Rambles of a librarian turned cartoonist

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2009-12-16T05:05:52Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

00:13 New Code Name: Hunter Supporters color page - supporters.rcsitravel.net/color/2009/12/15 #
02:52 Okay, it's almost 3am here. I need to stop coding and get some sleep. Will finish this tomorrow. Night. #
15:44 twitpic.com/tnl84 - Just came across this cute photo of Holly when she was four months old. Aw, Holly-Bolly! #
17:22 Got the old art site build. Then realized because of the WordPress on the RCSI Publishing side I can't load it online just yet. Oops. #
17:22 That should read "built" not "build". :P #
17:28 twitpic.com/to0mp - Trying to restart the daily sketch thing. Today we have a hula guinea pig. #
17:28 Hey, no one said these sketches were going to make sense. ;) #
17:57 Iowa City's been designated a UNESCO City of Literature - tiny.cc/oLciZ - Awesome! Go Hawkeyes! :D #
17:59 More from the UIowa site - at-lamp.its.uiowa.edu/virtualwu/index.php/main/unesco #
21:56 New art site is up! Collects all the old drawings I could find, going back to 1996. Give a look! - sketchbook.rcsipublishing.com #

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2009-12-15T05:04:35Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

01:45 twitpic.com/tgpi6 - Playing with possible site design for various drawings. #
01:47 No, that's not all for 2009. I'm just getting tired. Am not sure if it's worth doing though, posting the old drawings. #
01:48 It's one of those, another project, another time things. And no, I don't want a deviantArt of Fur Affinity account. Not my thing. :( #
10:13 @daemionfox It's not exciting unless you're fighting off the crowds with an anti-creep stick. ;) #
10:14 @tbowl Sorry to hear that. Hope you start to feel better soon. Maybe some tea? :( #
10:19 In today's update, we find that Rashanna is not as truthful as Gadel thinks - www.rcsitravel.net #
22:05 Need to break from coding for a bit. I've two more years to go. Well over 400 drawings archived so far. #

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2009-12-14T05:04:17Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

09:51 @daemionfox Or zombies in "Pride and Prejudice". See, this is why more people should read classic lit. ;D #
16:30 Monday's comic is complete and in the hopper, waiting for midnight this evening. And now, I'm going to go read some more and relax. :) #
23:02 @fesworks Well that was unnerving right before a 7 hour car trip to Jersey in a little over a week. #
23:03 Thinking back, I don't remember watching those blood/guts driving films in Drivers Ed. The cop who taught us just brought out a watermelon. #
23:04 "This is your head in a car." Smashes it with a hammer. "This is your head in a car without a seat belt. Got it?" We got the message. #
23:25 @fesworks Yes, you did. It's more the knowledge that Connecticut is waiting. We usually run across at least one accident in CT. #
23:26 @fesworks The rest of the wait is fine. Even Providence, RI. Connecticut... I don't get it. Must be all the construction. #
00:02 New Code Name: Hunter page - www.rcsitravel.net/archive/2009/12/14 #
00:03 New Code Name: Hunter Supporters page - supporters.rcsitravel.net/archive/2009/12/14 #

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2009-12-13T05:04:26Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

14:03 Question - do people like seeing older drawings / previous versions of a comic / rough sketches of pages on a site? #
14:04 I ran across some old comic based drawings and am wondering if there's an interest in seeing them. #
14:05 The original version of the comic from 2003-04 is already at the bottom of the archive - www.rcsitravel.net/FullArchives.html :P #
17:32 Grah! Why must people put soy in everything? And use it as a cooking oil? At least warn us first. While I like soy, I'm allergic to it. :( #
17:32 It's like, stomach ache from hell here. :P #
17:33 @k9pilot85 Hey, me too! Oh, wait a minute... ;) #

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2009-12-12T05:04:45Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

07:43 Amber of 'DMFA' is starting a donation drive to help out with finances this month. Any help is welcome - www.missmab.com #
09:32 Friday funnies - "The Muppet Bohemian Rhapsody" - www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY #
12:09 @fesworks I've always been curious why you're not fond of black and white/grey comics. Is it you feel color is more visually appealing? #
12:10 Most days I find sketching fun. Today, not so much. I keep getting distracted. :P #
12:14 @fesworks True. I wish there were more gems like 'Kaspall' and 'Galaxion' about. #
12:19 @fesworks It's hard to pull black and white off well. As for color, there've only be a few color comics that made me run off in a panic. #
12:21 @fesworks And that was mostly because the color hues were too bright / contrasting and hurt my eyes. #
12:22 @OnyxSparrow I had the same feeling when they colored 'Strangers in Paradise' for a while. It was pretty, but just didn't feel right. #
12:23 @daemionfox This is so embarrassing but, I drew the thing and can't remember. I'm a horrible webcomic mother. ;D #
12:26 @fesworks I don't remember the few color ones that turned me off. I haven't gone looking for new comics in a while. #
12:28 @daemionfox And Mom birthed me 31 years ago, but she still remembers what I look like. ;) Dad, meanwhile, never remembers how old I am. #
12:38 @daemionfox Or being in denial. One or the other. ;) #
12:57 @OnyxSparrow @fesworks I agree on both accounts. When I decided to stop doing color it was both a business and artistic decision. #
12:58 @OnyxSparrow @fesworks It cost less to print in color so more return on sales and the bright, jewel tones didn't fit right in my mind... #
12:59 ...with the storyline. It's a darker plot at times than what I could pull off with the color suggested. I also didn't want to attract kids. #
13:00 Now 'Beelz' will be in color because it's a lighter story and I want kids to read it. I don't think that would work in grey. #
13:01 @fesworks I'm doing what now? Uh, okay. Either one. #
13:02 @daemionfox I'm amused by the 'not a real tag board' thing on the temp site. :D "Why won't it work?!?" #
13:03 In case anyone's curious, here's the new 'Hunter' site in the process of being built - www.clickthulu.com/ #
13:04 @fesworks *laughs* I love that song! But no, this Beelz - twitpic.com/rlu6f - I'm starting a new comic next year. #
13:06 And now I so need to get back to sketching. Sketch, sketch, sketch! #
13:20 @enshogirl @kheetor84 Thanks! Matt's doing all the coding. :D #
13:20 @fesworks Cool! Thanks, Fes. #
14:49 twitpic.com/t35nu - The sketch of page9, Issue 9 is done. On to the lettering/inking. #

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2009-12-11T05:05:53Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

00:28 New Code Name: Hunter Supporters color page - supporters.rcsitravel.net/color/2009/12/10 #
00:34 @tbowl Sorry about the quiet. We're all okay here. Matt missed his train in to Boston this morning and stayed home. #
00:36 @tbowl We spent the day offline working on upcoming ideas for RCSI, then my appointment, then poked around a car dealership. Weird day. :D #
11:13 I hate when my anger over someone's behavior flares up a day later. Word to the wise, when talking business with people 10+ years older... #
11:14 ...than you and whose business has been around for over 11 years, please don't dance around the issue and avoid questions. #
11:15 It's best to come out an say, 'I can do that' or 'I can't do that.' It's business, not a reflection on your ego and manhood. #
11:18 It's okay to say you don't want to do something. An intelligent perspective client will understand and respect that. If you run in circles.. #
11:20 ...they'll start to think you're trying to treat them as a fool. And yes, us somewhat older folk are blunt at times. We're not being mean. #
11:23 Comes from been there, done that. We've spent the time, spent the money, taken the hits. After a while you learn to just be yourself. ;) #
11:27 @daemionfox Forget that. I'm getting a Mohawk Grenade. <BOOM> Hah! Now you look like Mr. T! #
11:27 @daemionfox What?! You're too young to know who Mr. T is?! Get off my lawn you damn kids! #
11:30 When I was your age, people wore hot pink with lime green, rubber shoes, and shorts under their skirts and thought they looked cool! #
12:28 @chrispco Awesome! Good luck! #
12:28 @daemionfox Like, totally! :D #
12:29 Dang it! Now I want to read 'As If!' again - www.mimisgrotto.com/asif/index.html - Maybe later. #
17:39 I'm so excited about the new site design. I can't wait to get it up and running. (Yes, I have no life. ;D ) #
19:42 twitpic.com/szmjc - I should be careful what I watch. For I am impressionable and own a pencil. (My apologies to Mr. Schulz.) #
00:03 New Code Name: Hunter Supporters page - supporters.rcsitravel.net/archive/2009/12/11 #

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2009-12-09T05:02:49Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

00:12 New Code Name: Hunter Supporters color page - supporters.rcsitravel.net/color/2009/12/08 #
00:39 @jinxtigr_chatty Ouch! Don't hurt yourself. :( Have you tried wrapping your wrist in a warm heating pad when it's sore? Sometimes helps. #
00:41 @jinxtigr_chatty That's why I don't. I know I'd be able to go for a month, then would end up on a homicidal rampage. :D #
00:42 I just watched "Robot Chicken" a bit ago. I'm both amused and rather confused. I am not wise in the ways of Adult Swim. #
00:47 'Why would you comic make a good addition?' Oh dear, I'm never sure how to answer that type of question. I think I'll have to sleep on that. #
11:32 @Swikan I see your 'whoot' and raise you a 'wheet'. :D - www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5my3Ut7TMw&feature=related #
12:38 twitpic.com/son95 - Yay! Just these last three panels to ink, tone and letter. Then Friday's page is complete! #
12:54 Looked up the profile of a sociopath. Yep, I think @daemionfox and I got fairly spot on with Rashanna - www.mcafee.cc/Bin/sb.html #
18:01 It's Tuesday evening and Friday's page is finished. Not bad for an untrained idiot. ;) #
18:40 @rhoratio Odd. I sent it Friday. My address is dls@rcsitravel.net. Could be the 'travel' part. It triggers spam filters at times. #
18:40 @rhoratio I can send it again, if you'd like. Sorry about that. #
18:50 @rhoratio Will do. I tried the borg484 one. Will re-send in a bit to the Rampage address. Thanks. #
18:51 @rhoratio Okay. Re-sent. :D #
18:52 Time for a break. And dinner. Yay! :D #
22:10 @rhoratio Thanks. :D Matt had some questions so I think he's sent an email. He does the web design. #
22:10 @bearprower Or I could be joking. ;D #

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2009-12-08T05:01:20Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

00:02 New Code Name: Hunter page - www.rcsitravel.net/archive/2009/12/07 #
00:02 New Code Name: Hunter Supporters page - supporters.rcsitravel.net/archive/2009/12/07 #
01:18 New RCSI Blog entry: Site rebuild status and an early happy holidays www.rcsipublishing.com/?p=2049 #
08:40 *sniff* Why does it smell like sour apple Jolly Ranchers in here? O.o; #
08:42 @daemionfox @Rogueactor "Bitch tree?" So what, it's a tree that takes out twittering little blue birds? Just smacks them with its branches? #
08:42 @daemionfox Why? What did you do? #
08:51 (try again) Speaking of birds, here's Pixar's "For the Birds" - tiny.cc/bHoSW - Something funny to get your Monday going. #
12:46 @imycomic *raises hand* My degree is in English and Library Science. No art degree for me. #
12:48 twitpic.com/sjynz - I just finished the colored version of the latest page from Issue 9. I love how this first panel turned out in co #
13:27 @imycomic I'm also not big on comic knowledge. I read some indy's in the mid/late 90s, but most of those didn't last long. :( #
13:29 I can identify some of the major characters and know about the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, but that's about it. #
13:30 @daemionfox If you're seeing spots, it's a migraine. Take some aspirin, hun. :( #
18:42 Furs, repeat after me: Everything does not have to be about yiffing and a woman's world view and psychological makeup... #
18:43 ... is not going to be changed by having sex with a man. We clear? Good. #
18:54 @kheetor84 It's been suggested that if Rash got laid she'd calm down. But, since she was married and killed her husband, I going with no. ;P #
18:55 Silly, silly people. #
18:55 @jinxtigr_chatty I'm sure it'll be alright. What are you working on? #
19:26 @bearprower Me too. Matt and I are having fun with it. Forget pills! Cure it with sex! ;D #
19:28 @Brighttail Don't worry about it. It's not meant to be a slur againts furs, just something silly I've run across. #
19:31 It's hard to watch "The FBI Files" when whenever you hear, "he was abducted" you think, 'by aliens?' #
19:39 The guy they have in custody kind of looks like Lesile Nelson (sp? - The Naked Gun" actor). #
19:54 @kezhound Sorry to hear about the lack-luster sales. That sucks. :( Sounds like us at I-Con. #
19:56 @Brighttail It's no biggie. Kind of funny, actually. #
20:12 @kezhound Yeah. We'd heard good things about I-Con, but last year they split the venue between three sites. The dealer's room was in with... #
20:13 @kezhound ...the anime track. Comics were in a hotel about five-ten minutes away. Not many buyers made the trek. :( #
20:17 @jinxtigr Looks good. You want to do a full color/full page daily? #
20:18 @kezhound Yeah. I think they're going to two venues this year. Something about loosing the place they normally held the convention. #
20:18 @kezhound Though to be honest, even the anime vendors didn't look like they were doing well. #
20:30 *snicker* Oh dear. :D RT @talvinamarich Could be a joke. Might not be. Funny either way. freshballs.com #
20:37 Today's 'Unshelved' is cute - www.unshelved.com/archive.aspx?strip=20091207 #

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I'm rather pleased with this panel

2009-12-07T17:43:40Z

I just finished the colored version of the latest page from Issue 9. I love how this first panel turned out.

(please click on the thumbnail for the full size)

Now, I think it's time for lunch.

"I eat like a vulture. Unfortunately the resemblance doesn't end there."
-- Groucho Marx

Site rebuild status and an early happy holidays

2009-12-07T14:01:22Z

(cross-posted from the site...)
Hey all! Welcome back! We're nearing the end of the intermission. Only one page left! Then, it's on to Issue 8 where we'll learn a bit about Max's family.

Matt showed me the basic backbone of the new site. It's nice and so much faster than the current one. We'll start working on creating the template this week. The goal is to release the new site around New Years.

Which reminds me... with the holidays coming up and college finals around the corner (this week for many) I'm sure many of you are gearing up for a busy next few weeks. So, in case you wander off before the end of the month, I just wanted to say an early Happy Holidays to everyone! Thanks for sticking with us this year! Matt and I know it hasn't been the smoothest year with the time off for the fire, server hack, and general poor health. It's still amazing at times to find that people enjoy what we do. It leaves you feeling bubbly and jittery at times. And yes, that's a good thing. Thank you!

For anyone planning on a trip, have a safe journey. And to all you college students... good luck on your finals. You studied, right? No? You played World of Warcraft instead? Well... close enough. *wink* Take care, guys, and thanks again!

"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity. These are but trifles, to be sure; but, scattered along life's pathway, the good they do is inconceivable."
-- Joseph Addison

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2009-12-07T05:02:34Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

10:42 Sharp pain in throat/jaw took me out yesterday. At least Matt and I were able to work out some more ideas for RCSI next year. #
10:43 The pain's still there today, but I've things to do. So it's a tea and inking day today. Yay mint tea! #
10:45 @jinxtigr_chatty I just realized I've been bouncing in and out of furrydom for over a decade too. I didn't get to see them early on, though. #
20:31 @fesworks It's under the 'Filter' tab in version 7. #
20:34 I burnt my tongue on potato soup earlier and it's still a bit sore. Too hot. :P #
20:41 Noticed a discussion on a webcomic forum that confused me. If subscriptions (paying for comic content) are considered so bad... #
20:42 ...then why is what Matt and I do with our comic working? Or is that not a subscription? Is it because you're not required to pay to read? #
20:43 These things always confuse me. Most of what we do is considered wrong by most webcomic creators. On top of this, I'm no business wizard. :P #
20:44 Giving me control of fiances is like giving a spider monkey a nail gun. Interesting, but probably not the best for your health. *laughs* #
23:10 Whoot! Page loaded. And this Mike's hard apple cider is a little too sweet. :P #
23:13 Thanks, guys! Hopefully no one's too annoyed with what we're doing. :) #
23:29 twitpic.com/shyk4 - The first panel of page 7 of Issue 9. Yay! New Haven! #
00:02 New Code Name: Hunter page - www.rcsitravel.net/archive/2009/12/07 #

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2009-12-06T05:01:18Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

01:34 Been playing with my old LJ, trying to pump some life back into it - darcsowers.livejournal.com - But now it's late. Time for bed. #
08:15 Neat! An interview with the Flag Man in New Haven, CT. We see his van on our way to and from Matt's parents' house - tiny.cc/D890q #

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2009-12-05T06:31:08Z

Hey all! It's time for the day's tweets. General ramblings, fun links, and the occasional sketch can be found here. Enjoy!

08:10 WhooHoo! :D RT @enshogirl New page of The Paul Reveres has been posted: paul-reveres.com/?p=1043 New vote incentive too. #
11:15 @daemionfox That new supporters catch-up link is neat. How long have we had that? (Yeah, I don't know what's happening on my site at times.) #
11:16 @daemionfox We should make that noticeable in the redesign. "Are you a new Supporter? Catch-up here!" #
11:17 *laughs* Yay! Perry the Platypus! #
11:18 Alright, sent out some emails. Now a quick lunch and then sketching. I get to sketch a bit of Bridgeport today. #
11:38 @daemionfox @Swikan "Oh, There You Are Perry" episode - www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdMUf9RdZf0&feature=related #
11:40 @Brighttail I've tried a few times before, but it really slows my computer down. :( #
14:59 New Supporters blog entry: New series - "Beelz" supporters.rcsitravel.net/blog/?p=1714 #
15:08 @Brighttail We will soon. We had plans to upgrade my comp, but the flub that was I-Con and the trade order left RCSI a little thin. #
15:09 @Brighttail We're well in the black, but we want RCSI to gain a bit more income again before upgrading the computer. :D #
15:10 @Brighttail As for Max and the Queen, that will come up in Issue 12 and the intermission following it. Brumborg will come up later. :D #
15:12 I agree. RT @mkinyon #webcomics #followfriday @tbowl Aaron Lewis, creator of The Best of What's Left ( www.tbowlcomic.com/ ) #
15:17 There are two holiday specials available at the RCSI Publishing store - tiny.cc/QmRAd - Offer's good till December 20th. #
19:41 @bearprower *laughs* Yeah, I'm really excited about it. We're looking ahead at how much a hardback print run would cost. #
19:42 @bearprower Since it will be more of a G rated comic, we could market it as a children/young readers book. :D And I get to play with color. #
19:43 Matt picked me up a copy of the new "Usagi Yojimbo" book, "Yokai". It's absolutely GORGEOUS! - tiny.cc/7FQf6 #
19:44 I forgot that Mr. Sakai does such lovely watercolor work. Wow! The story's really damn good too. And I love the dedication. ;D #

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December wallpaper

2009-12-05T05:49:20Z

(cross-posted from the site...)
Hey all! We have new wallpaper on the Supporter's side to share! This month, Max learns that reindeer can be a little ornery at times.

Here's a close-up...

Supporters, you can download the full image on the Wallpapers page (click the 'Wallpaper Now Available' button at the top of the page) in the Supporters Area. Not a Supporter? Why not become one today?

That's all for now. Thanks for reading and take care!

"Don't approach a goat from the front, a horse from the back, or a fool from any side."
-- Yiddish Proverb

Hey all. It's been a while...

2009-12-05T05:39:28Z

Hey guys! Sorry about the quiet on my end. With RCSI (http://www.rcsipublishing.com) having its own blog, I've been keeping most of my posts there. I'd like to start using LJ in conjunction with the RCSI site blog - sort of as a back-up and place to post additional thoughts.

There is one small problem... anyone watching the RCSI Publishing feed here on LJ (http://syndicated.livejournal.com/rcsiblog) will get double posts occasionally. Which, is why I haven't been using this journal. I apologize. Since I didn't make the LJ feed I can't shut it down. All I can ask is if the double posts become too annoying, please feel free to either drop this journal or the feed.

Thanks guys.

"I need you. Gonna make it. Jai Ho! I'm ready. So take it!"
-- "Jai Ho! (You Are My Destiny)" - A. R. Rahman & The Pussycat Dolls

Trade paperbacks are GO!

2009-09-08T21:36:05Z

Hey, everyone! The trade paperback of A Political Spell is now available! It is a 216 page, perfect bound book with toned, black and white pages. Sorry, no color here. The trade contains Issues 1-7 as well as the 'Mail Bag!' and 'Scrying I' interludes, a cover gallery, a cast of characters section, and a sketchbook. The cover cost... $17.95. Cool!

I'm afraid there will not be a special artist edition. I'm sorry. My health's been a little wacky lately and with various projects in the works, I want to make sure I don't get behind. But, I'll tell you what I'm going to do... if you order through our store and check "please sign this copy" I'll do a quick pen sketch inside. If you forget, decide you'd like a sketch later, or order through Amazon.Com remember, you're always welcome to bring your copy to any con Matt and I are attending and we'll sign it there.

Yes, they're on Amazon.Com which I think is really cool! So, if you'd like to save a little cash (because times are tight and all) you can order your copy via Amazon. Also, international readers, the shipping may be a little less for you if you use Amazon, I'm not completely sure. I know the shipping rates have been pretty harsh at times.

So yes, ladies and gentlemen, we did it! Whoot! Now to continue making the next one. Thanks for sticking with us everyone! You all are awesome! I'm going to go hug my copy now. Later!

"Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally."
-- David Frost

Fundraiser benefting Rusty Haller

2009-07-13T15:14:16Z

(cross-posted from the comic site...)

Matt and I received news that a fundraiser/auction will be held this weekend benefiting Rusty Haller, the creator of 'Ace and Queenie'. You remember, we sent out a call for aid for Rusty back in June. Rusty still needs our help! Please read and, if possibly, pass on the press release below. The fundraiser event is this Sunday, July 19th. Let's get the word out as far as we can! Thanks, guys!

PRESS RELEASE:

Pop culture pros rally to help a colleague in need!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

The studio will be open from 2pm to 6pm.

Buried Under Comics
Frank Policastro
Mike Rinaldi
Jim Parente
Tom Fiore
Cybertronian Artifacts/Mike Hodgkins
Flying Monkeys/Ed Bradley
Atlas Unleashed
SJS Promotions
Freelance Ink/Robert J. Sodaro
Jolly Rogue Studios
MediaConnectionOnline/Modern Observer Group/Eric Lopkin
Immortal Gothic Angel/Shawnti Therrien
Novastar Studios/James Rodriguez
Guild Works Publications/Keith Murphey
Comicbook Artists Guild
Brianna Benn
POW Entertainment
Connecticon
Hector Rodriguez
Free Lunch Comics

Free Lunch Studios is located at 518 Salmon Brook Street (rear entrance) in Granby CT.

skanaras@freelunchcomics.com

Server update - yes, they got back in

2009-06-16T13:30:34Z

(cross-posted from the 'Hunter' site)

Yes, they got back in yesterday at the same time as Sunday. Yes, they will most likely do it again today. They actually damaged the server, badly. We've plans in place to restore most of the services as soon as possible after each hit. Also, we've made plans to end him doing this. Unfortunately, those plans can not be implemented until Monday. If you're hosted on the server, Matt should have or will be contacting you about what we're looking at. For everyone reading 'Hunter', I really don't want to go into what the plan is at the moment. It was a bit of a painful decision, especially for Matt. But, in the end, it's the best one.

Unfortunately, it's going to be a frustrating week.

'Hunter'-wise, the store will remain down until this business is completely take care of. Also, when this switch happens in a week, there may be some changes to the 'Hunter' site. We're pulling down a lot of bandwidth everyday. While this is a good thing - it means we're popular - we may have to go through the site and pull some "dead weight". In other words, the galleries may have to go. I'm looking into outside gallery places now (no, I do not want to use DeviantArt of FurAffinity again) and I may be moving most of the art off-site. The guest gallery will remain on-site, but will be done with just CSS / HTML. If we go this route it means two things...

1) I will not be reloading everything. I will be selective about what older art goes up.

And 2) Supporters, you will lose your Supporters only gallery. We'll figure something out for the works in progress (most likely just a folder in the site's directory - I want to drop the 'Galley' program we're currently using completely). The rest will either be consolidated into the new, off-site gallery or removed from the net altogether.

So, if there's anything in the gallery that you want, grab a copy by the end of this week. There are a few smaller things as well, but those galleries are our biggest extra glut.

And, to stop some worry I've seen popping up, like on the Belfry list, no, this was not a comic specific hack. It was a full server hack. It wasn't targeted. The didn't go after us because we do a webcomic, or because our comic has furries/talking animals, or because we're Americans. What happened is that one of our hosted sites had a vulnerability that this script kiddies code is designed to look for. That's all.

One more thing... if you see this yobbo's email address pop up, do not email him. Seriously. People like this won't listen to you. All they'll do is laugh and then sell your email to as many spammers as they can. So please, ignore him.

Okay guys, it's going to be a rough week. But, if you can all hang in there with us things will get better. Okay, I need to get going on some projects. Thanks guys and take care.

Server update

2009-06-15T14:15:10Z

Matt finally passed out at about 7:30 this morning after being up for around 36 hours straight. At this moment, most of the sites on the server should be up and running again. The more complex and interactive sections (mainly the forums and shopping carts) are, for the most part, still down. These bits are a little too detailed to work with when sleep deprived.

If you're hosted on the server and see something off, missing, or you're still seeing that image our little "visitors" left behind, please email Matt and let him know. He can be reached at support@capnbells.com. I don't expect him to be up and about until later this afternoon, the poor guy. And unfortunately, I'm not versed enough in the programing department to offer any help on my own. All I do is make things look pretty. This stuff went over my head five years ago or so.

Okay, guys, I've got commission sketches to get out and even more sketching to do so I should get to it. Sorry about all of this happening. We'll get it all sorted out.

Thanks.

To any Capn'Bells clients / 'Hunter' readers... server's been hacked

2009-06-15T02:49:43Z

Hey all. Long time, no speak. Unfortunately, I'm back with some rough news. The server that Matt runs has been hacked by some douches out in Turkey. We noticed it about 30 minutes after they got in, after-which Matt locked the server down, then had to drive out to Boston to reset the machine. He's now starting the long, painful process of restoring everyone's sites as well as the email services.

In other words... no sleep tonight.

If you're on the server and reading this, we're sorry for the trouble. We'll have things up and running for you again as soon as possible. Please bear with us.

'Hunter' readers, please bear with us as well. We need to get our clients up and running again before we worry about our own sites. We'll have Monday's update for you as soon as everything else is squared away.

So... that's what's going on. Again, sorry for this and thanks for your understanding.

Later all and take care.

The MFF con and vacation report

2008-12-06T16:36:20Z

The con and vacation reports for Midwest Furfest and the Iowa trip are now available. You can read the con report here. And, the vacation report is here. Enjoy!

I need a sick leave / vacation

2008-11-06T17:00:17Z

Unfortunately, I don't know it that's a possibility when you're self employed. It shouldn't be a problem since normal jobs tend to offer that. But still...

I haven't been feeling all that great for a bit now and things seem to be getting worse, which is making getting any work done a tad difficult. I haven't been able to get a buffer built up for the two plus weeks we'll be out at MFF and Iowa. Even getting Friday's Supporters page done is proving to be a challenge, which is upsetting.

Thing is, the last thing I want to do is keep getting worse. Somehow, going to MFF and introducing nearly 2,000 people to the creeping crud is probably not the best way to make friends and influence people.

But, I'm worried that if I take time to get better people will be mad at me for not having their comics done on time. I guess this falls under one of those 'damned if you do, damned if you don't' scenarios.

Either way, I'm going to go down and make some soup then try to ink some more of Issue 6, page 8. I need to get that done if I can.

MFF schedule posted...

2008-11-03T15:21:43Z

(cross-posted from the comic site...)

I can't believe it's only two weeks or so before we leave for Chicago. Yes ladies and gents, it's almost time for Midwest Furfest! The con's programing schedule is now available here. Looks like there's a lot planned. I'm starting to get excited! And we get to ride out there on a train! Cool!

Matt and I will be at the events below. So much to do...

Opening Ceremonies
Friday @ 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Meet the GOH
Friday @ 1:00pm - 2:00 pm
Storytelling Through Characters Part 1 - Heroes
Friday @ 4:00pm - 5:00 pm
Storytelling Through Characters Part 2 - Villains
Saturday @ 10:00am - 11:00 am
Sponsors' Lunch
Saturday @ 11:00am - 1:00 pm
Storytelling Through Characters Part 3 - Extras
Sunday @ 12:00pm - 1:00 pm
Code Name: Hunter
Sunday @ 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Closing Ceremonies
Sunday @ 5:00pm - 6:00pm

Unfortunately, some of the panels I'd like to see overlap with our own. Also, the webcomics panel we were hoping to do fell through. Oh well, maybe next time. So, if you're in the Chicago area this November, stop by Midwest Furfest.

Hmm... the time change kicking in has my body a wee bit confused. It's trying to tell me that it's lunch time when it's only 10:30. :D

This is all Matt's fault...

2008-10-10T17:50:27Z

When you see this, post in your own journal with your favorite quote from The Princess Bride. Preferably not "As you wish" or the Inigo Montoya speech.

"Bye-bye boys! Have fun storming the castle!"

And the print is done...

2008-09-29T16:07:34Z

...and I'm tired. I though this would be a bit easier so I could get going on the comic again over the weekend (my buffer runs out after Friday's update) but nope. I had to go get obsessed with the mountain and then remove all the detail when Matt pointed out it might be a little much. What's with the compulsion for fiddly things lately? It's getting out of hand.

But yes, it's finished and we'll be sending the full sized files along with the fonts from the cover off to the MFF crew this evening. Sorry about how close to the deadline this is. I usually like to have things done with a little more breathing time space. *blush*

Here are the sketch, ink and finished versions. Please click for the full size...

The only trouble is, I now need to switch gears back to the comic and I'm finding that a little hard. Part of that could be because I was up until 2:00am or so. But I'm also a bit intimidated by these next few comic pages. I'm just not comfortable with doing them I guess.

But, I'm out of time so... I'm going to make something to eat in a bit and get down to roughing out the thumbnails. Maybe I'll pull a few more late nights this week to get things done. I just don't work too well during the day. Later.