The Culture and Cost of 'Free'

We're well into the internet age, a time where technology gives us access to anything digital right at our fingertips. On one hand, it's great--there has never been a better time to share what you do, and it's easier than ever to make a business out of it. It is the age of entrepreneurs; the old models of big media are failing. We have ignoring advertisements down to an artform and seek out cheaper content online.

Specifically, it's a great era for content creators: the people who make your independent games, your comics, your literature--any creative venture now has the potential to reach millions of people with just a few clicks. It used to be that you had to get published, that you needed a big company to take you under their wing for you to succeed. Of course, any path comes with its risks and benefits, but the point is that there are more options available to you.

But what I'm here to talk about today is the culture that has sprung up because of it.

My generation and the upcoming one have lived in an age where it's "okay" to pirate music, movies,  games, comics, etc. in a sort of "try before you buy" mentality. Which isn't inherently a bad thing! Really--it forces companies to be more transparent, to create quality products, and to listen to their customers, lest they lose the base of people who are willing to pay.

But what has this done to the creators?

We expect everything for free. "If I can get a ripped copy, why buy it?" "If I can listen to it on youtube, why buy it?" "If other artists make webcomics for free, why should I have to pay for yours?" What all of these are saying is that the creator's time and skill are not worth their dollar.

This... this is a problem, and something I face every day I continue with Midwinter. I've been asked questions such as, "Why do you charge?" or I'll hear, "Well, I'd read it, but not if I have to pay for it." It's also been suggested to me that I start out the comic as free and roll it out as a charged entity later--which, unfortunately, comes with a whole new slew of complications and fan-hate that just isn't worth it.

It's kind of a slap in the face every time I hear that. Like someone is telling me that the hours I pour into this project, the lost sleep, and the mental breakdowns I endure from stress aren't worth a couple bucks every chapter. If you know me personally, you'll know that my schedule is crammed to the breaking point. I broke down just last month when we only had a week or two to finish that short manga. I was trying to do commissions for Nebraskon on top of that, work, and school. It was not something I should have taken on, and my fiance insisted multiple times I give it up because of unhealthy it was. But I persevered and learned a lot about my limits and what I could handle every month while having a full time job.

Because of it, I've had to reconsider a lot about the release of Midwinter and what we're going to do about regular updates. BUT, that's a topic for another time. And please don't take this semi rant as me trying to say "Screw you" to the people who might not be able to afford it, or anything like that--I really do understand that money is hard to come by, especially for you students or younger people without jobs.

All I ask is that you try to see it from my end--from any creator's end--as well as your own. If you're one of those people who seldom like to pay for the entertainment provided to you, please reconsider the value and worth of what you are given. Consider what goes into it and try to support the things you like.