#255 – Arty enough
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009I still owe you another comic this week. Going to try finish it today as well. Up possibly on Sat or Sun.
Looks like summer vacation and having kids is making sticking to a strict schedule really tough. I am going to do 3 comics a week, and aim for M-W-F, but there are really good chances of delays.
Some people have been mailing me about not having an update schedule. Let me remind you that I do have a schedule. It’s posted at the top of the page. It’s 3 days a week. I try to aim for m-w-f to pace myself, but sometimes that doesn’t work out. Up until mid-august my kids are on holiday and are home full-time which means I can only work when they are asleep. This means half workdays for me.
If the update schedule seems really difficult, and I understand if it does, I recommend perhaps coming back in the end of October to read the entire comic when it is finished. You will get the end results without the anguish of updates not being there like clock-work.
July 10th, 2009 at 10:47 am
Really love this little scene. Count me in among the throng that adores Maria-moments.
July 10th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Lve Maria’s hair in that last frame.
July 10th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Apparentely one never looks arty enough!
Just curious, how long does it take you to draw one page? As long as it is not a top secret information!
July 10th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
aww maria
love it
July 10th, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Rule 101 of webcomicing: Pick an update schedule and stick with it.
Listen I know you don’t take criticism well and I understand the basis for that fear, but this is something I feel needs to be said:
I understand that life gets in the way, but you beg for donations so you can do this as your full time job. That means to people who donate “Oh, if I donate, she’ll do the comic three days per week, because I’m helping her get paid for this”.
My job is a five day per week job, and I get up and go to work everyday, while raising kids as well.
Perhaps you should consider some other way of making money, because no offense, but it feels like you’ve stolen from me. If I called off as many times in a year as you have, I would be fired by now.
I guess even more so what upsets me is the fact that
1. Your comment regarding this today is so blase, it makes me wonder if you even realize that some of your readers feel like this.
2. I’m not alone – on the american circut at least – there are a lot of us who are angry and feel ripped off by you because we love the comic and want to support someone who wants to make this their full time job
3. This comment will never appear in its entirety.
4. The first thing you are going to do is check my email list on your donators, which won’t show up because this is a spam email address – I rarely give out my real one. My paypal isn’t even linked to it.
5. You generate ad revenue from hits which is why you never put up anything on schedule – the more we come to the website, the more ad revnue you generate, ergo, it is in your “best interest” to never let us know “Sorry guys, no comic today” or “I’m behind, it’ll be up at 1200 GMT”.
I won’t be generating revenue any longer for you. I’m not going to support someone who claims the title artist just to rip off people who want to support them.
July 10th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
@Z No secret at all! It is usually a full day’s work (everything from 6-12 solid hours depending on my flow) But I have to spread that out over a whole day, sometimes more, taking the little windows of opportunity I have to get the work done.
July 10th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
I love your comic Rene, I love what you do with the art and the storyline and all the flashbacks, I think it’s really neat
And boo to those who give you a hard time about updates. People aren’t understanding enough about working from home with kids.
I think you do an awesome job!
July 10th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Wow, i can’t believe people are pushing for you to post regularly… for a free, not-for-pay, service you’re offering…. Keep up the great job!
July 10th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I completely understand, Rene. I’m just happy ALM isn’t on hiatus anymore!
July 10th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Love the comic and I understand that kids come first (as I have3 of them) keep going as you can, I am on vacation next week and I totally look forward to the next installment of Anders loves Maria!
July 10th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
See, this is why I pretty much exclusively read webcomics via RSS feeds. I never go to a site and get disappointed because it’s not updated. Instead, I get excited when I see that one of my favorite comics has a new entry in my reader.
By the way, HIGHLY adorable page today!
July 10th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I don’t want the comic to finish in October
it’s far too lovely
July 10th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
How can anyone complain now?!?!? You’re updating regularly now and it’s great!!!
July 10th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Speaking strictly as a big brother here…Johann is doing a pretty good job. We have to show up when needed, and remind younger sisters that they’re girlish and dweeby (and beloved). It’s all in the by-laws somewhere.
Suggestion: Anyone who wants to complain about scheduling can offer to babysit for free, 3 days a week. That should really get things back to revolving around you, you, you.
July 10th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
As one of the people that emailed you about the schedule, I have really appreciated the updates that warn about delays and give good times to check back. I love reading this comic so its hard not to check. Thank You for keeping us in the loop!
July 10th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
I honestly can’t believe you ACTUALLY get emails complaining about your schedule! It’s not like they’re paying for it. You’re pouring your heart and soul into these pages, and they have the nerve to complain. Kind of makes me sad at the whole human race.
I, personally, couldn’t care less about any delays in the comic. Please continue to put your home life before this comic – as much as I love it (which is a whole whole lot!), you have to have priorities, and one of those should ALWAYS be your family. Be it sickness, holiday or dinosaurs, I’ll wait patiently.
July 10th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
People really need to bugger off if they can’t understand you’re a human not a machine OR sit down, shut up and just enjoy the comic when it comes along :p
July 10th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
Thank you so much for this beautiful piece of art… I find myself getting more and more attached to the characters week by week. And since you can’t rush art, I’m perfectly willing to be patient!
July 10th, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Hon, your comic is amazing. You don’t charge us to enjoy it, and you honestly do update fairly regularly. Just ignore all these idiots giving you a hard time. You put your family and personal health first and I RESPECT THAT. If you don’t take care of you..who else will? Keep up the good work. *two thumbs up*
July 10th, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I’m from the United States and I do not in the least way find that your are ripping me off. I love this comic. You are being amazing.
July 10th, 2009 at 6:58 pm
I too am from the US and I also do not agree with “Al”. If he is so bothered by having to come to your site then he should learn about ***RSS feeds***.
July 10th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Another American weighing in- I don’t feel ripped off in the slightest. Each page is that much more delicious for a little uncertainty.
July 10th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
@Al, you are why people hate Americans. If you are displeased, don’t donate. Between the sense of entitlement, the condescending tone, and the paranoia about censorship because you are expressing an unpopular opinion… jeez. Is it any wonder you’re not receiving the response that you want?
July 10th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
@Al: That was totally uncalled for. I can bet you that Rene’s family would not be much less well off if she shut down this website right now. We are a privileged group of people to be reading this while it’s being written. The mentality of a donator should not be “Gee, this will make her update more,” it should be “I really appreciate the work that’s been done, hope it keeps going, and if it were on sale as a graphic novel, I’d buy it, so here’s some cash”
July 10th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I have recently found this comic and find it to be wonderful. It is outside the subject of my normal web comic reading but I find it captivating and well thought out. I say Good job.
Ms Engstrom, please do not listen to that blow hard who tries to give you rules of web comic creation. I follow over 40 web comics regularly and have found that NOT A ONE is always on time and schedule. Makes me wonder what he has ever created besides his own ego. Please keep up the good work. Oh yes, he does not speak for Americans, just for those of my countrymen with small minds and too much time.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:07 pm
“I’m not alone – on the american circut at least – there are a lot of us who are angry and feel ripped off by you because we love the comic and want to support someone who wants to make this their full time job.”
Sounds like you’re more alone than you think. Methinks some people need to find more important things to be angry about.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Eat shit, Al.
July 10th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
I’m going to put a second comment in- especially after seeing AI post and the huge response to it.
I think most people who read this comic are not just a little bit in love with the story, the art, the characters… everything. Probably the ONLY thing this comic could improve on is updating. Improving this can only help broaden and retain Rene’s already loyal fan base. As a person looking to make a living off of an online comic this is just a smart direction to head in. Unfortunately, as most of us are completely understanding of, Rene’s busy life makes this difficult.
I for one am very appreciative of Rene’s response to the updating issue- because is it realistic and transparent. It shows that Rene values her readers as much as her readers value her. I hope that Anders Loves Maria is not Rene’s last project. I hope to see much more of her art and story-telling in the future.
July 10th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
As always, someone’s comments prove that anonymity and a keyboard will create a most asinine individual. Since “Al” seems to know the rules of webcomicking, I’d love to get a link to his. Because unless he is one of the VERY VERY FEW who update exactly on schedule, ala John Alison’s SGR and Ryan Somer’s LICD, he has absolutely no place to talk.
Rene, I hope to all deities listening that you know 99% of us are with you always, and will support you however we can. Americans are generally nice people, but Al and people like him are why we are so globally despised.
July 10th, 2009 at 9:15 pm
will this comic ever be published as a book?
July 10th, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Al, if you are following her on Twitter (the link is below) she usually tells us if she is behind on updating or an approximate time the comic will get posted. Sometimes we even get sneak previews of the pencils or inks, so I recommend to anyone that is a fan to click that follow button! Plus she often tells us on the comment portion of the update here on the website if something is coming up that is going to affect the schedule. And the top of the page says updates three times a week, mostly m-w-f. Which is honest and fairly accurate. So your complaint doesn’t really have much footing.
Also, a donation to an artist is just that – a donation. Its not paying for a service or buying a set schedule. To paraphrase the wonderful Neil Gaiman on this topic of entitlement: “Rene Engstrom is not your bitch.” If you buy the mini comics, or a sketch from the sketch-a-thon, or one of the original pages, that’s it – you get what you pay for. The donations are surely to help Rene do the strip on a regular basis, but you are not required to donate; the strip itself is free to anyone. After enjoying this comic for free for the last year and a half, I was more than happy to plunk down my money during the sketch-a-thon as a “thank you” for all the free entertainment and lovely artwork. As someone on the American *circuit*, I can definitely say that I am not on the same wavelength as you, and I find it insulting that you had to throw the American bit in there – it just plays up to that ugly entitled American stereotype. Your complaint has nothing to do with America – it has everything to do with you feeling that you are owed something, when you clearly are not. Sure, I am disappointed when an update doesn’t happen, but that’s because I love the comic, not punctuality. I would much rather have one or two or three excellent late comics a week than three sloppy but punctual comics.
Rene, I’m a long time reader and first time commenter. Love the art, love the story! Keep it up and don’t let the bastards get you down!
July 10th, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Hey Al, did you know that one of the most popular and biggest webcomics out there has an update schedule as flippant as the breeze? (Megatokyo, if you’re not certain). And why, oh why oh why, did you have to mention that the Americans are getting peeved. I’m American, and you do NOT speak for me. I support webcomics when I can, usually by buying a book at some point. However, I’m also a first year music teacher in a public school. You can imagine my income isn’t all that grand. As far as Rene gaining revenue from advertisements and site visits, have you ever factored in hosting costs perhaps? That’ll take a chunk out of any donation money. Paypal fees factor in. Cost of production in physical terms and man-hours. Real life expenses certainly factor in. It’s hard enough to make a living as is these days. And us Americans should know that pretty keenly.
Webcartoonists are humans too. Frankly, family should always come before work. Unless you despise your family. Which I get the feeling Ms. Engstrom does not.
I’ll only be sad to see the story end. What a long way it’s come! Thank you for sharing with us as well.
July 10th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
Rene-
I am an avid reader of QC and Jeph had linked you, and because it looked so interesting, I came to read and I became absolutely hooked. I follow you on Twitter, and absolutely am in LOVE with your comic. It’s so amusing, the characters are so easy to relate to, and you are one of the few comics I actually enjoy reading. Half of them are crap anyways, and for those people that are sending you letters telling you to update more regularly, they can shove off. Yourself and your family comes before anyone else and Mr. Al up there obviously has no compassion in his tiny brain or heart if he doesn’t understand that. You update when you can, and they are always beautiful. You are providing us with entertainment, FREE entertainment at that. When it comes out is when it comes out. When you desire to see a new movie, you has to wait till it comes out to theaters. You don’t send hate mail to the movie companies or the theaters, so why send Rene mail because you have no patience, Al? Idiot.
Rene, keep updating when you do, continue this lovely comic please!! It’s absolutely wonderful, and without a doubt, you are loved and your work is enjoyed and adored. :]
July 10th, 2009 at 9:59 pm
@Al- wow, you have a whole lot of hate for something that you claim to love, and I feel sorry for you to be frank, that you can not see the quality and love that goes into this comic, and that you would like to see this strip just manufactured then made with love.
You do have one point that I would like speak directly too. I have been an advertiser to this site, and you are wrong about the click through rate, that is not how it works, it is based on a bidding system and what the bidder feels this is worth. for more on this go look at it at Project Wonderful, honestly there is no fiscal benefit to not updating.
Also, man up! put your real email up and stop hiding behind your moniter, I wonder if that is even your real name.
Finally i would like to say to rene, take your time!!! I see that you posted you will finish this around October and this made me really sad, and so any delays in production means that Anders Loves Maria will last a little longer, and will be of the best quality!!
July 10th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Dear Al,
Unless your family, living situation, job, and life are exactly the same as Rene’s, you can’t tell her how she should run her comic based on the idea that you work five days a week and still raise your family. We’re getting regular, three-times-a-week updates, so stop bitching as if the update schedule should revolve around pleasing you. Or, if you’d like to take Rene’s advice, return in late October and read through a bunch of updates at once.
July 10th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
What. A. Dick. Al doesn’t speak for me as an American, I’ll tell you that much. Also, do I have special computer? Cause it takes about 10 seconds to check if the comic is updated for me. That’s hardly much trouble. To accuse Rene of purposefully delaying her update to generate more revenue is BULLSHIT. Rene, keep up the good work, and I hope you’re already ignoring that idiot.
July 10th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
There’s always one person…
Rene, you’re doing great and your family comes first. Can’t speak for everyone (shifty eyes), but we love ya! Keep up the fantastic work! :3
July 10th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
There’s a lot of vitriol going around here… but, I have to say that I agree with Al to some extent.
It’s all about expectations. Unmet expectations are the bane of any enterprise.
It’s not that the updates don’t go up that is frustrating, it’s that they’re promised time after time and still don’t go up. It might make more sense, given Rene’s current schedule, if the comic were update once a week, and were therefore always on time. When the munchkins are back in school, going back to 3x/wk would make more sense.
Updating less frequently is fine, provoking the resentment of your readership by promising updates and failing to fulfill those promises time after time is… well, going to provoke resentment. This is the salient point: your word should be as good as your signature. If you’re not entirely certain you can live up to your promises, don’t make them. It’s not about money, it’s about expectations.
Rene, you’ve stated yourself that the updates are irregular and that your priority is not updating like clockwork. This means that you don’t need to make empty promises to all of us about when you’ll update. You don’t need to coddle us or placate us. Just update when you do, and don’t make apologies. It seems like you’re worried that people won’t like you for failing to update regularly. I promise you, if you’re upfront about it and don’t give them expectations (which may or may not be met), no one will complain. It’s the quality of the comic people come back for, not the quality of the update schedule. So, keep the comic beautiful and don’t make issue of the schedule.
Thank you for your work, creativity, and time.
Best,
Nadi
July 10th, 2009 at 11:57 pm
i’d just like to add another (american) voice that i find it hard to fathom a sense of entitlement as to when a webcomic might be published? i am always surprised when beloved comic writers apologize for delays – i’m just delighted whenever there are new comics! i might be sad if they don’t come in for awhile, but would never freak out over which day a week one gets released. there are so many wonderful webcomics that there’s always something new!
and as others have added, rss feed, baby! that’s what they’re there for!
July 11th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Thanks everyone for your support! That is really heartwarming. Don’t worry though. As soon as someone has the hate on my instinct is to just shut it out and focus on the positive. You haven’t even seen the worst of the hate mail. Any comment here is nothing compared to the insane shitstorms that hit my inbox sometimes.
Besides, I can understand the frusteration to an extent. But this is the way my life looks right now, and this is the best that I can do.
@Nadi. I don’t recall ever apologising or making empty promises about updates. I have updated 3 times a week since returning from hiatus, more or less on time. Less since summer started. Many people do like to be kept up to date on the status, and I try to do that with Twitter and sometimes with updates, for those that care. Those that don’t can always rely on checking back here or the RSS feed. Or they can come back when it’s finished. I don’t feel a string of guilt over this. I’m proud to be back and working as hard as I can.
July 11th, 2009 at 12:06 am
Jesus Christ, there are worse things in the world than having your favorite webcomic miss an update every once in a while. Turn down all the entitlement a notch and maybe pull the stick out of your bums, complainers? It’s one thing to go “Aw poo, the uodate is late” and another to say ‘I AM OWED A NEW COMIC ON A REGULAR SCHEDULE AND I WILL TAKE MY BUSINESS ELSEWHERE FORTHWITH, HARRUMPH”
“I guess even more so what upsets me is the fact that
1. Your comment regarding this today is so blase, it makes me wonder if you even realize that some of your readers feel like this.
2. I’m not alone – on the american circut at least – there are a lot of us who are angry and feel ripped off by you because we love the comic and want to support someone who wants to make this their full time job
3. This comment will never appear in its entirety.
4. The first thing you are going to do is check my email list on your donators, which won’t show up because this is a spam email address – I rarely give out my real one. My paypal isn’t even linked to it.
5. You generate ad revenue from hits which is why you never put up anything on schedule – the more we come to the website, the more ad revnue you generate, ergo, it is in your “best interest” to never let us know “Sorry guys, no comic today” or “I’m behind, it’ll be up at 1200 GMT”.
I won’t be generating revenue any longer for you. I’m not going to support someone who claims the title artist just to rip off people who want to support them.”
Your paranoia is showing, Al. If you want to quit reading/supporting Rene, you can just leave quietly. There’s no need for all the flouncing. And like others have said, you don’t speak for me or all Americans, so shove it.
For another thing, isn’t ad revenue generated by click-throughs rather than simply page views? So uh, don’t click on the links and the mean ol’ artist won’t get your money. Hooray!
July 11th, 2009 at 12:12 am
I can’t believe people are complaining about the update schedule. Rene is doing US a favor by drawing and posting a webcomic, and the fact that she even tries to stick to a three updates a week schedule is incredibly generous–especially for a web comic that’s in full color. If people have an issue with the updates, use Google reader, which will let you know whenever there’s a new update. I use it and it lets me read so many more blogs and web comics because I don’t have to check them every single day to see if they’ve updated.
Rene, I can’t thank you enough for producing such a great web comic when you’re so busy. I see so many web comics that are just abandoned after a while, and yet yours is still going. I love the story and can’t wait to see where it goes!
July 11th, 2009 at 1:54 am
Al: If you unclench, the stick will just fall out, and you’ll feel better. Clenching your asshole tighter on the stick will not, as you expect, crush it.
July 11th, 2009 at 1:55 am
I sort of see where Al is coming from. If he donated and the updates are still erratic, he probably feels like he paid an incompetent worker. But Rene is her own boss so she could work on her own schedule.
BUT I think if Rene was a bit more punctual she would make a LOT more money from advertising. Readership always goes down when they check back twice and they don’t see an update.
oh, also you could make money if you sold T-Shirts! I think I would wear a tshirt that said ‘anders loves maria’ on it..
July 11th, 2009 at 3:18 am
Just..wow. AI really has some issues. This is a FREE webcomic. Donations are DONATIONS. Not a salary.
Yes, Rene might make more money if she updated more regularly. That’s HER business. *Sigh* I read this comic because I love the story and it’s addictive. The updates don’t make me love or appreciate it any less.
And yeah, if you’re getting frustrated..try using an RSS feed to check on stuff.
July 11th, 2009 at 4:25 am
Is Al some massive troll? I’ve been reading webcomics since I’ve had access to the internet. That’s just about 7-8 years. NONE, even those that have their update days listed–even those that updated nearly EVERY DAY, kept a stable schedule. And how could they? It’s art, not NEARLY their primary source of income. Those that have received donations and sell goods do so to keep their comics ON LINE.
That said–why in the world would you expect this webcomic to update on schedule all the time, and on the dot to boot? Is this the first webcomic you’ve ever read?
The readers here aren’t getting angry at this comment just because it’s an excuse to get angry. It’s because fans like Al make the rest of us look terrible. It makes comicking seem like a massive chore, because not only do the worst of its readers think of themselves as literary and artistic savants (And trust me, I’m sure Rene has received plenty of ridiculous e-mails about “That’s not how I would have written it/drawn it, it’s so STUPID!1!!”) but they also want their comic with the regularity of a newspaper funny page.
Because he donated money. Donated.
Donation
n.
1. The act of giving to a fund or cause.
2. A gift or grant.
And, Al, as a fellow American, let me share something with you. If it takes you more than 10 seconds to check for an update on a website from your computer, your computer is too slow. Luckily, our local libraries are free for all and have many computers. Coincidentally, if you find your favorite websites aren’t updated, you’re in luck! You’re surrounded with a medium that was quite popular from about the 1800s…to the early 2000s. Books.
Scheduled: Whenever you pick the damn thing up. Set amount of chapters.
If you can take a few minutes from your busy 5 day schedule and loving family to tirade here, you can find a way to amuse yourself through other means while waiting for an update.
July 11th, 2009 at 4:25 am
I appreciate the fact that you all love the comic, but Al expressed his frustration in a calm manner. He didn’t resort to attacks. He expressed his opinion. If that’s not allowed, that’s okay, but it saddens me to see a lot of you jump to ad hominem attacks rather than polite discourse. You weaken your own argument by slinging insults.
July 11th, 2009 at 4:30 am
@Al – When you leave a tip at a restaurant, does that mean you can immediately start telling the Waiter how to do his job?
Your attitude stinks. You have done noting but make yourself look bad.
July 11th, 2009 at 4:55 am
Miss. Engstrom you are AMAZING! I always look forward to your updates, and if it’s late well who cares? Life happens. I don’t understand people who demand updates. It’s really quite silly when you see the comments saying “WHY DON’T YOU HURRY UP?”.
ANYWAYS! What I wanted to say was that I love your style of illustration and sense of character development. Your work is a treat for my eyes.
Thank You!
Radish
July 11th, 2009 at 5:04 am
@elle: Hehehehe love you comment.
@Miss Maria: Im with you. I would deffinately rock and ALM t-shirt
I, an american, am not at all upset with the update scheduel being erratic. I only get time to check the few comics i follow on fridays anyway. Having one or two updates to catch up on is like a little treat for me. Yea I’m a dork, I know.
In my opinion, people seem to be more upset with the “on the american circuit” part of Al’s comment. Generalization is rather annoying and unfair. I could be completely wrong though. Im just basing this on what I’ve observed in the comments.
Keep up the wonderful work Rene.:)
July 11th, 2009 at 5:08 am
Rene,
I’m an American and I love your comic. I don’t mind that the updates are sometimes late, I’m just thrilled to read it.
As a mom of a three year old, I understand how tough it is to concentrate and be creative sometimes.
July 11th, 2009 at 5:28 am
Aww, today’s comic is so totally cute.
I feel less like a mna for having said that.
PS: Another (American) voice of support here. Been following the site and your Twitter for months now and it’d be completely out of line for anyone to say that either has been disapointing. Keep up the great work!
July 11th, 2009 at 5:42 am
I’m very saddened by what you said about the comic ending in October, but as for now, I think this comic is beautiful. I love Johan, and he’s very sweet in this comic. Thank you, Rene!
July 11th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Please don’t end in October….You are one of the few story driven web comics that i read that is actually decent. However, If you don’t have room for a continuing story I would understand….I would just have to read it all again….a thousand times…
July 11th, 2009 at 6:45 am
To be fair to Al in the face of all the “a donation’s just a gift, there was no insinuation that it meant anything for future comics, just an apprreciation for past ones” comments attacking him/her:
Rene absolutely used the future of the comic (not just appreciation for the past) to solicit donations. When she introduced the sketch-a-thon, she said that without donations she might have to get a real job and stop doing the comic. And, most importantly, she repeatedly promised that donating would result in “insuring Anders Loves Maria runs smoothly for the next while.”
You and I might consider “runs smoothly” to mean “doesn’t completely discontinue” but I don’t think it’s completely off-base or crazy for Al to have interpreted it as “updates according to the posted schedule.” Although there are definitely flaws in Al’s comment (who admires flouncing, after all?), I think it’s fair for him/her to have expected smooth running of the webcomic in return for his/her donation.
One more thing… I read Questionable Content, XKCD and Sam and Fuzzy, and they are almost impeccably consistently on time. All of you saying it’s ridiculous to expect webcomic creators to post stuff on time don’t make sense to me. Honestly, for QC “comic will be up late” means a lag of a couple hours, not days. Then again, he doesn’t have little kids… but then again, no one’s forcing Rene to say that she’ll update three days a week.
[end portion addressing other commenters / begin portion addressing Rene]
Rene, I love your work; the artwork is beautiful, the characters are interesting, and the plot (especially the use of flashbacks) is really complex and well-told. Keep it up! And thanks for years of webcomic-y goodness!
July 11th, 2009 at 6:51 am
Thanks KM
But just to make things clear. I have kept to my schedule. 3 comics a week. I plan on sticking to it as well.
July 11th, 2009 at 7:55 am
Al,
First, I’d just like to tell you to fuck off.
Then I’d like to add that you are a presumptuous idiot. If you donated to cancer research and they hadn’t found a cure by the next day, would you feel cheated? Actually, you probably would, you arrogant ass. That is, if you could find it in your anal retentive heart to care about cancer patients. It’s called a DONATION not a wage.
Of course, you’re biggest mistake was saying that the Americans feel this way. If you AREN’T actually the only American with this opinion, you are a tiny fucking minority. And I’m sure you remember what the U.S. has always done to minorities. Speaking as a Native American, I’ll enjoy seeing it happen to someone deserving for a change. In fact, I’d gladly hand you the first small pox- infested blanket.
“5. You generate ad revenue from hits which is why you never put up anything on schedule – the more we come to the website, the more ad revenue you generate, ergo, it is in your ‘best interest’ to never let us know ‘Sorry guys, no comic today’ or ‘I’m behind, it’ll be up at 1200 GMT’.”
You know, if that were true, I’d be on this site so many more times a day. You are a sickening person.
Mostly, though, I’m just shocked that you felt the need to point out to the world what a total bitch you are. I’m sure there a lot of people more than willing to do that for you and you’ve deprived them of that. For shame.
Ryan P,
I’m pretty sure that Al is already doing that, seeing as his head is pretty damn far up his ass.
Nadi,
If you look back through the comics and entries that Ms. Engstrom has made, you will not see a single promise to keep to any specific schedule. You will only see promises to TRY, which is precisely what she is doing.
Ms. Engstrom,
You are a fabulous artist and writer. My only regret in visiting your site is that this amazing story will ever end. Thank you for allowing us to see your genius.
Sincerely,
G L R
Also, I absolutely adored reading the responses and seeing everyone come to Ms. Engstrom’s defense. Ms. Engstrom, it is obvious that you are doing everything right. Please keep it up. All these people are grateful to you. And, speaking as the child of a work-aholic, you’re doing the right thing by putting your children first.
July 11th, 2009 at 8:03 am
I know that I already left a giant comment, but I thought of more to say.
KM,
I read and love QC and xkcd, too. I’d just like to point out that they are both done almost exclusively on the computer and xkcd is stick figures.
G L R
July 11th, 2009 at 8:13 am
@KM “Honestly, for QC “comic will be up late” means a lag of a couple hours, not days. Then again, he doesn’t have little kids… but then again, no one’s forcing Rene to say that she’ll update three days a week.”
Why do I get the feeling this might spark a quality vs. quantity debate?
Also, xkcd does not always update M-W-F. Sometimes comics are days off. Which isn’t bad, because I don’t mind. QC as well, and understandable because it’s a 5 day a week deal. He lets us know, but so does Rene. For extended “no comic” runs without guest strips we also get the talking birds.
July 11th, 2009 at 8:20 am
Rene, you’ve received so many responses like this one already but I thought I would add to the throng (I’d like to at least ATTEMPT to combat your hatemail): I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOUR WORK. I was one of the ones who hopped over when Jeph linked to you and I have been hooked ever since. Your artwork, your dialogue, your plot – all wonderful. It REALLY frustrates me when people rag on you for not updating at their desired frequency; I grew up in a single-parent home and I know how tough that is! My mother is a saint among women, and she wasn’t even making this amazing art and sharing it with the world (well, the Internet, but you know what I mean)!
Basically, keep on keepin’ on, chica. And I’d like to second whoever said they would buy & wear an ALM t-shirt, that is a top-rate idea.
July 11th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Oh, and @G Lee:
I wouldn’t say that Jeph’s ability to update every weekday has anything to do with his art but more with the fact that he doesn’t have kids to take care of. Not that there’s anything wrong with having or not having kids, it probably just affects how much free time he has to work on QC.
July 11th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Dear Rene,
Thank you so much for Anders, Maria, Bjorn, Johan and all of the gang. Nobody should have the temerity to bitch about updates. They would be trying to rush Michelangelo.
Thanx again.
Ted
July 11th, 2009 at 8:43 am
Rene I love the webcomic. It shows that you really take pride in what you do and you love it. I would much rather wait a couple of days, or even have a comic missed in a week every now and again, in order to allow you to do the work to the standard you can. I know that for everyone, if you are pushing for a deadline, and you are running late, you are not necessarily going to give your best work. For something like this, I love it when we are given your best work, so relax and take your time.
Also, from my experience, the best workers in this world work because they want to do the work. They will never work because you feel entitled that they work for you. It is the same principle for respect – they will respect you not because you think they should, but because they want to respect you, if you have earned it.
If Al wants regular updates, on the dot, M/W/F, because he donated, he should have drawn up a contract, speaking of which, there is the sketch-a-thon, pay some money, get a piece of artwork, within time. If he wants to enjoy the comic because it is an awesome piece of artwork, he should donate the money so life is easier for Rene and she can give us the best work she can (which is awesome).
Rene – you rock, we love you, keep up the good work and get the comics out when you are happy with them!
July 11th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Honestly, I’m pretty embarrassed by the Americans jumping to sling insults at Al.
July 11th, 2009 at 9:18 am
@ Rene- I ADORE your work, your philosophy on family life, etc! You family comes first- AS IT SHOULD! Keep posting when you can, and we will all read it when it is updated and be happy and love it and you!
@ AL- I’m from the USA too (bet you didn’t know AMERICA means more than one country!) and I despise the fact that you throw our country into your argument- if you don’t like Rene’s updating, that’s fine, but don’t try and act like you represent us all! It is untrue and unfair! If you don’t like the gap, donate more money to her cause! Rene never promised a M-W-F update if she got donations; all she said was it would help keep a <3 M running, which it does! Chill out and enjoy her amazing artwork! And keep the rest of us US citizens out of your grievances, please!
July 11th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
OH MY GOD, SHUT UP ABOUT AL.
We get it, you don’t like his comment. Is it really necessary for every reader to restate what the person above them just said? Jesus.
And to whomever wrote “@Al, you are why people hate Americans”:
It is statements like this that make me want to incite violence upon ignorant citizens like yourself. Stating one’s displeasure at something is hardly the reason terrorists are motivated to attack us. You have no idea why other countries hate us, so kindly keep your nonsense to yourself.
And to Rene, keep up the good work. I’m anticipating the next update.
July 11th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
@ Kileycakes
Well to be fair that person never said Al is the reason terrorists hate Americans. I am pretty sure they meant why other Westerners hate Americans. And that is a completely different thing.
July 11th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Unless AI pays Ms Engstrom a regular amount of money around 500€ he isn’t entitled to demand she update on his preferred schedule. I usually donate as a thank you for past work I enjoyed, not as a bribe to work faster or to buy my self entitlement to make demands as if I’d dropped some coins into a jukebox. It is voluntarily, it is for something I could, by my own decision, enjoy for free as well, which is impressive enough. I’d rather live with a slightly shifting update schedule than with a popular webcomic that is on time always and suddenly demands a paid subscription for its archives… erhem.
I found the updates to be frequent enough to be happy as a reader of many brilliant, but more irregular webcomics.
I also know about rss feeds and that safes me any frustration at all.
July 11th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
Wow, that does take quite a while then. Does that 6-12hrs include scripting and drafting and stuff?
(yes, i completely ignored the shitstorm
)
July 11th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
Rene, is there any possibility of another Anders Loves Maria related project after the original comic has ended? I know I can’t be the only one who would love to see these characters continue in some form.
July 11th, 2009 at 9:06 pm
@Z That includes most work, yeah. The script has been finished for over 2 years, but it takes time to lay it out, edit, re-edit.
July 11th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
@Grommers I’m not sure. I will definately be doing a comic after this though. I doubt it will be with these characters though. The story will be done. If I come up with a story that I think is good enough, I might re visit some of the cast.
July 11th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
“3 days a week, mostly m-w-f ”
“mostly”
as long as there are three comics a week – which there always have been since you came back – you’re sticking to your schedule, so it doesn’t matter when the comics come.
that’s not a promise
I think I’ve noticed a few times when you’ve only done two in a week and four the next (or so it seems, my weeks have been a little out because of lots of things going on recently), but overall it’s been three a week and when you’re managing a family like you are, that’s not something to frown at.
I started reading just before you went on your hiatus and ever since, I’ve come back here every day – sometimes several times, even during that hiatus – to see if there is a new comic up. When there isn’t, I read back through them all, because the storyline is so simple yet complex, it’s just a joy to read back through it all. Your art is beautiful – not “correct” in the sense that your anatomy is out, everything’s stylised, but you can see the energy you put into your characters. And I love, love, love your traditional pages.
I think it’s most important that you have fun doing what you do Rene, I look forward to every new update. And being English, I can safely say that the American stereotype up there doesn’t apply to me twofold
July 11th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Wat’s ‘mostley’ meen? Cuz I tihnk u shud tell ppl so we kno wat tiem u updait and den STIK WIT IT U MEENY-HED! MY LAIF DEPNDS ON DIS STORE SO U NED TO UPDAIT RITE OR I’LL GO 2 DA HOSPITLE AND KIL BABBYS!
I hope at least some of the emails you get are stupid enough to make you laugh. Keep up the good work and the consistent (in a weekly sense) updates and I’ll keep on reading it.
July 12th, 2009 at 12:22 am
I will admit felt my own temp rise when I saw Al’s “American’s feel this way” spiel. But what i actually wanted to talk about was this page.
I really love how her older brother can pull out immaturity in Maria (not that she isn’t immature a lot of the time anyways) but it reminds me of my little brother and sister. You captured the mood and even the slight excitement and uncertainty that Maria seems to be feeling and how Johan flipped it around on her. Beautiful
July 12th, 2009 at 3:07 am
Ms. Rene Engström:
I stumbled upon Anders Loves Maria as it was linked from Josh Lesnick’s comic Girly. I really like your artwork and storyline; it keeps me wanting more. As someone who has not donated (yet), I just wanted to express my gratitude for your updates. While we realize that you have been trying to update as often as you can, I can’t help but call upon the times you resorted to drawing and painting while on the shaky train, which produced lovely comics nonetheless. Your dedication to keeping at least some form of a schedule is amazing.
Thank you so much for your hard work. It is always a pleasant surprise to see your posts on Twitter or randomly check the website and see a new comic.
July 12th, 2009 at 4:50 am
I’m starting to think that Al doesn’t really understand the concept of art, and that it takes varying amounts of time to really create something amazing, like this.
And it’s frustrating to hear this negativity towards you, when this this complex and beautiful little story, began as just an idea, and then you had the chance to share it with all of us… And trying to make this creation your full-time job was both an amazing opportunity to pursue this story, but also an ambitious move.
ALM is never going to BE like all the “other webcomics” people keep mentioning, because of course every artist has a different situation to work with, and in some ways I see the evolution of ALM as deeper than a lot of other webcomics out there.
Take your time, Rene.
Even if you have to go on another hiatus to manage the workload, I’ll stay hopeful, and keep checking back.
July 12th, 2009 at 5:41 am
Rene, I am glad you take everything in stride. The absolutely positive side about all this bickering is that both the people critiquing you and defending you are obviously all very passionate about your work.
I started reading when Jeph linked you, like many others here. I want to be completely honest and say I wasn’t in love with the art at first. I didn’t dislike it, either – I thought it was quirky. I adored the story and just couldn’t stop myself from reading.
I have come to appreciate your artistry so much more. Your style grew on me so much, to the point that I can’t believe I didn’t just <3 it from the very beginning.
But I also think you have grown as an artist so much. I love that you are constantly being innovative and working on different techniques to enhance your work. I can appreciate all the effort you have put in. Each comic is just beautiful- and still unique and quirky, which I adore.
Two quick comments, for last.
1.) Young Maria is breathtaking and I love that you don’t use the flashbacks as a little trick here and there, but they’re actually concrete parts of the story, too. There’s just so much depth in your storytelling.
2.) As sad as I am to see Anders Love Maria go around my b-day this year, I applaud you for having a set end date in mind. I always feel more confident that I will be satisfied at the end of the day when an author – which you definitely are, as well as an artist – has a concrete plan.
Thank you for allowing us into this world.
July 12th, 2009 at 10:42 am
rene- I adore this comic, and if you need to take your time with it, that’s fine by me! I can also echo someone elses sentiment that I don’t want it to end!
Al- I’m a single mom with three jobs, a cycling team, and an arts and crafts business to keep up with. and yes- one of those jobs is a 9-5. I’m american. Blue collar. Working-class-callused-hands-tan-skinned-and-broad-shouldered AMERICAN.
And Rene can take whatever time she needs to update the comic… and I don’t feel in the least bit slighted that I’ve donated what I can. when you deal with the whirlwind that is my life… the stupid shit like schedules stop mattering, and the simple pleasures mean so much more. So can it.
July 12th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Megatokyo was yesterday’s news seven years ago when Piro “bought out” Largo. It’s been crap since.
July 12th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
I can understand the disappointment some readers may feel at irregular updates–I know I experience it when I adore someone’s work. But anger and resentment and outright rudeness are not only inappropriate, these things will likely not change a person’s situation or priorities. We as readers are not entitled any recompense.
And art, storyline planned or not, isn’t always a static process and if an artist insists on quality who are we to complain.
No one lives and thrives in the same exact manner and I for one think it’s refreshing that Rene puts her children first, It’s her choice if she wants to try to make more money or generate a larger following. If she’s happy with her current fan-base then that’s her call.
I sincerely enjoy ALM and happily wait patiently for Rene’s updates. And yes, RSS is my friend.
Rene keep doing what you do and good on you for it.
July 12th, 2009 at 3:38 pm
I personally agree with Al on your updating. The webcomic is fantastic, but because you update it so rarely I only visit your site around once per month to check the few new comics. On the other hand, I visit Questionable Content every weekday, because I know Jeph always has a new comic from Monday to Friday, and if he doesn’t have time to make a real comic, he informs us about it and has a filler comic for that day. I hope you get your act together, because your comic really is one of the best webcomics on the net.
Also, I’m seriously amazed at some of the comments here. G Lee’s comment for example told me from the very beginning (“Al, First, I’d just like to tell you to fuck off.”) that he isn’t to be taken seriously. If you’re going to post your opinion, it’d probably be best to do it without making yourself look so ignorant and aggressive.
I think I’m done ranting now, and as a final comment I’d just like to emphasize that I am only criticizing Rene because I love the comic, and long breaks between updates make the story harder to follow.
July 12th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
well i love your comic… and i understand that you have ohers thinsg to do … but i think tha is anoyingto not read ir regularly… so i came here only once a month… than i have something to read!
July 12th, 2009 at 9:16 pm
Mmm i would totally buy an ALM t-shirt. And while i understand the complaints, the comic is totally worth waiting for. I, too, have donated but i don’t feel…ripped off… Get off your high horses and APPRECIATE PATIENTLY! Try checking in once a week, build up the climax. End!
July 12th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
I wouldn’t pay much attention to Al. That was the most obvious trolling attempt ever. I mean really, guys, ‘American circuit’? What does ‘American circuit’ even mean in this context? That’s just there to say “Oh, by the way, I’m an AMERICAN, from AMERICA, 3-2-1, everybody start fighting over the virtues of their respective countries!”
Great comic, keep up the good work, ignore the damn trolls everyone!
July 12th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
i think “everybody” bothered to write a line or two of support
because of annoying stupid people like the ones in the two comments
above me…
some people thinks the world revolve around them…that’s not new…
this comics updates are regular – and how can u even compere ALM
to QC ???
i read QC too, but these are so two different comics in so many ways….
and who’s being aggressive – is u tommy and “questionable company”,
with your “get your act together” shit…
maybe how it is now is her “act together” …
your not the one to decide …
or to set webcomic standards…
s o f u c k o f f with that shit
July 13th, 2009 at 2:50 am
To Al:
Your comment was: “2. I’m not alone – on the american circut at least – there are a lot of us who are angry and feel ripped off by you because we love the comic and want to support someone who wants to make this their full time job”
I am an American, and it would be more becoming of you to not be so general in your opinion. Do not try to include those who clearly disagree with you just to make it so your opinion appears to be a popular consensus. YOU are the one who feels ripped off, YOU are the only who feels this way. I however do not. And you not try to degrade the author’s statements by comparing your living situation to hers. I highly recommend that you be more patient with others in the future, if you realize that you cannot, then do the obvious and do not donate so that you do not feel “ripped off”.
I enjoy this comic, immensely, and I do not like to single others out to disagree with them, but this was an exception. To the author, pay no mind to what others say, do what you love, draw what you like, when you like, and let them just deal with it. It’s your comic, your expressions, your imagination. You obviously want to show the world your best and I understand completely that you don’t want to rush it or let it be dictated by a schedule. Keep up the wonderful work
July 13th, 2009 at 2:55 am
Look out, everyone! Tommy’s a critic!
July 13th, 2009 at 3:09 am
Thanks for the “warning” there Taro. Please, do not mock other people’s opinions. I can respect Al’s and Tommy’s opinions, even though I do disagree with them. I recommend you respecting other people’s opinions as well.
July 13th, 2009 at 4:52 am
I’d much rather get 3 updates a week that may or may not be perfectly timed than to have her switch to once a week or something so that she can for sure have it up at the same time every week.
Also, she doesn’t have to be sharing this with us at all so I’m not really sure why anyone would feel that they are owed a regular schedule.
And lastly, if you were REQUIRED to pay to in order to view the comic I would agree 100% that it should have a set schedule, but you don’t have to pay anything if you don’t want to. If you feel that it’s a ripoff that you’re not getting a set schedule, then don’t donate.
July 13th, 2009 at 7:18 am
Rene, I wandered over here from QC quite a long time ago, and consequently hopped on over to GWS in the last month or so, it’s creating a terrible chain that’s taking away all my time! That is to say, when I started reading, I did what I do with every comic: I started from the beginning and powered it out until I got to the present. And I’ve loved every minute of it. I can’t wait to see how it plays out, I’m sad that it’s ending, but truly am so excited for what’s ahead for the characters. Thank you for sharing your work with us and keeping us all entertained. <3
July 13th, 2009 at 7:56 am
For what it’s worth, I’m extremely grateful that there are such talented people as yourself who are ALSO generous enough to give us all completely free access to your work.
I don’t care if you miss an update due to kids, other family stuff, other life stuff or just because you REALLY can’t be bothered one day – that is entirely your perogative and your business.
I am thankful for any updates, whenever they come, and for the opportunity to enjoy your work (especially as someone who simply wouldn’t be able to afford this kind of thing if there was a charge. I swear, the day I have some money, I’m starting out by buying merchandise from those of you who have kept me so intrigued and entertained with your work, whilst never demanding anything back from me).
Thank you very much, Rene.
July 13th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Just started reading this comic a week or so ago. It rocks. Maybe I’d be more annoyed about the updates if I’d been reading it from the get-go, but i think people who criticize the schedule should remember that Ms Engstrom isn’t updating late out of malice or anything—I’m sure she does all she can to get the comics up on time while still leading a normal life and taking care of her family. People have a right to criticize it, sure, and some of the replies to criticism have been worse than the criticism itself (ease up!), but it’s simply not productive or helpful to just tell her to update it more frequently… I guess it comes down to “take it or leave it,” really, and getting publicly upset about the update schedule probably isn’t going to change anything.
That’s all I have to say on the shitstorm. Anyway, great job on the comic, Rene. If you’re reading this, keep up the awesome work! Peace out.
July 13th, 2009 at 8:23 am
I like how a good number of you directly calling each other out for being “disrespectful” of another’s opinion go on writing in the most passive-aggressive way possible. I don’t usually drop by the comment box, but I think I see now why it was shut down a while ago.
Seriously, Rene, I’m hanging on your every update! The story is getting so interesting and full! Johan and Maria are so awkwardly sweet in this strip. I’m going out of town for a few days and I’m starting to get the feeling ALM will be the first thing I check when I get back.
July 13th, 2009 at 9:00 am
fuck off, curl up, and die Al
Rene, keep up the great work!
July 18th, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Days later, and Al’s “words of wisdom” are still bothering me. Yeesh; it’s like he’s ruined the entire comments section with his shit attitude. If you want a webcomic to update regularly, write one yourself.
Rene, your comic has moved me deeply; I’m heavily invested in the characters and their story. I doubt it would have this much power if you didn’t take some extra time to work on each page.
Thank you for this comic.