So by now I assume most have seen the announcements regarding Modern Tales, that being Eric Burns editing the original MT site and the whole not just for subscribers thing.

As an MT creator myself I'm not going to say too much because you, dear forumite, would not me remiss in accusing me of simply towing the company line, but there's a lot to talk about methinks, and that's my gig here, so what do ya'll think?

In 2006, webcomics portal Modern Tales will change its business model drastically, offering 80% of the site's featured webcomic series to readers for free. In addition, the site will publish three or four times more series than there are now.

I've tried to get something like this going a few times before, but it seems that many creators fear IRC. I do like the idea of a place where creators can gather and talk freely in a form more dynamic than simple forums. Often, these channels can devolve into rather silly places, but with strong moderation, that can be kept to a minimum.

So has there been any thought put towards creating a Comixpedia channel on an IRC network?

Jeff Rowland ponders changes to his webcomic WIGU for 2006. Is OverCompensating really more popular than WIGU now? I like them both for the record.

Kristofer Straub returns to the pages of Comixpedia with a new column based o­n his long-running Checkerboard Nightmare webcomic.  As always, Chex and crew will be taking aim at the state of webcomics, and making you laugh while making you think.  This month's installment was so topical that we couldn't wait until the rest of the issue hits to bring it to you.  So here it is.

I've been thinking. Considering displaying webcomics, podcasting video and all other things people do online and give them for free to their audience (of course, the audience would have to buy printed collected editions or DVDs), is it possible to do the same for ther mediums? Like podcasting your animated series, publishing your serial novels online and so on.

The Internet allows any medium to be distributed without the corporate red tape, censorship or executive interference. It also allows lots of creative freedom to the artists, writers, storytellers and so on. And seeing podcast sites ranging from DigitalLifeTV featuring former TechTv alumnis, to Pure Pwnage as well as Homestar Runner & Red vs Blue, such possibilites are endless. Can you imagine the creators of Lost or 24 podcasting their shows online instead of showing them on TV, both network and cable?

Internet is perfect for serial storytelling in any medium. We can download every chapter or episodes every day, week, or month (preferably three days weekly). Then, when one arc is finished, we can sell the complete arc in print or disc or iPods or PSPs or mobiles. There are services such as Lulu.com or Comixpress to do for comics. If there are similiar services for DVDs of podcasted serials, please give a link or two.

What do you think?

I asked on the old forums about advertising networks and which ones were the best:

KrazyKow mentioned:

And Coz mentioned:

Since then D.J.Coffman also posted this A-Z of Ad Programs in his $ blog which is helpful info.

So is anyone interested in talking the pros and cons of experiences with ads and stuff? What's worked best for you?