, of course), but a very vague example is
http://www.hoteloscartangoecholima.com/splash.html. I am not a comics professional, my day job is actually as a game developer, so out of all the things we're doing, my system for this is the one I can personally say I have the knowledge to pull off. I am not saying it will be a huge success, either; I have planned it so we can test the market without hurting the business.
Answers to all those questions: We have discussed every single thing on that list at length with the creators we're negotiating with and have solid plans for all of them. It is not a speculation, we have the funds and a solid business plan. (I'm not saying there aren't businesses who've failed with a solid plan, but it's been scoured by business experts and industry pros alike.) I don't know if you've noticed, but the website has changed quite a bit since I first put it up and it continues to evolve with better written copy. We're currently working with a copyright lawyer on contracts and will have an example to share by request soon. Our goal is to be completely transparent in our inner workings when we have our first contracts, etc in line. Note: I have never seen submissions guidelines that share information to that extent. We are happy to talk privately with anyone who wishes to work with us, but I don't think any business shares specific numbers and plans online like that.
As for merchandising, that will be laid out in the contract on an individual basis. We do not currently plan on making products outside the actual comic books, and anything we ask for along those rights would be worked out individually. Generally speaking, as it stands now, creators will still own the copyright to their work and will therefore hold the rights to their own merchandising.
It's new, so I don't blame you. All I can say is to check back on August 18th. That is our self-imposed deadline to have everything set up exactly how we want it, and at that point we'll be able to give a more solid impression of our company. That will be our official opening, you could say.
PS: I'm glad to hear the side of cynics, actually. The more (constructive) criticism we get, the more we can better our website and make sure we're fair to creators. So please, don't hold back!
