I Have a Forum!

That's right, yours truly now has a dedicated, public forum! I had my own forums at one point, but I kept them private and now they are filled with spam and I'm taking them down. But Chuck Moore at ComicRelated.com has been kind enough to allow me a space on the Comic Related forums!

So, now everything I'm working on has a place for discussion! I'll be posting samples and other stuff there you won't find on my sites or this blog, and I'm inviting you all to come check it all out and strike up a conversation with me!

Just click the title of this post to get to the forum. It's mostly bare right now as I'm working to populate it right now. But soon it will be filled with content for you to peruse and talk about!

B-Out

Eyes Crossing

That sounds like a cool location in a story, doesn't it? "Eyes Crossing". Maybe spelled differently, maybe not. I think I may use that someday in some meaningful way.

I got up about 8 this morning, though I didn't really want to, but I was too cold to go back to sleep. So I got up, checked my email and then ate some cereal while I watched some wrestling I had taped yesterday. Then it was time to start my day officially.

Today I worked on some logos, did a bit of writing, did some Haven work, and started working on something for Comic Related. I also prepped some lettering files and downloaded some new files, and that's about it. Doesn't sound like much, but from about 10 to 9 I was working on the computer, save what time it took to make lunch (a cheese sandwich) and try a recipe, which I'll elaborate on later.

At 9 I popped some dinner in the oven and watched True Blood. I've really gotten into that show, and I hate that it's done for the season. But at least it'll be on in the summer when everything else is on hiatus. It's a very addictive show.

So after that I worked a bit more and checked emails again, and now here I am trying to wind down for a bit before working some more then heading off to bed. After all, Thanksgiving is coming up, and I'd like to get as much done as I can before Thursday so I can enjoy some of the long weekend.

I'm making a dessert and possibly a drink for the holiday. I'm always trying to find something new I can contribute every year. Years ago I made featherbed rolls, which we hadn't had since my Nana was alive, and everybody loved them. They are very involved though, so time is against me on those this year.

Last year I made a pumpkin black olive dip with green and red peppers for the dipping, which was a big hit I was told (I wasn't there). And the year before that I made these red pepper pecan cheddar poppers as an appetizer which everyone also loved. One year I attempted to make a pumpkin cheesecake after getting the recipe from someone at work (theirs was delicious!), but it didn't turn out. And once I made pumpkin bread, which was pretty good.

This year I'm making a pumpkin gingerbread trifle and possibly homemade egg nog. The trifle uses gingerbread, gingersnaps, pumpkin pie filling, cool whip, cinnamon and vanilla pudding, and it looks very delectable in the picture. And I have clear trifle bowls as in the picture so the beauty of it can be admired. :)

Now, I recently found out that my cousin Jay has gone completely vegetarian. He's never cared that much for meat and has never liked eggs, but occasionally he would eat some kind of meat (though very rare) and would eat stuff with eggs in it. Now, though, he won't eat anything made with eggs. So, I got this bright idea to experiment with the gingerbread, which calls for an egg, to substitute the egg. I looked it up online and tried applesauce this go around. It didn't alter the taste too much, but it also didn't give it that light fluffiness eggs do. And before it cooled it made the middle moister than it should be. After it cooled, it wasn't as moist and tasted better, but it was heavier than it needed to be. So I'm going to try some other substitute. I know you can use a banana or water and baking powder or corn starch, but I'm not sure which substitute will give me the texture I want.

As for the egg nog, Jay used to love it, but they don't sell eggless egg nog around here. So I looked up a recipe and I'm going to try it tomorrow. I love egg nog too, but I hate eggs and can't stand most things that taste like eggs. I'd say before long I'll be just like Jay in this respect. I lost my taste for red meat over a decade ago, and chicken grosses me out from time to time also. So it's only a matter of time, I think, before I'm a complete vegetarian. Not today though, I will be eating turkey this Thursday.

See, I always try to make something Jay can eat because he's my boy. We grew up like brothers, even living together for a few years, and I feel his pain. Since I stopped eating most meats there was many a family function I'd go to and there would be absolutely nothing for me to eat. So I started understanding what he had gone through for years. So I always try to bring something that everyone will like, but that Jay and I can eat also. But he's really not a sweets person, so even though the trifle will be edible for him, I thought I'd try the egg nog as well. We'll see.

Mom was debating on making a pear cobbler too, which he'd probably eat. He and I prefer fruit dishes over richer choices anyway. I'd take a cherry pie, for instance, over anything chocolate or even caramel anyday. That stuff is just too rich for me and I feel sick after eating it.

That said, pumpkin pie is one of my vices, so I will definitely be digging into that!

If anyone knows any really good, really cheap fruit or vegetarian dishes to make I'm all ears!

Man, I've got so much I want to do and my brain is just constantly moving towards fifty directions, but I keep trying to get things finished so I can focus on those other things. It's a challenge, because those other things pay the bills, and I NEED those other things. lol. But rest assured, big things are on the horizon. My mind is swirling with so many things right now I'm just so excited about them all. But as I've noted here before, many times I look at the big picture and see all these things I want to do, then see where I'm at and get overwhelmed and stifled. I'm trying really hard right now to focus on the tasks at hand and just keep those other things in the back of my mind ready to leap out when the moment presents itself.

Comic Jobz is hopefully going to really take off next year, but right now I really see a lof of Comic Related in my future. I'm really enjoying contributing to that site, and I haven't felt this inspired since my days of running SBC. I just really want to push CR as much as I can. I feel like - no, I know Chuck and everyone else there are just so for edifying each other and giving back, and so it makes it easier to want to do big things there. Not for any hope of anything back, just because a community like that that is concerned with helping and promoting each other is the kind of positive momentum we as struggling creators all need. As the saying goes, no man is an island to himself, and many times when we're out there all alone surrounded by our own problems we can become very discouraged in our creative endeavors. I know I have in the past. And Comic Related is a place I can go and be inspired and uplifted just simply by being surrounded by the creativity and drive present there. DW is like this in some parts too, especially the lettering forum where I hang out a lot.

Speaking of Digital Webbing, you all need to check out Fist of Justice and other titles they're producing. DW has tapered off a lot lately and there were doom and gloom fears (unfounded naturally, at least for now) for a while there. They were once a great resource for many, and still are for some (namely me), and they need our support. If it wasn't for DW I may never have found the tools I acquired that brought me to the point I'm at today. I owe a lot to that site and the people involved with it.

Well, I'm off to do something or the other, so I'll bid you all goodnight for now unless I think of anything else to ramble on about.

B-Out

Journey of a Wannabe - Who Am I?

My column is now officially live! Check it out my clicking the title of this post.

As I noted earlier, this is just an introductory installment, but I hope you get a beat of what my style in this column will be like, and I hope you find it intriguing enough to keep coming back every other week to read more of it!

Oh, and you may notice in my bio at the bottom of the column that I've been named PR Coordinator. This came about as a result of me hyping the site, and I was more than glad to take it on.

B-Out

The New ComicRelated.com is Live!

Last one, I promise (at least for today!). Just wanted to include the press release I made up about it:



November 16, 2008, Winchester, KY - Popular comic news website ComicRelated.com has officially relaunched with an all-new web design and upcoming new content. Four years in the making, ComicRelated.com over the past year has grown phenomenally. Boasting over 2 million hits a month, and loaded with unique and interesting content, this relaunch only stands to make it stronger.

Coming into the era of Web 2.0, Comic Related not only has a new design, but leaves behind the old basic HTML coded site for a content management system allowing much more ease in adding content, thus enabling more and more content to be added. Comic Related has original columns, blogs and articles with a slant on independent comics, but also spilling over into mainstream as well as movies, television, gaming and much more.

The weekly Related Recap podcast has also become a mainstay feature on the site hosted by the site's creator Chuck Moore. And several creators and studios have joined the forum community hosting their own forums through the site.

In 2009, Comic Related will be represented at several comic conventions across the country including a three table setup at the New York Comic Con in February.

Come join the community that is Comic Related and watch it to continue to grow as it heads towards future phases of the relaunch with more features added in the months ahead. If it's comic related you'll find it here...

www.comicrelated.com

The Change is... Stalled

Seems as though the Comic Related relaunch is taking just a wee bit longer than anticipated as they've hit a few stumbles here and there. But they are looking to get it up, at least in part, by midnight. It will be an ongoing relaunch, but it should still begin to go live today technically. And that's East Coast time, so all you West-Coasters should see it up by 9!

I've been glued to the Twitter feed anticipating the launch. Change is always exciting, and this one's a big one.

Speaking of change, I wonder if Brock Lesnar will be able to wrest the UFC Heavyweight title from The Natural, Randy Couture tonight? It's only Brock's, what, fourth professional MMA fight?! But Brock is a monster and he dominated all three of his previous bouts even though he got caught in his first UFC fight by his inexperience and excitement. He should have won that fight too. But Randy's a veteran of the Octagon and it should be a great fight. Wish I was watching it.

And moving on with the theme of change, I've added a Twitter feed to the sidebar. I've only got it set to show my latest update so as not to be too intrusive. And it blends in with the rest of the sidebar content, so hopefully it's not too much for you all.

I'm really going to change things up as I mentioned on the blog as soon as I have some free time to do so. I'm not really digging the way it's laid out, and there are a few things I want to get rid of.

Change is in the air, and I like it!

B-Out

Why Comic Related?

Some of you may be wondering why I give so much praise to this little site that could, and why I push them so much trying to spread the word as it were. Well, let me tell you a little story that should explain my undying support for this site and its creator.

As most of you know, I've been working in and around comics for the better part of a decade now in some capacity. Whether as an editor, letterer, writer or even web designer, comics have been a big part of my day-to-day life for years. So when the opportunity to do something productive and give back to fellow comic fans came about I jumped at.

This first happened, oh, three years ago or so? Maybe longer. I discovered a site, ComicAvalanche.com, via some writers I knew who had columns over there. So I started checking out the site and pitched a column idea of my own. And thus, Indy-Pendant was born (a play on words and spelling, somewhat ill-conceived, but I stand by it). This column focused on spotlighting independent comic creators, properties and publishers/studios. It was a fun ride lasting 75 installments, and I made a lot of friends and contacts through it, and forced myself to explore independent comics more as well. Why? I'll get into that in an installment of my upcoming column at ComicRelated.com in the near future.

While I was with CA, I began redesigning their website, a couple of times actually, though looking back, neither design was that great. But it was an improvement, and the site at least had a fun and quirky feel to it. I also began posting and somewhat editing.

Not too long afterwards I found an ad for paid editorial positions for SilverBulletComics.com (not to be confused with SilverBulletComicBooks.com, which is now ComicsBulletin.com), so I bit. I was brought on as PR editor, which just meant I posted press releases and such to the site part-time. I also wrote a column called Myth Conceptions, which I inherited from a friend. This all led to an eventual full-time EIC position with the site, and before all was said and done I was practically running the entire site by myself for the better part of the year. In that year, I made tons of contacts and had tons of ideas, many which I never would be able to implement. I was limited by what I was able to do for various reasons. Then, for reasons I won't discuss in detail here, I had to leave the site, and now the site just isn't there anymore.

Actually, while I was still with the site, but in the dying days, an idea hatched - I should do my own site! So it was in the back of my mind if I wasn't able to do everything I wanted to do with SBC I should do it elsewhere.

Earlier this year the plan was set in motion. I had a partner and a staff of contributors, and was even in talks with a web designer. We had big plans and were eager to go forward with all of them! Then something happened - I got offered a job. And while the job wasn't really completely in competition with what we wanted to do, they were dead set on me not doing the site if I worked for them. Ultimately, the job didn't work out, but then my partner (and financial backer) got gun-shy for valid reasons and backed out. So the dream was dead. There was just no way at the time that I could take it on by myself.

Then I discovered a little-known site that happened to be run by someone who literally lives 4 miles from my house totally unbeknownst to me. That site was Comic Related. And while modest, it seemed to be gaining a following and had a lot of cool content, especially indy focused. And that's one thing that carried over from my days with CA was that particular focus. I tried to do more and more of it at SBC, but the fact is SBC was also a comic store and had to have mainstream content to try to promote sales through the store. And my plans for my own site heavily included an indy focus. So it was cool to see a site really doing that in earnest like CR.

Once I spoke with Chuck Moore a few times I became excited about the man's passion for the site. He updates the site 365 days a year by himself, even on the holidays. You just don't find that kind of passion and love too often, and I admired and respected that. He basically did the same thing I did with SBC, so I found a kindred spirit.

As time went on I submitted a review here and there and just kind of sat back and watched the site grow. In the little time I've been following the site - a year or so - the site has just grown phenomenally. They've added podcasts, a host of columns and blogs, a bunch of creator forums, strong articles and overall content, a strong convention presence and much more! And their numbers show that this is the kind of site people want! So I was very eager to be a part of it, but didn't really know how I wanted to contribute. I had kind of left that dream behind when plans for my own site fell apart, and I had honestly completely moved on. But I was so impressed with what they were doing I had to be involved in some small way.

So I just began communicating with everyone and trying to hype it up and support it as best I could. It wasn't that much at first, but over the past few months I have just become enthralled and consumed with the growth of this site and the kindness and community feel of everyone involved. It really is like a family, and a totally supportive one at that! I'm thankful for the press and promotion Chuck has given me and Wannabez, and more than that I'm thankful for the friendships I've gained through this site. I have a feeling, for one, that Chuck and I will be friends for life, and I'm sure other longtime friends will be made through this site as well.

With the relaunch of the site coming tomorrow (and it is a gradual relaunch, but the new look will go live tomorrow) I really wanted to share my thoughts and reasons why I love this site with all of you, and why I just have to be involved with this site in some way. I am not paid to work for this site, nor have I contributed all that much up to this point. This is purely a love for what is being done with this site, and the feeling that I'm standing on the verge of something big. Not to mention that the more I learn about Chuck's plans for the site the more I find how dead on similar it is to what I wanted to do with my own site, and so I just have to back that. It's not a case of "oh, I wish I could do that - so I'll ride the coat tails" kind of thing. It's more of a mutual support and love for the industry and for what is being done through Comic Related.

Mark my words: Comic Related is THE comic site to watch. And very soon many will agree with me. And the reason I can so boldly say that is because Chuck is NOT trying to compete with other sites of the same ilk. His goal is not to take them down or outdo them. He's simply doing this for the love of the medium, and it just so happens that everything he's doing and plans to do is and will be very appealing to the masses. Chuck is all about helping people out, cross-promoting, and even partnering up in certain cases. Some other sites aren't that kind about things, and that's what separates Comic Related.

So if I seem to be kissing-up or blindly praising because I will be writing a column for the site, that's not the case. I truly love what this site is doing and completely respect the people involved in it. I can't say enough good things about Comic Related, and I doubt I'll run out of things to say for some time to come.

B-Out

Long, Wonderful Day

Yesterday was a day to remember as I met a lot of cool people and turned an interview into a day long event.

As you know, Scott and I were interviewed by Chuck Moore of ComicRelated.com up at Comics2Games, the heart of BlueLinePro and Sketch Magazine. It was about an hour or so drive for Chuck and I, and 20 minutes or so for Scott, so not too bad a drive.

Chuck picked me up a bit after 11am and we headed on our way. We had a nice chat on the way up and it seemed like no time we were there. What was cool was, having never met these people, I was able to just walk down into the basement and sit down at a table with them as they had a meeting. Nicer people on this planet you'll be hard pressed to meet, let me tell ya.

So as I sat there listening to all the plans they have for various things, and listening to stories and such, I learned what Chuck had been telling me for a while, that these guys were a family, not just a comic book store. It was a great atmosphere to be in, and I had an amazing time.

Before we started the interview I got to look around the store and bought a few things. It's a nice setup and very warm and welcoming. People just hang out there, but it's not like a lot of comic stores where no one looks up at you or speaks to you, it was fun.

The interview was a long one, but it was a lot of fun. We had a lot to talk about, and we tried our best to fit everything in. Sorry if I forgot anything or anyone. It'll be up soon, and I'll provide a link.

Afterwards, we got to chat a bit with Darren and Krista Muller and Jackie Hernandez of Ringtail Cafe, and Jackie just started sketching Wannabez characters! And boy is she fast! And very talented at that.

After speaking with them, Bill Love and Bob Hickey, all extremely nice and open people to my impression, Scott and I headed over to Comic Book World that's carrying Wannabez to talk about an upcoming signing. More on that when we have a date and time on the Wannabez blog.

Then we headed to Darren's house where Chuck was at so we could do dinner before heading off back home with Chuck. Aside from comics, Darren is a graphic designer I believe, and he's doing the programming end on Comic Related's relaunch (in 6 days!). We just walked right in and they began showing us all kinds of stuff they're working on, including Ringtail Cafe, Zombie, the Musical, Don't Read This and so much more. They've got so much going on, and so much unique and creative stuff at that, I was so impressed. It was a joy to meet them and spend a little time with them.

Afterwards, Scott, Chuck and I headed to dinner at Applebee's, but it was too crowded, so we walked over to Cracker Barrel. We had a decent dinner and a nice long chat, then we were off. Amazingly, we still had stuff to talk about as Chuck and I chatted all the way home.

It was a wonderful day, and a better spent Saturday I hadn't had in a long while.

Here's Chuck's take on the day: Saturday in Florence

B-Out

It's November!

You know, I forgot to mention last month, but October of this year marked two years I've been posting to this blog! So I've now passed the two-year mark, and I've loved every minute of it.

Turkey Day is only a few short weeks away, which is my cousin's favorite holiday. Not just for the food, but because my whole family gets together and it's a very special bonding time. We do at Christmas too, but it's a different vibe. Christmas is my favorite time of year, but the holidays in general bring us all closer, which is always a good thing.

Well, I didn't feel too well last night, but I'm recovering. I still got plenty of work done yesterday, so it's all good. Today I'll be working on a submission package for Victor Carungi (Pencilneck), and more Zombie Cop. If I have time after that I'll be working on some logos, maybe, and Corrective Measures #8. So much to do...

Yesterday I caught up on Haven work, and was given some more responsibilities, so that should be fun. I've got to remind Lance to get me the info for the newsletter, though, as it needs to go out soon!

Election Day is in a couple of days, but I'm not going into it here and now. Just thought I'd mention it for the sake of it.

Last night I watched Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. It was okay. What prompted me to watch it was my little cousin sent over the series of books, which I'd never read. Then I realized we had the DVD for a while, but I had never watched it (picked it up at a flea market for like $5). I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. It had potential, but I don't think it was realized.

And because of Jim Carey being in that movie, it made me think of something. Remember when he played the Grinch? Remember the little girl that played Cindy Lou Who? Well, I just recently found out she's on this show called Gossip Girl these days all grown up. Man I feel old. I wasn't that young when that movie came out! I think I was like 24. Man.

I started to watch this movie on G4 called The Host, which is a creature feature movie, but the subtitles got on my nerves. It looked decent though for that type of movie. I wanted to try to watch something scary, but I couldn't find anything to get into. Oh well.

Oh, in one week...

I have yet to write the first installment of this new column I mentioned a few posts back. Don't worry, though, I'm planning on having five installments written before it goes live just to be safe.

Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight!

What would you do-oo-oo for a Klondike Bar? Me, nothing, I hate the things. I don't know, just because...

I have too much junk, and not enough stuff. Ever feel like that? I wish I could just throw everything out and start over. All my furniture, accessories, most of my clothing... everything. I'm just bored with it all. Most of my clothes don't currently fit, and they're just not me anymore anyway. Sigh, one of these days.

Speaking of, we're about to paint in the house. We've been dealing with drab white walls for over four years now. It's time for a change. We're going with a pale green in the kitchen, which looks better than it sounds. And in the loft upstairs it'll be a tan with a thick black stripe (yep, I'm gettin' creative). My room is going to be black and silver, though I'm not sure how I'll do it up yet. I used to paint houses and apartments, so I know what I'm doing somewhat. I hate cutting in and doing baseboards though - don't have the patience for it anymore. So I'll be doing the rolling and letting someone else do the tedious stuff.

You know what sucks? I have an HD cable box and no HDTV. My brother has an HDTV in his room (got it off my uncle), hence the boxes, but I get HD channels (what handful my sad cable company offers) but they do me no good. Sigh.

I may be having lunch with a local creator sometime next week, but I haven't heard back from him on when, so we'll see. He had asked me to lunch a looong time ago, but at the time I couldn't, then I forgot about it. I remembered recently and contacted him and he seemed game. It'll be cool because aside from Chuck Moore I don't know many locals into comics.

So, a lot to talk about, yet I haven't said much at all really. Ponder that.

B-Out