Reading Comics For Free: The Bright Side

“…Reading My Comic For Free?”, that’s a question that I have been asking myself for some time. After some reflection, some reading, and serious consideration. I would say yes.

Now, now, we’re all friends here, you can put the pitchforks and torches down. Let me your questions and demands for a reason with my own question.

Have you ever downloaded music illegally? A big chunk of us have. That’s a reality that a lot of musicians have to deal with. Have you ever wondered how they ever make any money? It’s definitely not coming from the limited selection at a Starbucks ordering line. In regards to comics, it also has not much to do with the fact that comic book shops are fewer and further apart than they were in the 80’s.

The truth is that musicians make the bulk of their money by going on tours and performing live and selling their CDs, merchandise, and their concerts.

Do you see where I’m coming from yet? Comic readers aren’t that much different.

Think about it. Let’s keep using the music analogy a little longer.

Why do you do it? Why would you download music illegally? Is it because you heard a song on the radio and liked it? A friend of yours suggested it and wanted to give it a try before buying a whole album? Maybe you think that if you bought it from the retailer you felt like the artist wouldn’t be making any significant money from the sale?

The possible reasons are many.

Well, try thinking about it.

Maybe the reader saw a superhero flick and started getting an interest in comics, but doesn’t want to pay for anything just yet.

Maybe a friend of theirs recommended a comic series to read. Comics ain’t cheap. So they start to check it out online before investing in a whole story arch.

Maybe they think that they wouldn’t be supporting an artist enough by buying a book.

All fair and true. But what happens when someone reads one of your comics? Do they start to like it? Do they become fans? Don’t they get excited about the next release? I bet they even start recommending your comic to their friends.

All of that exposure, paid for or not, is good for your comic’s bottom line sales.

These readers, they love your work. In today’s day, that means that they want to support you AND your comic.

People today like providing support to creators directly. Do you have some sort of crowdfunding set up, a Patreon perhaps? Start sharing it on your social media. Heck put the link to your Patreon page on the borders of your comic. That way even if people read it for free they will see how they can support you!

Do you have merchandise for your comic? Promote it in your comic as well.

These readers are probably your biggest fans and you didn’t know it. They want more for and from you. All you have to do is give them a chance.

People who read your comics for free aren’t your enemy. They are probably your biggest fans.

Don’t shun and discourage them from enjoying your work. Instead offer them something they can’t get for free. Something that only they could do if they really want what is best for you and your work. Something that will encourage them to support the growth and continuation of your stories.

Doing this will invite a lot more good than bad.