Comments on: Comic Bloggers Poll Results Announced

By: Johanna

Johanna — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 00:24:11 +0000

Chris, I suspect the rationale goes like this: broad categories -> fewer obvious choices for leaders -> more voting based on what people remember -> more mainstream winners.

Great comments — and you’re right, awards are continually works in progress, where what you learn one year goes right back into next year’s planning. I’m glad to hear that you’re not giving up. :) And that’s a great rationale, too, for picking favorites. I think more information along those lines can only help encourage participation.

By: Chris Tamarri

Chris Tamarri — Mon, 06 Feb 2006 00:09:50 +0000

Although I was ultimately pleased with the Poll’s conclusion (just the fact that it was completed, I mean, without comment on the content of individual ballots), one of the things that surprised me was criticism that the Poll’s setup was inclined towards more mainstream comics. The reason I chose to make such broad categories was so that they could potentially encompass any comics work irrespective of format. Unfortunately, to a few that setup seemed to connote the opposite of what I intended.

Another thing that surprised me was the number of people that declined to vote because they weren’t very well-read in a particular category (most notably with the original graphic novels). I never said this explicitly (in retrospect, I should’ve) but I was as interested in seeing what bloggers read, simply, as in what they liked, specifically. So if, for example, a potential voter read no OGN other than The 49ers, it’s therefore his favorite of the year. That sounds cheap, I know, but I think it says something if that’s the only OGN you went out of your way to purchase and read.

Ultimately, I’ve been looking at this year as beta testing for next year. I knew that there would be problems (like, for example, where to acknowledge manga), but luckily they seemed to be few, and mostly they’re things that’re easily identifiable and, more importantly, fixable.

By: Lyle

Lyle — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 19:08:52 +0000

My take on the poll results was that those who could appeal to multiple groups (specifically, the superhero fans, the Vertigo readers and the new mainstream crew) ended up on top, being able to get votes from more sources.

Unfortunately that left few of my choices performing well, something I expected and almost didn’t vote because of it (but then I felt rebellious and voted for Electric Girl as best OGN — it was half new material — anyway.)

By: Derik

Derik — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 16:01:30 +0000

I briefly posted my opinion on the poll here:
http://madinkbeard.com/blog/archives/comic-bloggers-poll-2005

I had a hell of a time picking things in some of those categories as they didn’t fit the way I think of comics (I’m still not sure whether Rabbi’s Cat is limited series, continuing series, reprint, or original graphic novel.) The superhero prominence is disappointing but certainly not surprising.

By: James Schee

James Schee — Sun, 05 Feb 2006 04:28:52 +0000

I was one of those adult white male readers, whose favorite books (like Hot Gimmick) are ones that aren’t really targeted to how my demographic is thought of. (yet then I’m used to being different)

The only categories I had top 10 finishes in were writer (Morrison and Moore), OGN (Top 10 book was only one I’ve read) and collection. (I got a kick out of the Showcase books, especially at $5 each through DCBS)

My main problem is that I have a hard time of knowing when I read something. Reading the list I kept going “D’oh I forgot about that book!”

Chris did a great job, and hopefully I’ll be asked to participate again next year. (if I can ever find time to write again)