Conflict Of Interest In Comics Media

I really don't know if I'm part of "comics media" per se -- or, really, part of "comics journalism" proper. I sort of see the blog as more of a personal opinion thing. But yeah, it is some sort of "media."

As time goes on -- and as my (re)involvement in the comic book book industry grows -- I find it harder and harder to be as bold in my opinions as I used to be. Some of it is because, "well, you're the president of Friends of Lulu, you can't say THAT, you have to be non-divisive." Some of it will be cases where I might hate aspects of a comic, but am friends with a person connected with the comic in some fashion. Some of it may be, "well, they never pissed in my iced tea, I'm giving them a break." And so on and so on, some reasons perhaps not as unselfish as the acts of Gandhi, but none so cynical as those pro-penis enlargement blog posts with the words "sponsored by Acme Penis Enlargement Company" below it.

This situation, in my view, affects large swathes of the comics media -- but really affects a great deal of people in the world in general who rely on social networks. Sure, John the Baptist was the lone voice howling in the wilderness -- but he lived in the wilderness and wore animal skins. Of course, the Olsen Twins wear animal skins as well, but it's not quite the same thing.

Also, John the Baptist got his head cut off, which sucks.

The paradox is that I think today's society -- especially those who are glued to the Internet -- are so tired of spin that they actually crave ANYONE and ANYTHING that sounds authentic and real.

And the irony is that the more successful one is at being "real," and getting an audience, and getting attention -- the more likely things will get watered down, because that social network grows, and the conflicts of interest start.

For instance, I really idolized Dennis Miller in my teens. I liked the way he thumbed his nose at society. I thought he was a radical (of course, I was 17, so maybe my education as to radicals in modern society was rather limited). Then he sort of became a conservative. Then he co-hosted Monday Night Football. Now he's a game show host. What. The. F**k?

Now, the problem with the comic book community in regards to this topic is that it is damned tiny. So sometimes it feels that trying to write something halfway controversial about anything without stepping on anyone's toes is like attempting to breakdance in a small antique shop filled with old china.

Of course, don't pity me. Pity Newsarama, Wizard, et al. Pity the reviewers at Entertainment Weekly faced with doing a write-up on some horrendous bomb for Warner Bros.

On second thought, do pity me -- that donut I got at the Farmer's Market this morning just gave me the runs.

Where I suggest you can *really* find that raw, cutting style of reviews and commentary is in one of the many of the excellent blogs out there untainted with personal involvement with the industry. Go to Journalista and Dirk will point 'em out to ya.

And, just for the record, though I mentioned the comics media, and particularly Newsarama & Wizard, in this post, I mean no ill-will or criticism to any. I mean, Newsarama is the comics industry's #1 source for daily comic book news, previews, reviews and commentary, and is home to the largest comic book reader message board community on the Internet, with discussions ranging from Marvel Comics' X-Men and DC Comics' Superman to manga and the smallest indy publishers. And Wizard Magazine is the #1 men’s pop-culture magazine, providing comics and entertainment fans with everything they need to know about comic books, movies, TV, video games, DVDs and more. Full-color graphics, in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes features and a fun, light-hearted tone combine to provide the ultimate experience for Wizard's passionate community of fans.

Ok, I'm going to tempt fate and eat that other Farmer's Market donut now. Wish me luck.