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Here's the deal. I would like to put out a collection of the first 100 or so HE comics and I need some real feedback before I make this expensive decision.
The book would contain:- The first 100 or so HE comics with new commentary
- Selected reader comments for various strips
- 10-12 pages of early artwork, pre HE comics, embarrassing stuff etc
It would be full color, high quality and sell for between $15 and $20 + shipping. $10 more than (whatever the retail price is) for signed and sketched
Sounds like a no-brainer, right? Nope. In order to do the book in full color (which is really the only way HE would make any sense) I have to order at least 500 books. In order to pay for 500 books I have to presale at least half that (250). The more artist editions (signed and sketched) I sell, the less I need for the preorder to pay for the full run.
To reiterate, at 250 books sold I will make $0 but I will get 250 more to sell at my leisure. At this point the books are still crazy expensive. You need to order 1000 before the price for full color gets reasonable. I've talked to loads or printers and its always the same story. Black and white is basically free and full color costs more than babies. I've experimented with turning the comics into black and white versions but the soul just gets sucked out of them. Print on demand (Lulu, etc) is also not an option for full color. They will charge me more than I would charge you.
So, does this sound like a book you would want? Do you want 250 of them? What about the reader comments? I've also though about having the FB's write the forward twitter style. Like you would be able to submit 140 characters about HE and I would pick the best ones to make the forward. Just an idea.
What about book names? They will all go like this "Hijinks Ensue Vol 1: XX-TITLE-XX"
"Geeksplosion"
"The Geekocalypse has begun"
The long term goal is to put the first 100 in Vol 1, the second 100 in volume 2 (which will be everything from 2007 - 2008) then do then all by year after that (160 comics or so each year).
Give me your thoughts, ideas, feedback etc. I really want to do this but I also DONT want to put up the preorder, get 50 orders then have to refund everyone's money.
-JoelGeek Cartoonist. Creator of HijiNKS ENSUE -
This is a really tough call. Personally, yes, I would absolutely 100% buy a signed copy. I'm sure I'm not alone in that...but the question is *how many* of us would be doing the same thing? I'm certainly not an expert in predicting sales, but I think it's a safe assumption that all of your current subscribers would buy a copy, and about half of them would get signed ones. Then how many non-subscribers would buy the book? Say equal to your subscriber number?
Based on these totally pulled-out-of-my-ass numbers:
Your current graphic says $600/mo in subscriptions, so I'm approximating 60 subscribers.
That means 30 signed copies, 30 unsigned copies, plus another 60 unsigned from non-subscribers.
I really hope my numbers are way off (please tell me they are!), because I'd love to see the book happen.
Assuming it does, I agree that color is the only way to go. The selected reader comments would be fun to see, but I think even more important would be the blurb you put under each one (without the "current events" stuff). And hell yes, giving the FB's the chance to contribute would be awesome! As for the name, how about starting with self-titled? "HijiNKS Ensue Vol 1: The HiijiNKS Ensue" -
I would personally buy a signed and sketched book. for sure. but it is a judgement call on weather or not you could sell the remaining 249. I don't know the numbers well enough to tell. You could also put a few copies at your local comic shops and see if they move.
Something else, can you do a half color, half B+W book? would that cut the cost down? -
I would definitely buy one, maybe even a few to give away (giving books is a great way to get somebody interested... since my friends are resisting my efforts to convert them...) but i agree with everyone else.... even figuring that everyone buys a few, how many is that? You know the numbers best. Oh, and I love the idea of including the FB's in the forward/intor/preface/whatever.
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Re: half color, half b/w: its not really possible without nearly recreating the art. I use the color of the comics to facilitate the jokes. Objects or people may not even be recognizable without color. I've experimented with multiple methods and haven't liked any of the results.
For people asking about the "numbers." There are about 100-200 hardcore FB's that I know of. There are about 9000-10,000 people that read every comic on a regular basis. There are other stragglers that could number in the hundreds or thousands but the numbers are hard to interpret.
In the end, all I can do is look at the number of people that visit the site in a given week and divide that by 3 (for 3 new comics).Geek Cartoonist. Creator of HijiNKS ENSUE -
I'm going to be brutally honest with myself and say that I probably would not buy one. It's not that I don't absolutely love the comic, it's that I'm not in a position where I have much expendable income. What I would absolutely do is hint at it for a birthday or Christmas present, but I couldn't guarantee a sale that way of course. I might buy a couple as Christmas presents, but I couldn't guarantee that either. I'd love to say I would, but I think it's more helpful to you if I'm realistic than if I'm blowing sunshine up your skirt.
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I think a book is a great idea, to look forward to. If you don't absolutely know you can get 250 pre-orders, you probably can't in a reasonable amount of time. While I would love a physical record of the comic to shove in people's faces to get them addicted, it seems like more time is needed. HE has gotten off the ground amazingly quick through the power of the internet though, so I wouldn't be surprised if through one of its fickle migrations you had the necessary readership quite soon, but you should wait until it's a sure thing.
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I'd jump on a signed one. Hell, I'm half-tempted to tuck money away now for when the preorder starts. I know I'd be ordering at least two for my girlfriend and I.
On the note of "when", I agree with Dram, in that more time is needed. I like the ideas you have laid out so far, and having time to develop them more wouldn't hurt at all. I think you're going in the right direction when it comes to incorporating the readers into the product, which as far as I know, isn't done enough; I think that in itself is a unique selling point.
As for possible volume titles, I'm thinking "HijinksEnsue presents Sharksplode, the Ride!" or something along those lines. -
I'd buy a signed copy.
Volume 1 title: "HijiNKS Ensue Vol 1: INTERSPLODE (Paper Edition)"
Volume 2 title: "HijiNKS Ensue Vol 2: SPLODE Harder (INTER Not Included)""Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine and into your brain, and that's where you get shitty ideas from." - Unknown -
Posted By: BillI'd buy a signed copy.
Volume 1 title: "HijiNKS Ensue Vol 1: INTERSPLODE (Paper Edition)"
Volume 2 title: "HijiNKS Ensue Vol 2: SPLODE Harder (INTER Not Included)""Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine and into your brain, and that's where you get shitty ideas from." - Unknown
Two ideas:
1.) I'm picturing the whole cast in the classic star wars pose, with a title of "May the fancy be with you" or something like that.
2.) Joel alone on the cover, with the title "The fanciest bastard of them all: a comprehensive history" -
Ive thought that maybe I should just wait until doing 1000 at a time would be possible. The price goes WAY down, even for color at 1000. Maybe even putting all of 2007- 2008 in one volume. I certainly dont want to rush it needlessly.
Geek Cartoonist. Creator of HijiNKS ENSUE -
Posted By: joelIve thought that maybe I should just wait until doing 1000 at a time would be possible. The price goes WAY down, even for color at 1000. Maybe even putting all of 2007- 2008 in one volume. I certainly dont want to rush it needlessly.Artist and Creator of HijiNKS Ensue
If you can wait at least until I get next year's tax refund I will guarantee a purchase or three. :) -
Posted By: BillI'd buy a signed copy.
Volume 1 title: "HijiNKS Ensue Vol 1: INTERSPLODE (Paper Edition)"
Volume 2 title: "HijiNKS Ensue Vol 2: SPLODE Harder (INTER Not Included)""Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine and into your brain, and that's where you get shitty ideas from." - Unknown
alternate Volume 2 title: "HijiNKS Ensue Vol 2: SPLODE Hard with a Vengeance" -
Hell yes to buying. Three, I have people to convert. Possibly sharksplode is catchier than geeksplode or intersplode.
As for distribution, do you think you'll be doing it only from the site or will you also trying somewhere like Borders booksellers or Diamond? -
How about this. The "Hijinks Ensue Debtsplode Fancy Bastard Fundraiser Pack". This pack includes
1 Copy of HE Vol 1 Book signed with a hand-written thank you note from Joel
Your name listed on the "Fancy Bastards Page of Fame" in the back of the HE Vol 1 Book
1 Uber-limited edition signed copy of the "Hijinks Ensue Debtsplode Artwork"
The artwork is a drawing of the cast holding a copy of the book saying "Thank you ____" with the persons name in the dialog bubble, signed by the whole cast. You could just print an 8x10 like you do current prints.
There are only 50 Debtsplode packages available and they sell for $100. The artwork and book are both numbered, with the same number. That would raise $5000 and would cover the production cost 100% of 500 books at $10 each. You could even further increase attractiveness of the package if you make the Debtsplode package the first 50 of the 500 run because the whole first printing of the book is a collectors item in itself.
I want package #1. I'll pay extra :) -
Posted By: ceroHow about this. The "Hijinks Ensue Debtsplode Fancy Bastard Fundraiser Pack".
I really like this idea. If 75 were available for $70 apiece, that'd total $5,250. Or at 100 for $50/ea., we'd be back to the $5,000 figure. The question becomes whether there are enough people willing to shell out $100/$70/$50 for a HEDFBFP. I get the feeling there isn't enough hardcore readership to float something like this, but I'm also a pessimist and the FB crew may surprise me."Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine and into your brain, and that's where you get shitty ideas from." - Unknown -
Posted By: BillPosted By: ceroHow about this. The "Hijinks Ensue Debtsplode Fancy Bastard Fundraiser Pack".
Ireallylike this idea. If 75 were available for $70 apiece, that'd total $5,250. Or at 100 for $50/ea., we'd be back to the $5,000 figure. The question becomes whether there are enough people willing to shell out $100/$70/$50 for a HEDFBFP. I get the feeling there isn't enough hardcore readership to float something like this, but I'm also a pessimist and the FB crew may surprise me."Never hold your farts in. They travel up your spine and into your brain, and that's where you get shitty ideas from." - Unknown
Grand total since the beginning of the experiment about 10-15 people have given $50-$100 as a one time donation. It doesnt sound like a lot but I bet there arent 50 more people that would give that large of a sum. Granted it wouldnt be a donation, rather a purchase.
I like the "super limited edition" and "collector print" ideas. I certainly WOULD do both of those. I just dont know if there are enough deep pocketed FB's to support it.Geek Cartoonist. Creator of HijiNKS ENSUE -
What about a silent email auction? After X # of days the top 100 bids get X days to place their order via PayPal at bid price. If they don't pay they simply lose their spot and you move down the list to include more people. Everyone who pays get a book. You could set a minimum bid at $30. You could even do a tiered result. Everyone who bids, and pays, gets a signed book (a $30 retail value anyway) so everyone is a winner. The top 100 bids get a book & print (print not available anywhere else, "collectors item"). The top 30 bids also their name on the last page as a special thank you ("fancy bastard wall of fame").
Even if you only get 100 bids of $30 dollars that still cover 60% of production cost. Sell the remaining 400 books at $20 each that's $8000 (6 of which is profit). Likely the top bids will make up some of that difference anyway so there's a good chance you're in the black before you sell even 100 books. Plus if you get more then 100 bids you'll have sold more signed books to kickstart the sale.
Ok, I'll stop acting like I'm your business manager now :) -
Posted By: ceroWhat about a silent email auction? After X # of days the top 100 bids get X days to place their order via PayPal at bid price. If they don't pay they simply lose their spot and you move down the list to include more people. Everyone who pays get a book. You could set a minimum bid at $30. You could even do a tiered result. Everyone who bids, and pays, gets a signed book (a $30 retail value anyway) so everyone is a winner. The top 100 bids get a book & print (print not available anywhere else, "collectors item"). The top 30 bids also their name on the last page as a special thank you ("fancy bastard wall of fame").
Even if you only get 100 bids of $30 dollars that still cover 60% of production cost. Sell the remaining 400 books at $20 each that's $8000 (6 of which is profit). Likely the top bids will make up some of that difference anyway so there's a good chance you're in the black before you sell even 100 books. Plus if you get more then 100 bids you'll have sold more signed books to kickstart the sale.
Ok, I'll stop acting like I'm your business manager now :)
These are all good ideas. I really appreciate the effort you're putting into this. There WILL be a book. WHEN is the big question.Geek Cartoonist. Creator of HijiNKS ENSUE -
Posted By: ceroHow about this. The "Hijinks Ensue Debtsplode Fancy Bastard Fundraiser Pack". This pack includes
1 Copy of HE Vol 1 Book signed with a hand-written thank you note from Joel
Your name listed on the "Fancy Bastards Page of Fame" in the back of the HE Vol 1 Book
1 Uber-limited edition signed copy of the "Hijinks Ensue Debtsplode Artwork"
The artwork is a drawing of the cast holding a copy of the book saying "Thank you ____" with the persons name in the dialog bubble, signed by the whole cast. You could just print an 8x10 like you do current prints.
There are only 50 Debtsplode packages available and they sell for $100. The artwork and book are both numbered, with the same number. That would raise $5000 and would cover the production cost 100% of 500 books at $10 each. You could even further increase attractiveness of the package if you make the Debtsplode package the first 50 of the 500 run because the whole first printing of the book is a collectors item in itself.
I want package #1. I'll pay extra :)
There is no way I wouldn't buy that. I'll definitely purchase one... -
I'd buy one, and seriously think about getting one of the discussed fundraiser packs.
That said, I'd probably wait until the Aussie dollar gets stronger. But it's not like they're on the shelf today, so it's pretty likely.
I assume you've already thought about print on demand, but here's my two cents.
I did some quick calculations and I think with print on demand you'd be able to get the books for about $20 cost (with no minimum order). If you charge $25 a book you'd make some money from that. It's obviously less profit and costs more, but with next to no risk. I'd think that'd be the best method to gauge how a first book would sell and then think about an outright buy for any other books if you have the numbers from the first sale.
The other thing I'd like to see is bundled packs. The real killer for me is the shipping (usually costing almost as much as the items if I just get one book or one T-Shirt). So what I'd love to see are bundled packs like the proposed fundraiser pack, throw some T-shirts packs into the mix? -
Posted By: MrBlueSkyI'd buy one, and seriously think about getting one of the discussed fundraiser packs.
That said, I'd probably wait until the Aussie dollar gets stronger. But it's not like they're on the shelf today, so it's pretty likely.
I assume you've already thought about print on demand, but here's my two cents.
I did some quick calculations and I think with print on demand you'd be able to get the books for about $20 cost (with no minimum order). If you charge $25 a book you'd make some money from that. It's obviously less profit and costs more, but with next to no risk. I'd think that'd be the best method to gauge how a first book would sell and then think about an outright buy for any other books if you have the numbers from the first sale.
The other thing I'd like to see is bundled packs. The real killer for me is the shipping (usually costing almost as much as the items if I just get one book or one T-Shirt). So what I'd love to see are bundled packs like the proposed fundraiser pack, throw some T-shirts packs into the mix?
Yeah, I'll be dumping 150-170 odd bucks on said pack with the Aussie dollar where it is at present. I'll still definitely buy one on release though... -
I would for sure buy at least one copy of the book, possibly more to give to friends. I'd also be willing to pay more than just $20 for one.
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I mentioned this in an email to Joel but here I'll lay it out a bit more thoroughly. A while ago Trent Reznor grossed $750k in about two days by selling 2500 limited edition copies of his Ghosts:I-IV album via the web. They went for $300 each and probably had $20-$30 worth of cost associated with each, so he netted quite a bit as well. There were also $75 packages that had lots of goodies, and a $10 CD, and a $5 download only. Obviously not all of that applies w.r.t. HE since we're interested in the paper as much as the images that go on them (for transportability). But I think Reznor very clearly illustrated an important point: limited editions carry their value since die-hard fanbases rarely shrink. I just checked ebay and sombody is selling one of the $300 limited editions for $600. It remains to be seen, of course, if it will sell for that much. But it seems likely.
My point is that additional demand can be created by the "one time only, limited edition" membership into an exclusive club (name in the back of the book, name on website, knowing you're supporting HE, etc). Obviously most of us would like to have other things that our $100 buys us vs the $20, but I'd argue that its good as a way to increase the price (maybe $30, maybe more; it depends on the person). So its $20 for the book, $10 for the autograph, and $10 for a sweet limited edition print of the cast saying "thanks" that can be framed for the wall. Toss in the fact that there are only going to be 50 of them and you're doing well: ($20 + $10 + $10 + $30-$60 = $70-$100. Of course I wouldn't mind a couple of other goodies to sweeten the deal a bit but the overall value proposition is decent enough for me to bite. I think it would be pretty awesome to get a picture of me turned into custom art (for facebook or anywhere you can use a custom pic for your avatar like the various console networks, video games, etc). Throw that in with the signed book, the limited edition "thank you" print and the list of the FB supporters in the back and I'm sold. Sign me up right now.
What other goodies would other people want? What about 5-$250 options to also get a spot in the comic in the next year AND a free copy of the book that contains their cameo (once its printed), autographed of course and with some kind of a note on the particular page of their appearance. Any takers on that one? -
Posted By: ceroThe "Hijinks Ensue Debtsplode Fancy Bastard Fundraiser Pack")
Can I call dibs on one right now? :-)Posted By: Vader82What about 5-$250 options to also get a spot in the comic in the next year AND a free copy of the book that contains their cameo (once its printed), autographed of course and with some kind of a note on the particular page of their appearance. Any takers on that one?
Building off of this idea - rather than buying into a public strip, what about the proposed "thank you" print including the custom art. ie - HE crew saying thanks, and your own personal character saying "you're welcome". There are probably a ton of obstacles to that one (such as Joel making a full-body sketch, which opens up the possibility of a sketch being thought of as "unflattering"), but it's an idea for a super-premium price point.
The silent e-mail auction is a good idea as well. I would personally prefer to know exactly what I'm getting for how much money, but I think it would appeal to a number of others. A possible drawback is people backing out if their bid didn't "get enough stuff", but I like the overall concept of it. -
OK, guys, I have read all of your suggestions and weighed them against my own plans and I think I have a pretty good handle on how its going to go down. Im pretty sure Ive picked a printer and the dimensions of the book, which means I can start with the layout and such.
The purchasing options will be:
Book - $18-$20
Book + Sig = +$5
Book +Sketch = +$10
The "Save Ferris" Pack (only 100 available)
Book Signed and Sketched
Limited Print (Only 100 available, signed and numbered, never printed again)
Name on the "Fancy Bastard Wall of Fame" in the back of the book
(and maybe a button pack, assuming I get some buttons made)
$60-$75
-----------------
Things I still need your suggestions on:
Book Titles
Ideas for the print
----------------------
Booksplode!
Booksplosion!
Geeksplosion!Geek Cartoonist. Creator of HijiNKS ENSUE -
No names from me, I'm only vaguely good at bad puns.
Although I did come up with "Hijinks Ensue, get it in you!" which I will be yelling at my non-reader friends.
Any thoughts on who to get for the foreword? Here's a few I thought of:
Those are at least somewhat possible:- Jonathon Coulton (possible, he did blog about his comic appearance)
- Randall Munroe (think of that audience...)
- Other webomic artists
- Wil Wheaton
And the can't hurt to ask pile:- Carl Weathers ("baby you got a webcomic going")
- 3rd string Voyager castmembers (Kes/Harry Kim's gotta be getting desperate)
- Alan Ruck (he's just awesome)
That's all I can think of for now. But it depends what you want out of the foreword. A well known name as a draw, or someone who's actually read the comic. -
Book Titles - Since part of the comic's name is "ensue", I think self-titled would be great for the first volume. "HijiNKS Ensue Volume 1 - The Hijinks Ensue". The second one should of course be titled "The Quickening".
Ideas for the print - I'm fully behind Cero's idea on that:Posted By: ceroThe artwork is a drawing of the cast holding a copy of the book saying "Thank you ____" with the persons name in the dialog bubble, signed by the whole cast. You could just print an 8x10 like you do current prints.
And I still love the original FB/Twitter idea for the foreword. -
"Hijinks You Can Believe In"
Too topical but maybe it will get some other ideas going. -
Posted By: joel
The "Save Ferris" Pack (only 100 available)
Book Signed and Sketched
Limited Print (Only 100 available, signed and numbered, never printed again)
Name on the "Fancy Bastard Wall of Fame" in the back of the book
(and maybe a button pack, assuming I get some buttons made)
I will pay $200 if the book is delivered by any cast member using a parachute or a motorcycle doing a wheelie. -
Shit, the contents of the theoretical HE book has just been leaked onto the web, check it out before it's taken down...
http://hijinksensue.com/2008/11/03/dont-fuck-this-up-america/ -
Another thought,
What about including a month's subscription to the vault with the Artist edition of the book (or Save Ferris pack). You might get more people hooked that way. Perhaps even think about this for any purchase over $50 (ex shipping) made in the store as an incentive. -
This might be of interest for printing options:
http://watchmakerpublishing.com/Color%20Pricing.html -
Posted By: MrBlueSkyAnother thought,
What about including a month's subscription to the vault with the Artist edition of the book (or Save Ferris pack). You might get more people hooked that way. Perhaps even think about this for any purchase over $50 (ex shipping) made in the store as an incentive.
There are a few issues with that: A) Most of the people buying that edition would probably already be subscribed to the vault. B) The vault password changes every month, so it would take some work to ensure a recipient would get the right password (They would probably have to fill in their email on the order page) -
Posted By: DramThere are a few issues with that: A) Most of the people buying that edition would probably already be subscribed to the vault. B) The vault password changes every month, so it would take some work to ensure a recipient would get the right password (They would probably have to fill in their email on the order page)
Correct.Geek Cartoonist. Creator of HijiNKS ENSUE -
Posted By: MrBlueSkyGood points,
Something to think about in the future anyway. From the Webcomics Weekly podcast it seems it's easy from Endicia, which Joel will probably have to use when there's more shipping to do.
I already use Endicia. its a fantastic service.Geek Cartoonist. Creator of HijiNKS ENSUE -
Okay, I wasn't sure if you did or not; having no idea how much you ship.
Either way, these are probably people that would subscribe anyway so it's not worth it in that sense to offer vault membership.
But there's always the option to do smaller extras like send desktop backgrounds with orders.
That might be a good way to entice people who've proven they'll spend money on merchandise to join the Vault (if they haven't already).
Just some thoughts.
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- Bill October 2008
- cero October 2008
- Dram November 2008
- DrOswald October 2008
- Eddie November 2008
- ElectricMonk October 2008
- Greg2point0 November 2008
- joel November 2008
- John Darc October 2008
- Kristi October 2008
- lardboy November 2008
- Melkor October 2008
- Mike Brady November 2008
- MrBlueSky November 2008
- photozz November 2008
- Rerun November 2008
- Sean November 2008
- Vader82 November 2008