I decided to start casually and asked my co-worker/superior on her take of the issue.
ME: What is your take on print media becoming more digital?
SG: Its a smart move since everything is going digital. However, I do like printed comics to read in hand.
ME: What do you think about the company going digital?
SG: People are more willing to buy digital now, even though there is more value in a printed edition. The company would be left behind if they didn't make the shift into digital. It was a smart financial move.
So today, my boss graciously agreed to an lax interview over a slice of NYC pizza. I thought we would discuss at the pizza place, but the workload on my boss' plate was too much to leave the office too long, so we casually discussed while walking and back at the office. Unfortunately, I didn't have a recording device on me so I had to remember what I could until I had time to jot down notes. I will try to get a more accurate interview later -- for now, I'll share what I have learned so far.
ME: What do you think of print media versus digital media?
TS: Let's start with the development of the digital media. Starting with video and cassette tapes, everyone had access to these products and devices. They were easy to use, fix, and you were able to record as much as you wanted. When CD/DVD were introduced, it was not openly welcomed. They were easy to break, not recordable, and everyone would have to get new players for them. But it eventually became a common household item and is accessible to everyone. Now technology is so advance that its been downsized to files that can be accessed through phones, laptops, and e-readers.
- Pricing: print products are more expensive than digital. Blu-Ray is not exactly a steady investment, it cannot to other technologies like other devices and only for hi-definition quality.
- Work Process: Print materials are so expensive. Quality is not always on par.
- Distribution and value
- If the company fully switched to digital, people could be hired again. People would be all on one system and share the tasks. It would level off.
- Future of epub3
ME: Do you know about the company's situation with the cutbacks?
TS: I know very little about it. From what I do know, its mostly the diving sales from the comics. The materials for paper, printing, stapling, and shipping add up. Especially when printing thousands of a single issue for distribution.
ME: Going digital?
TS: Apple became the #1 company of digital devices. Steve Jobs illustrates their success, "People don't want to think about what they're using--they want the device to work for them. That's what our products do, they work with you." (not exact quote)
ME: Driving force of a comic, the art or the story?
TS: The art. You can still sell a 'comic' as pure art. There are few comics like that already. Art is also subjective. If you only had the story, then it would be a novel.
ME: What do comics mean for you?
TS: An escape, entertainment. There are all kinds to indulge in. They also express the idea of the times. Like when there's threat of nuclear war -- how would it effect us all? Peter Parker got bit by a radioactive spider and became Spider-Man. Bruce Banner got hit by a gamma-radiation bomb and became the Hulk. They are expressions of ideas. No need for tights.
ME: Can you compare the intentions of when comics started out 'til now?
TS: I think everything is about money, success. Today's ways of world thinking is changing. Back then, you could by a comic in a grocery or candy store for dirt cheap. The story was more important as well. More targeted at kids, but adults read as well. Depended on where you were and what you wanted to read.
Sales of comics is the most importance. Fail to get consumers is the failure of the industry.
ME: How did you choose this company?
TS: I think our company is more grounded than the competition. You have to pick a side. I like the characters and costumes. But really, when saying which one you like better, you make up any reason to fit your reply.
ME: What do you think of the competitor company's revamping their comic universe?
TS: I liked the reboot. It was a smart choice. These characters have been around so long, things can become predictable. Also they've had such a long series' its hard for new readers to get into. The character universe is so enormous. I think comics needs to rattle the cage now an then so they don't become timeless.
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