Shark Infested Waters

I’m familiar with The Theory. I’m also familiar with The Law. It’s the rest of the internet I wonder about*.

A few weeks ago we submitted our comic to Joystiq’s Weekly Webcomic Wrapup. We hadn’t really expected to make it on the list, but we did make it and we were happy and grateful. The response was a lot better than I had expected. We received a few nice comments and the community there seemed to enjoy the comic. When the voting was done we had placed fifth out of seven entries. Considering the calibre of the other entries and that no one had ever heard of us before (we had no cavalry waiting to rush the vote) I’m extremely proud of that fifth place finish. So many people viewed the comic that our site crashed and I loved them for it. I joined the community there and thanked them for giving us a chance.

Kotaku has their own version of webcomic wrapup. The comics featured there don’t change from week to week. A spot there means you’re in for good. Not how I would do it, but it’s their system. Recently they announced that they’re down one comic and looking to fill the open slot. Webcomics began scrambling out from their hiding places, us included, and prostrating themselves before the masses.

It’s often difficult to parse feelings and emotion from text on the internet, but desperation always reads clear as day. There was blood in the water, and if there’s anything that attracts an internet forum douchebag it’s the chance to eviscerate someone from a safe distance.

I’m no stranger to internet savagery; this isn’t my first rodeo. I know the proper response. But the blood always makes for such a spectacle. It’s hard to look away. I considered waiting until next week to post this comic in hopes of swaying a few more voters with another gaming related strip, but then I’d have looked like a sore loser.

I will be a sore loser next week, but I don’t want to look like one.

* Because I’m a hypocrite. There. I said it. Once you admit it, it’s kind of liberating.

- Chase