There are a few members here who aren't webcomics.com members who I think could probably really benefit from this news, so I'll quote the public part of the article here, and discuss it and the parts non-members can't see afterwards.
QuoteTranscontinental (http://www.transcontinental.com/) is going to become the official offset printer of Webcomics.com, offering all members a 10% discount on printing.
Since Transcontinental is an offset printer -- not print-on-demand -- the print runs are counted by the hundreds. This discount is going to return the price of an annual subscription several times over.
This is going to be a huge benefit to our members who are already established webcartoonists, handling book printing in bulk orders.
And it's going to be a considerable boost for our members who are on the verge of making the move from print-on-demand printing to offset printing (where the quality is higher, the unit-cost is lower, and the potential profits are greater).
Transcontinental is a leader is the printing of high-quality graphic novels and other comics-formatted publications, and Webcomics.com is thrilled to be working with them in this capacity.
So for anyone not sure why offset printing is better than print-on-demand, here it is:
- High quality from a good printer - POD companies are hit and miss in terms of quality.
- Low unit cost if printing in large quantity - This is especially true if your comic is full colour. When you get into colour POD, depending on the size of the books and page count in full colour, your cost per unit just keeps on going up. While it's more expensive than B&W from an offset printer, the more you order, the cheaper each book can be sold for. If you want to sell 'artist' editions where you put a sketch in the book for extra, you can price it reasonably well enough to be worth your time.
- Tremendous flexibility in cut size, paper weight and color-- for people with oddly shaped comics, this is fantastic. POD doesn't offer a lot of options unless your comic is in graphic novel format. You can also option some really nice covers or dust jackets of you're doing hardcover with some interesting finishes that aren't really available to POD printing.
- While the initial investment is high (depending on the amount of books you order and all of your printing options, your first run might be anywhere between $2000 and $5000), if you're willing to run pre-orders in advance, your printing and shipping costs are pretty much paid for, AND, you'll often be able to afford way more copies than you actually need. This means that once you do your initial quote, discount applied, and they give you a quote for a small, medium and large run, you can adjust your prices for the pre-order to make sure that you will at least be able to afford the minimum. On top of that, if you're planning to sell them in your online store or at conventions, you don't have to pay out your nose for 20 copies every time from a POD site.
So, for example, you ordered 1,000 copies for $2,749, (that's $2.75 cost per book) based on your mid-sized quote. The 10% discount would have saved you almost $275 (now $2.47 cost per book). That may not seem like a huge amount, but when you consider the fact that paying an extra $0.28 cents on every book adds up to $275, it's a really nice break. And for those of you going 'but that means I'd have to shell out $30 to be a member of webcomics.com every year, that's a 900% return on the Webcomics.com annual subscription. It would take 9 yeas of subscribing to webcomics.com to ever amount to that much. That's pretty awesome, and when we're talking about an investment that requires hundreds, if not thousands of dollars per run, every penny counts.
Not to mention, I remember looking at POD stuff when I was working on a project years ago because I was interested in making about 20 copies and selling them at a con. I remember the cost for $25 books being something absolutely ridiculous, and I remember being unwilling to pay it because it made me wonder how much I'd have to charge for them if I even wanted a small profit, and when I did the math, it really wasn't worth it.
So yeah, discuss--what's your take on POD vs offset? How does this deal sound to you? Like? Dislike? Interested? Uninterested? Indifferent? I'm pretty excited, which makes me want to work that much harder to get to work.
Anyone who is looking to do this kind of printing should find a printer that is local to them if they can. Deal with someone you can talk to face to face and hold in your hand a sample of what they do. It's a lot easier to say your product is high quality on the internet, and everyone says their work is high quality on the internet. I can't think of a single reason save maybe for price that dealing with an online printer would be better, but the best reason I can't think of not to is that if there's a mistake, your options are a lot better if you can deal with someone in person before you even remove the printed products from the store rather than a box that's been delivered to your front door and hopefully it hasn't rained.
Taking a look at their site, I couldn't find anything even closely resembling a price list, so I can't say anything about their prices. It seems you have to contact them and they'll get back to you with a quote, though I may have been wrong. For my money, I like to look around, look at not only prices but price differences and formulate in my head what I might want to do. That's just me.
Honestly, if someone is going to go the route of online print services, you might as well go with GotPrint...but don't. Find someone local.
All of the info about their prices, as well as contact stuff is in the 'members only' version of the thread. I'd let you know what they are, but I paid $30 for that info (and more) and I'm not particularly interested in giving it away for free.
I am very much under the impression that the rep will walk you through it and let you know if there are any problems with it. I'm also under the impression that you get a proof, but that may be incorrect. At any rate, they're located in Montreal, which isn't terribly far away from where I live. While that's all well and good for me, perhaps not so much for other people. But I get how it was hard to find any info on their printing--it's kind of a maze to get to it if you don't look for it through google, but they actually have a separate site for their printing/portfolio that I should have linked in the first place. Here. (http://www.transcontinental-printing.com/en/capabilities/default.aspx?idmenu=58)
So I don't know if that's enough for you, and it may well not be, but remember this: A quote isn't a contract, and once you get one from one company, you can absolutely shop around. If you get a quote from one place, and really really wonder what that quote would be like with the webcomics.com discount, you can always toss $30 out there and buy a year's subscription to check it out and compare that way. *shrug*
I think it has the potential of being a wonderful benefit for Webcomics.com users. At least that's my short answer.
My longer answer takes a bit from what Gibson already said and add's a little Smokey Robinson and the Miracles: "you better shop around."
I don't want to put a negative spin on this but I don't think it can be avoided all that much. One of the nice things about the webcomics community is their willingness to share information and great deals with each other. Any time I see someone say "this is the definitive place to use" I tend to shy away simply because things change. One of the reasons most printers don't post any kind of price guidelines is because of the fluctuation of the price of paper as a commodity. A sudden spike in the cost could radically alter the overall cost of a print run and if a price is set before the paper is bought someone will be left holding the bag.
Among other reasons I'm sure. But the point is things change and you should always look for the best deal and be willing to share that info with your fellow webcomickers.
I don't have a problem with anyone saying "hey this is the greatest printer I know of and I got you a discount so you should totally use them" but stating that they are the "official printer" makes me wonder about things like "how will they react if someone thinks they've found a better deal and wants to discuss it on their forums with other members?"
Now... all of that said I've heard VERY GOOD THINGS about Transcontinental. Ryan Sohmer hooked me up with the info for Transcontinental about two years ago. We were talking about profit margins and I was SHOCKED... SHOCKED I SAY to find out what his margin is on the books they sell. Of course volume has a great deal to do with that. But all of that said Ryan is a source I trust and if he says they are a good company to deal with I take him at his word.
But I would still shop around. And if I could find someone local (one of the things that makes me a little reticent about Transcontinental is that they are outside the U.S. and even shipments from Canada can sometimes get held up by customs for stupid reasons) I'd even be willing to pay a little more. I'm a bit old fashioned that way in that I believe a person I can talk to and maybe even look in the eye and shake hands with is a bit more on the hook to keep me happy as a customer.
And that said.... Transcontinental's Rep Andre Martin was at New York Comic Con when Ryan gave me his info (I missed him by ten minutes). And a printer that is attending comic cons to gather business... to my mind is pretty serious about keeping comic people happy. And that goes a long way.
So... in short, "Shop around, if you can find someone local I recommend the experience as preferable to dealing with even a nice company in another country, that said Transcontinental sounds like a great company to deal with and I'm certain that Webcomics.com community members are going to be very happy with the service provided to them."
And now I will go say a little prayer that someone over there doesn't lose it that Ran reprinted something of theirs over here. :P
;)
Oh and if anyone wants the contact info for Transcontinental that Ryan gave me I'll be happy to share it with you. I have the rep's name (as I mentioned) as well as all pertinent phone numbers and e-mail addresses including the guy's cell phone, fax and personal e-mail.
Just PM me and I'll send it on your way. ;)
Quote from: Rob on April 26, 2010, 09:12:35 PMMy longer answer takes a bit from what Gibson already said and add's a little Smokey Robinson and the Miracles: "you better shop around."
I was simply alerting people that this deal exists for members, and in no way implying that this is the only place that everyone in the universe should be getting their books from. I cannot even currently use this deal myself, because I have approximately 8 pages of my comic done, total, which is obviously not enough for a book.
Quote from: Rob on April 26, 2010, 09:12:35 PMAmong other reasons I'm sure. But the point is things change and you should always look for the best deal and be willing to share that info with your fellow webcomickers.
That would by why I posted this thread up here. While I obviously can't go into specifics, I just wanted people who didn't get a membership there when the paywall went up, or people who'd never heard of webcomics.com, but have enough content that this info might be useful, to know it existed.
Quote from: Rob on April 26, 2010, 09:12:35 PMI don't have a problem with anyone saying "hey this is the greatest printer I know of and I got you a discount so you should totally use them" but stating that they are the "official printer" makes me wonder about things like "how will they react if someone thinks they've found a better deal and wants to discuss it on their forums with other members?"
Honestly? They are a pay service. They're not going to give members the boot for discussing other options, and this is a fact. You don't need to speculate. When they say that Transcon is the 'official printer of webcomics.com', they mean that they have struck a deal with Transcon--they send more people to Transcon for business, and in turn those people get a discount if they send the proper information. That's all.
Quote from: Rob on April 26, 2010, 09:12:35 PMNow... all of that said I've heard VERY GOOD THINGS about Transcontinental. Ryan Sohmer hooked me up with the info for Transcontinental about two years ago. We were talking about profit margins and I was SHOCKED... SHOCKED I SAY to find out what his margin is on the books they sell. Of course volume has a great deal to do with that. But all of that said Ryan is a source I trust and if he says they are a good company to deal with I take him at his word.
I find it oddly telling that you trust Sohmer's word that they're a great company to deal with, but not Guigar's. They both sell quite a few books--what more do you want?
Quote from: Rob on April 26, 2010, 09:12:35 PMto my mind is pretty serious about keeping comic people happy. And that goes a long way.
That was the impression I got as well, since this was a deal that Brad struck with them at a convention not long ago, I can't remember which. This was another reason I posted it here.
Quote from: Rob on April 26, 2010, 09:12:35 PMAnd now I will go say a little prayer that someone over there doesn't lose it that Ran reprinted something of theirs over here. :P
I cannot fathom what you mean. Here, a quote from Brad:
QuoteTo say that I'm excited about this is an understatement. Please feel free to spread the word on your blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.
I have not posted anything that was not made available on their public post. I haven't quoted anything that was in the full article only. I have not given away any information that will allow people not on the website to get the deal, or any information on how this works. I can't imagine it being a problem, and I don't see why you should either, even jokingly.
Ran... just being cheeky not hostile. Of course I trust Brad's word on what is and is not a good printer. If anything I was trying to add weight to the already favorable review of Transcontinental.
If you didn't post anything that was not made public then that's fine... it's when you said you were going to discuss parts non-members cannot see is where I personally get a little nervous simply because of things that were said to me by... folks who work over there.
I will probably always be a little nervous when someone relates in any way to the content behind the paywall at Webcomics.com over here. Sorry. If Brad's ok with it then so am I.
I do very much appreciate you bringing this to everyone's attention and as I said already once today in other circumstances (http://forum.webcomicscommunity.com/index.php/topic,498.0.html) if you have a free $30 now seems like a very good time to join Webcomics.com.
I said I'd discuss them, not divulge them. Not really the same thing.
Also, the link you just posted leads nowhere. ???
At any rate, cheeky is fine....if I've known you for years and understand you to be a cheeky person. If you're trying to make it apparent that you're being cheeky, then you're not being particularly overt about it. Maybe change up your tactics a bit?
This sounds like an awesome deal. I hope that "the official" doesn't also mean "the exclusive" printer for webcomics.com. It would be fantastic if the half-pixel crew manage to get deals with other printers... and hotels... AAA coverage... etc.
Quote from: LegendWoodsman on April 26, 2010, 11:06:57 PM
This sounds like an awesome deal. I hope that "the official" doesn't also mean "the exclusive" printer for webcomics.com. It would be fantastic if the half-pixel crew manage to get deals with other printers... and hotels... AAA coverage... etc.
They managed to get a deal on tables at a con a while back, and Brad has been alluding to the fact that he has other really nice deals in the works right now, so who knows?
Thanks for the tip on the link I think it's fixed now.
As for my writing style I don't think you (and probably many others) are ever going to like the way I write. I know it tends to come across as confrontational even when I think I'm being playful. Unfortunately it's my voice. It's the way I write. Some people really like it; some loath it. I often find myself trying to explain it. But I doubt I could ever change it.
And I'm not sure I would even want to try. It's part of who I am and it informs the characters I create, the stories I tell and the news I pass along. I actually like it a lot despite it's shortcomings. Some people go their whole lives and never find their voice. I'm happy to have mine.
And you can argue that what I write on some forum is not comparable to "writing" but I would disagree. I'm flexing the same mental muscles. And my voice communication is completely different. Probably due to the time I can take writing, the years of practice I have into it and the state my mind is in when I do it I am far more eloquent and organized in my thinking when I write as opposed to what I say when I'm talking to someone.
I'm much quieter in person and far less inclined to throw my opinion around. Although I still do it too much. ;D
Wait...you have to pay BEFORE you can find out their prices? Seriously? That's absurd.
In a rare turn of events, I think Gibson and I agree on something basic here. Check with your local printers. I can almost guarantee if you bring them a price quote from an online service they'll do their very best to match it. Local printers have all sorts of advantages beyond that. They'll show you their presses, let you see samples of quality at various points in the run so you can ensure that quality is being mantained, and work with you one on one, face to face. Not to mention you save on shipping since you can cart your car over there and pick stuff up.
Also, local businesses need your support! :)
Shop around. Never go with the first quote until you know it is the best.
Quote from: Gibson on April 27, 2010, 03:10:08 AM
Wait...you have to pay BEFORE you can find out their prices? Seriously? That's absurd.
Nooooo, that is not at all what I said. You have to pay to become a member of webcomics.com to get information on their discount. You can e-mail Transcon and get a quote, but unless you have access to that info on webcomics.com because you are a member, do will not get a quote with a 10% discount applied to it from Transcon. Just a regular quote.
Gib, I know you're not super familiar with Webcomics.com, but it was and continues to be, now that it's a yearly subscription website, the most relevant and active webcomics community/resource out there. There is no denying that, and the kind of community discussion/activities that go on there are also extremely relevant and active. They're also offering a variety of services and discounts that a lot of other places are not, tailored to fit the needs of webcomics creators. While you may not agree that paying $30 a year for anything is worth it, $30 a years was worth the access to the archives. All these new deals and discounts and the community are icing on the cake.
QuoteAs for my writing style I don't think you (and probably many others) are ever going to like the way I write. I know it tends to come across as confrontational even when I think I'm being playful. Unfortunately it's my voice. It's the way I write. Some people really like it; some loath it. I often find myself trying to explain it. But I doubt I could ever change it.
Look Rob, I'm not trying to be mean, I'm really not. However, you have to think about it this way: If people on your own forum are offended, if people that you've been engaging in twitter wars with recently are offended, if the people on The Webcomic Builder are offended, that's not a coincidence--the common denominator in all of those situations is you, and the way that you have worded things. Whether you are aware of this or not is fine--it basically comes down to this:
You don't have to change the way you do things, but knowing that you come off like an abrasive and angry passive-aggressive nerd to everyone, you have to know that the only way you're not going to come off that way is to make an effort to be more specific, concise and polite, and less accidentally insulting. If you decide that you don't want to sound like a dick, then make those changes. If you're content sounding like a dick, then don't, but don't be surprised when people who would have gladly networked with you or helped you out think better of it.
Y'know Ran I could debate you at length about this but you're right. I'm content to be me and if that means I'm a dick then I guess I'm a dick.
I shall update my status immediately.
I find it oddly ironic that someone who is adamant that handshakes must be given out or, dear god no, people will be offended is totally okay with being known as a dick to other creators.
When I was in college for animation, the first thing that we were told was to watch what we say about and to other people in the business, even at college level. You never know--that guy you called a hack might be best buddies with the guy who does your next job interview, or the person you secretly tell about what you really think about someone else in the business might decide that you're two faced and cease networking with you, or not recommend you if you seem really arrogant.
A lot of people don't feel the need to censor themselves on the internet, and that's fine...if you're a 12-year-old 4channer who uses the internet to troll and have fun. But if you're trying to cultivate a business or a network online, it's in your best interest to act professional. And if that means rereading your posts and thinking to yourself "someone might construe that I am attacking them, perhaps this can be slightly reworded," then take the extra five minutes to rework it.
I am not the only person who feels this way, and if things that other people have said to me about you are any indication, I am also not the only person who has actually said anything to you about it. Let me be clear: I am trying to help you, but my patience is wearing thin. You are not being controversial for the sake of discussion--you're being unnecessarily rude--the way you handled that fiasco at Webcomic Builder really hit that point home for me, so if you can't reign yourself in a little for the sake of your business and professional reputation, then I have no interest in sticking around to watch this train wreck. I'm not the only one considering leaving, either.
Stew on that for a bit before you respond--I am outright telling you that your attitude is driving down interest in your site, and people I have spoken to are quickly adopting a 'yeah, I'm going to keep away from him. He's abrasive and off-putting' attitude toward you and this community, and possibly your comic when it relaunches. You are hurting your chances of making this website what you set out to make by talking to and about people the way that you do. So, if you care, at all, about your community, you'll consider what people, not just me, are telling you.
I'm going to jump in and suggest that anything else said between you two on this should probably be said in private. It looks like you both have a lot to say, possibly even things worth saying, but I don't think it's laundry that needs to be aired. Not trying to police, just a word of advice. Ignore it as you like.
I don't have any problem at all paying for things that are worth it...and even sometimes things that aren't worth it. It's a relief to know that I had the wrong impression, that seemed horrifying. The way you worded it, that you'd paid to have that information, made it seem like you'd paid specifically for that site. I'm not really sure why you wouldn't share information that you have to become a member of that site to use, though. With webcomics.com, I suppose I really have no idea what about it is worth the investment of money and time. What I've seen of it, which is admittedly little, hasn't amounted to much more than navel-gazing and opinions about the media, not as much the resource. I won't deny being skeptical that it wouldn't be simply more of the same kind of half-effort advice that I've seen and heard in other places and a handful of links. Most people I've spoken to that were members of webcomics.com were infuriated that it went behind a pay wall, and I believe you're the only person I know outside of this community who is still active there. I'm not saying it isn't worth it, just that my perception makes me leery of it.
Er... well, to swing this back round to the original topic...
I did shop around, and Transcontinental won my business. Partly this was due to the fact that they are in Canada-- cross border shipping is worse going the other way, let me tell you-- but they might have plants in the States that would address that border issue for those of you in the US. (Not completely sure about that.) This was also partly due to their customer service. I contacted André Martin and told him what I wanted, and explained that although I had an idea of what paper I wanted the book to be printed on I didn't really know the lingo well enough to say, "Yes, 70lb uncoated Husky brand sounds right." So he shipped out to me some sample graphic novels so I could look and feel... and also see the quality of their printing. They were very patient with me and explained what everything meant. It was no problem at all to get a quote (for free!). And also, their rates beat out Quebecor (my previous printer). I admit, the glowing testimonials from so many other webcomickers helped.
Which is not to say you shouldn't shop around your local printers. Do that, absolutely. But it helps to know that Transcon is a good choice.
Oh, and I just missed the webcomics.com deal. Argh. I'll happily take advantage of it when the time comes to print volume 2, though. Books arrived at my house last week (see 'em here (http://galaxioncomics.com/?p=362)!). To give you an idea of cost (I didn't post this on webcomics.com so I'm not worried about giving away any members-only info, not that I would be particularly worried about that anyway), I printed 2000 copies of a 144pg b/w interior book, and my unit costs were $1.92. Canadian dollars (but we're more or less at par now, so it's all the same). My costs were slightly higher because I opted for some extra bells and whistles, the gold foil and embossing.
Webcomics.com.... I was annoyed at first about the paywall, but eventually decided it wouldn't hurt to give it a try for a year, and then not renew if I didn't think it was worth it. So far... well, Brad certainly puts a lot of effort into it. I like the community. I like the community here, too. :) Topics seem to be very webcomics-focused there, as opposed to the other forums I visit where discussions range into all kinds of interesting things. It's different, not better or worse. If I weren't already a member, I would say the Transcon deal would definitely pull me in.
Tara they're beautiful. The matte finish I think really works well with your art and coloration. Are the inside pages also matte or did you go with gloss?
And so cheap. I'm surprised you aren't charging more for those beautiful books. I bet they fly off your table at your next con. ;)
Quote from: Gibson on April 27, 2010, 11:35:03 AM
I'm going to jump in and suggest that anything else said between you two on this should probably be said in private. It looks like you both have a lot to say, possibly even things worth saying, but I don't think it's laundry that needs to be aired. Not trying to police, just a word of advice. Ignore it as you like.
Of course, you're absolutely right. My apologies for going as off topic as I did.
Quote from: Gibson on April 27, 2010, 11:35:03 AMI don't have any problem at all paying for things that are worth it...and even sometimes things that aren't worth it. It's a relief to know that I had the wrong impression, that seemed horrifying. The way you worded it, that you'd paid to have that information, made it seem like you'd paid specifically for that site. I'm not really sure why you wouldn't share information that you have to become a member of that site to use, though. With webcomics.com, I suppose I really have no idea what about it is worth the investment of money and time. What I've seen of it, which is admittedly little, hasn't amounted to much more than navel-gazing and opinions about the media, not as much the resource. I won't deny being skeptical that it wouldn't be simply more of the same kind of half-effort advice that I've seen and heard in other places and a handful of links. Most people I've spoken to that were members of webcomics.com were infuriated that it went behind a pay wall, and I believe you're the only person I know outside of this community who is still active there. I'm not saying it isn't worth it, just that my perception makes me leery of it.
I meant it in the sense that if I had to pay to have access to this discount and all of the extra info in that thread, then other people can pay for it if they want to see it. It's like renting a video and then lending it to someone else when they can go rent it for cheap on their own time.
In terms of resources, what are you looking for? So far, this is what they're offering:
- A series of art workshops. The community has received it rather well and there are a lot of really great artists willing to do redline's on top of sumbissions and offer tips and corrections and suggestions.
- Detailed tutorials on how to make some sweet and cheap merchandising (ex: there was an tutorial/plugin on papercraft dolls recently that piqued my interest)
- Some tutorials on CG shading techniques, word balloon aesthetics and placement, hand lettering, designing effective ads, creating old-timey print comic effects, improving your web design and more.
- articles on editing tips, punctuation issues, common grammar mistakes and links to outside resources that may provide thought and inspiration for others.
- The dish on various conventions, table prices, experiences, etc.
- A series of articles from Robert Khoo, the marketing genius behind Penny Arcade
- Articles on setting prices, recommendations for and against new and old services as advertising tools, setting up ad chains, and more.
- They have a classifieds section
- They have a private forum.
- They've offered quite a few discounts with companies so far, and they seem to have more planned
- The community is huge, extremely active and only people who were willing to pay are there, which means that most of them are taking this pretty seriously. Almost everyone is friendly and helpful.
- There is a new article every week day except Fridays, which are the 'archive dive' where they bring up articles from the archive that might be particularly relevant at that time, or old enough that new members might not have read them.
And even with this long list, I'm not really doing it justice. It seemed right up your alley.
While you still hear some people bitch about the paywall, there are over 300 paid members, and even people who were skeptical at first seem to have come around, myself included. Hell, I'm pretty sure (EDIT: Definitely sure. I somehow forgot that Tara is also a member) that I'm not even the only member on this forum that is also a member there. There's nothing wrong with being a part of multiple communities, but I'd be hard pressed not to recommend it to people. It's been pretty damn useful for me, at least.
EDIT: Tara, those look so awesome! Are you going to Anime North in May? I want to buy one and get it signed if you are!
I'm still leery, but my mind is open. My concern is less about what they offer, but how helpful what they offer is. A few dollars off on printing is cool, and probably worth the money, I suppose. I was ranting in another thread about this, but I've had better and more useful advice in recent months from folks in the print comics biz than from folks in the webcomics biz. Maybe I just have a bad taste in my mouth about this sort of thing at the moment. Probably that.
@Rob and Ran (geez, put those two names together and it sounds like I've committed a crime...): thanks!
The inside pages are matte, but with a nice weight. I'm not a big fan of glossy, either inside or out. I guess I could charge more, but it's nice not to need to. I've maintained a comfortable profit margin.
@Gibson: I'll admit, not all of what they have to say is especially helpful to me. Khoo's articles so far haven't really been of much use, because he speaks to such a broad marketing picture. Kurtz hasn't contributed very much, other than offer a few rallying cries which have certainly been inspirational to many of the members. (Guigar is the workhorse behind the site, and I am still in awe of how much he can accomplish, given his job, his daily comic, his other comic, his blog, and I don't even know what else.) But there have been a few nuggets in the past few months that have been very worthwhile (particularly useful has been the easy-to-reference list of comic cons with stats and various opinions from the members who've attended them in the past). Can you find all this information elsewhere? Probably, but it's nice to have it all easily accessible and in one place. For me, it's really the community that has value. Same reason I hang out here. ;)
Those books are really nice Tara. Good job on the cover layout, the gold lettering on the starfield and the circular detail really sell it as kind of a classic space-opera (which I'm assuming is what you were going for). Matte finish was a good choice too.