From the Author: Website Changes

 Posted: Sunday, May 30, 2010 If you're a regular around here, you've doubtless noticed that the website looks different. Along with what I think are some cosmetic improvements, I've made another big change: The advertisements are gone.

Why? Well, let me start by saying that I think Westward is an odd sort of project. There are a million webcomics out there. A fraction of them, like Westward, employ a daily newspaper strip style; a fraction of those actually updates daily. Among that tiny fraction, the vast majority are "gag-a-day" comedy strips; very few are serial dramas. Add to that Westward's rather unorthodox mixture of genres (Retro Sci-fi Adventure Character Drama) and you're left with something that just doesn't fit well into normal webcomics advertising venues.

To put it another way, I'm convinced that there is a readership base for Westward (I'm not the type to make art for art's sake), however, those readers are likely not to be people who frequently read other webcomics. And so far, this has meant that the ads appearing on this site have been largely irrelevant to Westward readers, and therefore a waste of space.

So have I given up on the idea that Westward can have a commercial side? Far from it! I'm deeply passionate about Westward; I'm committed to it and would dearly love to spend more time on it than I currently do. The only way to make that possible is to eventually generate revenue.

How can you help? I'm so glad you asked! What Westward needs most of all is readers. Another change I've made to the site is that it's now easier than ever to share Westward using popular social networking sites. Above every strip, you'll now see Twitter and Facebook logos; click on a logo, and you can post a descriptive link to your status update in a matter of seconds. It's easy for you, and incalculably valuable for this project. After all, if you enjoy Westward, chances are you have friends who would enjoy it also!

Thanks for joining me on this journey. There's a whole lot more to come! -e

Archive:

  • February 20, 2013 From the Author: Westward: Volume One
  • July 22, 2012 From the Author: The Challenge
  • June 14, 2012 From the Author: Westward Book + Reviews
  • March 25, 2012 Inspiration: Relics of the World's Fair
  • March 19, 2012 Poll: How Often Do You Read Westward?
  • March 15, 2012 Inspiration: Telecommunications Services for the 1990's
  • March 03, 2012 Inspiration: The Millionare - Soviet Cartoon, 1963
  • February 26, 2012 Poll: What is the Source of the Signal?
  • January 27, 2012 From the Author: Look! Up in the sky!
  • January 08, 2012 Inspiration: New York World's Fair: IBM Pavilion
  • December 27, 2011 From the Author: Goggles!
  • December 18, 2011 Inspiration: New York World's Fair: Festival of Gas
  • December 06, 2011 Westward Development: Westward Concept Art
  • December 03, 2011 Fan Art: A Cubicled Thorblaxian
  • November 23, 2011 Westward Development: There's Something About Alice
  • August 21, 2011 Poll: Do Westward readers like Star Trek?
  • June 24, 2011 Poll: Will there be zombies in Episode Three?
  • June 18, 2011 From the Author: Video Trailer for Westward: Weight of Ages
  • June 12, 2011 Poll: Is Francis Carter a good captain?
  • January 01, 2011 From the Author: Video Trailer for Westward: Epiphany
  • December 25, 2010 From the Author: Westward: Year One
  • November 04, 2010 From the Author: Welcome to Westward
  • July 26, 2010 From the Author: Westward Discussion Forum
  • July 06, 2010 From the Author: Westward Year .5
  • July 05, 2010 Fan Art: Guest Artwork by Robert Lopez
  • July 04, 2010 Fan Art: Guest Artwork by Steve Thompson
  • June 30, 2010 From the Author: Weight of Ages: Introduction
  • June 16, 2010 From the Author: Epiphany and Beyond
  • May 30, 2010 From the Author: Website Changes

    • 8 Comments:

    Steve:
    The new site looks great, good to see it evolving.
    I spread the word about the comic as often as I can because I think it is a solid, exciting read with great art. The story is clever, ambitious and just plain better written than most stuff out there.
    In terms of getting it into people's hands, have you looked at DeviantArt and LinkedIn? Both have lots of comic related groups and both are frequented by high-up industry types (more-so LinkedIn)?
    admin:
    I actually never have used LinkedIn. I'll be sure to check it out, Steve! Thanks.
    Gillsing:
    I happen to be a reader who frequently reads other webcomics. And I don't use social networking sites, because my internet plate is already full, and more stuff is linked every day by the various webcomics I read. (I'm pretty sure that's how I found out about this comic.) I do vote on the toplists though, in case a comic provides a vote button.
    admin:
    Thank you for your observations, Gillsing! What are some of your favorite webcomics?
    James:
    I too read a lot of online comic strips, usually the ones you'd find in a hardcopy newspaper. I don't remember how I found Westward...probably by (happy) accident while I was looking for something else. I'll do what I can to promote the strip...it really is quite good and there's no reason why it can't go commercial.
    Gillsing:
    My absolute favourite would be Juathuur, because it has enough characters that very bad (or strange) things can happen to them, and the story can still go on. Then there's (in no specific order) Girl Genius, Lovecraft is missing, Errant Story, Marsh Rocket, Digger, The Order of the Stick, The Gods of Arr-Kelaan, Tomb of the King, Indavo, well the list goes on and on.

    I read over a hundred comics, so a list of my favourites would be quite long. It's mostly longform comics though, since I'm a sucker for stories. What attracts me most to webcomics is that there's a higher chance of a story developing in an unusual way, since there's little or no editing to adjust it for commercial purposes.
    admin:
    Wow, Gillsing. ;) I follow Lovecraft is Missing, but all the other comics you mentioned are unfamiliar to me. I'll have to find time to check them out myself.

    Westward is definitely a longform story, so I'm glad you've joined in. We're at the tip of a very big iceberg...not to sound ominous or anything. -e
    Rob Lopez:
    I think we have a great deal in common, Elliot. You do an amazing job, and Westward definitely deserves to take off! I'll do what I can to help. The idea of an Original Sci-fi/Fantasy Ring or Network comes to mind...
    Please Note: While you are free to say anything you'd like, the administrator reserves the right to moderate and remove comments as he sees fit.

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