Hello all! Yeah, it's a little late into Thursday with this update, but it couldn't be helped. Made a mistake and had a bit of a breakdown, but Nick took me out to cheer me up a bit. I lost the high res of this comic and I'm not too happy about it >_< I hate photoshop sometimes… Before I go, vote incentive is a better look at the first panel from the last update. I added a little more to it on the actual page, but I also cropped a lot off the sides.
Anyway, Nick's going to take over the rest of these notes.
Hey all EEN here. Thanks to the generous donations of the CTV community we are just $80 away from our goal and it looks like we'll be able to get through the holidays. After the holidays though we are going to be exploring a few options to try and get CTV to make some money without having to always be in donation mode. We'll probably continue the donation at least for a bit but we'll be able to lower the goal considerably until we are making enough money to do without donations.
First and most importantly we are looking at moving to either Evil Empire or Charby the Vampirate dot com. Why would we do so? Well, it turns out that most higher-end ad companies require you to have your own site so if we want to start making some serious ad money and getting into higher paying ad brackets we really don't have much choice. However Amy is very DD loyal and reluctant to “leave” so we would like to know the fans will support us if we go this road. We'll keep updating DD as a mirror but we'll gradually try and divert traffic over to our new site. If we do move Amy will be redoing some of the earlier pages to try and get CTV ready to eventually be printed and with luck published, so expect to see CTV revamped with new art.
Second we are working on a new comic which will be available in PDF format for 1-2 dollars depending on the page count. The comic is CTV Tales. The first issue which is about 1/3rd done explores the origins of Tony and future issues will cover other characters back story as well as side stories and shorts. It will, at least at first, in black and white and probably come out once every three months. Printed versions will follow if the demand is there for them.
Third and finally we are looking into CTV merchandise. Right now we don't actually make any money off of cafe press. What little mark up we have just goes to keeping the store open and those items are pretty much there just for hard core fans. We are looking to change that. We've been looking at both professional productions such as plushies as well stuff we can do in house. Right now we only have a button maker but we hope in the future to be able to provide CTV stuff for much cheaper than the Cafe Press store is right now and actually turn a profit by making things ourselves.
While we may also do some non-CTV stuff to try and make money but those are our plans for CTV 2010. Your feedback and suggestions would be much appreciated.
Egads, Zeno's face in the third panel may well be the scariest thing in the comic to date!
Also, I would assume most people would be willing to follow Charby to your own site, I doubt many people read it purely because it's on DrunkDuck XD!
In all honesty, I was hoping for this comic (as well as many of my favorites from DD) to eventually find a manner of independence on the internet proper. With the superior quality, the compelling story and interesting characters, CTV has the potential to stand with the "big name" webcomics. Also, i'm sure the load times for visitors and other such bandwidth issues would decrease dramatically on an independent website. Basically, I'd rather click through a ton of bookmarks in my browser than have to sift through the myriad archives on a single website.
Anyway, I don't recall Zeno ever waking up from his "nightmare" but maybe that's implied or I just missed it. I personally feel that this may be some form of backfire of something Yiska did to make things a little more pleasant. Graned the previous day was very hectic for everyone..except maybe Charby so lethargy could be a natural response. I do hate how Mye feels she has to act as a sort of housewife for the others. Anyhow, i really doubt its an illness seeing as it would make no sense for undead and paranatural beings to contract disease.
I love DD but if you decide to go away, I will follow. By the way, what's menu doing here, doesn't he have a chamber here, he could have fallen asleep here but he would be hungry as soon he woke up. It's a shapeshifter that try to pass for Menu, this can't be the real one.
I know I'd definitely follow you to another site.
The issue you need to consider I think is whether CTV is a hobby...or something that you hope will actually support you. Since Amy is working full time on nothing but this, eschewing even a standard job, then I'm guessing it's the latter.
While I'm not a professional on how popular webcomics, like PvP, CAD or PA make cash, I have heard that ad money makes up an extensive part of that. As Nick said, ad sites want your OWN site, and will thus pay more money for said sites.
While I love DD, I'm betting that all add money goes straight into their coffers. I don't blame them for that at all, but it makes it hard for you to get living allowances.
The way I've always thought of DD is as a starting point. It allows you to get your foot in the door, establish a following, fine-tune your artwork etc. But if you want to move into the professional world, I definitely think you need your own site.
A fair warning on that though. Do that and it means you need to step up too Amy. It means making CTV your real job. So no going out and having fun TOO often, staying up late to meet deadlines, making sure you get the pages up on time like the professional webcomics(mostly) do.
While there's no problem with screwing around once in awhile, would you last long at a job where you came in days late? You've been pretty good about updating on time for the most part, just saying make sure you keep that up if you go professional.
I'd definately read Charby on another site. Cwen and Unlife too if you guys are moving them as well. non-cafe press merch would be cool and definately on my stuff to buy list. sleepy now. good night.
A problem has been detected and your consciousness has been shut down to prevent damage to your mind
MENU_NOT_HUNGRY
If this is the first time you've seen this error screen, restart your mind through blunt force trauma. If this screen appears again, follow these steps:
Crawl into a hole because the world is ending early.
well.... is it really the coffee right now we´re having a christmas party later at 4:00 pm all the moms on the school are going to have christmas party isnt that embarassing they call themselves the green moms i just wish Amy is here she couldve enjoy the party held in our school.
I think it's the coffee really Neilak. He's probably been drinking tons of it so he doesn't have to sleep and have those nightmares. Strangely Kavonn seems fine and so does Yiska. And I'd say Daray is fine too since he's still asleep.
Well, something is horribly wrong.
Perhaps there's a devious Sandman lurking about the woods.
Or, she suddenly lapsed into a parallel universe where werewolves aren't perpetually ravenous.
Isn't it odd Zeno is super cheerful and everyone else isn't...
As for moving to a Dot com, I think its a good idea. and also think Charby the Vampirate dot Com would be the better pick :P
I'm also glad y'all finally announce CTVO! I'm so excited about it!! *dances*
Amy don't be sads ok! *Hugs Amy* :3
It was the chicken! They have food poisoning! Oh no!
I would definitely support moving CTV to a different website, as it lends an air of professionalism and such. I would certainly follow you over!
As for CTV Tales, would you keep back-issues, so to speak? I would be able to get them eventually, but my current living situation prohibits any kind of financial transaction over the internet.
*reading comic* Meesa betting that Tony give people dreams to give them the boosts they need to get though waking up every day. Though the scythe may have caused this seeing as Zeno seems unusually happy. though that could be the coffee.
*reading authors notes*
I would thump that extra $80 into the pot if I weren't saving for a new Water Pump and Timing Belt on my Honda right now.
If I remember correctly there used to be a CTV.com so I wouldn't mind adding another website to my faves. I already got -counts- 26 comics faved not counting all the DD comics I have on my watch as one.
Tony Origins? -overdrive fan mode activate. glomps Nick and Amy then shakes like a mad man- I'll pay you ANYTHING FOR THAT!!!!! -overdrive fan mode end- OOPS -inches out of sight slowly-
I really need to work on buying some CTV merch. shoot I have a $22 dollar plush from a webcomic I barely read anymore (author was a dick and this huge forum war started from him saying something rude about how we should be commenting on his comic if we were all going to spend all day goofing off in the essential spam this part subforum, blah, net drama, he was like anti-Amy)
I suggest that you look to others besides myself for awesome suggestions of cool things to do... Actually I just remembered that we never got that Alptarnkappe Contest going Amy. Goodness where has my head been all this time.
-goes back to the comic- the last panels background is moving, if i remember my psychology correctly the more it moves the crazier you are. though in truth the more it moves the more trouble you have with focusing which Zeno and Mye do help with keeping the background relatively still for me.
stinger9 at 11:59PM, Dec. 17, 2009
Egads, Zeno's face in the third panel may well be the scariest thing in the comic to date! Also, I would assume most people would be willing to follow Charby to your own site, I doubt many people read it purely because it's on DrunkDuck XD!
crimsonshaid619 at 11:35PM, Dec. 17, 2009
In all honesty, I was hoping for this comic (as well as many of my favorites from DD) to eventually find a manner of independence on the internet proper. With the superior quality, the compelling story and interesting characters, CTV has the potential to stand with the "big name" webcomics. Also, i'm sure the load times for visitors and other such bandwidth issues would decrease dramatically on an independent website. Basically, I'd rather click through a ton of bookmarks in my browser than have to sift through the myriad archives on a single website. Anyway, I don't recall Zeno ever waking up from his "nightmare" but maybe that's implied or I just missed it. I personally feel that this may be some form of backfire of something Yiska did to make things a little more pleasant. Graned the previous day was very hectic for everyone..except maybe Charby so lethargy could be a natural response. I do hate how Mye feels she has to act as a sort of housewife for the others. Anyhow, i really doubt its an illness seeing as it would make no sense for undead and paranatural beings to contract disease.
Catherine_Puce at 11:14PM, Dec. 17, 2009
I love DD but if you decide to go away, I will follow. By the way, what's menu doing here, doesn't he have a chamber here, he could have fallen asleep here but he would be hungry as soon he woke up. It's a shapeshifter that try to pass for Menu, this can't be the real one.
Jekyll at 10:52PM, Dec. 17, 2009
I know I'd definitely follow you to another site. The issue you need to consider I think is whether CTV is a hobby...or something that you hope will actually support you. Since Amy is working full time on nothing but this, eschewing even a standard job, then I'm guessing it's the latter. While I'm not a professional on how popular webcomics, like PvP, CAD or PA make cash, I have heard that ad money makes up an extensive part of that. As Nick said, ad sites want your OWN site, and will thus pay more money for said sites. While I love DD, I'm betting that all add money goes straight into their coffers. I don't blame them for that at all, but it makes it hard for you to get living allowances. The way I've always thought of DD is as a starting point. It allows you to get your foot in the door, establish a following, fine-tune your artwork etc. But if you want to move into the professional world, I definitely think you need your own site. A fair warning on that though. Do that and it means you need to step up too Amy. It means making CTV your real job. So no going out and having fun TOO often, staying up late to meet deadlines, making sure you get the pages up on time like the professional webcomics(mostly) do. While there's no problem with screwing around once in awhile, would you last long at a job where you came in days late? You've been pretty good about updating on time for the most part, just saying make sure you keep that up if you go professional.
Xatiav at 10:40PM, Dec. 17, 2009
That's the beginning of the Apocalypse ?
m0cchi at 10:29PM, Dec. 17, 2009
I'd definately read Charby on another site. Cwen and Unlife too if you guys are moving them as well. non-cafe press merch would be cool and definately on my stuff to buy list. sleepy now. good night.
Archonguard at 9:56PM, Dec. 17, 2009
Armageddon is here!!!
akayak at 9:45PM, Dec. 17, 2009
A problem has been detected and your consciousness has been shut down to prevent damage to your mind MENU_NOT_HUNGRY If this is the first time you've seen this error screen, restart your mind through blunt force trauma. If this screen appears again, follow these steps: Crawl into a hole because the world is ending early.
Ka_rin at 9:43PM, Dec. 17, 2009
-pokes legolos- I think you broke him Amy.
Legolos229 at 9:39PM, Dec. 17, 2009
NOOOOO!!! IT'S A COMBO MIND-FUB (excuse mah euphemisms) AND DIVISON OF 0! MENU!!! YOU'VE KILLED US ALL!
sassydiamond19 at 9:25PM, Dec. 17, 2009
well.... is it really the coffee right now we´re having a christmas party later at 4:00 pm all the moms on the school are going to have christmas party isnt that embarassing they call themselves the green moms i just wish Amy is here she couldve enjoy the party held in our school.
Onasaki at 9:16PM, Dec. 17, 2009
DUN DUN DUN!!!! I knew I didn't trust Yiska!
KitKatMuffin at 9:04PM, Dec. 17, 2009
Holy crap!!
Tedmund at 9:04PM, Dec. 17, 2009
*head asplode!*
Ka_rin at 9:00PM, Dec. 17, 2009
I think it's the coffee really Neilak. He's probably been drinking tons of it so he doesn't have to sleep and have those nightmares. Strangely Kavonn seems fine and so does Yiska. And I'd say Daray is fine too since he's still asleep.
Neilak20 at 8:58PM, Dec. 17, 2009
My comment about Zeno being cheerful was meant to infer that somehow he is affecting the rest of the characters causing them to be out of sorts.
sassydiamond19 at 8:49PM, Dec. 17, 2009
This page is such a surprise Menu not hungry well.... thats new.:o
Air Raid Robertson at 8:46PM, Dec. 17, 2009
Well, something is horribly wrong. Perhaps there's a devious Sandman lurking about the woods. Or, she suddenly lapsed into a parallel universe where werewolves aren't perpetually ravenous.
Neilak20 at 8:42PM, Dec. 17, 2009
Isn't it odd Zeno is super cheerful and everyone else isn't... As for moving to a Dot com, I think its a good idea. and also think Charby the Vampirate dot Com would be the better pick :P I'm also glad y'all finally announce CTVO! I'm so excited about it!! *dances* Amy don't be sads ok! *Hugs Amy* :3
Kanidasha at 8:39PM, Dec. 17, 2009
Wait a tic....Menu not hungry!? I think hell just froze over. O.o
Kanidasha at 8:38PM, Dec. 17, 2009
Bring on the CTV merchandise (aside from cafepress), I'll be the first in line. :)
Blackjadedancer at 8:17PM, Dec. 17, 2009
You know Im blaming Yiska on this one for some bizarre reason
DoodlestheBear at 8:15PM, Dec. 17, 2009
It was the chicken! They have food poisoning! Oh no! I would definitely support moving CTV to a different website, as it lends an air of professionalism and such. I would certainly follow you over! As for CTV Tales, would you keep back-issues, so to speak? I would be able to get them eventually, but my current living situation prohibits any kind of financial transaction over the internet.
Ka_rin at 8:03PM, Dec. 17, 2009
*reading comic* Meesa betting that Tony give people dreams to give them the boosts they need to get though waking up every day. Though the scythe may have caused this seeing as Zeno seems unusually happy. though that could be the coffee. *reading authors notes* I would thump that extra $80 into the pot if I weren't saving for a new Water Pump and Timing Belt on my Honda right now. If I remember correctly there used to be a CTV.com so I wouldn't mind adding another website to my faves. I already got -counts- 26 comics faved not counting all the DD comics I have on my watch as one. Tony Origins? -overdrive fan mode activate. glomps Nick and Amy then shakes like a mad man- I'll pay you ANYTHING FOR THAT!!!!! -overdrive fan mode end- OOPS -inches out of sight slowly- I really need to work on buying some CTV merch. shoot I have a $22 dollar plush from a webcomic I barely read anymore (author was a dick and this huge forum war started from him saying something rude about how we should be commenting on his comic if we were all going to spend all day goofing off in the essential spam this part subforum, blah, net drama, he was like anti-Amy) I suggest that you look to others besides myself for awesome suggestions of cool things to do... Actually I just remembered that we never got that Alptarnkappe Contest going Amy. Goodness where has my head been all this time. -goes back to the comic- the last panels background is moving, if i remember my psychology correctly the more it moves the crazier you are. though in truth the more it moves the more trouble you have with focusing which Zeno and Mye do help with keeping the background relatively still for me.
tHEfOOL44 at 7:58PM, Dec. 17, 2009
...........................!!!!!!?