ComicBitsOnline.com

An explanation.

In the old days of letter writing,those who were anally retentive and wanted to create problems sent anonymous letters.  That,if they could write.  Otherwise it was rumour mongering –neither approach really succeeded.

Today,they have the internet where they can try to join groups you run under what they still think are anonymous internet IDs.  That just shows how dumb they are. 

Back in 1994/1995,when I announced projects I had from permission from IPC/Egmont to publish these “flamers” [“Stools” is a far more appropriate name] began sending me extremely nasty emails –some times up to three or four a day.  Yahoo was told but nothing happened.

This hate mail and other nasty little tricks such as sending anonymous letters to publishers I’m involved in projects with or contacting overseas publishers I’m rumoured to be working on projects with,has continued every week since. 

Why? Because I do not hide behind any stupid internet name –all my details are out there in the open.  Let’s make this clear:I have never EVER been dishonest with anyone I work with.  It’s always been a case of being open and honest:a few years back when a flamer claimed I’d cheated people I openly challenged him to prove it and I made it clear that ANY project I was said to have been dishonest on then the whole file would be published because I keep a record of everything.  That allegation died quickly.

Then I was accused on a number of sites –apparently not allowed to respond by the sites owners- of being “an enthusiastic amateur” comic-wise.  This claim was also made by someone who worked in comics and had been a ‘friend’ and it seems he forgot to hide his ID [or thought I wasn’t visiting the group].

It was the childish and vehement emails that stopped the Japanese businessman Mr Okijodan from publishing in the UK.  He could not believe that publishing in a country where “fans” acted like this was worthwhile.

I have all the emails.  I even have the identities of the main problem causers who have no legitimate grievance against me.  Because I’m “visible” I’m a target.  Why would “fans” attempt to scupper every plan to help give the British comics industry a shot in the arm?

I know that I have angered a few by promoting Classical Comics –which “aren’t proper comics”- and even by promoting Cinebook which seems to be a greater crime!

Many years ago I was told that I should go to the US and get involved in comic publishing there.  I wish I had.

When you have “fans” who will make anonymous complaints to anyone if it causes you problems I think that says everything.  Remember,write your own book and publish print-on-demand and someone can stop you by complaining –you have no right to warning about this or access to the complaint or right to respond.

Whoever I chose to go with POD wise would suspend a title based on an anonymous email.  So a year and a half of working everyday,sometimes into the early hours of the morning is gone.

As far as I am concerned the UK Comics industry is a lost cause.  Certainly,if I get the few months to republish all the Black Tower books they will not be available in the UK and any agreement with POD publishers will involve a full disclosure clause on complaints made –ISP addresses,the works.

If you ordered the books [there were quite a few orders last week] that were on the lulu storefront then I’m sorry.  Nothing to do with me.

Sorry,to those of you working on strips for Black Tower Horror and other titles -everything is cancelled.