A question and some news.
I haven't posted anything here for a while. Sorry about that. There are two reasons I haven't posted anything: I was entertaining my family, who flew out from Washington to visit. The other reason is that there's been little to report.
I'm in a holding pattern with regards to the Adams Experiment. A while back Scott suggested a format to try. I threw together a very quick draft and sent it to him to see if I was on the right track.
(I had to shrink it a bit to fit my blog. Right-click it and select "view image" to make it easier to read.)
This was what he had in mind. I had several thoughts looking at it, and I'd like your opinions. We had long ago discussed the idea of the daily strips being a changed version of Basic Instructions, and the Sunday strips being a slightly different shaped version of the strip as I produce it now. I guess the question is, does this draft represent too much change? Would the difference between the daily and the Sunday strips seem too jarring? Also, have I eliminated so much of what makes my strip unique that it now wouldn't stand out? (at least for positive reasons, it might still stand out for negative reasons.) I look forward to your input.
One thing the Adams Experiment has taught me is that I can produce strips much faster than I did before. As such, starting next week I'll be posting new strips twice a week -- Monday morning and Thursday morning.
I'm in a holding pattern with regards to the Adams Experiment. A while back Scott suggested a format to try. I threw together a very quick draft and sent it to him to see if I was on the right track.
(I had to shrink it a bit to fit my blog. Right-click it and select "view image" to make it easier to read.)
This was what he had in mind. I had several thoughts looking at it, and I'd like your opinions. We had long ago discussed the idea of the daily strips being a changed version of Basic Instructions, and the Sunday strips being a slightly different shaped version of the strip as I produce it now. I guess the question is, does this draft represent too much change? Would the difference between the daily and the Sunday strips seem too jarring? Also, have I eliminated so much of what makes my strip unique that it now wouldn't stand out? (at least for positive reasons, it might still stand out for negative reasons.) I look forward to your input.
One thing the Adams Experiment has taught me is that I can produce strips much faster than I did before. As such, starting next week I'll be posting new strips twice a week -- Monday morning and Thursday morning.
posted by Scott Meyer at Friday, September 28, 2007
52 Comments:
My opinion (and I'm just a fan of the strip, I have nothing to do with the industry or marketing or
anything, for what that's worth):
Does this draft represent too much change?
YES
Would the difference between the daily and the Sunday strips seem too jarring?
I believe so.
Also, have I eliminated so much of what makes my strip unique that it now wouldn't stand out?
YES
I kinda agree with capt_sawyer -- it's too much of a change. While that test is funny in its way, what really makes Basic Instructions work is the contrast between the instructions and the conversations. That kind of back-and-forth, coupled with some deadpan about looking for positives and whatnot, is much funnier than either element alone.
... and you're using the same two figures in all three panels again. :)
That's why I labeled it as a quickly thrown together draft.
I personally don't like the strip-style comics. Half the fun of your comic is the disconnection between the apparently straightforward instructions at the top of each panel and the way the instructions are actually implemented below that. The small strips lose too much of that back and forth, as well as most of the text, some detail in the facial expressions, and a whole fourth panel. I would prefer to see Basic Instructions in its full glory all the time.
That being said, you're a genius and I will follow you to the 3-panel world if that's what you decide is in your best interest.
In summary:
Yes, the change is quite drastic.
Yes, the two styles don't really look at all like each other.
No, your strip would still shine compared to what's out there.
I like the previous combination of instruction and implementation, but think four panels are to slow.
So if you make that happen, three pannels instructions and implementations, I'll stop reading Dilbert and come to you for my daily entertainment!
I like the four-panel approach because generally it takes at least that many to set up a quality punch-line. In this draft, it seemed to skip forward too quickly - but I could just be used to your previous format, too.
Also, that's not to say that the panels before the last one aren't funny - the bottom left panel in "how to quit drinking caffeine" cracks me up every time I see it.
The new format is fine; conceptually I like the idea of dropping the weakest of the four squares. One consideration with having varied formats, especially since you're not (yet :) publishing daily, would be diluting your "brand."
Ultimately, you have to go with what you feel works for you.
First of all, your 4-panels are superb.
Secondly, this draft already covers the changes I would suggest (3-panels instead of 4, removing the instructions at the top of each panel) to make your strip a daily newspaper hit! (If you could live with the change/compromise from your original format.)
One other thing, (and this may have already been mentioned), I can also envision your 4-panels expanding and then splitting to become a daily single-panel series focusing on a single topic. (quiting caffine, picking a code phrase, etc.) If you read them with that in mind, each panel functions as a stand-alone piece.
You've got great ideas and talent and I agree with Scott Adams...you can write your own ticket, however big or small you want that ticket to be.
In my unqualified opinion, your four-panel box is superior to the three panel version.
But may I suggest that instead of comparing any new format to your original, perhaps it would be better just to pick your favorite newspaper friendly format and master it?
Seeing as your original format won't fit your goal of being syndicated anyway, there's no use looking back. You're extremely talented, so eventually you'll be able to make whatever format you decide on work as well as your original.
Without the instructions at the top isn't it just "Basic" ?
What I like most about your strips is its bang-for-your-buck: Almost every panel has something you can laugh at. I think you may have hit on a good idea with "best 3 of 4" but don't compromise too much or you will lose what makes your strip unique and, ultimately, funny.
How does your situation compare with Sheldon Comics ? He went the other way and seems to be loving it.
I think this is one of the better 3-panel strips you've drawn, though. I still like the 4-panel square, but if you need a 3-panel to fit the newspaper format, this one's good.
I *really* like the four-panel, long-form comics you are cooking out. In that format, they're salable to alternative weeklies and other outfits without a lot of money. (McSweeney's?)
The three-panel comic is good, better than a lot of stuff out there, but it'd be kind of sad to see you go that direction. People gotta eat, though.
Greater volume of the four-panels is a good thing. There must be a way to sell this to someone; it's too good to be alone here.
--JRM
Honestly, I've liked most of the Experiment strips. The thing is, they aren't -- and shouldn't be -- the main four-panels. In a way, it's a different medium and requires a different approach and philosophy.
I actually enjoyed both - although I did miss the speech bubbles. I really like the speech bubbles.
I was one of the readers brought over by Scott Adams' blog...
This is just SLIGHTLY over the edge of too much change, I think. But as those above have stated, it is indeed over the edge.
For what it's worth.
Here's a clever trick to get away with using the same picture 3 times in a strip, just change the amount of the character that is visible.
Or did someone else already share that one with you.
I appreciate that you're making it quicker to produce the strip, but compare that to the sheer quality seen in the iPhone strip where every pose is different and gives real expression to the content of the panel. I love the artistic style of BI, please don't get lazy about it. A comic is a very visual form of humour, the joke is in the words, but well drawn and believable pictures really tie the whole thing together.
The only thing I'd change would be that I would have titled the comic, "How to talk to a socialist."
But since you probably don't want to alienate half the audience, probably better to go the way you did, as I liked it this was, too. :D
The only thing I'd say is that I found the "poverty" line to be funnier than the "head lice" line, although I understand why you were doing it - it was probably Adams' philosophy (with which I only partially agree) that "weird is funny."
This strip is a good'n, but it totally changes the purpose of the comic. It's not about Basic Instructions anymore - it's just about your character being a card. It's still funny, don't get me wrong, but it's not nearly as funny as today's comic, "How to Express Condolences". Without the "headlining" text (not sure what you call it), there are no instructions. Without instructions, there is no Basic Instructions. Perhaps with the shorter format, you should create a new comic with a new name? Continue BI, but do this new thing too.
As someone who's been a fan of BI since before the Adams Experiment began, I have to say that this new version is just too much of a change.
I wasn't all that happy with the three panel strips to begin with, however I understand the need to try to format them that way for syndication.
This new one, though, is too much. The humor from Basic Instructions has always come from the dissonance between the "narration" and the dialog of the characters. While the dialog on it's own may be humorous, it really pales in comparison to the "whole package".
I think the 3-panels that have worked the best, so far, are the ones that have the narration in each panel, just like the 4-panel squares.
I really wish there was a way to try to get syndicated with the original format. You seem to be at your best with that format - it seems to be your natural outlet.
I'm "ROFG".
I *love* the original style, but I think this is the funniest of the 3-panel ones. Also, I didn't notice at first but when somebody pointed out that the last two panels are the same, it looked pretty bad. =/
Too much change? Didn't notice until you mentioned it. Sunday strips too jarring? Might be. Eliminated too much? Not in this case. This strip was hilarious.
I too prefer your original four panel format. It seems to provide a better rhythm or meter for your humor. The strip format is still great, but it ends too quickly. I guess there is just not enough room to make it seem "instructional". However, I will continue to read your strip in any format.
It's been a treat to be allowed to witness the Adams experiment and provide feedback. It gives insight into your creative process and makes me respect your work even more. Thanks.
I think this latest 3-panel test is too diluted. It has the comedy content of about 1.5 of your weekly 4-panel strips, and it's a a step back from the test strips from Augest 24th. The content of those was a bit too dense and wordy, so a compromise between the two approaches would be better.
I prefer the text in bubbles, but I think that is minor compared to the amount of humor in the strip.
About the 'condolences' instructions.
The number of panels with the same graphic of you holding the cat works fine, unless the reader has a cat. We know it wouldn't stay still that long.
I can understand the logic in following S. Adams advice, after all he is very good at making money. But I find your comic so much better than Dilbert. The art, the style and the actual humour is far superior. Don't get me wrong, I like Dilbert. I read it and Adam's blog every day. But BI makes me laugh out load about 25% of the time and laugh into myself 50%. Dilbert makes me laugh about once a month.
So I'd keep the format as is and aim for a colour Sunday strip.
My problem with this sample strip is that it doesn't have the "Basic Instuctions". Part of the reason that your regular stip is unique and funny is that you are providing instructions for an everyday event/activity/occurence but this sample strip doesn't have that it simple has a topic and some dialog, no instructions. Based on this sample stip (which is amusing) I would rename your strip "Everday Events" and lose the "How To" on the strip title.
1)
Go for the three panel version. I'm as greedy as the next person & like your 4 panel strip.
However, I'd love a strip a day. And, I'd love to see you widely successful and profitable - as that is what great talent deserves.
So no - I don't think the draft represents too much change.
2)
Difference between Daily/Sunday jarring - Nope, don't think so!
3)
What makes your strip unique and memorable is the humour. I love both versions, but your humour is not lost in the 3 panel. It's a little different & in some cases more succint / better.
In summary:
I don't think the 3 panel loses too much. I think it gains some (and _perhaps_ loses some). I agree with the chicken guy that your talent will adapt to the three panel.
Besides - You are looking at getting a very high paying job. I don't see how you lose anything at all by doing a syndicate push. I doubt _anyone_ who loves your comic now would jump ship - there just isn't _anything_ comparable on the market.
In fact, I bet you'd see a markable increase in traffic online if you went 3 panel daily online. Why not try it for a month or two? (EVERYONE - don't you agree - you would just _LOVE_ a Basic Instruction daily!).
Condolences has got to be the funniest piece to date.
Bright Side is like a pale imitation of Basic Instructions.
The protagonist is just poking fun of his friend's plight. Where's the contrast with the well-meaning narrative? That's just how to be mean to those worse off than yourself.
I suppose an analogy would be "How can I take everything that's good about the Cadillac Escalade and fit into into a Honda Civic six days out of seven because the parking lot is too small?"
I think this draft captures the spirit of Basic Instructions, but not the usual breadth, and that's simply a spatial restriction.
I doubt that whatever Sunday format you choose would be jarring. Many strips have very different Sunday layouts and I doubt anyone really notices.
You haven't eliminated what makes the strip unique, but it certainly is diluted. It seems like an untenable situation. You have all this great content but only so much space to show it in.
Some other options:
1) What about a Sunday only strip, a la Opus?
2) I've seen you already shoot this down, but taking a regular strip's worth of content and dividing it up through the week still sounds like it has some merit. And you'd wouldn't have to come up with 365 "How To's" every year. You could have one topic Monday through Saturday (expanding your normal four panels to six), with a new topic on Sunday.
1. Don't rely on what we, your fans, have to advise, just do what you think is right. That's what got you to this point. Of course what I'm advising you is VITAL!
2. While Adams has had huge success, I'd still take his advice with a grain of salt. It might work for him and his "humor", but it might not work for you. Do you want people to remember the funny all day or just kind of smirk and move on to the next strip?
3. I wouldn't worry about the Sunday vs. daily strips. All Sunday strips are different. And better. Take your cue from the Sunday strips.
Also... I agree with what kyleo said about spreading your strip out over a couple days (not a whole week please!). It's fairly standard practice to run a story over a week, but 3(instructions) x 2(days) = 6 fine daily strips and one full blown Sunday strip.
Scott Adams once said that you know your strip is good when people are wanting copies to forward to friends. For me, 'Condolences' marked this point: I sent it round to several friends who had never seen BI before. The three-panel ones aren't quite the same. A lot of the humour for me derives from the contrast between the written instructions and what your character does below. I don't think you should lose that. (Oh, I'm in the UK, so it might just be our weird British sense of humour, sorry, humor.)
Quote from Anonymous ... "Half the fun of your comic is the disconnection between the apparently straightforward instructions at the top of each panel and the way the instructions are actually implemented below that."
One of the 4 panels always gets a laugh from me, sometimes all 4 because of the disconnect.
The 3 panel and you are just more like everyone else which sadly is what syndication is looking for and one of the reasons Calvin and Hobbs faded sooner than it might have.
The best part was the combination of the Narration/Instruction and satirical dialogue, and you got rid of that in this example. Getting rid of the instructions seems to destroy the whole premise of the comic. I think the best is the original four panel, but your best bet is probably the three panel where you just eliminate your least favorite panel.
I prefer the old, "Top-Left, Top Right, Lower Left, Lower Right" format more than anything. It's what piqued my interest back when I Stumbled Upon "How to Fake a Smile". I also note that the satirical black text is missing in the latest one, which was the best part. I think you should either return to the original format or just eliminate the least effective panel of the four.
You really have to keep the narrative at the top.
It is the contrast between the actual instructions and the way your character follows them that makes me laugh ot loud every strip.
Without the real instructions it loses the tone.
Send the three panel strips to the papers for some cash....keep putting up the real ones hear online for the laughs.
Well, I'm a fan via Scott Adams' blog, and I really love your strip. I'm a little undecided on how you should proceed. On one hand, I would absolutely love to see a daily Basic Instructions in my local paper. On the other hand, I like your original format, so I think it's really a matter of either figuring out a way to keep the original format but write daily comics that will be attractive for syndication. I dunno, maybe a Sunday only option would be good with your original format?
Anyway, it's really up to you. I love your strip.
You know Scott, I have been thinking a lot about this. I think you could make it in syndication if you wanted to as Mr. Adams has suggested and I think it is a great idea. I also think that you shouldn't sell the webcomic side of things short. You might even consider building up the web side of things with more comics per week and add some ads to the site. Build that up and possibly use your existing material (use the best 3 of 4 idea).
I would also suggest listening to the Webcomics Weekly podcast done by Scott Kurtz and his friends as it has a lot of tips that are really useful.
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