When I said "only an illustrated novel", I was going on the assumption that it was going to be like past novels and only have a very few number of illustrations in it. I was not aware of the fact that it was going to have 30+ pages.
Yeah...there's totally no way you could have known how many illustrations were included with FQ. So no worries there. It's just that I've noticed a lot of misconceptions in our little community lately, and your comment brought some of those observations to a head.
With Feather Quest I tried an experiment. I love writing tickle fiction (knowing full well it's less popular than comics). So I wanted to write a huge sexy fantasy enovel. I also am a real fan of Ghostely's illustration. So I thought it might be fun to introduce a brand new talented artist to our fetish community, and spend over a year working on this project.
Getting a dismissive reaction like "Oh it's only an illustrated novel" makes me feel like I just wasted a year of my time, and even worse, Ghostely's time! It shouldn't matter how many illustrations are included. People worked hard on this...and a little positive encouragement goes a really long way.
That being said, however, I like to see what's happening the whole scene as opposed to reading the whole scene and looking at an overview pin-up. Can't get as much eye candy with a pin-up as you can with a page containing several panels. Granted, pin-ups can be powerful and really good one-shots, you just can't show as much as what's happening in the scene as a comic page.
Very true. And I agree. In fact, I think most people agree. Comics are more popular than enovels. I'm very aware of that. I could point out the benefits one gets from a great illustrated enovel that they don't get from a comic...but why bother? I don't want to get into a debate about the merits of differing formats. I just don't want any project in this community to be blown off when so much hard work went into it.
I love people's preferences. I respect them. I just ask for a little respect in return. A quick nice comment on the art, the fantasy theme, or wishing luck on to a new artist doesn't take any more time to write than a dismissive comment.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against pin-ups or novels, especially if they contain what I really like (I'm really looking forward to the next issue of "Tales from the Asylum"), I just prefer comics is all. No offense intended and i'm sorry if I did offend.
The next TFTA is gonna be AWESOME! And you're a great guy, Button. I've always appreciated your feedback. Heck, I've even added more button tickling to my work because I value your input.
I'm positive that you would never try to be offensive at all. And I don't mean to be defensive either. I just know how many hours went into FQ, and how much work. I know that Ghostely - who's become a good friend - was sorta hoping for a little encouragement and maybe even a friendly welcome. I know that I was still hoping that even thought this is "Only" an enovel that some folks might be excited to see some free art and some free fiction samples - even if they have no intention of buying the project.
As for motivation...the sooner you get them done, the sooner you get your cut of the profits from me buying them. How's that? lol
You know...it's funny but that's another huge misconception I've been seeing more of in our community. Out of curiosity how much profit do you think we see on an average tickle publication?
No, really - I'm super curious. Please let me know.
Seriously though, i'm pretty sure i'm not the only one eagerly awaiting their release. At least, I hope i'm not the only one...i'd hate for such a greatly talented artist and writer to put so much time and effort into these and not get many purchases from people waiting for them. (No i'm not sucking up to Deet. I calls them as I sees them.)
Well, thanks for the kind words. I have to be honest, Button. Tickle comics don't sell THAT many copies. They just don't. I'm gonna go out on a limb, and any tickle artists and writers can definitely correct me...but we don't do this for the money. We do it for 2 reasons: 1) Because we love it. 2) Because sometimes we get some encouragement. Even if that encouragement comes silently when a few people spend their own moolah to help us buy supplies and software to make the next comic.
But you don't become rich (or even pay your grocery bill) by creating tickle comics. That's why an occasional bit of encouragement can really make a big difference.
Anyway, i'm sorry again if I offended and I hope that i've motivated you enough.
Ah...once again - no worries BT. Like I said, you're a good guy and an honest guy. And I appreciate that you even take the time to post your comments, because most people don't.
But I have to be equally honest. My motivation comes from the pleasure of creating these novels and comics - from the wonderful compliment of the few folks that are willing to spend their hard earned money on them - and from the generous bits of encouragement we artists and writers get from time to time. You have been one of those people, and when you are...I appreciate it more than you know.
Cheers mate,
The Deeto
