How to start a webcomic: Top 10 mistakes to avoid
by KiloTwo
I’m back with another update, and when time allows I hope to update more than once a week.
Anyway, in this post I am going to share about the top 10 things to avoid for a webcomic.
I came up with this list while visitng webcomic forums, and heard many complaints against webcomics that upsets the readers, so do take note of these things before you start your webcomic.
How to start a webcomic: Top 10 mistakes to avoid
1. Any hiatus in the first two months for your webcomic.
Readers hate any hiatus of any sort, and especially when you start a hiatus at the beginning of your webcomic, you just lose attention very quickly.
Do take note that this is information I have gathered from webcomic forums, and it applies practically everywhere.
I have discussed it in “How to start a webcomic: Prerequisites to start a webcomic #1” that one of the prerequisites of a webcomic artist is to draw fast.
2. Failing to meet update schdules.
Another turnoff for readers is for webcomic artists to fail in meeting their update schdules.
Readers wait a whole week for just one update page, and yet the webcomic artist disappoints them. Excuses like “I was ill and had stomach ache” or whatsoever just don’t convince most readers.
Like I said, read my previous post on how to solve this basic problem.
3. Bad site navigation.
This is a major turnoff. ‘Hide and seek’ isn’t a game that readers like to play.
Some webcomic artists try to jazz up their navigation for their site, and in many cases it confuses as well as upsets readers instead of attracting them.
Everyone hates bad site navigation for websites or blogs, so if you want to attract visitors or keep loyal supporters, please make sure your webcomic website or blog has good navigation for readers.
Clean and simplicity for website and blogs is one of the best formulas for good navigation.
4. Blogs that have to explain the comic.
If we have to consult Wikipedia, Urban Dictionary or Google, you’re doing it wrong.
It’s plain silly to make your webcomic over complicated. You lose everyone’s attention.
5. Webcomics that take too long to load.
Try to keep your picture files in small sizes, and keep those quality images in your storage space at home.
Readers do not like their webcomics load slowly at all, and not everyone has broadband. If you are doing too much flash animations, I suggest trying a simpler alternative or risk losing your readers.
However, keep those quality images at home so that in case you hit jackpot and become famous, you do want those quality images so that you can print a comic book or something.
6. Too much conversation in your webcomic.
Comics and manga are different from books, so more on artwork and less on words please. This is another major turnoff.
7. Fillers in the main archives.
Readers dislike fillers, but it is definitely better than not updating at all.
However, putting them in the archives is a bad idea, as it breaks the main storyline when readers are browsing through the archives.
8. Ripping off humor and content from other webcomics.
This kills attention and loyalty from readers very quickly. We want you to write your own material.
9. Webcomics or manga that advertise with fewer than 10 strips.
It makes your blog or website look just shallow. Please have more content before advertising.
10. Calendar archives
This tells readers nothing about the content behind the dates. Choose a better alternative.
Final words for this post
To start a webcomic, understand what your readers truly want.
And since you are probably a manga or a comic reader yourself, place yourself in their shoes and you will realize that what I have suggested in this post is probably what you will agree too.
Anyway, that is all for this post. Stay tuned for more updates!
Do comment to me about what you want to see in Manga Journey, and I will try to cater to your viewing wishes.
Related posts:
- How to start a webcomic: Prerequisites to start a webcomic #3: Know how to promote your webcomic from anon777 // We are coming to the third...
- How to start a webcomic: Prerequisites to start a webcomic #1: Drawing fast from CX Reivax // In my previous post here, I...
- How to start a webcomic: Prerequisites to start a webcomic #2: Drawing well from genniecru // This is a continuation from my...
- How to start a webcomic: Top 7 ways to advertize your webcomic from the comic bug // In my previous post,...
- How to start a webcomic: Reasons for a webcomic from warren ford // Today I am going to...
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Comments
3 Comments on How to start a webcomic: Top 10 mistakes to avoid
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watch anime on
Mon, 23rd Nov 2009 5:45 am
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r2moo2 on
Mon, 23rd Nov 2009 12:17 pm
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Strip News 11-27-9 | Strip News | ArtPatient.com | ArtPatient.com on
Fri, 27th Nov 2009 10:08 pm
thats cool
Thanks for your comments!
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