Joe, that's really great and all, but it happens even when the artists get paid. That's what I'm trying to get through to you.

Yes, it's the right idea to value your work so highly that you don't give it away. That's how you make money. Dammit, we get that.

But, well, I come from the border. I'm used to seeing guys from Mexico go out and bust their asses doing jobs that Americans won't do. And because I'm from a farm myself, I'm used to being out there with them.

Now, the friends I have now have never even had a job that makes them tired, much less aching and painful. They've got everything they need. They don't have to sacrifice to be successful.

Have you ever noticed that American comic artists are disappearing from American comics? I'm seeing Spider-Man being drawn by Marcos Martin and Paolo Rivera, not Steve Rude or Mike Zeck.

Why is that? Is it because Marvel isn't paying them?

No, it's because Marvel can find artists to work for wages that Americans would laugh at. Actually, that's also why you don't find Japanese artists working in American comics.

There damn sure are a lot of ignorant dreamers out there who are convinced that if they could just get their new series, Rock, Paper, Scissors, out there, it's going to be great! There's a lot of con artists out there-- I've had personal dealings with J-Bolt, if any of you remember him.

I've found, Joe, that the argument is much more complex than that long-winded article would lead one to believe.

Wow. Well, it's nice to know where we stand, then.

I shall take that to heart.

Oh fuck this, Carlton deserves credit for trying something, and deserves nothing but respect for trying to find out how the system works. He hasn't, that I know of bought my works, he doesn't, that I know of, follow my blogs, so cynics go fuck yourselves. He is simply trying to figure out the margins of needs, want and hoped for... I don't t hink that is wrong by any means.

And... that's why you want artists to spend unpaid months drawing your Wolverine fanfic?

I guess?

If that's all it takes, then you should respect me for trying to poke fun at him.

You're welcome.

Because you're willing to exploit migrant workers on your farm, Americans are lazy?

Farm labor or art, their is no nobility in exploitation.

I respect his efforts, seriously. I just don't understand or respect his hostility. If he didn't want input why post here?

Or maybe not,

If it is simply poking fun, then ok.
But if you are pissing on him for the joy of mocking someone in public, then please piss more towards doing so into the wind.

THANK YOU.

Hey I printed 20 or so pages of the pdf before I ran out of ink. I meant to give it a serious read honestly. I still think Carlton should maybe consider giving the artists in here, American or otherwise also some serious thought when it comes to their concerns. Jokes not withstanding.

Maybe spend some time with us down in the Creating Comics section as you have Alex. I tend to think we have a solid group of creators.

All six of us. Or is there only five?

Maybe we need seven?

Yea we should make it seven.