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Reviews and commentary by Tony Isabella
"America's Most Beloved Comic-Book Writer & Columnist"
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TONY'S ONLINE TIPS
for Tuesday, January 22, 2008
I'm feeling bloggy today.
This is kind of sort of the mission statement of this column and its writer. Up until very recently, I had a "day job" that made it possible for me to resume doing TOT five times a week, Monday through Friday. Unfortunately, the "day job" has come to an end for the time being, necessitating my looking for other paying assignments. This does not mean the end of TOT in the short term, and, hopefully, not in the long term either.
The inspiration for writing this mission statement were the messages I received from folks on MySpace after I mentioned I was looking for paying assignments and my somewhat grouchy response to those messages. With the announcement my friend Roger Price was retiring from Mid-Ohio-Con, this seemed like an apt opportunity to take stock of where I was at and share a bit of that knowledge with TOT readers. Somewhat edited and expanded, here's the message I posted to MySpace:
Some of my status updates have confused people, so...
I am in good health. Not to worry.
I am available for paying gigs. A change in the situation of my best client has me unexpectedly not working for him at the moment. I have no complaints in this regard. He paid me well, had me do more work than we had originally discussed, and treated me with far more respect than I have generally been treated in the comic book business. I may do more work for him in the future, but it doesn't look like that will be any time soon.
Paying gigs means paying gigs. It doesn't mean "Tony has time on his hands, so he can write something for me for free."
I would be most keen on writing for newspaper comic strips. That's what I was doing for the afore-mentioned client. I found it both challenging and enjoyable. If Lynn Johnston is really serious about getting someone to carry on For Better or For Worse, she should call me.
This change in my work situation means I'll only be attending comics conventions where the event is willing to pay my expenses. I'm not interested in hearing "We'd love to have you as a guest, but don't have enough money left in the budget." Hey, I understand about not having any money left in the budget. But understanding doesn't mean I'm coming to your convention.
People ask to interview me all the time. At least once a week. If you're a person or if you're representing a publisher who has done right by me, I'll help you out. If being interviewed by you is of benefit to me, I'll agree to an interview. Otherwise, probably not.
Consulting? I didn't like doing it when I was paid for it. Guess how much I want to do it for free.
Convention panel programming? Unless you're Roger Price, you should come to me with your checkbook in hand.
I know I'm coming off like some sort of angry mercenary here. But I have a kid in college and another one three years behind him. I've done a lot of "pro bono" work in the past. I may do a lot more in the future. But I'm not doing it today or at any time in the immediate future.
I may be grumpy, but I still love you all madly.
Be well.
Consider this a starting point for an ongoing discussion with myself and with you. In TOTs to come, I'll let you know what else I'm doing and what else I'm writing. I'll discuss my theories of reviewing...and how a friend - who shall not be named - crossed a line trying to block an unfavorable review of his work. I'll write (as briefly as possible) about the importance of "Tip The Tipster" donations in keeping this column coming to you five days per week. I'll record my journey, always striving to make it as entertaining and informative for you as possible. If you have questions for me, I'll do my best to answer them here.
My mission statement? Here it is.
I want to do my best for my family, my friends, my readers, my clients, and my fellow citizens of the world.
I also promise not to put up any enormous banners proclaiming my mission is accomplished.
Besides, what sort of idiot would believe that?
Thanks for spending a part of your day with me. I'll be back tomorrow with more stuff.
Tony Isabella
<< 01/21/2008 | 01/22/2008 | 01/23/2008 >>
Discuss this column with me at my Message Board. Also, read Heroes and Villains: Real and Imagined.
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THE "TONY" SCALE
ZERO: Burn your money before buying any comic receiving this rating. It doesn't *necessarily* mean there's absolutely nothing of value here - though it *could* - but whatever value it might possess shrinks into insignificance before its overall awfulness.
ONE: Buy something else. Maybe I found something which wasn't completely dreadful in the item, but not enough for me to recommend it when there are better comics available. I only want what's best for you, my children.
TWO: Basic judgment call. I found some value, but not enough to recommend it. My review should give you enough info to decide if you want to take a chance on it. Are you feeling lucky today, punk? Well, are you?
THREE: This denotes something I find perfectly respectable. There are better books out there, but I wouldn't regret buying this item. Based on my review, you should be able to determine if it's of interest to you. Let the Force guide you.
FOUR: I recommend anything earning this rating. Unless you don't like the genre, subject matter, or past work of the creators, I believe you'll enjoy this item. Isn't it uncanny how I can look right into your soul that way?
FIVE: Anything getting this rating is among the best comicdom has to offer. You should buy/read this, even if the genre/subject matter doesn't appeal to you. It's for your own good. Me, I live for comics and books this good...but not in a pathetic "Comic-Book Guy" sort of way.
Please send material you would like me to review to:
Tony's Online Tips
840 Damon Drive
Medina, OH 44256
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