Motor City sketch...with a difference

[cynlee]

Why hasn't anyone left him negative feedbacks? I went to look at his other items, and I mean, HOW can anyone trust him? That one of Crow, for example-- NOW I'm wondering about that odd mark through Crow's chin...

[Steve Hubbell]

1) They typically do not have the means to obtain one easily, so an eBay auction is exactly what the Doctor ordered...convenience. A lot of these bidders are probably in different countries where their chances for meeting Stan are slim to none. Comicmonster and others will find these customers particularly ideal since they are willing to pay good money if necessary.

2) They may also be too young to go to conventions on their own to get a sketch. I know that if I was a 12-year old again with no easy way to meet Stan, I'd probably be all over bidding on these things (or getting my parents or older siblings to do it for me). I might not care if it was personalized to someone else or not, only that it was done by Stan. Heck I might even buy a scribble that Stan did on a post-it. I know it sounds crazy, but to a youngster things might be different that way.

3) They are new to the world of Usagi and haven't yet grasped the difference between the sketches done as a courtesy and commissioned or portfolio drawings done for a price.

A combination of things might also be attributed to buyers going for the sketches....

1. They might be relatively new comic (and Usagi) fans, just progressing beyond the "just reading the comics only" stage and starting to get interested in the artist behind the comic, fans who have not learned that there is a questionable morality connected to the selling of the sketches. It probably does not strike them as any differant than buying an autographed comic from a local or on-line comic shop.

2. Due to financial and locational circumstances, they are fans who just can not afford to go to a real convention or signing where they might obtain one straight from the source.

3. I think most comic fans progress from wanting an autograph and possibly a sketch from the artist of a comic they like, to wanting an actual piece of commissioned or original artwork from that artist. Age and finances help influence that progression.

1) Stan could charge a nominal fee for the more elaborate full-page convention sketches and only do the smaller head sketches for free. I'm sure a reader would gladly pay $5-10 for a typical full-page sketch that Stan usually does for fans he meets. This might deter parasites like Comicmonster from obtaining them, because that means he'd have to PAY for them himself. Stan can still apply the same rules, such as they they must be personalized. I got this idea from attending Star Wars Celebration 4, where fans had to pay a minimum of $10 just for an autograph from a background actor like they guy would played Max Reebo!

Comicmonster has previously held auctions for signed and sketched items (books, sketchbooks, and prints) which he bought from Stan at conventions, as well as for the free sketches. Colin mentioned some time back, Comicmonster is possibly a group of people going to conventions and gathering their auction merchandise, explains how they get so many free sketches from each artist.

5) Offer free sketches to Dojo Members only. The Dojo is essentially the official UY Fan Club. Of course, it doesn't cost anything to join, but it would be an extra step that jerks like Comicmonster would need to take in order to get a sketch. I could make UYD identification cards that Members would need to print out and bring to the conventions and submit to Stan to get the free sketch. This option could also be used in conjunction with some of the ideas above...almost like a "free sketch coupon" or something.

Hope these ideas help....

Still thinking!!

The Sergio Aragones' Groo fan club (the Groop) has done something similar along this line, producing Groop membership cards so that they can show Sergio that they are true and loyal fans when they meet him at conventions. I completely forgot to show my card at MCCC, but my nephew Nick was wearing one of the Groop wrist bands which were also produced for the same purpose.


Just a couple thoughts....

[Todd Shogun]

#5 is an interesting idea but I'd hate for casual Usagi fans to miss out.

Same here, but you have to draw the line somewhere. Stan is already a lot more generous when it comes to these things compared to other creators. The free sketches are fun, especially for those without sizeable pockets to purchase original drawings. But now with eBay it is too easy to take advantage when they are done on loose sheets of paper.

Why hasn't anyone left him negative feedbacks? I went to look at his other items, and I mean, HOW can anyone trust him? That one of Crow, for example-- NOW I'm wondering about that odd mark through Crow's chin...

Apparently someone has...you can read about it in his ads for stuff. Someone obviously pissed off for what he's been pulling.

Comicmonster has previously held auctions for signed and sketched items (books, sketchbooks, and prints) which he bought from Stan at conventions, as well as for the free sketches. Colin mentioned some time back, Comicmonster is possibly a group of people going to conventions and gathering their auction merchandise, explains how they get so many free sketches from each artist.

Interesting theory, but very plausible. I tend to think of Comicmonster as quite possibly a comic book retailer who uses his employees to snatch up sketches. We need to identify who he is, by name, as well as his greedy little minions. That way Stan can simply refuse him on the spot by glancing at his badge.

The Sergio Aragones' Groo fan club (the Groop) has done something similar along this line, producing Groop membership cards so that they can show Sergio that they are true and loyal fans when they meet him at conventions. I completely forgot to show my card at MCCC, but my nephew Nick was wearing one of the Groop wrist bands which were also produced for the same purpose.

How has this process been working out? How long has it been in place?

[Stan Sakai]

The Sergio Aragones' Groo fan club (the Groop) has done something similar along this line, producing Groop membership cards so that they can show Sergio that they are true and loyal fans when they meet him at conventions. I completely forgot to show my card at MCCC, but my nephew Nick was wearing one of the Groop wrist bands which were also produced for the same purpose.

How has this process been working out? How long has it been in place?

The wrist bands and membership cards were just fun little items that a couple of the Groop members had done. They also made neat orange t-shirt with "Did I err?" on them. They were all a surprise to Sergio, but, of course, he approved everything after the fact.

Except for the shirts, they were given away free to members of the Groop that were at the last few San Diego Cons.

[shaxper]

And you would be surprised at what people have run off with at a convention.

Ouch. I'm afraid to ask, but I must.

1) Stan could charge a nominal fee for the more elaborate full-page convention sketches and only do the smaller head sketches for free. I'm sure a reader would gladly pay $5-10 for a typical full-page sketch that Stan usually does for fans he meets. This might deter parasites like Comicmonster from obtaining them, because that means he'd have to PAY for them himself. Stan can still apply the same rules, such as they they must be personalized. I got this idea from attending Star Wars Celebration 4, where fans had to pay a minimum of $10 just for an autograph from a background actor like they guy would played Max Reebo!

I like this idea. It would be unfortunate if Stan were no longer doing these for free to fans, but the reasons are justifiable and the cost is well worth it. I wonder if it wouldn't bombard him with more sketch requests, though. I assume that some people feel uncomfortable asking for a free sketch when the table is crowded. If they're paying for it, they might feel more comfortable asking, and might also place more demands and specific requests upon Stan, which would all create more work and unpleasantness for him. Nothing worse than an unappreciative fan who assumes he/she can be a demanding jerk because money is being paid.

2) Reserve the free full-page "elaborate" sketches for certain UY books and comics... in some of the Trades there are nice blank areas where a sketch could be drawn. Stan could simply STOP doing elaborate sketches on loose sheets of paper all together since these are easily sold as separate items. Who in their right mind would bid on a sketch that was actually ripped out of a UY trade or comic? Not happening....The "Special Edition" UY Color Special #1 had a cool blank inside back cover, ideal for larger sketches.

Not a fan of this one. I bag and board my sketches, hanging each protected work on my wall. Eventually, when I run out of wall space, I'll begin storing the rest with my Usagi comics. Either way, I want to SEE them. I don't want them hidden away in a book where I have to go looking for them each time.

3) Do the elaborate full page sketches ONLY if the fan purchases a UY Book or Trade paperback or what not from Stan's booth. Again, might deter the parasites as they'll have to plunk down cash to get the sketch.

Another good idea that I think someone already mentioned. It solves some of the problem from your first suggestion since it's still Stan doing a fan a favor, but I wonder if Stan would be comfortable applying such a requirement.

4) Do "free" sketches only on UY-related merchandise, such as the aforementioned trades/comics with the space to make it happen, or on the backs of prints that were purchased from Stan...again the idea is to make Comicmonster pay for the sketch in some way...something I doubt he'd do.

See my problem with #2

5) Offer free sketches to Dojo Members only. The Dojo is essentially the official UY Fan Club. Of course, it doesn't cost anything to join, but it would be an extra step that jerks like Comicmonster would need to take in order to get a sketch. I could make UYD identification cards that Members would need to print out and bring to the conventions and submit to Stan to get the free sketch. This option could also be used in conjunction with some of the ideas above...almost like a "free sketch coupon" or something.

I think this can work along with #4. Waive the requirement for Dojo fans. That way, newcomers to Usagi and non-internet savvy persons can still experience the joy of a free sketch, but they need to prove they're an actual fan by buying something first. Stan could waive it for Dojoers he knows at will, though (who are we kidding) loyal Dojoers always buy something anyway.

Hope these ideas help....

Nothing better than trying!

[MikeM]

I dont want casual fans to miss out on free Usagi sketches either, but damn, I want to be a card carrying member of the Usagi Yojimbo Dojo!

MikeM

[MikeM]

Not a fan of this one. I bag and board my sketches, hanging each protected work on my wall. Eventually, when I run out of wall space, I'll begin storing the rest with my Usagi comics. Either way, I want to SEE them. I don't want them hidden away in a book where I have to go looking for them each time.

You hang your sketches? Do you have a pic of this? I have three framed pics in my living room, and my wife thinks one more is the max.

MikeM

[sschroeder]

I bag and board my sketches, hanging each protected work on my wall. Eventually, when I run out of wall space, I'll begin storing the rest with my Usagi comics. Either way, I want to SEE them. I don't want them hidden away in a book where I have to go looking for them each time.

While you didn't say how much wall space you were devoting to these, this gives me the impression that you have acquired many sketches. Running out of wall space might be an indicator that you have enough already. Perhaps you have sufficient thanks for your fan support.

Even if you don't, because commemorating each time you meet Stan is reasonable to all parties, then you can't expect much sympathy if Stan changes the format of his freebie sketches to inside covers, etc. You already have enough to nearly fill your wall in the format you like. As consolation, it would probably increase the value of your collection tremendously if loose skethes were no longer produced. Having no immediate intention to sell it does not change that (see below).



Other thoughts:

Personalization has at least one drawback that occurs to me. It makes it less satisfying to trade sketches with other people. Since that is not a cash transaction it shouldn't bother anyone too much that people might trade.

Any sketch can eventually hit the art market. Everyone, barring significant scientific advancements, is going to die one day. And the heirs might not want your art collection. Then it will end up on the art market (ebay). Maybe interest in these sketches will have vanished by that point, but I expect there will always be a few people willing and able to acquire as many pieces as they can store (or, yes, even destroy in the case of some hypothetical Jei-like figure in the Sakai art orbit).

[shaxper]

You hang your sketches? Do you have a pic of this? I have three framed pics in my living room, and my wife thinks one more is the max.

MikeM

I'll try to take a pic soon.

While you didn't say how much wall space you were devoting to these, this gives me the impression that you have acquired many sketches. Running out of wall space might be an indicator that you have enough already. Perhaps you have sufficient thanks for your fan support.

Actually, only one is a free convention sketch. Another is a sketch Stan provided on a letter giving me permission to copy Usagi for use in my classroom. The rest are posters and a commissioned drawing.

I do hope to acquire more sketches though (both bought and given), but I don't see free sketches as thanks for my fan support. Each free sketch given is a gift from Stan. By protecting these sketches and placing them on my wall, I honor and respect that gift. I may ask for a free sketch, but I would never expect one or assume I deserved one.

Even if you don't, because commemorating each time you meet Stan is reasonable to all parties, then you can't expect much sympathy if Stan changes the format of his freebie sketches to inside covers, etc.

I didn't ask for sympathy. I voiced my opinion and preference.

Forgive me, but I'm perceiving your tone as a bit hostile. Am I mistaken?

You already have enough to nearly fill your wall in the format you like.

Untrue.

As consolation, it would probably increase the value of your collection tremendously if loose skethes were no longer produced. Having no immediate intention to sell it does not change that (see below).

Everything doesn't come down to dollars and cents. In fact, when it comes to Usagi, it's never about the dollar value to me.

[sschroeder]

Forgive me, but I'm perceiving your tone as a bit hostile. Am I mistaken?

I imagined (or misinterpreted) that maybe you had quite a few sketches already and weren't quite satisfied, which turns out not to be the case. I could have been nicer about it, I suppose. (I should just mind my own business.)

[Maka]

Hello UY fans,

Here's an idea: Report the repeat offending sellers to eBay under their Reporting Intellectual Property Infringements (VeRO) program.
http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/vero-rights-owner.html

How to report a listing to eBay
The following steps are for reporting a listing to eBay. Only the intellectual property rights owner can report of potentially infringing items or listings through eBay's VeRO Program. If you are not the intellectual property rights owner, you can still help by getting in touch with the rights owner and encouraging them to contact us. For a list of rights owners who participate in our VeRO program, view the list of About Me Pages.

Step One:

If you have a good faith belief that a listing on eBay infringes your copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights, all you need to do is download our Notice of Claimed Infringement (NOCI) form, fill it out, and fax it to eBay. Download eBay's NOCI form http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/NOCI1.pdf

Step Two:

After we receive your first NOCI, eBay will send you an electronic version of our NOCI form as well as instructions on how to submit future reports electronically.

Step Three:

We encourage you to educate eBay users about your products and legal positions by creating an "About Me" page. We have found that many of our users cease listing potentially infringing items when presented with such information.

And/or

Use eBay promotional policy to pull their auctions and suspend repeat offenders:
http://pages.ebay.com/help/policies/promotional.html

Some companies distribute "promotional copies" of movies, albums, or events to publicize the works before they are released to the public. Promotional items are permitted on eBay. However, many rights owners believe that listing these items infringes on their copyrights. Listing such items could therefore result in the ending of a listing if a member of eBay’s Verified Rights Owner (VeRO) Program reports the items as infringing their rights. When a rights owner reports a listing to eBay as one that infringes their rights, eBay is required by law to remove the listing.

VeRO community (interesting Dark Horse Comics is one listed under publishing)

http://pages.ebay.com/help/community/vero-aboutme.html

One can loosely argue that personalized free sketches are promos for the UY comicbook.

If Mr. Sakai was successful in suspending someone's account, that could have a huge impact free sketches. Suspended accounts rarely, I think, ever get restored. They would have to start all over which is a real pain for them. Once the word got out "don't mess with Stan Sakai free sketches or you could lose your eBay account" I think these leaches would stay away. It wouldn't be worth it for them. Or at least it would be a little bit of instant karma.

Just a thought.

Peace,

maka

[Thommo]

Hello to all Usagi fans from Croatia!

Concerning this sketch scalpers: it is rude and plain stupid. Making few bucks out of artist genorosity... unbelievable.

Just last week we had second edition of our comic fest, caled MAFEST (Link: http://www.mastripfest.com/ ). It is held in small town Makarska in southern Croatia. Guests were italian writer Alfredo Castelli, spiritual father of "Martin Mistere" series, and one of major designers for this series, Lucio Filippucci. Mr. Filipucci made some 250 (!) drawings during 3 days stay in Makarska! It was amazing!

Some of you may be familiar with this series, Dark Horse published six books called "Martin Mystery" few years ago.

Few pics:



So, I used my bought books of those authors to get sketches in it, as Todd suggested. In my eyes those books ere now even much more valuable!

Few people even (I was laudest, off course!!) suggested Stan Sakai to be invited as a main guest for 2008 or 2009!

What do you say, Mr. Stan?

[shaxper]

Hello UY fans,

Here's an idea: Report the repeat offending sellers to eBay under their Reporting Intellectual Property Infringements (VeRO) program.
http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/vero-rights-owner.html

I looked at this one, myself, and I'm not sure it would hold water. It's a great idea, but technically Stan's free sketches are gifts that become the recipient's property. Ethical or otherwise, I'm assuming those recipients are legally free to do what they want with it once it becomes theirs.

Still, it's awesome that you did the research. Thanks for brining this one up.

[Treadwell]

Yeah, unfortunately this does not apply to the VERO program. It is not a violation of intellectual property, as it was indeed drawn by the property holder. The crime here (as far as eBay rules are concerned) is that it is defaced and that has not been divulged in the item description.

[Stan Sakai]

Hello to all Usagi fans from Croatia!


Some of you may be familiar with this series, Dark Horse published six books called "Martin Mystery" few years ago.

Few people even (I was laudest, off course!!) suggested Stan Sakai to be invited as a main guest for 2008 or 2009!

What do you say, Mr. Stan?

I would happily accept an invitation from Croatia. A friend, Darko Macan, lives there.

I am very familiar with Martin Mystery, and was disappointed when Dark Horse cancelled the US series. I have some of the Italian or Spanish editions, but am unable to read them.