#151 - Ciao!
Wednesday, April 30th, 20082008-05-09:
Status Update
You guys are really great.
Thanks for showing your support. A lot of your comments here are making me teary-eyed. I will never stop doing ALM until the story is told. It’s just a little story I have in my head but it is very important to me. If you like it, that makes me very happy. Unfortunately one asshole is making it difficult for me and I need a break. I’m still in shock from his attacks. Forgive me for this hiatus. I will be back, but perhaps slightly more withdrawn. I hope you understand.
April 30th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Love your comic, I would be very sad if you had to shut it down. Nasty people, please go away!
April 30th, 2008 at 8:36 pm
I can’t believe you’re being harassed, that is awful! I’m sorry-I would start a posse if you like.
April 30th, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Why the hell are people harrassing you? I hope you don’t have to quit… Love the comic
April 30th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
My mini came today. Thanking you much and much. Actually, the tableux within is almost freakishly relevant to my current tumultuous troubles. Eerie, and you say exactly what I was thinking. Which is weird.
Anyway, one of the things I like about this comic is the constantly shifting art styles. It’s good to get a fresh perspective on everything sometimes, and you do it well. It keeps it interesting, even if it isn’t always necessarily better than before.
I really hope whoever is fucking with you stops doing it. Because it would be really sad to lose the comic because some people are weird and horrible.
Incidentally, something about the lines and architectural interpretation in todays strip make me think of a cross between Kafka and Asterix.
So maybe that’s you. Only with more borking.
Ahem.
Be well.
April 30th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I feel sincerely sorry for the “harassment doesn’t stop”.
I hope those, ekhym, let’s use real name -dumbasses- honestly look for brain and leave this fools errand.
As for web comic I really hope you will keep it up! I like your ink and color style more than corel one. I’m not suggesting it was bad, nonono… It has the ’soul’, y’know? It is more pleasant to gaze upon it for several minutes.
Once again I sign for ‘kill stupid anymous readers’ and I twist my fingers to see the next brilliantly page done
PS. Och, an idea! If u decide to not post anymore - shame, but - don’t throw away your talent! Keep up drawing, because you DO have a talent and there ARE people enjoying it!!!
Ciao ‘n’ g’luck!
April 30th, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I am always a huge advocate of information liberty and I believe that in sweden the system is pretty fair, but off course its a drawback when people can get you phone number and address just by knowing you name. I find it sad that some people have to make you feel uncomfortable because of their desires and wishes.
You should not let them boss you into giving up your entertaining hobbies, but you should also not put your self in a situation where you feel uncomfortable because you want to entertain the interwebs.
I for once would be very sad and missing something if your comic wouldn’t be there to brighten my day.
If this doesn’t stop you should maybe get a private number or ask en..o AB to remove your information.
very sad all of this…
April 30th, 2008 at 8:49 pm
whoa, creepy
hope it stops
April 30th, 2008 at 8:50 pm
I am so sorry to hear about the harassment. I hope it doesn’t come to shutting down the comic–I really enjoy reading it–but your personal life should remain your own, so I’m sure people would understand if you had to. I’ll be sending good vibes your way!
April 30th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
I think digital painting is the way to go. Especially since you’re creating this for digital viewing. If you don’t already have a Wacom, you should invest in one.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
It makes me wonder… how do other webcartoonists avoid harassment of the sort?
Anyways, I hope it stops. And I hope your claim doesn’t attract even more dickheads…
April 30th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Man– why does the internet ruin everything?
April 30th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Call the police TODAY! They will know what to do. E.g., they can find the real numbers behind any “private numbers”, etc.
If they can’t help quickly, you may have to change your own number, to what we here in the U.S. call “unlisted”. A bother, I know.
Please, Rene, don’t let some nut stop you from doing what you love. That’s what he wants!
April 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry you’ve had to go through this. My boyfriend and I adore your comic and would be heartbroken if you had to stop. However, your safety should always come first. Hope everything turns out ok for you.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Like you haven’t gone through enough already! I hope those dumb-dumbs stop and leave you alone! But do what you must, I still love you (and your work!) no matter what! ^______^
April 30th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
i just noticed the new site design and it’s awesome!!
the comic is looking beautiful, and i really hope everything works out for you. best wishes.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:28 pm
DAMMIT!!
Be strong Rene, they want you to stop, If you do no one would blame you, but they would win. However, real life-family comes first.
Also, I don’t understand why they are doing it… why? your comic is lovely and fun, can’t see the reason.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Family personal safety come first every time. I don’t know what people are saying to you, and I certainly don’t know enough about Swedish culture to guess what culturally bound threats and pranks you may be getting over the phone, but the universal ones that come to mind can be scary.
Do what you feel you need to do. This reader understands, and I bet plenty of others do as well.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I just found this comic recently, and I like it a lot. I hope you won’t stop making it on account of some fools with too much time on their hands.
Good luck with getting rid of those pests.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:50 pm
augh that made me feel sick. Waiting for the image to load on my sh*t connection I read the news post first.
) thank you.
My heart goes out to you.
Then I read the comments, including the one about the site redesign.. oh wow.. yea.. nice. Different and nice.
Then I read the comic and it made me smile, ( briefly
ooo and it’s really pretty too. I like the expressions.. even when Bjorn has no mouth.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
I hope that stops! I don’t know if I can live without the conclusion of A♥M. Those people are all horrible.
April 30th, 2008 at 9:52 pm
Whoa! I know people get kind of over-passionate about webcomics (whether they love or hate a particular strip) but personal harassment is going way too far. I hope you don’t stop because I love your work! Is there anything the local police can do for you? Maybe you could change your number?
SERIOUSLY PEOPLE LEAVE RENE ALONE, SHE IS AWESOME. }:(
April 30th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Oh no! I’m very sorry about that, and I hope that it does stop. It would be a pity if the comic went away. It’s one of my very favorites.
Also, I love this particular one. The whole ‘no hard feelings’ thing is lovely. I just can’t wait to see Anders and Maria together again. Good job!
April 30th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
Ugh, that’s awful about those creepy jerks calling and harassing you. I just found this comic the other day and I’m so in love with it, it would seriously suck if you decided to stop. Of course you have to do what’s best for you and your family, but I hope you decide to keep posting. The characters are so lovable, and I think Anders is kind of a dreamboat.
To sum up: Go away creepy jerks!
April 30th, 2008 at 10:20 pm
Some people have nothing better to do with their time than to harass other people. ¬_¬ Probably some teenagers who have had too much to drink or something and have been put up to it.
Anyways, I love this comic XD It’s the first site I check when I first get on, and the last one I check before I go to sleep.
I love how even Bjorn seems to have forgiven Anders for what he’s done in the past. It’s a good thing that he’s left Tina behind. I was really starting to change my mind about her towards the end there, but I suppose people do strange things when they’re desperate. I can’t wait for him to see Maria again and to see how big she’s gotten~
April 30th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I love the digital coloring with the hand done inks. Though the watercolor from yesterday gave you so much trouble, I thought it turned out beautifully. It was so vibrant in color! Experimenting with your comics can be pretty fun sometimes.
I’m sorry to hear that people are harassing you. If you have any personal information anywhere on the site, removing it might help cut back on the crazies. That’s always pretty weird when that happens. I heard Randy Milholland from Something Positive at one point in time.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:38 pm
I’ve never posted before, but do love your comic. It’s weird when people think they can do things like prank call folks who happen to post online.
In the U.S. (or at least in my part, New York City), you can have your phone company put a block on your phone so that if the number calling is “private,” they must announce their name to a recording so you can approve the caller before being connected. I also agree with the comment about calling the police. I hope there are other options for you to consider to deal with these jerks without having to stop doing something you love.
Best of luck. And if any of these callers are reading the comments… please stop ruining the party for everyone because of your own issues.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Your comic is fantastic and you seem like a really cool person, I’m really sorry that you have to deal with such pathetic wastoids. I’m join in on wishing you good luck and hoping everything turns out okay!
April 30th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
I really like your comic. It reflects how messed up and beautiful things can be in real life by having everything happen at once. I’m sorry people are harassing you.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Also, if you ended up removing Anders Loves Maria from the web, I would definitely purchase any books you might happen to come out with if you continued the comic in print only. Yes.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
That is so sad. I feel like awkward if I PM you more then once. I wonder why people think they have the right?
Gross! Seriously.
I really hope it stops.
April 30th, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Have you called the police yet ? This is what they’re payed (with your tax money) for !
I hope this stops and you don’t quit webcomics, because I’ve really been enjoying Anders Loves Maria.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
creepy! i’ve had sickos call me on my dorm phone before NO FUN AT ALL
hopefully they get bored and stop?
also, i like the way the digital painting looks, but…what happened to the color? it was so pretty!
digital painting in color? yes?
good work either way! i love all the experimentation, keeps us on our toes!
April 30th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
Boo for people who call you, and I’m sorry that you’re getting malicious comments over the phone (weird and scary that they went for the phone instead of trolling the comments board like normal jerks/fan-weirdos!). I wish you the best and if you have to withdraw your internet presence, I hope we’ll still be able to see a book some day - but of course my first hope is for happiness and safety at home.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
that is really disturbing. you might want to contact authorities, see if they can help you at all…
April 30th, 2008 at 11:10 pm
man thats crazy! i think this is the first time i’ve ever heard that a webcomics artist has gotten abusive phone calls. it seriously unfair, not to mention against the law.
Shame on you idiots!!!
April 30th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I am willing to begin a campaign to scourge the surface of the planet with cleansing flame, if that helps at all.
April 30th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
Jon I’m sure that would solve a lot of problems!
April 30th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
wow! I’m so sorry that you have to go through that Rene… do you have any idea how your number leaked out? Maybe you should just change it if it’s that bad…
April 30th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Man, Renee, my husband and I (faithful readers and fans!) are delurking to say that we’re so sorry you’re getting harassed. People are ridiculous and stupid sometimes. We hope people come to their senses soon– we’d be crushed without ALM!
April 30th, 2008 at 11:59 pm
Please don’t quit the comic!! I obsessively check it everyday! Creepy callers aren’t any fun, I know. I understand if you have to quit though, also I agree with Samantha Kyle. I would sooo buy any books you wanted to put out! Anders Love Maria is so awesome and I’m so glad that I found it. My days aren’t the same without it!
May 1st, 2008 at 12:05 am
I’d like to join in saying that I am really sorry you’re having to deal with this kind of garbage, Rene. Obviously, you and your family come before the need to entertain folks on the net, but I would also be more than happy to help support ALM in whatever format you’re able to put it out in (if you should have to stop the webcomic, which I obviously hope will not happen). In any event, the latest stylistic experiments have been very cool and I hope you can stop whoever these weasels are from further harassment.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:08 am
Renee!
I love your comic A Loves M, and it’s awful that you’re getting grief about it.
If you track any of the Haters to Texas, send me their information. I’ll introduce them to Texas Justice. With an axe handle.
Seriously, you Stay Strong. It’s only weak people who make anonymous threats by phone & e-mail. Ta` Hell with `em. I’ll help.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:09 am
Damn a-holes ruining it for everyone else.
Your phone number is on your whois listing for reneengstrom.com. That’s where they’re getting it, probably.
One idea is to get your website registrar to switch the number to something more controlled. I have a GrandCentral number (I’m not sure they’re avaliable outside the US), and it allows me to block private numbers if I want, or even everyone outside my phonebook.
Some registrars also allow “anonymous” listings, not sure how those work though.
Hopefully the calls will just stop, and you won’t have to go to any trouble, but there’s some alternatives out there, please consider them before you quit the Internet. ALM is really good!
May 1st, 2008 at 1:01 am
I can’t imagine what kind of loser spends time harassing part-time artists over their work. That is time that could be spent watching a dog play or reading a book perhaps.
In any case, if you do not continue Anders Loves Maria online, I will be quite depressed. I hope that does not happen.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:01 am
Ms. Engstrom,
I love all of your art styles, and I refuse to choose a favorite, because your freedom as an artist is more important than your audience’s mild conveniences.
The harassment is ridiculous. I hope it reaches a quick resolution.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:11 am
Keep it up and do what you need to do. You have enough of a non-creepy cult follwoing that you should feel good about sharing what you do with the world
And yeah, like I said in an e-mail I sent you, the mini did get here, and I’m madly in love with it. Like the commenter way higher here, I feel like it relates strongly to some relationship stuff I’m going through, so… you hit nerves. You’re good. Be well.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:14 am
I’m sorry you’re being harassed! Those sort of actions are becoming more and more common toward web-cartoonists; sadly, and it makes me realize why so many artists are reclusive.
Hopefully, it’ll all end quickly and well. I love your artwork, and am sending good wishes your way.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:49 am
I’ve come to like Bjorn more now…
And he and Anders’ little encounter have made me forgive him for his earlier misgivings…
May 1st, 2008 at 1:53 am
courage Rene! this will stop, seeing how the caller now knows you have a large international army of fans at your disposal.
But getting back to what we all usually post when there isn’t shit going down; i love Bjorns cheekiness in this comic! the way he does the kiss cheek thing with Anders the way Anders did with Jenny is awesome and totally some thing to keep Anders in check.
May 1st, 2008 at 2:34 am
I love your comic– the illustrations are beautifully done and the storyline is intriguing.
I sincerely hope the assholes cease and desist =(
May 1st, 2008 at 2:51 am
I don’t know who is harassing you, or why on earth they are doing it, but I’m terribly sorry for whatever those morons have done to you. I love your webcomic and I hope that these numbskulls don’t scare you off. Really love what you write and draw and hope to see much more in the coming future.
-dj
May 1st, 2008 at 2:55 am
Argh continuous change of layout/background colours is killing me lol I do like the fleshing out of the story with these little side episode kinda things though
Also, i suggest you hire a big black guy called Ben to ‘deal’ with stalker types. So yes, please don’t cancel stip! we MUST see the thrilling conclusion!!!
May 1st, 2008 at 3:13 am
I don’t blame you– I would be creeped out too. Can you trace the calls? Something that we learn in my line of work is to report every suspicious call, comment, e-mail, etc. Have you considered this? Having people investigate the IP addresses and track the phone calls being made to you. Harrassment is no joke. Stay safe Rene.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:24 am
I sincerely hope that they stop harassing you. It would be a shame to have such an engrossing and artistic webcomic to come to a sudden close because of some people that can’t grow up.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:43 am
Wow… Rene, I’m so sorry to hear about these pranksters! The internet that seems to pander to humankind’s lowest common denominator.
So unfortunate!
Not that my opinion matters, but I do think those suggesting you contact relevant authorities are correct. No one should have to put up with being harassed, and since you ARE feeling scared, it’s better to get a paper trail going on something like this so that it’s documented. People who do that sort of thing get a power rush out of making you feel threatened and such, so stopping the webcomic is likely to have less impact on the prank calls than making it clear you’re working with authorities to find out who’s behind it.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:50 am
I like your hand inked water color stuff the most, but I’m old-school when it comes to that. Yesterday’s strip was probably my favorite, lovely colors.
I also hope that those creeps leave you and your family alone. Seriously, what gives people the idea they have that sort of right?
May 1st, 2008 at 4:06 am
Hey, don’t quit this just because of a couple assholes. It would be better to take your number off the net than to give into these people. You have a tremendous fan base for such a fresh comic, and I think that this comic has some serious potential to grow very large
May 1st, 2008 at 4:11 am
I have yet to receive my mini!!! I am so sad about this :[
May 1st, 2008 at 4:36 am
I dont understand? Why would you be getting harassed for?
I really hope you dont stop the comic. Think of it this way: you have hundreds (maybe thousands) or readers that love your work and then maybe a few sicko’s and creeps. Dont let one bad apple ruin us all!
:D
I love you
May 1st, 2008 at 5:04 am
I’d say thousands (of fans), really. This is an amazing webcomic, both in comparison to most of its contemporaries and on its own.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:16 am
I’ve been reading this comic for about a month now and it’s an absolute joy to read; you’re really talented and I appreciate all the effort and obvious love you put into it–the shifting art styles and the video tour, to name a couple of things.
It’s a shame people are harassing you, and I hope they stop as it would be awful to see this discontinued. As other commenters have said, perhaps it’s possible to add your number to a private or blocked list, or inform the authorities…but above all else your safety and the safety of your family is the biggest priority, your fans would be alright(very, very sad =(, but alright) if you chose to discontinue the comic.
As an aside, I like your watercolor the best.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:20 am
I’ve only just started reading your comic a few months ago, but reading it has become one of the highlights of my day. I shall pray to my cruel god that the asshole mystery caller be stricken with a severe case of nipple and ass cancer, suffering a slow and painful demise, so that your truly wonderful comic may continue to exist.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:34 am
I hope whoever is stepping over the line will stop.
Always a great comic.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:42 am
Renee,
Do you know who these people are?
Can you notify the police?
Please, if you are reading this (stalkers), please try to understand that you are hurting Renee, and no contact from you is welcome or helpful! You can not fix this. You behaved a little weirdly & scared her. Now, you need to just back off…
If you REALLY feel that she simply misunderstands you, please, respect her desire to not receive phone calls in any event, and simply leave a polite, concise apology here.
May 1st, 2008 at 5:46 am
I’m so very sorry for you. Just know that for every person that calls to harass you, there are at least 10 nice people out there that love you and your comic
May 1st, 2008 at 5:46 am
whoa i am really sorry about phone calls, people are jerks.
but i love your comic so hopefully you keep it up.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:16 am
Aww, I will so miss the handrawn / painted if you don’t go back to it. It was so pretty!
Anyway, if people are calling you all the time you could always request your number not be listed, if they do that in your country (I honestly haven’t the foggiest…)
Failing that, just keep telling yourself that people are small and stupid and that they will always obsess about something.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:21 am
I can’t believe people are calling you and harassing you! That is really terrible. I’ll be really sad if you quit, but I’ll understand why if you end up having to.
Just know that the majority of us love you and care about you. It’s like Annabeth said: “for every person that calls to harass you, there are at least 10 nice people out there that love you and your comic.”
May 1st, 2008 at 6:28 am
it’s pretty alarming that someone is doing that to you, maria… have you called the police and informed them of this?
May 1st, 2008 at 6:29 am
Hello Miss Rene
I hope they quit so you don’t quit doing your awesome comic cos I’m hooked!
I’m sorry people are dicks to you on the phone. That’s just bad
Also, digital painting is hell of fun, and I usually prefer to do things that way rather than the frustration I go through when I pull out the real inks and go to town on my water colour paper. Your mileage may vary. You can check out some of my work on my blog if you want to see my experiences with it (it’s not necessarily safe for work or for small eyes; though I just consider it artwork, some people may find it offensive): http://drjblogs.blogspot.com.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:30 am
p.s.
you have a lot of support from your fans and we would be very upset if you stopped comicking! so stay strong, I’m sure this will blow over soon and whoever it is will get what’s coming to them.
May 1st, 2008 at 6:33 am
Wow, everything is slowly coming together for everyone involved… Except poor Tina. Maybe she’ll find a cozy padded room in the local asylum.
I’m so sorry for your troubles Rene. It’s a shame those assholes have nothing better to do than harass a hard-working person. I agree that you should call the authorities.
May 1st, 2008 at 7:22 am
Does the ring have a weird ringtone, and then screaming when you listed to the message? If so, it might be a bad movie.
XD
Jokes asside, that sucks. I’ve thought of putting my phone number out for a few various reasons, but I’m almost certain I’d get a bunch of weird and stupid phone calls.
If there is anything I/we can do about it…..
May 1st, 2008 at 7:24 am
For fun, people can pretend that this is MY phone number: 1-985-655-2500 XD
May 1st, 2008 at 7:50 am
Have someone trace them somehow and I’ll send a few heavy-set irish hitmen their way >>
May 1st, 2008 at 8:00 am
I challenge any person giving Rene trouble to fisticuffs at dawn.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:00 am
I love the digital paint , it looks very nice and still looks watercolor-y (without all the ‘real life’ paint hassle which I know for a fact is a good thing), if it works better, go for it (like you need my approval, haha).
I really hope those jerks stop, I’d miss your comic terribly! It’s pathetic what some morons do when they find a phone number on the internet. (Or however they found it). Good luck getting them to stop. I’ll send bad thoughts their way.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:08 am
I am so sorry to hear about this harassment. I only JUST found this webcomic (yesterday!) and fell in love with your art! I would be devastated if it got shut down. I hope these people leave you alone!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:14 am
I’m sorry to hear about the harassers. Jerks!
I cannot believe that someone would do that. But I agree with Mo-B:
Do not let some rude people ruin what you like doing, but at the same time, do not keep yourself working as a webcomic artist if you keep getting harassed and threats are made. Though I do not want to see you go at all, I would terribly miss your wonderful art! =(
Also, I like the new digital painting and the new web layout.
May 1st, 2008 at 8:31 am
I love you comic. Please don’t stop.
Off and on throughout the years, my family has recieved the same issues.
Currently, the perpetrators are either my neighbors (long story) or my ex-husband (longer story).
You know what fixes it everytime?
Invest in a whistle. They call? BLOW THEIR GODDAMNED EARS OUT!!!! They stop after that ^.^
Today, I couldn’t find my whistle, so I screeched at the top of my lungs into the phone. no more ring ring all day ^.^
Love the comic, even if it does occassionally break my brain o.o
May 1st, 2008 at 8:34 am
Rene, I’m really sorry that some /b/tard-like humans decided to troll your landlines. It’s inexcusable.
That said, I think Amy and I would be terribly upset if the story got truncated; I seriously do hope that the immature punks harassing you get either over it, or caught.
May 1st, 2008 at 9:08 am
Like the new painting. Hell, like everything you’ve done. You’ve got great talent. Don’t like the thought of seeing the end so soon, though, especially because of the actions of some idiot.
I agree with many of the responses, call the police.
Even if all that happens is a stern talking to, there will be a record if it ever happens again. And from what I’ve seen, the police aren’t so forgiving on second chances (or first ones, for that matter!)
May 1st, 2008 at 9:18 am
i usually just lurk around here - but rene, i want to encourage you to contact the proper authorities regarding the phone calls - change your number and make sure that strangers don’t have easy access. but more importantly - this is your art, your work, and it’s absolutely wonderful. don’t let anyone ruin something that is that special for you.
(also, i love the hand-drawn water colors. it adds a beautiful level of human warmth and poignancy to the story - please, keep it up. and yr tonal palate is fantastic!)
May 1st, 2008 at 9:31 am
You have my sympathy and support, I hope they will stop tormenting you
May 1st, 2008 at 10:57 am
I don’t think that I’ve ever commented on your site before, but I had to offer my sympathy and support for you. I am so sorry that you’re being harassed and I want you to know that my thoughts are with you and your family. I saw some people suggest you go to the police. I don’t know anything about privacy law or anything like that in Sweden but I want to add my voice to the people saying you should look into getting help.
As for the colouring and lettering, I really enjoy both, but I don’t want to say, “Oh, yes, keep that forever,” because every style that you’ve tried has its own unique beauty, and part of the fun of reading this comic for me has been seeing you experiment with different artistic styles.
I also want to say that while I hope you never stop doing this, your safety does come first. Take care of yourself. (Although from looking over these comments, it sounds like you’ve got a small army of people who care about you. You should make them come guard your house and screen your phone calls so you don’t have to put up with it.)
May 1st, 2008 at 11:50 am
my sympathies go to you. rabid stalkerish fanboys will find a way to ruin any good experience that comes out of the interweb.
be safe, and please continue bringing us the wonderful comic you do.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:10 pm
People are CALLING YOU? That’s fucking creepy.
I hope they go away, or see if you can find a way to block their numbers or something. If worst comes to worst you can always block all unidentifiable/untraceable calls until you can change your number. Don’t let these social retards make you ever stop creating, if anything do what the countless people above me have mentioned and alert the authorities as well.
I hope things get better for you.
It’s really disgusting how some people just cannot grasp the concept of social boundaries, and taking unwanted internet stuff to real life is just one line someone should not cross. It’s easy enough to delete an email or inflammatory comment, but hard to dodge a phone call. That’s so gross.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:13 pm
People are rövhål.
I like that Anders and Björn are friends.
May 1st, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Jag är verkligen ledsen. Hoppas dom slutar.
Byt telefonnummer för säkerhets skull.
Ser framemot att följa denna serie.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:15 pm
You do a brilliant comic, don’t let whichever dickhead is doing this get you down.
I hope everything is alright for you, and that they stop, you seem like such a lovely person, I don’t know what’s wrong with them.
May 1st, 2008 at 1:31 pm
caller ID + not pickup up the phone unless its a number is a wonderful thing, hell i have to do it now to get rid of all the spam phone calls i get. i have heard of some people who have nice setups where people who have a hidden phone number automatically goto voice mail
May 1st, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I cannot and will not understand how some people feel that it is simply OK to dig up information on people online and call them / show up at their homes. It takes a special level of social ineptitude and it’s really unfortunate for the victims. I mean, suppose that someone looks up the phone number of the clerk they rang them up at the store and decides to start calling them? I beg these people to take a 20 minute time out when they have these ideas and just think them through first. If that doesn’t work, baseball bats will usually do the trick.
Absolutely enthralled with the comic. I hope everything works itself out.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I can’t wait for my mini to get here. =)
May 1st, 2008 at 3:04 pm
Hej Rene,
just wanted to say I really enjoyed the mini (and thanks for the cute sketch you made in it!).
And I agree with all posts above on the harassment; I do hope this resolves quickly for you. Don’t hesitate to take action such as contacting the police. I went through a similar thing some years back and I wasted waay too much energy worrying about it before I got help.
May 1st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Hey, I would be really sad if you stopped drawing Anders Love Maria. I check it every day, even when I know it won’t be updated. I love the story line and the artistry.
So to whoever is harassing you, You keep this up, I’ll come and get you! I work the night shift at McDonalds near a party college and I know how to deal with disorderly people!
May 1st, 2008 at 4:27 pm
Are you sure it’s internet people? Where would they be getting your phone number?
May 1st, 2008 at 4:42 pm
I’m just wondering who would spend the time to harass you. it seems like a pretty pointless thing to do to harass a web comic maker. now a restaurant owner…thats a fun guy to harass.
May 1st, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Rene - harassment is a terrible thing. I know it is hard for you, but if you quit, they win.
Best wishes from a Brazilian fan that you can overcome that. Keep the coloring experiments!
Cheers!
May 1st, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Yay, Rene and Maritza in one webpage, two of my favorite female webtoonists! Maritza, I think in Rene’s country if you know a person’s name it’s unbelievably easy to get things like their address, phone number, shoe size, and favorite ice cream flavor.
Rene - I hope it ends very quickly, but I also hope you won’t end the comic — then they win. Stand tall! And keep up the lovely artwork — I wish I could paint a comic as pretty as you do. In fact, I shall try… and will give you credit as my inspiration. (Unless it sucks, then I won’t link you to my suckitude….)
May 1st, 2008 at 5:34 pm
hey, sorry to hear of the harassment. It reminds me of the story of the little girl who had cancer and blogged about it, and then received death threats. Many people are small minded morons who will lash out at people better than themselves. Unfortunately they are also the people that you notice the most.
I write to join the chorus of good folks here, the mostly silent majority, who appreciate the hard work you put into your art. Keep your head up! And a message to the idiots that are calling you:
I pity you, you poor ignorant chumps
May 1st, 2008 at 5:50 pm
this is not good news to wake-up to! please don’t leave us. hey jerks, leave her alone!!
ciao~ oh bjorn!
May 1st, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I love the style of this one — the thick & thin quality of the line work and the subtle blues are really beautiful.
Also I like the detail of Anders watching Bjorn whille kissing Jenny goodbye. Then he looks a little surprised to be kissed by Bjorn too — but pleased. I’m from the USA and we don’t have that custom — do men usually kiss each other goodbye like that where you are?
I’m glad Anders and Bjorn can be friends! It makes a nice change for Anders after being treated so badly by Maria’s family. (Also it makes a wicked part of me want to draw Anders/Bjorn fan art! Heehee!)
May 1st, 2008 at 6:52 pm
oh that would be so very sad if one disturbed person ruined it for everyone else.
as people have mentioned before, there’s things you can do… don’t answer the phone, get a new number, inform the police. and don’t let that disturbed person know in any way that he/she is really bothering you as that’s probably exactly what they want.
i wish you good luck!
May 1st, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Only yesterday I was reading your comic and the way you respond to comments and thinking you seemed like such a genuinely nice person. I find it amazing then to discover you are being harassed.
I can’t being to empathise with the feelings of being harassed but it really sounds horrible and I hope you can find a way to make it stop and regain your peace of mind. By all means if you feel you need to stop making your comic to regain a feeling of safety I would suggest you do, even though I would miss it greatly. I have enjoyed reading your comic since I discovered it from sam and fuzzy. I especially enjoy the way it picture frames other cultures (and makes british people look VERY reserved).
May 1st, 2008 at 8:41 pm
I’m sorry that’s happening to you Rene, that really isn’t fair at all. Your comic is absolutely amazing and definitely worth reading, and in noe way deserves the jackassery of idiots. I mean, what the hell can they find som bad to say about your comic that warrants calling you and harassing you? I think people are just crazy and need to find some friggin hobbies. I’ll be very sad if you have to leave us because of these fools. Good luck Ma’am Engstrom.
May 1st, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Laura: The kissing is a very strong upper class-marker, not something a working class guy like Björn would normally do. He’s probably doing it in an ironic manner.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:25 pm
oh no!!!!!!
this is my favorite comic, please please please pull through !: ( i hate the idea of u getting harrassed/ending the comic because of a bunch of offendable sour grapes.
May 1st, 2008 at 11:30 pm
GOD, i will be forced to declare vendetta on the internet if this comic had to stop due to jerks being jerks
this comic is great… it’s a good antidote to the usual angst-heavy webcomic relationship drama
i’ve never posted before, i just wanted to say that this is a Good Comic, the world would be worse for its loss
May 1st, 2008 at 11:48 pm
Far, far worse for its loss, agreed. We’re all with you on this missus loverly lady.
To those jerks harassing the lady - quit it, or feel my wrath!
May 1st, 2008 at 11:50 pm
Hi, just wanted to say that I love the site redesign and to join in the chorus of people who appreciate your work and hope that you continue. It’s sad — you make yourself so available and you get this crap.
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 am
My two cents:
A) You, and your comic, are awesome. I check for updates every day with crossed fingers.
B) Creepy stalkers suck. You shouldn’t have to deal with that.
In conclusion; Do what you’ve gotta do.
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:52 am
OH please don’t give up the webcomic! I love your webcomic so much!
Those negative people are such a small fraction of your devoted readers! We would be devestated if you gave up!
Nasty people go away!
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:23 am
Hi Rene,
Just thought I’d add to the chorus of people who would be incredibly sad to see the comic go away. I read hundreds of webcomics and few touch me as deeply on such a regular basis. You’re art is beautiful and you’ve created wonderful characters. I understand if you feel you have to stop, but lets just hope the freaks stop first.
You could always try recording them and putting them on the website as a public shaming device.
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:24 am
Man, that has to be dead scary for one to keep recieving anonymous phone calls. Hope they stop soon.
Love the comic totally, would be sad to see it stop.
Shoo away creeepy stalker!
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 am
Please don´t stop doing something you love and plenty of readers enjoy. That´s what that jerk wants. Besides you should be proud of the comic you have, you even got some fans here on Mexico
I´ll be really sad if you stop doing the comic, but your family has priorities of course.
By the way I liked the watercolors better, and I want to see maria again, she hasn´t come out in a while
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:31 am
Is anyone else a little worried amidst this stalking business that Rene hasn’t posted todays comic yet? I’m not saying this in a whiny fan way, I’m saying this in a “I-hope-everythings-ok” way. Usually it’s up by this time, or she gives us the heads up that it will be late/not there t’all long before now…the last time we’ve really seen her online today was on the Twitter up there ^… *fret fret fret* Hopefully life got in the way and she just forgot, or is busy buying a fancy tape recorder to catch the creepy to report him.
Rene, from one person that has been stalked to another, I hope you are being safe and taking measures to get rid of Creepy McCreepo..nothing is quite as core-shaking as losing your feeling of security in your own home. Have you tried the police or the phone company yet to see what they can do? Please let us know if there’s anything, anything at all that your readers can do to help as well. *hugs*
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:09 am
Well boo.
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:13 am
People are doing rude things into the phone?! Yuck! I would have the police on it.
I can’t understand why people would want to harass you though…you’re so nice!
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:28 am
Also, Rene!!!
Did you delete your facbook profile because of these a-holes? I am so sorry :[
I was going to express my extreme despair over the fact that I have yet to receive my mini :[ But now you are gone.
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:32 am
Hey freakos, leave Rene alone. Get a life/job/counselling/ all of the above. Rene: love your comic, sorry to hear about the freaks and phone calls.
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:46 am
I sympathize with you. When I was in debate camp one summer we were basically a handful of high school students living in a huge empty university dorm building. We were getting these scary violent sexual phone calls and there was a homeless guy lurking around and sneaking into the dorms. It was terrifying. Keep yourself safe plz we care about you.
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:31 am
I am with those who are concerned for your safety. I hope everything’s ok!
Love you work, it would be an absolute shame for you to stop because of some loser. Hope it works out.
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:40 am
Rene!
I am so sorry to hear about the stalkerish things. A few suggestions which you have probably already heard: Change your phone number. Get a Skype account, and list that number on your contact page, or your whois page. It is free, and there are never unidentified numbers. I think it’s just awful that anyone would do this to you, but it is obviously a very real and nerve wracking problem.
I hope that you will be able to continue arting, and my luck is with you.
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:45 am
That is a shame.
I’ve been reading for a month or so now and I love your comic.
There is no reason you should be harassed over your art, it is beautiful. That is the prime reason I do not like the internet, too much harassment.
Please do not stop drawing, but if you must you must. I am with a number of people on here that would gladly buy your comic in a book if you no longer continue it here.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:45 am
Take a break to get things in order and ensure your privacy, but don’t let some jerks spoil what you like to do. Go offline if you must. But you’ve hooked a lot of people! In a matter of a few weeks, this comic has surpassed American Elf as my one favorite daily read. That’s saying something.
(I had to go back and read the archives in order, after going through them all mixed-up — and that second read was when I really got a feel for the characters and the evolution of your styles and the sense of the story.)
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:32 am
you draw beautiful hands.
take care.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:05 am
Holy crap. I decide to ignore the internet for while and that’s when shit starts going down — not that this is exactly entertaining.
Man, that sucks!
If its any consolation, this comic made me feel warm and fuzzy inside.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:28 am
Rene,
It has been said before, but I just want to say it again. Take note of when you receive these calls and please please please please please call the police.
Take care.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:44 am
Who else is ready to go all Johan on Mr. Stalker? I mean, I’m not saying we need to kill him or anything, I’m just saying I’ve got a baseball bat and could carve the word “Bork” into it at a moment’s notice….
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:46 am
We will all miss you and the comic.
I think everyone can understand your need for a hiatus though. I hope the police can do something about this creep.
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:53 am
What teribble! I will miss the comic! I hope you come back soon and that terrible man will stop!
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:01 am
awww rene we’ll miss you for the time you’ll be gone! take your time and kick that guy’s ass and come back and share your love soon okay :3
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:23 am
Your such a beautiful person Rene, We all love you. I’ll miss you and the comic, but you need the break. I hope that bastard leaves you alone to rest and recooperate.
*Lots of Hugs and Snuggles for Rene*
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:29 pm
I say we go out and look for the bastard and nail him to the cross.
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I’m so sorry to hear about this, Rene. I’ll echo the sentiments here, you’ve always been nothing short of a sweet and kind person to all of us who read and hold your comic dear to our hearts. I’m shocked someone is making things difficult for you, you are the last person who deserves it. I understand the need to protect yourself and the ones you love by being a bit withdrawn, but I really hope this one jerk will not ruin how genuinely nice you are.
I wish you the best and hope you stay safe.
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
You realize, of course, that just because you put this comic on hiatus doesn’t mean this guy is going to stop harassing you ?
May 2nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Yours is the best comic on the internet and you seem like a wonderful person. I’m sorry you’ve been treated this way and hope the space you’re giving yourself helps. Meantime I’ll just be reading through the archives for the third time.
May 2nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
I’m sorry to hear you’re having this experience, Rene. I hope it’s resolved soon. Be well…
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
The world is full of these people Rene. Get the phone company involved, they have a policy about dealing with such things. And go to the police, it’s a serious business.
For a time I had every call, except for numbers I supplied the phone company with, redirected to me through the operator. It wasn’t very expensive and it worked a treat.
For a low-tech fix, get a hold of a tin whistle and blow it down the line. Cheap, nasty and effective.
Keep up the good work.
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:34 pm
Boogh. I don’t blame you one bit for withdrawing and taking some time off, some people can take a really nice person and abuse them this way and it’s really shitty when that happens. You are seriously one of the nicest people I’ve seen online. It’s kind of like seeing a beautiful flower in a field, and while most people would stop to admire it, there’s going to be some jerk who comes over to stomp on it and ruin everybody’s fun. D:
I’ll miss checking this page every day for your comic, but take as much time as you need until you feel secure enough to resume posting. I hope things get better for you soon. :C
(Also, I can really relate to being so attached to a story and characters that you don’t want to give up until the story is done. And how troubling it is to not be able to enjoy it or share it because of bad circumstances. So I know how you feel in that square as well. Just keep on truckin’ and don’t stop creating no matter what, even if you don’t show it to the internet.)
…long comment is long. D8
May 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
I just wanted to add another positive message. I love your work, but take your time. I think it’s safe to say we understand! Thanks for all the comic so far. It’s been wonderful watching it grow.
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I’m sorry someone is doing this to you.
I’ve looked forward to reading your webcomic everyday, all year. I will miss it and I’ll be watching for its return. If you choose not to resume it online, I look forward to when I can buy the book.
Your work is so good, so well crafted, I want to use words like miraculous but I won’t because I want YOU to get all the credit.
The pacing of the story has raised the bar for anyone who tells stories in this medium. Every installment is a little tableau, a perfectly selected episode. Each is so true that I feel I recognize it and can guess what happens next, then I’m surprised by what does. Reading you is like remembering what things’re really like.
It is simultaneously a lesson in storytelling and a reminder of “how it goes” in life. I do not exaggerate.
Do what you have to make your boundaries very clear to this harasser. Involve the authorities. This is not a private matter, this is an invasion of privacy.
It takes time to get over the shell shock of being treated like this, of having to remember that you live in a world where people behave in this way. I wish you well, good health and for what you have given me, thanks and congratulations on work for which no praise is too high.
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Hey Renee,
Can you give us any information on him, to shame him? I think he might freak if he sees his name written out?
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:12 pm
I understand!
Go you!
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:15 pm
I’m very sorry to hear that this happened, Rene; ALM is a great comic and you seem like an incredibly kind, witty person. Above all, though, I hope that you are able to deal with this creep and get some peace so that you can do what you want without feeling like it is turning your life upside down.
Ultimately, doing Anders Loves Maria needs to please more than just the audience of folks like me on the internet who have been grateful for its presence (though that’s obviously important to fans like me); it needs to please its best audience of one, which is you. If at the moment a single really horrible person is making that difficult, then you should definitely take whatever time and space you need so that you can come back to it with the same good feelings that you had about it up until now. Those of us who love your work will still be around, waiting and ready to see the story you still have to tell whenever and however you want to tell it.
Be well,
Michael
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:24 pm
it’s really sad you’re being harassed. “anders loves maria” is my newest favorite thing on the internet! feel better.
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:35 pm
Rene,
I just wanted to add my regards to you and your comic. I am glad that you have decided to continue, even if it is a little delayed.
It is just awful that someone would have to put you through something like this. Please make sure you are safe and comfortable. This is a great comic and a great story so I will be happy to wait.
May 2nd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Godspeed Greenmonster. A
May 2nd, 2008 at 5:36 pm
I’m very sorry to hear that some idiot on the web has pushed you this far. I’m know everyone above my post has said it, but I hope you get the time you need to regroup and continue this truly funny and quirky story!
Take care!
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
More support from and well wishes from Southern California. Total weak sauce the whole situation is.
Love and hugs from the West Coast.
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Rene,
I’m so sorry that people have pushed you to the brink. Thank you for sharing your story with us, and for taking care of yourself. I hope you feel safer soon, and that the jerk who is threatening you leaves you alone!
I’m sending more sunshine and hugs from the west coast!
May 2nd, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Hi Rene,
I’ve never commented, but I’ve been reading your comic regularly since I found it a few months ago, and it’s become a fast favorite, so I wanted to show a bit of support too. I can’t even imagine what would compel someone to do something like that to you. What on earth is there to dislike? Be proud, you’ve been making really great work and telling a wonderful story with a whole boatload of fun and complex characters. I know it’s always easier to pay attention to the negative than the positive, but just look at how many people are speaking out for you! There’s always gonna be one asshole who wants to ruin it, and you have to remember that it’s just some grumpy bastard who doesn’t have anything better to do. Hang in there! You’re great!
Emily
May 2nd, 2008 at 7:01 pm
Good luck Rene! We’ll all miss you!!!
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
This sucks. But at least you’re not leaving for good.
May 2nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
What is wrong with people, good God! I don’t understand why some people have this messed up, base animal instinct to destroy other people. And now because of it, a wonderful, creative, intelligent woman with a family that she loves, can’t get a moments freaking peace because some idiot gets his jollies from screwing around like a teenager with their mother’s address book.
What a pity.
Rene, take care of yourself and your family. If I lived in Sweden, I would come and defend you myself. I mean it. And I’m sure lots of other people would join me. We’d be like a human fence in front of your house, just waiting for that dang phone to ring.
Please feel better soon.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Rene, I’m sorry to read about this! Your strip is great and I hope you’ll be back as soon as you can.
As for this anonymous phone coward…well, I hope something really bad happens to whoever that is. If were available I would loan her to you! She has a short way with bad people, especially phone creeps.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:25 pm
I am generally opposed to offensive violence for political reasons, but this is a case in which I am more than willing to make an exception.
I want to find this person, and I want to hurt this person. Badly. I don’t know who you are, and I hope to God you are reading this, you lowlife scumfuck. If I ever, EVER, get even the slightest hint as to who you are, I will hunt you down and - for starters - remove your gonads without benefit of anesthesia. You are DOGMEAT. This I promise.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Sorry to hear about all this shit, Rene. No one deserves this stalking crap - especially not you.
Come back when you’re ready and have a good rest. Good luck.
May 2nd, 2008 at 9:58 pm
@Wood: I don’t think she is putting the comic on hiatus to make the harassment stop. She is putting it on hiatus because she is overwhelmed and needs some time to herself.
Take all the time you need Rene, best wishes from the Maritimes!
May 2nd, 2008 at 10:30 pm
This is the saddest page ever in a webcomic
May 2nd, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I’m seriously going to miss this comic.
May 3rd, 2008 at 4:37 am
I’m so sorry that such a wonderful gift to the world should bring you sorrow. Hugs!
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:20 am
Oh my goodness! I missed something D: I hope everything is okay, and I’m looking forward to the day ALM is back.
Has anyone started a Bjorn fanclub? I’d like to join.
May 3rd, 2008 at 5:41 am
I received my minicomic yesterday. It’s wonderful, Rene.
Take care of yourself.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:55 am
Take your time Rene and know that if you ever need a lynchmob
you’ll have one.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:14 am
*sob* your work is so beautiful and it sucks to you have to take a haitus. here’s hoping that everything will get better soon.
May 4th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
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jeg mener Jenny ligner veldig på Tina… hvorfor?
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May 4th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
I don’t think Jenny looks like Tina at all except for the hair colour.
May 4th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
its .. really stupid that someone is being that insane to you. i just checked the comic today for the first time in a bit, so i didnt realize this was going on, but i just wanted to wish you well… and wish you the strength to ignore the idiot and just be okay.
you are really awesome, from what little i know and have learned of you from your writings and your comic, so. hope things calm down for you, rene.
neal h.
May 4th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Hey,
James Kochalka posted his whole diary online so I’m reading through it.
I came across two from 2001 (Dec. 15 and Dec. 27) where he’s talking about his own experience with harassment.
http://www.americanelf.com/comics/americanelf.php?view=single&ID=41284
and
http://www.americanelf.com/comics/americanelf.php?view=single&ID=41296
Why should people who are giving something to the world have to be subject to this kind of abuse? And why should everybody with the good sense to appreciate people like you and James Kockalka be powerless to oppose this abuse? It doesn’t make sense.
So I’ve been trying to think if there’s anything I can do. I was thinking about all the people who have interviewed you lately and all the reviewers.
It struck me that the rest of us, the people who enjoy this comic and want to do something to protest the treatment you just received, we could write the people who do reviews and interviews and write essays about comics and encourage them to use their voices to address this issue.
Maybe with more people talking about it and thinking about it, some new approach or defense will pop up.
This kind of abuse works because it makes people feel isolated. It ends up that everybody who has to face this problem feels they have to solve it on their own. But you shouldn’t have to.
Anyway, my spouse Maya and I have both been talking about you alot. We can empathize. We’ve battled harassment ourselves. We want to find a way to do something for people in your position so that you can again share your talents with the world!
Sincerely,
K
May 4th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
aww i hope the hiatus ends soon! i love this story so much
i wonder why anyone would ever want to harass you, your an amazing story teller!
im sorry you’ve had so much trouble lately!
you dont deserve it at all
May 5th, 2008 at 3:54 am
I’ve been reading your comic since… I believe it was Sam & Fuzzy, had a link to it. I imagine no one in their right mind would read down far enough to see this, so this is more just to add one more number to the tally.
I just want to say Rene that I find you comic very touching and that you portray your characters in such a way that I can feel empathy and sympathy towards them (which is impressive, I’m no bleeding heart). I hope Anders and Maria get back together because until they are, a little piece of my heart labelled Anders Loves Maria will be broken forever
Anyways, love the comic
May 5th, 2008 at 9:47 am
i just found “anders loves maria,” this is amazing, you are a god. Now you are making me go through the shakes after having read through the entire story several times and *needing* to know what happens next!
May 5th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Do what any sensible person would do if confronted with somone wanking on the phone: keep an (pressurized can-)air horn next to it. Blast the hell out of them (but cover your ears).
May 5th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I love Kate Beaton, too! Yay
Maybe I can relate so well to comics drawn by young women, because I’m one myself… Or not, beats me 
May 5th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Take as much time as you need =)
May 6th, 2008 at 3:05 am
rene i just wanted to say that i have quite a few webcomics bookmarked and i check up on them daily but this one is by far my favorite. it’s the first one i visit and sometimes it’s the first site i go to when i turn my computer on.
take as much time as you need! i’ll definitely be checking alm daily
May 6th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Hey Rene,
Nick’s sis here-it was nice to meet you on Skype briefly.
I just caught on on your comic from start to fin today, I am so sad to hear that someone is being an energy sucking loser and I hope it stops pronto, I told my brother to knock it off.
Your comic is SO cool, I love the whole real relationship angle…I’m going through some shit with my man now and it’s reminding me not to take it up the ass(figuratively of course).
Peace in the Middle East- No. Seriously.
May 6th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Any sister of Nick’s is a sister of mine!
I’m really glad you like it!
May 6th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
More support from Spain. I am missing the comic, a lot.
We “met” (I basically bought a mini, looked at you, said that I had just found out about the comic precisely when all the bork was going on, and left awkwardly amused) at the UK comic thing.
I guess getting the police involved makes sense to be true. I hope that this whole situation finishes soon, so that everything goes back to normal. Meanwhile, I am planning a trip to Sweden, yay!
May 6th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
D: That’s sick. Stay safe, Rene!
(have you blown an air horn thing into the phone? I doubt it would make him stop, but I wouldn’t feel very bad about busting his eardrum. I recognize you’re much nicer and less bloodthirsty than I, however.)
May 6th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
So sorry to hear some [] is making your life uncomfortable/miserable. Hope things get better/quieter.
I miss the comic! I’ve grown quite fond of the characters and hope to read more soon. Do what you need to make your life safe and happy; I’ll be patiently watching the strip.
-dave
Boise, ID, US.
May 7th, 2008 at 4:55 am
I got my mini yesterday! Yay! It rocks!
Hope things settle down soon….
May 7th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Sadness ; ;
I look forward to reading your comic each time. I am sad that some selfish loser is managing to hurt you. Please take care of yourself, and will look forward to hearing more of your story when you are feeling stronger.
warm embrazos,
G
May 7th, 2008 at 11:51 am
you know, it’s sad that rene had to take a break due to some sicko calling her private number and jacking off over the phone, but i’m finding some of the comments about how readers are going to “hunt down and kill that scummy disgusting bastard for hurting rene” nearly as distressing
knock it off!
May 7th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
My Mini arrived yesterday too! Thank you, Rene!
May 7th, 2008 at 8:31 pm
Rene, I only recently started reading your comic, and I fell in love almost immediately with the characters and the art. I just want you to know, I study karate and muay thai, and would be more than happy to kick an ass or two if you want the harassment to stop.
May 7th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
I really hope that this harassment stops. That’s terrible! They’re just disgusting and slimey, whereas you’re a great artist with a fantastic brain! (You’ve got to be to make a comic like this). You’re above them. =]
That aside, Anders Loves Maria is AMAZING and I really can’t wait to see more soon =] I understand you need a little break, but I’m still looking forward to the next post. But get your rest from gross people. Hope you’re feeling better!
May 7th, 2008 at 11:33 pm
I love your webcomic. It is sad someone afraid of you has no sense of humor and wants to control your creation. Hopefully it will boomerang back to them and away from. You have many friends and supporters to help you fight back. Best Wishes, read ya soon.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:57 am
bork bork bork
May 8th, 2008 at 10:45 am
I’m so sorry for the grief. I miss the comic, but take your time and come back when you’re ready.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Nothing new at the site… but I keep coming back just to see if the comic is running… and every time I enter it is the “I hope Rene is fine” time.
So, I hope you are fine Rene!
All the best for you! 
May 8th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Rene! Rene!
I just wanted to wish you good luck with your life.
Those damn stalkers…
Take your time, and I look forward to reading your comic again!
May 9th, 2008 at 12:59 am
Heya Rene! Sorry to hear about the troubles. I am in need of glasses so I don’t know if this has been brought up before, but have you tried to trace the call? Here in Canada, if some ball-fondler call-harasses my house I just *69 the Jerk. Then I call harass them. It’s a wonderful system. Is it available to you?
And if not, have you considered contacting the authorities and pressing charges? There’s a law against everything if you look hard enough.
Anyways, forgive spelling errors for the above reason /\, and I hope you have a relaxing break. We’ll all hold our breaths in anticipation of your return. (Except breath through our noses still, hoping to impress somebody with our disdain for air…)
May 9th, 2008 at 6:24 am
I got my mini today. Thanks so much! I hope all goes well for you in this situation. I anticipate the triumphant return of ALM!
May 9th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Who is this guy, we could get a posse together? break some faces?
always a good night when faces get broken… always.
May 10th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Maybe you could just change the domain name… to something like “supercoolhappyfuntime.com”, go by the pen name “bob fritz”, and conitnue the storyline there? You could still do the bloggy thing but just wear a fake mustache in all the photos. Perhaps i’m missing the point but i haven’t had my coffee yet, these all seem like novel ideas.
Seriouly though, I think your comic is brilliant, there’s just nothing else like it. Truely one of a kind.
May 10th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I’m not going into hiding or pretending to be Bob Fritz. Alhough supercoolhappyfuntime.com sounds like a cool site. I’ll be back soon. Don’t worry. I’ve already decided.
May 10th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Thank you for this wonderful webcomic I think it’s lovely. It makes me feel ill to know that someone would want to harrass an innoccent artist like yourself.
My old ma always says “Don’t let the bastards grind you down”.
Good advice. I really hope something can be done to stop these scummy buggers! Hope you feel better soon and come back with a whole new burst of energy. We’re all cheering you on Rene.
May 10th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Just wanted to say that the minicomic arrived today; thanks
I’m really pleased to see your further thoughts on things, sad that things got to the point where you had to have them, and thrilled that ALM will be coming back in the near future.
May 10th, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Hope you come back soon. I’ve never posted before, but don’t go away. too many good webcomics just vanish. May who ever harassed you make “special friends” with Big Jim in the nearest penitentiary. Looking forward to seeing the next ALM.
May 11th, 2008 at 12:06 am
This comic is one of my all time favorites, in fact you also have one of my favorite art styles. You deserve all the respect and praise in the world, definitely not all this trouble. It’s a darn shame someone is harassing you to the point of keeping you from doing what you love. Best of luck with everything and I’ll be eagerly waiting for the return of this wonderful comic!
May 11th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Come back SOON!
May 11th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Happy Mother’s day! I hope you are feeling better everyday, and enjoying time with your darlings.
May 12th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
I’ve never posted on a web comic either, but I felt that I had to show my support for your lovely comic, I really look forward to updates and check every day regardless of whether its an update day or not. I love your style and watching the evolution of your style. I hope whoever is harassing you is stopped, because that is truly horrid. I hope you come back!
May 12th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
You know what, quiting or taking a break is exactly what the people harassing you want and you don’t deserve that. If you want to beat them I’ll tell you a little trick to do that. Succeed! Do better in spite of all of their actions, continue to grow and prosper faster and stronger than before, they can only stop you if you let them. Use their words and their effect on you as fuel for your strength become stronger and they will give up. Because every day you continue to grow they have failed, every day you put up a page, or a bonus print or sell a piece of merchandise they have failed. So rub it in their face and do better each day than the day before.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I appreciate the sentiment John, but everybody needs a break every once and awhile. I am not quitting. I’ll most likely start updating again next week. This all depends on family related issues, and has nothing to do with the obscene caller.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
All the best on the hiatus!
May 13th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Hi!
i so hope you will continue this comic. i stumbled upon this site and read the story without a break, even though i never liked comics. but this one really touches me. now i am visiting daily in the hope of something new.
wish you the best!