Comments on: Retailer Forum Dustup

By: Brian

Brian — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:13:22 +0000

Michael & anyone looking at starting a store: I’d suggest checking out ComicsPRO.org and the mentoring program. The application can be found here: http://www.comicspro.org/cproappmentor.html

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 00:50:41 +0000

I am actually planning to open my own gaming/comic shop and was looking for forums to ask advice. I have been on the delpi site an everyone there has been incredibly helpful, but I like to take a variety of views into consideration.

By: Comics Worth Reading » Riot Comics Closing

Comics Worth Reading » Riot Comics Closing — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 13:13:43 +0000

[...] in a chorus of “told you so”. This wasn’t surprising, either, given Jason’s earlier departure from the group. The thread now has lots of good advice, but as happened before, the people who need it won’t [...]

By: jason richards

jason richards — Sat, 01 Apr 2006 18:29:17 +0000

i know for a fact that the CBIA will not allow anyone on who isn't already in the industry. i tried to join before RIOT was open and was shunned. and i agree, Leigh, that is unfortunate. but then there are people like myself and Sam Hobart who aren't afraid to talk about the process with the public.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 13:53:53 +0000

I have two, no, three thoughts on that:
1. The confidentiality does help keep the content level generally high and focused, and there are topics discussed that they don’t want exposed to the general audience.
2. I’m can’t speak for the board’s moderator, but I suspect somone who demonstrated serious plans and progress towards opening a store might be allowed in.
3. I find the Engine method very frustrating, because there have been times when I’ve had answers to questions posed that I couldn’t provide because I was barred from responding in certain sections.

By: Leigh Walton

Leigh Walton — Fri, 31 Mar 2006 09:54:56 +0000

It strikes me as unfortunate somehow that a resource that you found useful for determining whether or not to open a comic shop is prohibited for those who may be trying to make that very decision… unless they are already part of the industry in some way.

Would it not be possible to make posts readable and simply restrict posting rights, as on parts of The Engine?

Johanna, I’m not expecting you to answer on behalf of the CBIA; I just think that this restricted access makes the infusion of “new blood” less likely, unnecessarily.

By: Johanna

Johanna — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 13:25:22 +0000

Jason, I’m sorry! I tend to enter into some kind of fugue state at SPX and as a result often suffer memory loss. :)

Matt, you’re right about online fora being that way in general, and I think your experience shows that for most people, stereotypes are fine unless they think they’re being included in the group.

You’re also right about new blood being needed, but as is typical of comics… why would the good folks make the choice to go into comics retailing when they could do better elsewhere unless they were crazy?

By: jason richards

jason richards — Thu, 30 Mar 2006 03:29:42 +0000

thanks for the support, Johanna. really.

and you forget…we actually did meet at SPX this year. in fact, you invited me to lunch!

By: Matthew High

Matthew High — Wed, 29 Mar 2006 23:28:22 +0000

In a rather odd case of synchronicity, I also had a little bit of a dustup on that exact same forum, earlier today.

Yesterday, in my personal livejournal, I made a disparaging remark about the comic-book-direct-market, which a couple of retailers took as insults against themselves personally. In their defense, I was not really clear about it myself, and I did use hyperbolic language for shock value. But still, it was a side-comment from the original topic anyways (I was talking about the Harper Collins deal), and not intended the way they took it. I was denigrating the overall method of selling comics itself, not the individuals within the system (which includes my own self, by the way).

Regarding the indispensability of The CBIA…well, it is pretty useful for anyone in the comics industry. I’ve directed literally dozens of retailers and publishers there — just about anyone who calls up here and asks for advice. Sure, some of the people there may have a bit of an ego, but really, isn’t that true with any online forum?

Reading through the Riot Comics messages, I find it just another example of the unwillingness of the comics direct market to change or adapt to the current realities of the broader comics market, and further strengthens my opinion that some major new blood or change to the direct market is necessary if it is going to survive as a viable sales channel for much longer.