This one goes out to all the fans.
One of my main pieces of advice to folks looking to break into comics (whatever that means) is “don’t be creepy.” I want to extend that to all fans today. If you’re the guy at the DC panel with the really old comic book t-shirt and you’re getting angry about their Green Arrow answer, you’re probably the creepy guy. If you’re hanging out on message boards under an anonymous name, just waiting to prove to people that they don’t know how right you are about some arcane thing, you’re probably the creepy guy. If you’re on Twitter, and all of your interaction is with comics and pop culture celebrities and you don’t know any of them… little creepy. Of course, this isn’t most fans. But then most fans, myself included, do it a little bit. That’s OK. It’s when you go overboard.
These are the kinds of things that happen when you make your hobby, in this case comics, your entire world. Comics are great. They are the most under appreciated art form and storytelling device in popular culture, and the community is made up of some of the smartest, funniest, more talented professionals and fans out there. But comics should not be the only thing you’ve got going on. I know this is going to sound antithetical, but I’m going to share something with you. When we have iFanboy meetups, I am most thrilled when people want to talk to me about something other than comics. I talk about comics all the time, but the chances are, if it’s anything I know anything about, I’ve talked it to death already at work. Be well rounded, be interesting, and make sure your focus isn’t so myopic that something in comics can ruin your day. Nothing in comics should ruin your day. It was a joke, but some days, Bill Shatner get it right when he told the Trekkies to get a life.
Example: there are lots of rumors about Watchmen 2 going around. I love Watchmen. It’s one of my favorite pieces of fiction ever. It’s also one of the finest comic books I’ve ever read. I don’t think it should be touched. I don’t think a sequel needs to be made. I didn’t think a movie needed to be made. All those things are happening. It affects me not one whit. I’m gonna get angry about things that actually affect me, like health insurance and traffic. If you don’t want to read a Watchmen sequel, then don’t. Your problem is solved. I don’t want to read a Watchmen sequel. But I will have to. Then again, Darwyn Cooke? Fine, I’ll look!
I’ve seen fans go to town on twitter and message boards ripping into pros for their comic book work, as if they’d done something to their family. Why? What does that fan hope to accomplish. We did ten years of hearing people rail against Joe Quesada with as much passion as someone who hates the president. I suppose if you’re a Marvel shareholder, then you could take Quesada’s decisions personally. But then again, if you were a Marvel shareholder, Joe Quesada also made you a metric assload of money.
They’re just comics. If you don’t like one comic, get a different one. Don’t wrap yourself up in these characters so much that it’s detrimental to your well being and personal countenance, either in real life or online.
That isn’t the same as being invested in characters. Hell, if you’re not invested, what’s the point? But know the line. Know where interest in a fictional world ends, and its actual effect on your life begins. Imagine the comic book community, especially online, as one big gathering, a party even, and you’re there because it’s a cool, fun place to be. Do you want to be the guy in the middle of the party yelling and being angry and making everyone else at the party upset and uncomfortable? Why would you want to be at a party when you hate everyone and everything there? If you don’t want to be there, does it make you feel better to give everyone else a worse time? Isn’t that a little creepy? Haven’t I stretched that metaphor much further than should be allowed? Yes, on both counts.
One thing fans forget is that just because someone talks to you through the internet or in comics, it doesn’t mean you’re friends. Brian Michael Bendis has a lot of shit to do, and while he answers some questions sometimes, he can’t answer all of the questions all of the time. We started this site as a place where we could talk comics, and encourage a community where people could find other people with similar interests. We’re also in this to entertain, to make the world of comics fun. Sometimes, it’s serious, sure. We make ourselves available online in various ways, and you get to know a lot of our personalities. But, at the end of the day, I’m not your friend. I’m not even a guy you know that well. I don’t say that to be mean, but it’s so important to make that distinction. It doesn’t mean I don’t like you. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to interact, but there are interactions and interactions, if you know what I’m saying. Could we become friends? Sure. I’ve become friends with people from the site. On the other side, I’ve become friends with comics pros whose work I idolized. But that happened because no one was being creepy, and it usually happened because of having things in common other than comics.
When I was about 23, I went to the San Diego Comic-Convention for the first time. When I was 22, I got a Green Lantern tattoo on my right shoulder. It’s just the classic symbol, and it really represents more than just a love of the character, but is also sort of a reminder of a certain part of my life, and I don’t even read the comic book these days. I happened to meet Judd Winick, who had just gotten the gig writing Green Lantern, and on finishing our very short conversation, I said, “Hey man, you better do a good job on Green Lantern,” and lifted my sleeve up to show him the tattoo, in a moment I thought would be kind of funny. Nope. He gave the nervous chuckle, and got the hell away from me. I had been creepy. It wasn’t intentional. But it wasn’t cool. Take that experience, and add it up with every other weird interaction Judd had had over the course of the convention, and I don’t blame him for skittering away from me one bit. I was young and awkward, and this was certainly douchechill worthy, but Judd, who I don’t know in real life, had no way of knowing if I was serious or not, because there are plenty of people who would have been. I had a tattoo for crying out loud, so he’s wondering, if for only a second, if I’m the guy who is going to put his head in a bag. That was before social networking, where we meet people daily who could be the “head in a bag” guy.
I’m not saying don’t be a fan, or don’t interact, or don’t have feelings about these comics. I’m saying you need perspective on how important this stuff really is, and how you want to present yourself to the world. Comics are important to me, and I hope they’re important to you, but keep a foot in the door of the rest of the world at the very least.
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I usually have at least one creepy moment at every con. I try to keep it at just one. One of these days it’ll be 0!
I would love to see someone on the iFanbase play devil’s advocate and argue against this.
an “all creepstorm all the time” contingency? only if that person logs in under the name “uncle badtouch.”
“uncle badtouch” haha nice.
@jakietam – I’ll take your challenge to play ‘Devil’s Advocate’ (pro bono, of course).
The only thing ‘creepier’ than ‘being creepy’ is being told not to be ‘creepy’ by someone who provides evidence of having been ‘creepy’ themselves.
I could go on jackietam, but is it fair to say that this was a fair shake?
@kmanifesto – it was an ok start. i think you needed more mouth breathing in your delivery.
@kmanfiesto That’s not being a Devil Advocate. You’re just criticizing the writer. I would rather see someone argue against Josh on the merit of what he wrote, instead of just against Josh himself.
@jakietam – The writer of this article dedicated 1 headline and 9 paragraphs judging and calling a section of the comic book fandom names and you want to take issue with my one droll sentence?
The trickiest part of this site is trying to discern between those members who like differing views and those members who advance the cliquey tone many communities fall into.
There are many issues one could take with this article, but airing rebuttals often lead to the same apathetic responses, “who cares…so what….there are other web sites, etc… which creates an atmosphere of ‘agree or go away’.
@mark. – thanks for the unlettered response.
@Kmanifesto Here’s the facts: People DO act like creepy jerks to comic pros and people DO come onto websites like this and mostly contribute by making jerky comments to the community and to the guys who run the site. Josh is telling these people to cut it out. Are you implying that we be nice to these people? Fuck that.
@comicBOOKchris – Now that we have the ‘official’ word from on high that we should stop acting ‘creepy’, what other easily seen scourge of the comic book world should we attack? What about shop owners who don’t polybag their books or the monopoly of Diamonds Distribution…what about ungrateful and jaded creators who chide and treat their fans with contempt in order to make up for self-esteem deficiencies? How should we treat those people?.
@Kmanifesto – You rarely seem to be enjoying yourself when I see you here.
@kmanifesto what you wrote regarding Josh’s example of him being creepy has nothing to do with what the entire purpose of the article suppose to be.The example that Josh use was simply to show that yes, he’s culpable as creepy person too – during his younger days, but it still doesn’t mean it right. As he gone older, I’m sure he look back as his actions and wonder, “Jeez, what was that about”.
The purpose of the article was a rant against comic fans who goes overboard on their “enthusiasm” towards comic pros and the industry. What is Josh is saying is, there’s other important things in life, and people should just relax.
Dude, I don’t care if you disagree me, the iFanboys or the entire iFanbase, but at least focus on what the article is about, and not nitpick on a single point.
@jimski – Quite the contrary. I enjoy many of the features on this site, including the recent podcasts, the weekly comic pull lists and many of Paul’s contributions, whom I believe offers an intelligent slant without the sarcastic, irritable disdain undertone for his reader found in other iFanboy articles. There is more here that I enjoy than perturbs me. Maybe I’m missing the point of this website…are we all suppose to sing as one voice?
@jackietam stated, ‘The purpose of the article was a rant against comic fans who goes overboard on their “enthusiasm” towards comic pros and the industry.”
Now that we are clear that you understand the article, go back and read my original comment. I exchanged a similar indignity as the author, but from my perspective…and, if I may say, a bit more terse.
@kmanifesto I understood what you wrote in your original comment. That’s reason why I respond it cause I disagreed with what you wrote, and I didn’t believe it was “fair shake”.
@kmanifesto You’re also proving Josh’s point to a T: that these dudes exist.
@comicBOOKchris – it would probably shock you to know how wrong you are comparing me to the writer’s straw-man. How can i be faulted for speaking up for those who may feel alienated or lack the verbal skills to object? I know a couple of these ‘creepy’ guys and I can guarantee you that this seemingly innocent ‘rant’ stings. But, no worries, I’ll just tell them to get a life.
For the record, I’ve never been to a Con, I do not have a tattoo sporting a superhero’s crest, I’ve never met personally a creator of a comic book or tried to ask them a question, I haven’t spent most of my life in the comic ‘biz’ nor do I spend my waking hours fantasizing how cool it would be if the world really existed in ‘4-color panels’. But…so what? Its too easy to make ‘headlines’ on the back of the assumed least of us, especially ‘our own kind’.
You may want to superficially separate yourself from these ‘creepy-types’, but as the author duly notes, he has been that ‘creepy’ guy, he’s made an industry off of these ‘creepy’ guys and now this article is an attempt to distance himself from all that by means of ridicule. Well guess what, now you’ve become ‘that guy’ instead of ‘creepy guy’.
Why are you guys double teaming one guy. Trying to score points with the management? @Comic book chris.. what about what kmanifesto is saying makes him creepy? His point seems valid to me. Besides all that.. ive seen some of these “creeps” that Josh describes in his first paragraph but ive never met anyone who’s whole life was comics. Seems to me you have to really seek people out that buy 2 books a week. There are plenty of things that Josh is right about in this article but ive never believed in labeling things (unless its as a means of exposing hypocracy) and there is a big grey area here. Also quoting William Shatner being rude doesnt do it for me. The way i hear it half of Star Treks cast thinks hes got a stick up his butt.. (Im not a treky .. before i get pummeled … Ive heard plenty of negatives from guests on the H Stern show about Shatner being an Ass). Why dont we start paraphrasing Alec guinness’ opinions about how childish Star Wars is in the next article.. Well no thank you… i dont want to hear it.
Having said all that.. i would imagine writing isnt easy and you have to boil everything down to the simplest things in order to get the message across sometimes.
It’s because he’s spectacularly missing the point. Granted, the statements are kind of becoming incoherent rambles, but from what I’m deciphering from them, he’s under the misapprehension that this article is somehow making fun of other comic fans, where as the message couldn’t be any simpiler:
Don’t be a dick on the internet.
Don’t be a dick to comic pros.
DON’T. BE. A. DICK.
Ya some of us make mistakes sometimes and act like a dick online. Ive done it and youve done it comicbookchris. I try not to and i assume you try not to. But we all have our buttons.
The point is.. if were pretending our shit doesnt stink.. then there is a more polite way to tell people not to be dicks.
Regardless Josh’s job is to entertain anyway right so (thats what hes doing) and its just comics.. blah blah.. we gotta make that money.. keep the priorities.. and take this with a grain of salt cause its not important if you got a “real life” to deal with. comics.. blahmics.. i gotta take a flight and fall of a surfboard a few hundred times next week.
creepy
I think this conversation has been beaten to a dead horse. Let’s move on, people. I know I have.
ROFL!josh,you opened pandora’s box with this one.i usual raise an eyebrow when you post things like this but i guess this one hit a nerve on everyone!i understand that you always feel the need to say whats on your mind,everyone else’s opinion be damned.and i disagree with half the things you say.and i know,deep inside,you want everyone to know you are different from ron and conor ie what comics you read etc.but heres the thing.you just released astro van and less than a month you are trying to alienate potential readers already?!you dont even know if those creepy fellows are the ones who’d like your book.o well,i dont know if you’d categorize me as creepy but i was about to sample astro van and now that i read this article,i dont feel good about helping this particular writer because if ever i see you in a con,i wont think its a good idea to approach you so as not to be labeled as creepy.
Joooossshhhh… why do you close your curtains at night?
I love you.
ha ha ha
Jesus Christ, yes! This is why I cringe at panels when they ask “Any questions?”
God bless the folks in the industry, that’s all I’ll say. I’ve never known any of them to handle these kinda people with anything other than saintly patience.
i remember NYCC last year at the Geoff Johns Panel. EVERYONE came up and spent a minute praising everyone on the panel. not that they weren’t praise worthy, but it got kind of creepy at moments, especially when they didn’t even ask a question.
In all honesty, whenever anyone, anywhere says any questions to a group of people, I cringe. This may come from working with idiots who don’t understand the simplest concepts, though.
This advice pertains to every human in every walk of life.
Just…thank you for writing this. Dead on.
There isn’t much to be said beyond this. If I weren’t already an iFanboy subscriber.. I’d subscribe to your newsletter. Over the course of a few cons, I played iFanboy bingo. Finally finishing my bingo card a few years ago at SDCC when I met Josh and asked him about how it he was holding up being a dad. Honestly, there isn’t any comic question I wanted to ask. I had a kid around the same time as Josh and it was the first thing I could think of. It may have been creepy. I tend to think not.
Well said, Josh.
Hear, hear. If you just have a perception of someone, that doesn’t mean you know them. The perception is A) only part of who they are and B) probably not really accurate anyway.
Just treat people like people, no matter whether they’re famous or just a Twitter handle.
Make an edit to the line about “similar interested” before you ruin my life already.
Day saved. Thank you!
OMG, i by accident stalked Scott Snyder. it was the most awkward moment ever. it was after the batman panel and people kept interrupting us and i kept walking along with hi until i realized he was with his family. i felt terrible, my friend remind me every time i see him.
HA! Forgot all about this 🙂
I had a similar moment with Snyder last year at Comic Con. I saw Jeff Lemire on the floor and asked to get a picture. Well we couldn’t find anyone to take it so we walked around forever til’ we got to the DC Booth and Snyder and Rafael were there. I wound up getting a picture with all of them and then asked a few questions about their titles. Then they started talking to each other while I just stood there, taking entirely too long to realize I should have walked away by now.
Is this article because Connor tweeted he couldn’t think of anything surprising to buy you or Ron and i suggested this: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/natural-harvest—a-collection-of-semen-based-recipes/5198959 i didn’t mean to be creepy just thought you wouldn’t expect it!
This is exactly why I don’t really talk to creators when I go to cons or shows, regardless of the size. I am socially inept at talking with people who do things that I think are cool because I get super, duper awkward and I never know what to say. It’s sort of like how I used to be around girls…until my wife saved me from ever having to do that crap again.
I’m glad you included that last part, Josh, as there are probably many who have made similar mistakes themselves.
I remember when I was 19 or 20 and I first met director Kevin Smith at one of his Redbank, NJ events. It was Q&A time after a screening and I had the perfect CLERKS 2 question (this was nearly ten years before the release of the actual CLERKS 2, mind you). I was so focused on my question that I didn’t realize he had already answered it the moment before he called on me. He made fun of me in front of everyone (the phrase “willfully ignorant” still rings in my ears) and I was quite embarrassed.
I’m definitely not a socially awkward person. I’m not an extrovert by any means, but I’m friendly enough to have been selected for some on camera work with my company and I also regularly do some public speaking for non-profits in my area. Talking isn’t hard for me, but that day…it was!
I’m sharing because I think we’ve all had terribly awkward moments with people we respect and admire because we want to be liked…just some of us get caught up in ourselves, we forget not to cross…that line. Let these stories show people that it can happen to the best of us and serve as a warning not to “make it creepy” for future generations!
Of course there’s a whole Aspergers aspect to this subject, I’m sure. Just a bit above my pay grade.
@MattKelly, this might not be the right forum for such a discussion, but I think you hit the nail on the head bringing up Aspergers and the Autism Spectrum.
Some fans may be creepy because they are rude or lacking in social skills from pure “bad home training”, but take even a cursory glance and many of the “creepy” types in geek fandom and you’ll see a lot of people who probably have or deserve a diagnosis.
I’m not trying to be Debbie Downer, but something about comics and geekdom is like a magnet to those with social and developmental disorders!
It is rather true, at least in my experience. At one point in time I was in a D&D group of 6 people and I eventually came to learn that 3 of the 6 people in the group had autism. There are a lot of aspects of geek subculture that are appealing for those type of people I think. If you know just a bit about the autism spectrum, it becomes fairly easy to notice the difference between some weirdo and some kid with Aspergers who doesn’t realize they’re being odd.
Although, the great thing about people on the autism spectrum is if they’re doing something you object to, you don’t have to beat around the bush and be polite about telling them so. In fact, you shouldn’t. Frankness is needed and appreciated.
Very well said….I don’t even bother trying to ask questions at panels because I would get nervous and probably end up being “creepy”. I do feel like most people probably are a little creepy at things like conventions when talking to creators, or actors or what not, sometimes it’s hard not to when you are nervous or excited. Then there are the people who either aren’t self aware or don’t care, I remember a guy at C2E2 last year who asked questions at 3 of the panels I went to, by the third one, enough people recognized him that half the audience groaned before he even asked a question….I also fee like these people amost always start with “I have more than one question”.
so um does that mean that a bunch of us iFanbasers are creepy cause we have specifically vague screen names?*awkward *
i can’t agree more. I’ve met a few creators at cons and through work, and its important to realize the difference between someone being friendly with you and being your BFF.
Having varied interests are important in anything. Flash Fact: I started playing fantasy football for professional networking..yeah i was already a sports fan, but i used to knock it. .half my office, and sister company are into it, and others that i work with externally. Its definitely helped build friendships and turn casual professional relationship into something a bit more valuable. Plus its pretty darn fun.
I’ve noticed a pretty strong crossover between people who are into typical ‘nerdy’ things like comics and video games and fantasy football. Which makes sense considering fantasy is in the name and there are more numbers and stats involved than an RPG. I often feel like fantasy football is the nerdiest thing I do. I’ve grown a bit tired of it but it’s such a great way to keep up with friends that I end up playing two leagues every year.
Regarding vague usernames, I really wish I could change mine. I thought it up back when I thought this kinda thing was cool (and we all did/do). Now it just feels silly and juvenile.
Agree on the username thing. Would be great if we could change them.
totally agree…..Yeah i’d change mine as well if that functionality existed.
Anyone who wants to change their display name changed should email me directly and I’ll get it done.
(Your username cant change, it’s tied to the database. My username is still “conor” but I have my display name set to my full name.)
I’ve really taken to using my real name as a username online. I feel like it makes me more accountable and less likely to just shoot my mouth off.
I had some vague personal security concerns at first, but I just look at it as lowering or removing any discrepancies between my real and online personas.
I highly recommend it.
Conor = emailed!
@KenOchalek I have been doing that for years. I figure any “screen name” i come up with will eventually be dated or seem stupid, no matter how clever I convince myself it is at the time I make it. Plus, if I use my real name, I feel justified saying anything I want. I am not hiding under some anonymous name that gives me false bravery. This is who I am and if you feel the need to say something, you should feel brave enough to sign your name to it.
The other thing is, there are situations where you meet somebody from the internet in real life. I met my wife on the internet. One of my best friends in the “real world.” is somebody I met playing an on-line game. When you meet somebody in real life, do you want to be introducing yourself as some silly user name you picked out four years ago?
I also highly recommend it.
Articles like this is why iFanboy is my favorite comic book website.
I’m a Guest Liaison for a Con, its a definite skill to remain a non-creepy guy (via the definition of this articles creepy guy). My first rule of interacting with a Pro or really anyone is, remember they are a person. Be nice, realize they don’t know you, they won’t know any inside jokes with you, try to keep things short and sweet.
Treat Twitter/FB like you are at their table at a con. Be polite, ask questions about their work and not their personal life.
Q&A sessions can be a nightmare for everyone involved.
Cosign…
That’s actually great advice. Whenever I interact with somebody on-line, I try not to say anything I would not say if i was standing in front of them. Distance and a degree of anonymity are not good enough excuses to be a jerk.
II’ve gotten to know some members of IFanbase quite welll over the years. When we meet at cons, or interaxt otherwise, we never talk comics. That’s at least one way I differniate between the personas I encounter and the people I actually know.
Back in like, 97 maybe, I had the opportunity to work at a Pearl Jam concert with a friend of mine. We got paid $100.00 and got to see the show, all access. Anyway, end of the night, we’re in a tent, drinking water, and we see a “douchebag in a floppy hat” talking to some girls. We make fun of this “douchebag in the floppy hat” for about 10 minutes before we realize it’s Eddie Vedder. So, naturally, we run, full steam, towards him as he is getting into the van that will take him away. His handlers were ready to tackle us and all i could muster up at that moment was “GREAT SHOW, ED!!” So, yeah, that’s pretty extreme in the awkward and creepy department. I also have a Quentin Tarantino story that ends a little better, but only a little.
Love the “What’s Wrong With You” articles. Keep them coming!!
Good advice, Josh. Not being creepy is something I think about a lot, because I’ve always had very focused, research-intensive interests (not just one, and not just comics), and if those are the only things I talk about with people, that’s creepy. My default reaction is to spend more time listening than talking when I have company, because being willing to listen to people with different interests than yours is rarely (or at least less) creepy.
I will qualify this, though: Comics are not a special case. If people have equally narrow but more socially acceptable interests — like sports, or their jobs — that they talk about to the exception of all else, that’s creepy too. We can’t generalize that comics fans are introverts who need to get a life, but people whose only common interest is, say, hockey have healthy and balanced friendships. Let’s all just share the things we like, in equal measure, and keep it all in perspective.
He’s telling fans not to be creepy. It’s valid advice. I’m not sure what type of negativity can possibly be connected with that advice.
The difference is that people do use shampoo in their everyday life, but people still flame comic pros & site runners on message boards and use several anonymous names to do the task when the hammer is brought down on them. This is who the article is directed towards.
If you’re innocent, chill. Only the guilty are catching offense.
Haha what?
This article’s great – I see lots of people get super creepy at signings and cons and I’m sure none of them are doing it on purpose – maybe if they see this article they’ll know to tone it down a bit.
in the same video podcast thread, i commented on Conor’s pasty skin then asked him to take his shirt off. I suppose you think that “creepy” too, josh.
when no one comments on this after a while it does seem creepy. i hope i’m not making it worse
what would’ve been really awesome is if you kept commenting on this thread every three hours all weekend.
i ‘d have thought it was funny, anyway…
i get your point, tom. i also think that the article’s a healthy reminder. speaking for myself, being really passionate about any form of art or whatever makes it sometimes really hard to scale back those aspects of self-presentation that can be flatly creepy. the fact that the internet creates a really superficial, instantaneous, and false sense of community only compounds the issue that people (myself included) think we know people well enough to be uncomfortably familiar with them. sort of like i’m doing with you, right now, i guess…
so, yeah, it is common sense along the “pants first, then shoes” variety. it’s also a healthy reality check for those of us who have gotten our heads so far in the game that we’ve forgot the rules of social engagement when in front of real, live human.
you do bring up a really good point about pot stirring though. i appreciate these articles, but i’m wondering if other members of the community find them intentionally, um…. fight-starting-y?
Now I have Lonely Island’s The Creep song in my head. I’ve been creepin’ since the day I was born!
I would like to add that I now want to see the three iFanboys dressed in suits, large glasses, greased hair and pencil mustaches creeping on various comic creators. Is that creepy?
Yup. This is one of those things were anyone that would actually need this advice is not going to follow it or listen to it because most people that do these creepy awkward things do not see themselves as being creepy and awkward.
I guarantee there are people who are the absolute worst examples of this behavior reading this article laughing about “the losers” or what have you.
I know it’s only logical to be less creepy if something is your main interest, as to not risk your position or relationships. I also know that logic doesn’t apply, but I find my own brushes with comic creepiness tend to stem from the fact that comics aren’t my only/main interest. If I wan’t to talk about music or video games I’ve got real people for that. If I want to talk comics I’ve gotta get a little creepy and make do with the internet. I understand that the illogical uber-creep bubbles up from an obsession with one thing, but the more frequent light offenders probably arise from an opposite scenario. Just kinda thinking while I’m typing.
Great article, Josh!
I think part of the issue of fans being creepy is a result of industry figures using the internet and social media for more than merely promoting their work.
Its easier than ever for a parasocial relationship to develop where fans feel like they know these people because they follow them on Twitter and Tumblr and Facebook and so on. Fans can invest significant amounts of time observing these people without actually communicating with anyone.
And while while it can certainly lead to creepy interactions, I think the pros can really benefit from it. Let’s take ifanboy as an example. I don’t know the guys, but based on the podcasts and articles, I feel like that they are my kind of people. That may or may not be true, but it makes me more willing to support the things they do because I think they’re good dudes.
Still, if I ever met them in person, I would treat it like meeting any other new person, using the things I already know about them to enhance the interaction, not as the driving subject (“remember when you tweeted about…” is creepy)
“I’m saying you need perspective on how important this stuff really is, and how you want to present yourself to the world.”
I think this is an extremely important point. I also think it’s surprising how often it is forgotten.
As comic book fans, the general population has a pretty solid idea of who we are, and what we look like.
I manage a comic book shop and a couple times a week there are some guys who come in and play Heroclix. There is one guy who is overweight, bearded, and exceptionally sloppy. Any time he is here, customers will go straight to him to ask questions. Even when I am standing behind the counter, greeting them as they come in. I’m not saying that I’m a handsome guy or a snappy dresser, but my shirts usually have collars and I shower daily and apparently I am not who people are expecting to see running a comic shop. It’s a stigma that is hard to break. As prevalent as geeks and nerds are in popular culture, acting creepy and dressing like a crazy person isn’t doing anyone, especially you, any favors.
I don’t know if it was intentional, but you’ve kind of just bashed overweight and bearded folks.
@FishyBoy Haha, I thought the same thing. The thought “Now we’re telling you how to dress!” ran through my head also. That’s just reading into the post too much though, even though it yields funny results. What he is trying to get across shines through despite the fat beardo stuff. We can’t all be professional writers.
Yeah I mean I don’t know if it was intentional but when I read it again it sure seems it was. He’s saying is that playing heroclix and being a sloppy and overweight is “acting creepy and dressing like a crazy person” and that being an overweight comic book fan is ruining the image of comic book fans.
I’d love to know what comic shop he’s running where he can be so dismissive of overweight folks or eccentric dressers.
I wasn’t trying to bash overweight people by any stretch. I was trying to say that when people walk into a comic shop they immediately look for Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons. I apologize if I offended anyone, it was definitely not my intent.
While I agree in theory the problem with your argument is everyone has their own definition of what is ‘creepy’.
You said yourself, these things are okay in moderation, but every person is going to have their own idea of what ‘moderation’ is too.
I know some people who think the very idea of paying to go to a Q&A just to meet a creator you like is ‘creepy’, others who think cosplay is going too far. And I’m sure there are people out there who think you’re not ‘creepy’ until you stalk someone down to their hotel room.
I think it’s a really well written article but you’ve just given your own definition of what YOU think ‘creepy’ is and the blanket piece of advice “don’t be creepy” but no one ever sets out to be ‘creepy’ so it’s not really that practical.
Still good food for thought.
Excellent point. I heard somewhere somebody say that a girl thinks a guy is creepy only if she is not attracted to him. But if she is, the same behavior will be called flirting.
I concur with all that you wrote.
There are things that are always creepy no matter what.
I think the point of the article was to be a bit more self aware of your excitement and enthusiasm level. Its very possible to scare people away from you if they think you are obsessive Superfan #99 or a possible serial killer stalker.
Close talking. Thats always creepy.
I’ve been unintentionally creepy a couple times, I am sure, and it mainly has to do with that “inside joke” bit. I wrote (and had printed in an issue of Powers) to BMB once, and was just being ridiculously silly. It was a total joke. I think now that maybe it may have come across as creepy, though BMB had a sense of humor about it.
I was chatting with David Mack once at Atlanta Comics Expo. Really cool guy. I had bought a Daredevil print off him and had it signed, let him know I enjoyed his run on DD, all that jazz, and said something like “Daredevil is my favorite character. Totally gay for Matt Murdock” like I would with my friends, just joking around. Dude looked at me in the weirdest way. I said something to him like he was one of my everyday friends I joke around with, and it totally did not resonate. Good dude though.
When I met 3/4ths of Sonic Youth, I tried to shake Steve Shelley’s hand, and we totally missed, and it was that weird not quite a handshake almost holding hands thing and even I was creeped out. Sorry, Steve.
Love the Sonic Youth story. I’ve got some bad meeting musicians stories, but mine are more douchy than creepy. Ah, the mistakes we make in our youth.
I’m just creepy on Twitter, so this doesn’t apply to me. BTW what are you all wearing right now?
that’s the uncle badtouch spirit!
On a related note, Peter David just made up this Fan/Pro Bill Of Rights. Very good read: http://www.peterdavid.net/index.php/2011/11/28/the-fanpro-bill-of-rights/
Shit. I fail at this. People who know me think I am creepy. Its all the hardcore metal in my soul.
But if I’m not creepy enough to freak out the professional (and hopefully my fellow fans), how will they know that I’m a *real* fan?
This rant is awesome!! Creepy and overzealous comic book fans kind of make me embarrassed to be a fan myself at times.
I openly admit to my social awkwardness in meeting creators, writers, musicians, or anyone whose art I admire. But ‘remember these people are not your friends’ is a great piece of advice to follow. The best compliment you can give these people is a quick… I really loved your work on so and so; wish them good luck and continued success. Something as simple as that can show that you are not “creepy,” and may provoke them to start a conversation with you. Respect and non-creepiness go a long way in life.
Oh god yes, i certainly agree with this article for a couple of reasons. Read on ifanbase if you want a laugh at my expense.
This year i just gotten back into comics and loved finding this site since in real life none of my close personal friends read comic books and for that i thank having come across Ifanboy and their podcasts since i get to hear suggestions on what to be reading and opinions on comics in general.
Now with that being said i also went to my very first con this year and at a panel about the Ultimate line of comic books they were giving away prizes for people who asked a good question or funny one.
Now me thinking im going to be a smart ass ask whats up with the weird sexual tension with Scarlet Witch and her Brother Quicksilver. Now aside from a few chuckles there was a weird silence luckily for me that was broken by the woman aswering questions saying that was the outcome of Mark Millar getting drunk one night which got the crowd laughing. Then I repeated the question asking so there is a weird Sexual tension then?? That is the case right?? Omg the weird silence that followed made me realize that instead of coming off some sort of comedian i had indeed made myself look like some sort of Creepy Perve. I mean we are talking about fictional characters here.
Needless to say being that was my one and only and hopefully last creepy moment similar to that… oh by the way my girlfriend was there when it happened im surprised she didnt head for the hills after that day haha
I don’t know about this article. It seems to be a bit elitist and somewhat santimonious. What the heck do you care if people are being creepy or not, and who made you the expert on such things? Just because you critique comics, and write some comics and are kinda plugged into the industry, I don’t see how this gives you any more insight into the human condition and psychology of a creepy person than me.
Let people be how they want to be, and if someone feels they are being creepy then it’s on that person to tell the creep so, and then you have a lesson learned.
I’m actually more offended because these tips seem to be more about using common sense than anything else. Maybe I’m a defeatist, but, I can’t imagine anyone, creepy or not, to read this and go, “Hey! That sounds like me. I better change my attitude and stop being so creepy.”
I don’t know Josh, you’re a great writer usually, but, this one fell a little flat. I guess better luck next time.
@brattyben – You don’t enjoy making fun of ‘creepy’ people with whom you built your ‘claim to fame’ on? No, brattyben, neither would I. It would be like Ray Kroc belittling hamburger eaters.
@Kmanifesto: I think your first five comments effectively communicated that you did not care for the article.
I often read articles I don’t care for. I tend not to revisit them half a dozen times.
There’s a word for people who do that.
I think I’m way creepier online than I am in person, though I’m just as susceptible to nerd-gushing as the next guy.
Nice article, I agree with 100% of everything you wrote. I don’t think I was creepy at my first ever NYCC, but I did do some awkward things like having my bag full of swag break in front of Peter Tomasi. But that’s more ‘Curly from Three Stooges’ humor then ‘I wanna have your babies’ creepy.
But even with this article, I do admit you have failed a bit Josh. Especially with this song telling people who to creep:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLPZmPaHme0&ob=av3e
Does reading this article and not finding anything about it offensive qualify you as not being creepy? Because it seems pretty reasonable to me and I really would rather not be creepy.
Hello. I’m the judge of all things creepy and I’m happy to reveal to you now that you have been deemed “Not Creepy.” Congratulations and have a wonderful day!
First off, King of Comedy is my probably favorite Scorsese movie (Well, maybe after Taxi Driver. Maybe.)
Secondly, fantastic article. I have seen so many instances of creepiness on the internet, it really scares me. Some people have no idea of what is appropriate behavior. They get these bizarre fantasies in their heads. I saw once that a fan of a comic book artist (who I will not name) started to harass the artist’s son on X-box Live. That is so beyond the realm of what is OK behavior, it’s actually upsetting.
I have interacted with comic creators through the internet. It doesn’t make us friends. I have interacted with many of the writers on this site. Again, it doesn’t make us friends.
The internet is a great way to communicate with other fans of the things you like. But like Spencer Tracy taught us in inherit the Wind, every great innovation brings its own drawbacks. The internet allows instant communication amongst people around the world. It also allows people to use the anonymity and distance the internet provides to show what kind of people they really are.
Awesome article, nice job
Really feeling good about the decision to not approach Josh at NYCC this year.
KIDDING!
Sort of.
This article sort of jumps around in the different points it makes. It’s all gathered under the overall theme of creepiness. But to me, this comes off more as Josh getting through a laundry list of things that bother/irk him about the fans of the industry he works in. Some of what is mentioned is simply good advice. Other stuff feels like it’s coming from a bit more a personal place. Which is fine. But might not be as big as deal as much as simply something the author is currently annoyed with. (Ok guys, time to fess up. Who is stalking Josh on Twitter? 😛 )
If I could give one main piece of constructive criticism towards the piece, it would be that “creepy” wasn’t the best choice of words or overall theme. Sure, it’s a great title and is sure to get a reaction. But it cheapens some of the advice/thoughts given. As such a term tends to put people on the defensive and creates a bit of a superior tone which could take away from the intent. A decent amount of this article is Josh attempting to give people advice that he feels is worthwhile. Being a well-rounded person, not taking hobbies too seriously, and internet is all great advice to give. Great points we should all try to apply daily. But when you do so under the guise of “cuz, if you’re not like this, you’re a creepy stereotype, and you’re freaking people out,” the message is somewhat lost in the delivery.
Some of the issues raised definitely fall under creepy behavior. But others are much more larger life issues and more about human psychology. Using the term “creepy” to describe people of all types is a bit insensitive, IMO. The guy at the DC panel who complains that Black Canary’s fishnets aren’t transparent enough? CREEPY AS HELL. The guy on the internet who listens to people he feels he has gotten to know on a weekly podcast for over 5 years, visits their site frequently, and possibly interacts with them on the internet, but maybe takes it a bit too far? That’s just might be a dude who doesn’t have a lot of friends, and who could use some polite advice. Calling that creepy isn’t quite right, IMO.
The true creeps out there (and they exist in all facets of life, not just comic books), they’re going to continue to be creepy not matter what any of us say. If you were to go up to them after they asked their question about the functionability of Batman’s underwear, or after they approached Jason Aaron at a con and offered to take him out for drinks. And said to them, “Dude! Stop being so creepy!” They would look at you as if you are speaking Chinese. Does not compute. The rest of the folks, the people who get nervous or stammer, or say something awkward when telling a creator that they enjoy their work. Those people aren’t creepy by any means. That’s just life and part of the human condition. Not everyone is Joe Cool when they go up to approach a pretty girl. There is a vast difference between the two.
I definitely agree with Josh saying, “I’m not your friend.” Being a public figure, and especially one on the internet or in an odd community such as comics has got to be an study of awkward. I think it’s a good thing to try and delineate the boundaries of creator/fan, writer/reader, or podcaster/listener. These are one-way relationships that come off extremely different to the parties involved. You may have read every book Geoff Johns has ever written, or you may have listened to the iFanboy guys joke and talk about comics for hundreds of hours. But at the end of the day, they don’t know you from a hole in the wall. Just like your favorite band, actor, or sports teams, it feels like you know them like real people. You’ve seen so much of their personal work. But you don’t. So yeah, people definitely need to keep that in mind when interacting with them. I do however think it’s important that the public figures understand where the audience may be coming from.
One of the things that I enjoy about this series of articles from Josh is that the guy says what is on his mind. Whether it’s intended or not, after you read one of these pieces, you get a good impression on what’s going through his head at the moment. You can tell that he’s working out his own opinions and issues while at the same time dispatching advice he feels wortwhile for the reader. The issues at play often feel as if coming from a personal place. It’s obvious that the things he’s talking about have been given a lot of thought, and been on his mind for some time. Even when I don’t agree with all of them, there’s enough interesting thought to them to provoke a ridiculously over-long response such as this.
I find essay-size comments somewhat creepy.
Man I hope I wasn’t creepy when I visited the ifanboy booth at NYCC
I know what you mean. I work at an ice cream shop and I made an ice cream combo name after Josh and the site. Hope that’s not to creepy. I just wanted to express how much of a fan I am…………… now that i think about it, i think this reply is a little creepy. sorry
Your not a loser jerry… your just silly willy woodchuck.. or is that a beaver? A+ on the avatar… Now just a little cocaine like Charlie Sheen and you too can be WINNING.
That was a joke (the charlie sheen part).. not the woodchuck part. But in all seriousness.. Beavers are winners man .. they can make swamps all by themselves.. they’re doers.
wow, beavers are cool, but it’s suppose to be a bear. thanks though. any kind of attention is awesome, i guess.
maybe i sound fix that pic
We’re an ice cream flavor?! That’s awesome!
I want to eat it very much.
Oh ya its a bear when i zoom in on the pic…. Oh well… the eyes see what they wish to see. Once when i was backcountry packing with friends in the smokey mountains we saw a baby bear.. from a hundred yards.. later on one of my friends said it was full grown and me and my other friend said it was a big baby…. It was definitely a baby bear.. or was it??
Greg Horn and I talked about sexy bit**es for a while. That went well. Seems like a lot of creators don’t know how to act if you’re not being creepy and you’re trying to have a normal conversation with them. So, in some ways, this whole thing’s a kinda bust. Generally I thank celebs (of any stature) for their time and move along.
Personally, I love this article. I find it well written, well thought-out, self-aware, and a bit funny. It makes a really effective point, and it makes it well. My problem with this article, however, is I don’t think, “What’s Wrong With You” as a column should be posted on a Friday afternoon. iFanboy doesn’t post, or posts very little, on Saturdays and Sundays (apart from the podcast, of course) and therefore what’s up on Friday afternoons is what’s up for the weekend. That means that anyone who comes across this website is going to see this article first, and I think — while it’s a great article — that it would really turn a new-comer to iFanboy off. It’s like someone new walks in the door and iFanboy spits in their face.
Josh, we don’t know you, that’s true, but we do have formed relationship with you, Ron, and Conor. As an iFanbase member, I’ve come to respect your opinions, learn your biases, and understand where your moods and frustrations come from. Over the last year or so since I started listening to this podcast, I’ve listened to about 60 hours of you guys talking. I’ve learned a lot about comics, and I’ve learned a lot about your tastes. This article is written to the iFanbase — even if it’s something everyone should read. I don’t think it should be the face of this website all weekend. You’ll scare new people away. Post it on Mondays or Tuesdays when other stuff is being posted and it doesn’t sit there for days.
not just new people but also those people who are on the fence.i love the video and audio podcast and i,too,learned to balance ron and conor’s thoughts against josh’s because i realized he is part of the team.i wasnt goin to read this based on the title but i was curious how the ifanbase reacts and im so glad im not the only one who feels this way.
With all due respect, Wyn, we don’t share the dame opinion at all. I didn’t learn to accept Josh, I genuinely like him. I also genuinely appreciate the article which calls for self-awareness, not timidty as your earlier comment suggests. Josh’s article is not a “fuck off” to anyone, and I’m glad people are reading it. My only suggestion was that because it’s written to such a specific audience, it should not be the first article on the website for three days.
Wow I didn’t realize I was being creepy on twitter. Now I feel like Rupert Pupkin, thanks Josh!
wait… Watchmen 2 is real???? WTF?!
THATS WHAT I JUST SAID!!!!
if Josh thinks I’m creepy my world will collapse!
I genuinely don’t understand why anyone would feel attacked.
And hundreds of people have come up and talked to us at shows and parties, and we like it very much. Please continue to do so.
“Of course, this isn’t most fans. But then most fans, myself included, do it a little bit. That’s OK.”
Every time I’m the least bit honest about my feelings on something, some people react harshly. That means that those thoughts have at least some validity. I can’t expect everyone to like me (I wish they did), and I can’t expect to uphold everyone’s almost infinite standards about what’s OK to say and what’s not. But I’m again shocked at the the ability of some to let this bother them. But that’s their right, and clearly, they have a chance to say so.
As always, I stand behind what I write here, and I have no problem with it being out there for anyone to see. Thanks for reading.
/like
I like Josh and these articles too. If I didn’t like the guys on the podcast, I wouldn’t listen or comment here.
I’d love to see a What’s Wrong With You? Price Complaining.
In your own word: clap.
Maybe you should have tied this thing off with a “just sayin”? That always seems to take some of the edge off.
On another note, this has always been the part of your character I relate to most and perhaps endeared me to you as my favorite ifanboy. Kudos, sir.
No one should EVER end anything with “Just Sayin”.
hey,josh,i read and reread this article and guess what?i think you are absolutely right!when i first read it,i thought it was alienating in a way that makes a guy stop and think “wait,am i that creepy dude josh was talking about?” and all defensive mechanisms go up.but when after work,i had time to read again and i thought this applies to anything in life be it at work,in a con,in a concert,at your family reunion,being creepy sometimes comes out in the most unexpected time,specially if one is awestruck,starstruck or whatever.so,josh,i owe you an apology.cheers!
I thought your article was great and accurate. Our community has the creepy stereotype for a reason unfortunately. A lot of folks have summed it up pretty well, like “don’t be dick” etc. I was kidding about my “Rupert Pupkin” comment. Between fatherhood, the media business, being from ny, business travel, music and movies, etc I have a lot more in common with the guys from iFanboy and the other creators than just comic books. Anyway, enjoy football today!
@wyn – that’s amazing. No one’s ever done that. So thanks.
(That sounded sarcastic. It wasn’t.)
I totally agree with you, although it’s being aware of this mindset that leaves me basically paralyzed when I’m at a con. I think I’m so much on the other side of the spectrum from the in your face creepy guy, that I almost curve back around to being creepy. I remember wanting desperately to talk to Jason Aaron a couple years ago, but not knowing how to approach him I ended up watching him from afar for probably a good 10 minutes (at a signing table, I didn’t follow him around or anything.) Which is, of course, the very definition of creepy.
I think, to me, cons are such a weird, fabricated situation. We stand in a line for however long to get the pleasure of a forced 30 second interaction of someone we don’t know, but whose work we admire? And autographs are just weird. You, person, are so important that I am going to treasure something merely because you wrote on it? Meh.
I have approached people for artwork. To me that seems more normal. You’re showing your support and appreciation for their work in a very tangible way, and you leave with a product. It’s a transaction. I really wish there was an equivalent to this for writers.
Ive been going to cons for almost 20 years now since i was 12. I guess getting autographs as a teen i felt like i was going to have something of added monetary value if i got something signed… but now an autograph (in reality) just results in something of small sentimental value for me and is really just an excuse to tell creators that i appreciate their work…. “Hi.. i love this or that.. thanks bye.” I try to make it very quick if theres anyone else in line or if im unusually nervous. I find though that if you make it about thanking them for their work it seem natural and unforced. I met Jason Arron 3-4 years back.. and hadnt known that he was even going to be at the con.. but he was perhaps my favorite writer at the time…i didnt know what he looked like.. i just saw the nameplate and that nobody was talking to or asking autographs of this awesome dude. So I just went over and thanked him for writing Scalped.. and i had no books to get signed so he sold me the first 17 issues of scalped and signed them (breaking my own and others etiquette for more than 3-5 books.. but there was no one behind me so I somehow momentarily rationalized that buying more of them meant i was a greater fan??).. Anyway.. in hindsight he probably wanted to sell those to lots of different people .. i just wasnt thinking 100% clearly. Regardless i gifted my original issues to a friend so.. someone else benefited too. That was immediatly before his first punisher writing stint and I didnt know about it yet ..and he volunteered the information.. of which i replied .. “yes someone with talent back on punisher”..short story shorter I walked away feeling like i just got some good news (which i did).. He also mentioned his ghost rider run.. of which i replied.. “ya i read that” with the most fake enthusiasm i could muster … Anyway Mr Arron is very easy to talk to.. hes got that kind of personality… were he sets people at ease I think. So maybe hit him up next time and say thanks for your awesome brain and I know your a writer but please draw me a picture anyway (Hmmm Im actually not sure if you should do that).
Here is my creepy admission…
I always have to remind myself that Josh, Ron and Conor are not my friend. For that matter Crank and Mike Norton as well. I have been listening to the Ifanboy POTW poscast every week (plus video shows and specials) for I think 6 years now. But at the end of the day it is easier to think of them as my friends when I want to share something I learned on the podcast because it is a lot less creepy than telling people “I heard this on a comic book podcast…”
I used to work at a comic store. I know exactly the type of fan that Josh is talking about, and I know it isn’t even remotely aimed at me, or most of the people on this message board.
I try to combat my inner creep with politeness. It seems to work but then I feel like it creates another kind of creep all together but a much more palatable one.
I’ll stop being creepy when you guys lift those restraining orders!
lol
…he didn’t say any of those things recently in regards to this particular article. Did you go back for some time to get his reactions to other ones or something? Are you being purposefully ironic to post a description like this on this article?
He’s trying to paint himself as some sort of offended party. How someone can be offended by an anti-creepy article? No idea.
^ Supposed to be a reply to itsbecca’s comment.
I just thought it was kind of creepy to read back through a bunch of twitter posts. Oh wells.
This part of the conversation is WAY off topic, so let’s leave it be, please.
the people defending this article to the death, are creepy. the people condemning it as blasphemy, are creepy.
the people in the middle saying whatever, cool as ice
100% agreed-Something about reading the same people defend said article over and over again is very very creeping.
As a crotchety and mildly creepy old comics reading man I tend to use The Simpson’s Comic Book Guy as my internal barometer. If anything I intend to do or say sounds like a quote from an episode featuring him…I generally rethink it. Stereotypes do exist, compatriots. Especially at cons.
I find this whole discussion a bit sad. So many people feeling the need to either pat themselves on the back and explain just how not creepy they are, or admitting to things that they now feel might make them come off unintentionally creepy.
Like I said in my essay above, Josh had some great points in this piece. But the blanket creepy statement really lost the intent and took this whole discussion entirely the wrong way. But hey, it got one hell of a reaction. 😉
The last thing I want to say in all of this is most of you guys in this thread are FAR from creepy people. Don’t let your insecurities get the best of you. You like comic books and like talking about them. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever. Just because you aren’t the coolest person at the con, doesn’t mean you’re some weirdo. The worst thing you can do is let your fears get the best of you. Yes, there are creepy wackos out there. But have faith in yourself, and realize just how wacked out those folks are. If you’re capable of the level of self-analysis and introspection required to take part in this conversation, odds are you’re just fine. 🙂
Andy Read likes this.
I like too 🙂
There are definitely creepy people out there. I know I’ve been creepy at some points, but as you said we all get creepy sometimes when its something we care about.
The problem with the comic book industry, or any industry is that the industry tries to make me care about their product. This in itself is a double edge sword. I care so I’m going to support you and buy your product and tell my friends that they should buy it to. At the same token, if I do all of that and I care, the opposite will happen. In any industry if they do something that’s grossly unpopular they will hear about it from those who care.
Watchmen 2 is a perfect example of something that just makes me angry. No I don’t have to read it. I might even pirate it out of sheer protest to read it because I don’t want to support them in any way on this project . . . even if it turns out to be better then the first one. I know that sounds asinine. Its downright fucked up and creepy, but they made me care about something, and I feel that it shouldn’t be messed with. Maybe 5 years from now I’ll have an Absolute edition sitting next to the first one. Time will tell.
I’m going to take this on a bit of a tangent for a bit. One other thing that kind of annoys me sometimes about creators (all creators, not just comics) is how they characterize feedback. In a lot of interviews I hear them say something like “We decided to do A, and we got a lot of negative feedback, so we decided to do Z and they still complained” which makes it sound like the same exact people that complained about A complained about Z, when in reality they are 2 completely different groups of people most of the time. Unfortunately thats just going to happen. Looking back at the 2000 elections it was 48 to 47 percent between Bush and Gore. No matter who won a large chunk of people were going to be pissed.
This is a topic that I feel strongly about because the internet creeps that Josh mentions in the articles are the ones who are killing my interest in participating in this site and most sites like this. Granted, the driving force isn’t as bad as when I’ve had to abandon other sites due to the scene getting utterly ugly. However, this is a site that I feel very fondly for, and I hate to see that even a little bit of ugliness has infested it. I came here a few years ago to outlet my love of comics with a community who shares my interest, and came away with not only that, but also a good number of real life friends whose company I really enjoy. I was impassioned to share my comments and thoughts about comics and comic culture with a diverse and tight knit community who I agreed and disagreed with.
For the past few months, though, I’ve seen an increase of activity that Josh mentioned in his article. People who harshly condemn the writers of the site like they just wrote about how awesome kitten killing is. People who lash out with 50+ comments because they don’t agree with the general consensus of the site that Wolverine and Spider-Man are good Avengers. There are still people who bring an interesting insight to the community, but I don’t know…when I see the person or two in this comment thread actually DEFENDING the right to act creepy, it’s furthering the question I started asking myself when I noticed this activity on the rise: Do I really want to share my thoughts with the people who act like jerks to one another? I don’t have an answer yet, and I really don’t want to get out of Dodge just yet, but man…the bad apple creeps sure are visible. This article pretty much exemplified my thoughts, so thanks.
I’ve cut way back on my input for the same reasons. It just gets old. It would really suck, though, if you decided to stop posting. I enjoy your thoughts.
I blame the advertisement for iFanboy in the DC comics a few months back.
As far fan-to-celebrity interaction goes, I agree that we all need to check ourselves but I have to disagree with Josh’s painting people who “go to town on twitter and message boards ripping into pros for their comic book work” as being “creepy”.
Unless they’re sending tweets directly to the writer/artist/editor I’m don’t think this fits the definition of “creepy” as used to describe fan-to-celebrity interaction. While I certainly wish at times that people express their dismay about something with more tact I don’t think it’s creepy to express an opinion.
I often wonder this after I leave the comic shop. “Am I being too friendly?” Sure I’m a preferred customer there and I know the clerks’ names, but I just see them as normal guys whom work at a comic store not guys I buys comic books from.
Considering the growing popularity of digital comics I wonder how this will change conventions.
I would like to see fewer signings and more moderated discussions, Q&A sessions, lightning talks about new titles or declarations of fandom. Picturing something smaller, more interactive and conversational and less marketing driven.
I think there’s a great opportunity to engage fans now (live and online) in a way that can dampen the creepy element.
Its funny to me the level of creepiness exhibited by those that both support and hate the article. Thought it was great, keep up the good work.
On top of that I think the comics industry is the worst pop culture business for listening to fans and giving them what they want. The problem being that people don’t know what they want, they know what they like, but if they knew how to create what they like they’d be on the other side of the glass doing the creating.
Not that we don’t want the creepers, it’s for that reason the creepers are important, when they’re vocal it means something interesting is happening, like when there’s a spike in the rat population in a certain urban area you know somethings going down. All I want is comic creators to just create good books, not books that make me happy all the time, just books that are good. If people are screaming than ranting, if the creeps are creeping, that means you’re probably doing something right.
Everything here has been really nice, but what does “creepy” mean? Isn’t it the same thing as being “addictive” or “obsessive?”
Is creepiness,just letting your guard down, letting your addictions and obsessions being known to others.
Can one be “comics creepy” without being addicted or obsessed to or by comics?
Conversely, can one be addicted or obsessed without being creepy?
I live in an environment where there are no comic book shops, no conventions, no nothing.
I live in South Korea and am trying to keep up with things.
The only interaction I have in regard to comics are the websites, blogs, podcasts, and my online store.
My comics interest seems, to others, weird at best, and considering my age (44), creepy at times….
Meanwhile, in the comics community, while I feel more at home and try to interact, due to my inability to be right there with things as they are happening I come across as a numbskull.
I guess what I’m saying is that while I liked the premise of “Don’t be a creep!” I can’t help like feeling like one at times and I don’t know exactly what “creeps”, “creepiness”, and “creepers” are.
Who is this entity? Am I one of them? Could someone divulge a few more examples?
Twiceborn I dont think Josh was referring to you or anyone like you. He was mostly talking about people that attack small details of artists and creators work. People that get angry if spidermans pants in the next movie are going to have the exact color combination and pattern from the comic….. or people that are rude or scarey at public comic events. And i guess rude or scarey online as well. From what you typed i dont think your any of those. Im 31 but I will be reading comics when im 51 and there are people on this site that are 51 and are well respected so dont worry about that. Just let people know that you may get some comics late because your not in the USA… and you should be fine .. at least with most of the people on this site.. even i feel like a numbskull every now and then and im here in the middle of it.
I seriously don’t understand the type of person you are referring to. I mean, football fans whine when their team looses. Same with baseball fans. They get angry when a decision is made by their chosen team’s administration. Are they creepy? Should they just chose another team? That is characteristic of fandom, *anywhere* in the world!
Every time i begin to escape into the world of comics something always drags me back into our wonderful world -_-
Once i’m finished with this surgery to look like Dan Didio, he’ll HAVE to be my friend!