I want to talk about stupid things. Ten of them actually. In specific, the Ten Stupid Questions that we are sending out to creators (slowly, as our crack team of research assistants discover their email addresses).
Now, we sent out our ten stupid questions to a fair bit of creators recently. The results we got were mixed. Some people laughed and answered the questions, some ignored our emails, some wrote back and said they weren't interested in answering our silly questions (we took no offense to this, they are pretty stupid, hence the name and all). But one guy not only refused to answer the questions but also dissed our site and that man was ... well, I won't mention his name because he asked us "not [to] include my name or any other information about me on your site." Now that's just rude. I can respect if you ignore me or if you polietely decline but to actively be so rude? That's just horrible.
After he did this, Stephen, despite my insistance we did nothing wrong, wrote an apology letter. He didn't want to offend anyone and wants to keep good relations with all creators. I however have no such compunction. Personally, I was going to write a whole article about this guy and what a tool he is but Stephen would have none of it. So instead I must rant against him in the abstract.
The real problem to me is that this guy was so such an attitude problem with nothing to back him up. I mean, Neal Adams answered our questions. Ed freakin' Brubaker answered them. Warren Ellis. Walt Simonson. Paige Braddock not only answered them quickly but was very nice (she's an extra classy lady in my book). If these cats can take thirty seconds out of their day to answer our stupid questions, why couldn't this guy who's got no real major credit to his name (I later asked Stephen why we even sent him a letter in the first place, since he lacks major qualifications. Stephen's only response was that he wanted to have as comprehensive database as possible) pay us the same respect.
The thing about comic creators is that, yes, comics are an art form but that's no reason to think that your stuff don't stink. Comics are a small community and it is always good to encourage that community and to never forget who buys your books.
On a mission from God,
Guy Ryder
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been modified from its original profane-filled version. While we here at Sequential Arts begrudingly respect Guy's right to rant, we are still trying to keep our website friendly to younger children. Guy has agreed to the modifications as long as I admit that I am an ass.)
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