Will we ever get the official scoop on who VIP was/were?

ManofTheAtom · Post by **ManofTheAtom** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:47 am

Geomancer wrote:Thanks for the link, MOTA

Thats very recent. I was having a tough time finding an email address on his site anyways.

I suppose at this point I'm just going to have to try and be patient for the announcements regarding editor in chief and creative director.

Yeah.

I do think that VEI hiring Priest as a top editor is a good idea, and he has the right notions.

http://phonogram.us/comics/caf.htm

All of which shows how out of touch I am with the thinking in New York and how much the business has changed. The joy, the love for the characters and universes, seems to be either gone or greatly overshadowed by the business end of things. Pandering to the fans—obsessing night and day with second-guessing and giving the fans exactly what they want—is always counter-productive. We should appreciate the fans and reward the fans whenever we can, but our obligation is to the characters and to the art form. And, like pursuing a reticent girlfriend, the more you reinvent yourself to give the fans just what they want, the more jaded the fans can become, demanding ever more extreme concessions. And the more we moved towards the fans, appeasing the fans, the farther the industry wandered away from what it should have been doing all along: preserving the wonderful legacy for the next generation.

I think that if VEI asked and offered Priest the kind of support he implies he doesn't recieve from DC and Marvel, he might accept.

Geomancer · Post by **Geomancer** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:53 am

From that article it certainly seems he has a desire to really prove his versatility.

Though people may want to see more Quantum and Woody, it sounds to me like he'd much rather be tackling something different.

ManofTheAtom · Post by **ManofTheAtom** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:55 am

Geomancer wrote:From that article it certainly seems he has a desire to really prove his versatility.

Though people may want to see more Quantum and Woody, it sounds to me like he'd much rather be tackling something different.

Yeah, that might be the only block against him wanting to work at VEI, that the characters aren't as big as Batman.

Geomancer · Post by **Geomancer** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:04 am

ManofTheAtom wrote:
Geomancer wrote:From that article it certainly seems he has a desire to really prove his versatility.

Though people may want to see more Quantum and Woody, it sounds to me like he'd much rather be tackling something different.
Yeah, that might be the only block against him wanting to work at VEI, that the characters aren't as big as Batman.

Hopefully the possibility of genuine creative freedom would balance that out. But i can understand why he'd need some solid assurances.

As editor in chief I'd assume he would have that, but then it could end up similiar to what happened with Engelhart and Shadowman - if he were just one of thw writing staff.

ManofTheAtom · Post by **ManofTheAtom** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:11 am

Geomancer wrote:Hopefully the possibility of genuine creative freedom would balance that out. But i can understand why he'd need some solid assurances.

As editor in chief I'd assume he would have that, but then it could end up similiar to what happened with Engelhart and Shadowman - if he were just one of the writing staff.

Yeah. Priest would most than likely ask for a position of authority (which given his track record he deserves), specially given the company's "newness"

BloodOfHeroes · Post by **BloodOfHeroes** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:51 am

The Harbinger wrote: My apologies, it was an attempt at humor, and hopefully geomancer and others understand that. Check out my join date, I'm more of a noob than him, how could I be using the picture with malice?

Sorry if I came off surly myself. It takes a bit for the coffee to kick in, especially on weekends, for some reason.

Seems everyone got the joke but me. And, for that, I want to apologize.

Geomancer · Post by **Geomancer** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:54 am

BloodOfHeroes wrote:
The Harbinger wrote: My apologies, it was an attempt at humor, and hopefully geomancer and others understand that. Check out my join date, I'm more of a noob than him, how could I be using the picture with malice?
Sorry if I came off surly myself. It takes a bit for the coffee to kick in, especially on weekends, for some reason.

Seems everyone got the joke but me. And, for that, I want to apologize.

I know I've had my share of those moments.

TKWill · Post by **TKWill** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:20 pm

Glad things are settled.

NSFW (Language)

"Let's hug it out....."
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Chiclo · Post by **Chiclo** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 7:28 pm

Geomancer wrote:
BloodOfHeroes wrote:
The Harbinger wrote:<image>
Cliff notes version IMO, but I haven't really read all of it
That's uncalled for. Geomancer is a great asset to these boards. He's articulate and STFU, NOOB just further supports his stated perception that there's a hierarchy on these boards. Why shut down a smart, well-intentioned member with such unthinking drivel. Yes, I know that it was an attempt at humor, but it failed.

Geomancer: you've demonstrated that you can run with the big dogs, can take a punch and get back up, swinging, and certainly don't need anyone to defend you. I'm sorry you have to deal with this cr@p that's all-too-common on message boards everywhere else. This one is different, most of the time, I've discovered.

BoH
Hey thanks, I appreciate it.

I've made errors and been unclear on some things and its a good thing to have them pointed out. There are some differences of opinion here and hope most see that I am expressing mine.

I don't mind noob comments. I think the term itself is funny. I find that people making noob references are either joking or have an unhealthy relationship between their post count and self esteem.

One mistake I will not repeat is to be too quick to determine the comment comes from one motive or another. In time I will come to appreciate those doing so in good spirited humor, and put the hammer down on those with other motivations.

Chicks dig the high post counts.

The girls tell each other "big post count, big...."

*this comment posted in jest and it still came out pathetisad.

BloodOfHeroes · Post by **BloodOfHeroes** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 5:41 am

"...keyboard!"

greg · Post by **greg** » Sun Mar 02, 2008 10:53 pm

Chiclo wrote:The girls tell each other "big post count, big...."

...blocks of spare time.

depluto · Post by **depluto** » Mon Mar 03, 2008 12:54 am

terminus · Post by **terminus** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 12:47 am

I think you guys are on the right track about the newsarama/Dyanamite VIP connection.It's odd that right around the time of the settlement that was when MattB annouced the selling of Newsarama to Imaginova and since then there seems to have been a black-out on that site when it comes to Valiant.

Brother J · Post by **Brother J** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:44 am

terminus wrote:I think you guys are on the right track about the newsarama/Dyanamite VIP connection.It's odd that right around the time of the settlement that was when MattB annouced the selling of Newsarama to Imaginova and since then there seems to have been a black-out on that site when it comes to Valiant.

I've noticed the lack of VALIANT news there, as well. I thought Dino mentioned there was going to be some kind of news article at Newsarama about the site launch which never materialized.

ManofTheAtom · Post by **ManofTheAtom** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:45 am

Brother J wrote:
terminus wrote:I think you guys are on the right track about the newsarama/Dyanamite VIP connection.It's odd that right around the time of the settlement that was when MattB annouced the selling of Newsarama to Imaginova and since then there seems to have been a black-out on that site when it comes to Valiant.
I've noticed the lack of VALIANT news there, as well. I thought Dino mentioned there was going to be some kind of news article at Newsarama about the site launch which never materialized.

That is as strange as it is annoying.

No wonder the preview of the X-O pages at CBR was an exclusive

xodacia81 · Post by **xodacia81** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:37 am

The politics and petty jealousies/grudges in the comic book world are what keeps it from ever having the strength of market and truly wide acceptance that it otherwise deserves. LCS owners are as much to blame as bitter media members who are still upset THEY didn't get the EXCLUSIVE. Ugh. Even though it isn't totally unique to comics, the whole proccess makes me sick.

Geomancer · Post by **Geomancer** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 1:44 pm

Thats what concerns me. Thats the biggest benefit to exposing people who operate like this in the comics industry.

It would be outstanding to have this all completely behind us. But with the losing parties being industry insiders and unable to let go of a grudge, Valiant can still be impacted.

Its great to see VEI get publicity for what they are doing. I hope all legitimate comics news channels are supportive of current and future VEI projects.

terminus · Post by **terminus** » Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:08 pm

Brother J wrote:
terminus wrote:I think you guys are on the right track about the newsarama/Dyanamite VIP connection.It's odd that right around the time of the settlement that was when MattB annouced the selling of Newsarama to Imaginova and since then there seems to have been a black-out on that site when it comes to Valiant.
I've noticed the lack of VALIANT news there, as well. I thought Dino mentioned there was going to be some kind of news article at Newsarama about the site launch which never materialized.

MOTA told me about the press relase as well,I had to bump the valiant thread over on Talk@ just to raise awaress of the site's re-luanch.

Cyberstrike · Post by **Cyberstrike** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 8:17 am

cinlach@aol.com wrote:also, several of us have looked at the art in the VIP "tr"ashcan and said, "damn...that looks a lot like jae lee."

check this link homeskillet...

http://books.monstersandcritics.com/com ... ed_in_July

Dynamic Forces president Nick Barrucci said he was proud to have helped bring Hellshock back to comic-reading audiences.
"Jae is not only a top talent in this business, but he’s also a close personal friend," said Barrucci. "Working with him on this project, and presenting a completed HELLSHOCK to the fans has been a truly rewarding experience."
it's been my experience that 1 + 1 almost always = 2.

"hey jae, remember when i helped publish that hellshock book for ya? how about knocking out some 5 minutes sketches for me! you da man pal!"

suck on that VIP.

The funny thing is I don't think the Hellshock hardcover was ever released. The last time I was at my LCS they said I since had I ordered it
well over a year and earlier and they still hadn't released or canceled it.
After waiting that long I told to cancel my order for it.

StarBrand · Post by **StarBrand** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 9:47 am

Brother J wrote:
terminus wrote:I think you guys are on the right track about the newsarama/Dyanamite VIP connection.It's odd that right around the time of the settlement that was when MattB annouced the selling of Newsarama to Imaginova and since then there seems to have been a black-out on that site when it comes to Valiant.
I've noticed the lack of VALIANT news there, as well. I thought Dino mentioned there was going to be some kind of news article at Newsarama about the site launch which never materialized.

Wizard gets bashed sometimes, but at least they always respected the Valiant universe and how important it was and is and will be to comics.
There's no doubt in my mind newsarama is biased against Valiant.

xodacia81 · Post by **xodacia81** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:07 am

I went to the "big" store here and they said "We won't be ordering any VEI products because Newsarama hasn't endorsed them." Explain how this makes good business sense.

ManofTheAtom · Post by **ManofTheAtom** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:11 am

xodacia81 wrote:I went to the "big" store here and they said "We won't be ordering any VEI products because Newsarama hasn't endorsed them." Explain how this makes good business sense.

You're kidding.

xodacia81 · Post by **xodacia81** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:35 am

Unfortunately, no, I am not kidding. The two other stores here in town don't care about who endorses what, though they are still a little leery to pick up anything because of the legal battle-which is now over-and the "lack of demand" for the product. VEI needs to market itself a bit more, let a wide audience know they are here and legit. We loyal fans know about them, but for success, they need to get word out and cut past crap like Newsarama and the attitude it engenders. As for lack of demand, there can't be a demand if there is not an awareness. Am I correct? Maybe I missed something about basic advertizing. The stores have a responsbility to give customers a chance at EVERYTHING, but they don't.

ManofTheAtom · Post by **ManofTheAtom** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:00 am

xodacia81 wrote:Unfortunately, no, I am not kidding. The two other stores here in town don't care about who endorses what, though they are still a little leery to pick up anything because of the legal battle-which is now over-and the "lack of demand" for the product. VEI needs to market itself a bit more, let a wide audience know they are here and legit. We loyal fans know about them, but for success, they need to get word out and cut past crap like Newsarama and the attitude it engenders. As for lack of demand, there can't be a demand if there is not an awareness. Am I correct? Maybe I missed something about basic advertizing. The stores have a responsbility to give customers a chance at EVERYTHING, but they don't.

I propose the revival of the VALIANT Visions newsletter, but with a print version as well as an electronic version that volunteer members of this board can distribute across local comic shops across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the UK, and other countries where those same volunteers live in.

Produced cheaply (i.e. black and white in newsprint), it could contain a copy of the VEI information from Previews, some fanfic stuff like prose stories, a timeline of the VALIANT Universe, interviews with past, present, and future creators, commisioned art, and stuff of that ilk. Basically the same content as the original VALIANT Visions newsletter

Such a project would help spread the word, but it needs someone in charge of it.

StarBrand · Post by **StarBrand** » Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:05 am

ManofTheAtom wrote:
xodacia81 wrote:Unfortunately, no, I am not kidding. The two other stores here in town don't care about who endorses what, though they are still a little leery to pick up anything because of the legal battle-which is now over-and the "lack of demand" for the product. VEI needs to market itself a bit more, let a wide audience know they are here and legit. We loyal fans know about them, but for success, they need to get word out and cut past crap like Newsarama and the attitude it engenders. As for lack of demand, there can't be a demand if there is not an awareness. Am I correct? Maybe I missed something about basic advertizing. The stores have a responsbility to give customers a chance at EVERYTHING, but they don't.
I propose the revival of the VALIANT Visions newsletter, but with a print version as well as an electronic version that volunteer members of this board can distribute across local comic shops across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the UK, and other countries where those same volunteers live in.

Produced cheaply (i.e. black and white in newsprint), it could contain a copy of the VEI information from Previews, some fanfic stuff like prose stories, a timeline of the VALIANT Universe, interviews with past, present, and future creators, commisioned art, and stuff of that ilk. Basically the same content as the original VALIANT Visions newsletter

Such a project would help spread the word, but it needs someone in charge of it.

Outstanding idea, MOTA! I'm starting a thread to discuss it under 'members only.'