Gluemeat

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Well, it’s that time of year again. Awards time in the webcomic community. Yes, just like every year, webcartoonists are invited to vote through ultra-super-secret ballot for their favourite online comics (as long as they’re not PVP, of course – nobody really likes PVP) in various different categories.

There are reasons why people give out awards, there are reasons why people think awards are important, and there are reasons why people covet them. The main argument, the only one I believe is valid and prevents me from fully considering award hand-outs as total bunk, is that award ceremonies indeed set a standard. Knowing the standard, you can either try to meet it, surpass it, provide alternatives to it, or toy with it, whatever strokes your goose. It’s a very legitimate process in the sense that it should challenge us unto other things, both as creators and consumers.

In this respect, the adverse effect is the general feelings of spite and frustration upon seeing the nominations. “I can’t believe [insert comic name here] got nominated! That comic sucks,” is my paraphrasing of the most deconstructive sentiments that emanates from these awards. It’s also the most pointless, for if you accept my earlier statement about the award ceremonies birthing standardization, seeing a particular comic you don’t like get nominated should instead compel one to become as good, become even better, provide an alternative, or toy with said comic. Self-indulging in disgust and bitterness isn’t creative nor healthy. And it’s just not cool, either.

So I don’t put much heart into these award things. Firstly, I’m very much on the fringe of the community: I don’t hobnob with other cartoonists, I don’t go to comic book conventions, I don’t try to get Scott McCloud to write to me every week… so I’m not exactly the guy everyone thinks about and is put on top of the list. I’m much more content to have my own little piece of Internet real estate away from politics, alliances and the like and do my little comic without having to deal with those quality hawks who adore giving out unsolicited criticism. I have a few comic pals and acquaintances. I don’t advertise on lists, take part in tons of discussions, and desperately try to get noticed. The way I figure is if people look for a comic like mine they’ll find it. Unlike what most creators believe about their own comics, I know Gluemeat isn’t made for everyone and that’s fine. I made it for people like me, and looks like there are other people like me who like it. That’s what counts most.

Sure, I’ll probably never have the readership of Megatokyo, or even Diesel Sweeties, but that’s not what I’m gunning for. I’m much more happy with my own smaller fanbase of loyal and friendly Gluemeaties. So thanks to everyone who visits the comic and who gets a good feeling doing so. I appreciate your faithfulness very, very much. Thank you for commenting on the comics, or taking the time to drop me an email. There’s nothing better than when someone writes to say that I made them smile, that my comic made them laugh. As long as Gluemeat continues to be fun to do, I’ll continue doing it, and I hope you’ll all be around to share the fun with me.

And go easy on the nominees.

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