One of the aspects of creating comics we get excited about is the comments. We want to know if our story is resonating with our fans or, more to the point, if our fans are actually there at all. But in the age of Internet feuds and downvoting, it can be intimidating to leave any trace that we exist.
Personally, I am guilty of lurking more often than not. I read a lot and love the comics I follow but I’m terrible at letting people know that I am there, reading along. This is in part because I am involved in the story and am processing it all, but also because I am introverted and don’t always feel my input is necessary.
But as a creator, I love getting and responding to comments. It is a source of encouragement and knowing there are people out there letting us know they we’re on the right track fills us with so much joy. There are even those rare occasions when the fans start replying to each other about what is going on in the episode!
What type of a comic reader are you? Are you the type to always be sure to comment on what is going on or are you a pro lurker? Let us know in the comment section below! And join us on Sunday evening for our Quackchat at 5:30PM(EST)!
Don’t forget you can now advertise on DrunkDuck for just $2 in whichever ad spot you like! The money goes straight into running the site. Want to know more? Click this link here! Or, if you want to help us keep the lights on you can sponsor us on Patreon. Every bit helps us!
Special thanks to our patrons!!
Justnopoint - Banes - Rmccool - Abt Nihil - Phoenixignis - Gunwallace - Cresc - Pauleberhardt - Scruff - Dragonaur - Emma Clare - Dylandrawsdraws - Functioncreep - Eustacheus - Dillycomics - Barrycorbett - Sinjinsoku - Smkinoshita - Jerrie - Chickfighter - Andreas_Helixfinger
Tantz Aerine - Cdmalcolm1 - Epic Saveroom - Spacewitch
Lurker or commenter?
Emma_Clare at 12:00AM, Sept. 20, 2019
7 likes!
©2011 WOWIO, Inc. All Rights Reserved Mastodon
giovanni at 6:05AM, Oct. 27, 2019
mostly lurker. mostly because i have a hard time going beyond empty platitudes as a comment. rare is the day when i can make a big one. empty platitudes is what i can mostly muster.
AmeliaP at 4:57PM, Sept. 25, 2019
"What type of a comic reader are you?" Honestly? I'm the silent type, but I put effort into writing comments. Usually, I like to read and appreciate the story in silence, because I want to follow the author's intention and that's it. That's the reason I'm not a critic person. I try to understand the author's point of view and usually people deliver a very clear story.
bravo1102 at 4:08PM, Sept. 22, 2019
(No, I really don't have a staff of writers. It's an old line used by comic greats who often as not had staffs of gag writers so they could fire off ad-libs and one-liners. And then there were those who didn't like the guy in my avatar)
bravo1102 at 4:06PM, Sept. 22, 2019
I comment and I'm proud of it. Fortunately I have a staff of writers working for me day and night to churn out funny ad-libs and one-liners whenever needed. They can be silly but it shows that I'm out here reading and paying attention. You ask for support? Ask for advice? Always happy to help. But many creators don't need help, it's often comforting enough just to know someone is reading. Say something. Say ANYTHING. Let the creator know you're out there. What strikes you about the page? The comic? Characters? Design? Something as day as a "6" or a "great page" can make a creator's day, week, month, lifetime!
bluecuts34 at 3:56AM, Sept. 21, 2019
I love and cherish every comment I get. I'm always really grateful if people not only take the time to read what I'm making but also tell me what they think! It makes me feel good. I'm a shy commenter, though. I also don't feel like my opinion is needed most of the time.
entropy0013 at 7:59PM, Sept. 20, 2019
Commenting Lurker: I have responded when the author has asked for direct feedback, given a pep talk to an author/artist once, asked for clarification if I think I'm not following the intention of the art or dialogue, made some jokes or speculations in comments if the author is permissive of it, and on occasion gifted the author with a fan arts. Hopefully, it's part of the positive for the artist and not the negative.
Jason Moon at 4:00PM, Sept. 20, 2019
Comments keep a fire under my belt to create pages. I will become exhausted with drawing and coloring but if I see a comment I can't help but work on my story.
IronHorseComics at 1:32PM, Sept. 20, 2019
I try to be a commenter, problem is I just don't know what to say half the time
ShaRose49 at 12:33PM, Sept. 20, 2019
I’m definitely a commenter for the most part, unless I’m just testing out a comic, like Usedbooks said. I know how much it means to me, so I make a point of doing it to show my support, especially if I think the comic has a good story. I get a lot of lurkers on CF but also several commenters, but on websites like Tapas I get regular page views, but virtually no comments. Still, it’s cool to know that people are at least looking at it, thought nothing beats a thoughtful comment
plymayer at 11:52AM, Sept. 20, 2019
I read a lot of comics. Lurking here and there. If I have something to say I try to say it. Sometimes I just put that "6" there to say I'm still reading and enjoying when I have nothing to add.
GearDrag0n at 11:01AM, Sept. 20, 2019
I mostly lurk, I just enjoy reading the story and it feels kind of awkward to comment.
usedbooks at 10:11AM, Sept. 20, 2019
I don't follow a lot of comics. If I'm not sure if I will be following, I might lurk for a bit. But once I follow, I try to comment consistently -- especially if it's not a comic that has a ton of commenters. (I won't generally comment on something super popular because it is intimidating, and I doubt my input would even be appreciated.) I want to be the type of reader I like to get, so I try to comment. If I have nothing to say, I think it over a while and try to comment on something on that page later even if it's just one small aspect of the page or something the creator consistently does well. (For example, "I always love the thought you put into the color palettes.") I prefer to give (and receive) comments pertaining to the plot/writing, but any comment is appreciated. And sometimes, they let me know if something on the page is unclear, so I can correct it.
Avart at 8:23AM, Sept. 20, 2019
Excellent topic Emma. I often comment but sometimes I just read and if its necessary and my comment fits in, I make it. I love when one reader asks something and before I reply, another reader answer. As you said, it's very rare but incredibly rewarding.