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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: gossip, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 1 - 25 of 29
1. The gigantic beard that was on one comic book writer is no more…

jason aaron beardFor a long time, writer Jason Aaron (Star Wars and Southern Bastards to name but two) has had one of the most impressive beard in comics. But last night, as shown in Instagram, all that ended.

2 Comments on The gigantic beard that was on one comic book writer is no more…, last added: 2/2/2016
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2. On the scene: New Yorker Cartoonists and mediaites gather at Ann Tenna book party

Not too many comics or graphic novel make Page Six, the NY Posts’s venerable gossip page, but the book party the other night for Marisa Acocella Marchetto’s new graphic novel Ann Tenna (Knopf) did just that! It was also written up on the WSJ society page – an actual event! The hubbub was about Marchetto’s […]

0 Comments on On the scene: New Yorker Cartoonists and mediaites gather at Ann Tenna book party as of 9/3/2015 6:23:00 PM
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3. Gossip

Make a difference!

Gossip Can Hurt People!

Before you speak, ask yourself: Is what you are about to say True? Is it Kind? Is it Necessary? If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it’s gossip and you should think twice about saying it! We all know that gossip can hurt, but one STACKer decided to take a stand against it and I applaud her Kid Power! Read PhoenixSong’s message board post about gossip

and then tell us your thoughts about gossip in the Comments.

I know everyone doesn’t like to hear it, but I just felt the need to address this real quick . . . so here goes. . .PhonenixSong3

Just for second, think about how much time you spend a day gossiping. And don’t start saying, “Oh, I never gossip,” because that’s most likely not true. Okay, now take that rough estimate, and split into two: the good gossip (saying good things about someone) and the bad gossip (saying mean things about someone). The good gossip number is probably way lower than the bad gossip.

Okay, so I’ll admit, I do gossip a lot too, and it’s not always good. Although, I do sometimes try to stay out of it and not get involved. For example, yesterday I was at the mall with a bunch of friends. We went to the food court, and they all started talking bad about another girl that wasn’t there. I asked them to stop, but they just started talking about someone else. So I just sorta stayed out of it, and that was that.

As we all know, gossip usually is not right. A lot of the time if the people find out, you’ll have really hurt them. Also, sometimes gossip can get exaggerated, which can lead to rumors, which don’t turn out good.

So next time you talk to your friends or really anyone, just watch what you say and who’s around to hear it. Thanks to anyone who actually took the time to read this.

— PhoenixSong3

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4. Acquisition madness hits comics companies: DC, Dynamite, Marvel, Dark Horse, Oni and more!!!

With comics sales stalling out after a sustained period of growth, many comics publishers are looking to get out while the getting is good. it’s no secret that many companies have been in it to be acquired by a larger media company, and today’s revelation of the shocking DC-buys-Dynamite rumour, has sent many more of them tumbling into my inbox. Here’s an exclusive look at who’s in talks where.

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RUMOUR: DC TO BUY DYNAMITE
Source: Two Headed Nerd podcast where one of the hosts said, I’m going to break something here on the show. A rumor I heard while I was in LA, with a person who will remain unnamed who works for Dynamite Comics. This person told me “DC actively trying to buy Dynamite Comics”, and news like this, I didn’t think anything of it when I heard this rumor. I was like ehhh, that sounds kind of fishy. And then this [DC and Dynamite teaming up on a BatmanShadow crossover] pops up this week, and I did go hmmm. So just throwing it out there.” He can’t say if it was a staff member or a freelancer.

Analysis: Dynamite’s books skew heavily to the older male demographic that DC targets so adding The Green Hornet to the Greens Arrow and Lantern line-up would unite verdure for all times. However, most of Dynamite’s comics are licensed pulp properties, which DC had a go at a few years ago and ditched due to the costs. Maybe DC is buying Dynamite for it’s coloring department?

IS IT TRUE: No

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RUMOUR: Dark Horse buying Oni

Source: Bedroom blogger who was trying out Tumblr.

Analysis: Dark Horse has been ramping up its creator owned line, and by buying Oni would consolidate Portland’s two biggest publishers and add some attractive office space to Dark Horse’s already formidable building. A lot of money should be saved on letterhead and Keurig cups. In addition, Joe Nozemack and James Lucas Jones could spend more time with their families.

IS IT TRUE: No
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RUMOUR: Dynamite buying Dark Horse

SOURCE: Something somebody said in the bar that time

ANALYSIS: Dark Horse previously owned the Gold Key licenses that Dynamite is now publishing. By purchasing Dark Horse, Dynamite would have access to the spellbinding JIm Shooter era on these characters as well as DH’s backlist library of reprints of Ripley’s Believe it or Not comics by Esteban Maroto. Plus, Dynamite owner Nick Barrucci is a big fan of Spyboy.

IS IT TRUE: No

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RUMOUR: Dark Horse Buys Dynamite

SOURCE: I overheard it on Tinder

ANALYSIS: Dark Horse previously owned the Gold Key licenses that Dynamite is now publishing. By purchasing Dynamite, Dynamite would get back these coveted comics, as well as Dynamite’s backlist library of reprints of Project Superpowers. Plus, Dark Horse owner Mike Richardson is a big Vampirella fan.

IS IT TRUE: No

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RUMOUR: Amazon buys Thrillbent

SOURCE: Piece of paper found blowing along side of the road

ANALYSIS: Amazon has been slowly ramping up its comics offerings, including a bunch of in house comics which have yet to get much traction, or even appear. Mark Waid’s Thrillbent portal already has a bunch of recognizable characters and has perfected its mode of digital storytelling. This puts Amazon ahead of the game with proven tech and content. Plus, Jeff Bezos always wanted to meet Mark Waid.

IS IT TRUE: No

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RUMOUR: Marvel buys The Outhouse

SOURCE: The other day Jude Terror said to me, “I marvel at how many good comics there are,” clearly code for being acquired.

ANALYSIS: While Marvel has largely given up tweaking DC execs on a daily basis, this is a way to expand their comics coverage, promote their digital initiatives, and compete with The Onion for eyeballs. Plus, Joe Quesada has always been a fan of Elf with a Gun. Finally Marvel would like to acquire The Outhouse’s coloring department.

IS IT TRUE: No

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RUMOUR: Platinum buys Comixology

SOURCE: Mumblings overheard outside Scott Rosenberg’s house

ANALYSIS: Platinum Entertainment has been looking to get back into the game and owning something that does things would be a great way to start that.

IS IT TRUE: No

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RUMOUR: Robert Kirkman acquires MGM

SOURCE: Thought it would be funny to write it here

ANALYSIS: Kirkman has so much money his accountant told him to make an investment, and buying a movie studio would be a lot of fun! Plus he will make good use of its coloring department.

IS IT TRUE: No

15 Comments on Acquisition madness hits comics companies: DC, Dynamite, Marvel, Dark Horse, Oni and more!!!, last added: 3/19/2014
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5. The Safe Haven of Batman

TweetSome early morning ramble to go with your coffee. While all around us creators are struggling with editors, artists are flying from one series to another every three issues, books are chopped and movies are cut – there is a little oasis in the middle of the DC desert. Batman. When the New 52 started [...]

9 Comments on The Safe Haven of Batman, last added: 2/10/2013
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6. Millicent Marie is NOT My Name by Karen Pokras Toz

GUEST POST by DOUGLAS “DOOGLE” HARRIS   5 Stars Millicent Marie is NOT My Name Karen Pokras Toz Grand Daisy Press No. Pages: 150  Ages: 8 to 12 .................. .................. ................. Back Cover:  Twelve-year-old Millicent Marie does not like her name. After all, she was named for a woman who died more than fifty years ago [...]

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7. Guest Post: “I’m Not the Bad Guy ” by Douglas Harris

………………. Today we have a Special Guest Douglas Harris from the new book Millicent Marie is NOT My Name.  Douglas is “Millie” Millicent Marie’s ten-year-old younger brother. Douglas is at Kid Lit Reviews to explain his part in the Notorious Springside Elementary School’s Internet Deblogcle, written by “new girl” Amanda.  He assures us that he [...]

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8. Cartoonist leaves publisher in tears over plans to film sex with others

labeouf pho Cartoonist leaves publisher in tears over plans to film sex with others
Surprise! It’s Shia LaBeouf and his girlfriend Karolyn Pho, who handles the business side of LaBeouf’s Campaign Book comics publishing company. LaBeouf is making a Lars Von Trier film called NYMPHOMANIAC which may require him to film actual sex acts, which is a step up from the torture and blinding and other miseries which actors in Von Trier films must often endure. Whatever happens, we’re sure Shia will make a comic about it.

18 Comments on Cartoonist leaves publisher in tears over plans to film sex with others, last added: 8/21/2012
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9. Tom Brevoort: Journey Into Mystery will continue

tumblr m6ydh3USWy1rp6eo5o1 1280 Tom Brevoort: Journey Into Mystery will continue

By Steve Morris

If you choose to believe the words of everybody’s favourite paper-munching Marvel editor, then it looks as though Kieron Gillen’s Journey Into Mystery isn’t going to be cancelled as a consequence of Marvel NOW!!

Tom Brevoort’s Formspring account is something worth keeping an eye on, not least because it suggests that Jean Grey and Black Panther are the two most popular characters to ever exist in the medium. But also because he also mixes repeating the company line on certain stories with the occasional step into secret announcements. And in this case, a plucky fan appears to have asked the simple question “will JiM be cancelled?” and receive the simple answer “nope”. In essence, this fan seems to have basically won a confirmation that the series will not be cancelled once writer Kieron Gillen leaves.

Gillen’s series has been one of the rare titles which gets by on the literary style of the writer, rather then the central character or ‘importance’ of the storyline. There are few other books on the market, as far as the Big Two are concerned, where the voice of the writer is one of the core appeals of the book. Which, that means it’s going to be very hard for whoever comes on to the series next. The book has rather low sales, but the teaser images released a few weeks ago seemed to suggest that Kid Loki, protagonist of the title and inspirer of Tumblrs worldwide, may be joining a team of some kind.

tumblr m7hfnhCT511qaxcw9 Tom Brevoort: Journey Into Mystery will continue

Whether this would be the new direction for Journey Into Mystery – which would, really, not benefit from the next writer attempting to imitate Gillen – or a suggestion of a new book designed to boost Loki’s profile… who knows.

2 Comments on Tom Brevoort: Journey Into Mystery will continue, last added: 8/13/2012
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10. How not to do a Book Launch?!

When Jenny Stubbs, Festival Coordinator Extraordinaire, told me I had a slot to launch ”All in the Woods” I was ecstatic! It was my first book to be published in the UK and a launch venue at the Ipswich Festival of Children’s Literature, Woodlands, was almost too good to be true. Jenny facilitated a link to Aleesa Darlison who agreed to MC. BRILLIANT! What could go wrong?

The Ipswich Festival is always an exciting event! It is held at Woodlands, a stunning, heritage listed venue set amongst rural fields, magnificent trees and rolling hills – what a setting for a launch! The lead up to the day, Tuesday, 13th September 2011, was a real buzz! Then the unthinkable happened… The weekend before, my throat started to get that irritating little scratch and that niggly cough that sometime precedes worse. Sunday night it started to hit! Laryngitis!

Friends, good friends can be the saving of such worst case scenarios. I spoke (whilst I still had a voice) to Tara Hale, who designed the promo poster, would she be Guest Artist “Pink” the possum [cousin of "Ink" the animal hero of my book]. Next I contacted  Nooroa Te Hira, he has worked as a tour guide so I knew he would ace a reading of my book. Then I rang Christian Bocquee and asked would he help with nitty grittys like directing teachers and students to seats, distributing prizes and being event photographer! Bless them, they all ‘volunteered’ unstintingly!

Result? Fun, fun, fun!  We had a ball, the book launch was a total success! The author having to use copious amounts of sign language but, hey, she has 5 kids so she speaks the  lingo with hands and fingers! :)

You can see some of the fun in the gallery below. [Sadly, Pink, being a nocturnal creature, was shy of the  camera flash and hid!]

And the book, which was illustrated by wonderful watercolourist Linda Gunn? It had been a truly international effort – written by an Aussie, illustrated by an American and published by a Brit! The icing on the cake was a nomination for the OPSO Award!

Here is a recent review by Kathy Schneider!

Where can you get it? Here!

Tara Hales'  Promotional Poster for "All in the Woods 0 Comments on How not to do a Book Launch?! as of 2/3/2012 4:20:00 AM
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11. Step Three on the Eightfold Path

3. Right Speech
Right speech is the first principle of ethical conduct in the eightfold path. Ethical conduct is viewed as a guideline to moral discipline, which supports the other principles of the path. This aspect is not self-sufficient, however it IS essential, because mental purification can only be achieved through the cultivation of ethical conduct. The importance of speech in the context of Buddhist ethics is obvious: words can break or save lives, make enemies or friends, start war or create peace. Buddha explained right speech as follows: 1. to abstain from false speech, especially not to tell deliberate lies and not to speak deceitfully, 2. to abstain from slanderous speech and not to use words maliciously against others, 3. to abstain from harsh words that offend or hurt others, and 4. to abstain from idle chatter that lacks purpose or depth. Positively phrased, this means to tell the truth, to speak friendly, warm, and gently, don't gossip and -- basically: to talk only when necessary.
Everyone knows she shouldn't lie. Everyone knows she should speak in warm, gentle tones and be friendly. Not gossiping is harder than you think. Oh, I don't gossip, you think. I don't talk about people behind their backs. For most of my adult life I have honestly believed that I NEVER engaged in gossip, never spoke negatively about people behind their backs. Then I became a Buddhist. I learned about Right Speech. It was explained to me that to truly honor the intention of Right Speech I should never talk about people at all. Good, bad or indifferent, it was not my place to discuss other people. Not my business. Okay, try going one day in the company of other people not saying one word about someone who is not there. Don't mention your mother, your sister, your children. Don't talk about the bus driver or the guy who cut you off on the way to work. Don't mention the doctor you saw, the cute baby in the stroller who kind of winked at you. What? But that was so cute! What's the harm? I don't know. There could be a hundred reasons you shouldn't mention that baby. I'm a writer and I can think of ten off the top of my head in an instant.
Right Speech is my biggest challenge every day of my life. I want to say bad things about bad drivers. Or slow drivers. Or drivers who don't use their blinkers. Why am I in such a hurry? I always leave in plenty of time. Slow down, de Helen. Breathe. Using malicious words against others -- even if they can't hear me -- means I lack moral discipline. Therefore, I have to refrain from using malicious or harsh words. It helps if I can remember that we all want the same thing in this life: we want love, we want happiness. Taking a deep breath, putting a smile on my face, these things help me maintain my moral discipline. Help me become a better person.
By the way, it's time to check in re the walking and veggie commitment. I have kept my veggie commitment and have slacked off on the walking. I let migraines and rain and cold keep me confined to the indoors. I promise to get back to the walking. Even when it is rainy and cold, when I go out and walk I always feel better about myself. And I also have the alternative of going to the gym and walking in the saltwater pool, or even (shudder) on a treadmill. So I have zero excuse. How about YOU? How are you doing? How will you do this week? I am starting my gratitude list for US Thanksgiving Day this Thursday. You?

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12. “All in the Woods” first review through and first from the USA

“With sensitive and humorous prose, J.R. McRae tells a story of family life, love, and acceptance with beautiful illustrations by Linda Gunn. When Pete finds a furry hero, Ink, to solve his dinnertime woes, a nosey neighbor jumps to conclusions that enlarge as Pete’s grandpa comes to visit. When Mrs. Allan’s mother-in-law, Nanny, and Pete’s grandpa take off for an early-morning drive, the assumptions increase until Ink and Grandpa solve the mystery. Perfect for young readers, this book speaks of a boy and his grandpa, a mother defending her son from gossip, and the surprise of love at any age.”  ~Janice Phelps Williams, author, illustrator www.janicephelps.com

Promotional poster, by Tara Hale, for “All in the Woods”, Pixiefoot Press, 2011


2 Comments on “All in the Woods” first review through and first from the USA, last added: 7/11/2011
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13. Swarm

Poor kid. Didn’t we all have moments like this growing up? I know I did! When petty insecurities would take over and the swarming of whispering voices would echo so loudly in ones mind.
Bet this kid grows up to be a personal trainer and make his billions selling exercise tapes..!

Wanted to participate in this week’s topic. A previous editorial illo for LA Kids Mag last year. Haven’t had time to work on anything lately (BOO). I will soon though! Promise.

Happy Tuesday Kids!

Oh and P.S.: Some pics from the ABFG are up on the Facebook page!

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14. WTF Wednesday...

To celebrate LiLa's WTF Wednesday. I have some of my own to add:

  • Sandra sites discord? Sandra Bullock is citing "discord and conflict of personality" as means for divorce. How about man from hell sleeps with scanky woman, lies, cries at Oscars, and then claims sex addiction. She's too nice. (oh yeah - and isnt her baby cute? :)
  • Homeless man dies on street and nobody notices? What is the world coming to? The poor guys saved some ladies life, got stabbed, she left the scene, and many people walked by and did nothing. What ever happened to watch out for your fellow man. WTF
  • Amy Winehouse in hospital. Again? Who is paying the medical bills for this? Seems like she has a permanent bed in some facility with white walls and Ivs. And for bruising her ribs? WTF
  • Pamela Andersen as a brunette? It doesn't work. My grandma has better wigs than that. DWS spends $1,000 on each person'a weekly spray tans but the show gets their wigs at a Halloween shop? WTF.
  • Courtney Love - need I say more? Ok I will. What happened to your face? And how did you get on The View with that song? Oh yeah, and just in case you forgot - you don't cuss on The View either. Your whole interview was bleeped which didn't do much for your image either.
What about you? Come across an WTF honorable mentions this week? Share them with us all so we can enjoy them too!
15. PERSONAL #3: Haspiel/Galifiniakis — the cosmic connection

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This week’s New Yorker contains many things comics … a cover by Ivan Brunetti, a print ad for the Vertigo Crime Line (props to DC for outside-the-box marketing) and a story on HBO’s upcoming series Bored to Death in Brooklyn. The show is notable because it is written by sometimes comics scripter Jonathan Ames, and the cast includes characters based on some of Ames’ friends…including one based on his THE ALCOHOLIC collaborator, Dean Haspiel, portrayed by comic (of the other kind) Zack Galifianakis.

Galifianakis, who plays a comic-book artist named Ray, said, “I bike to the set every day.” He was walking a bit stiffly, and he reached down to rub his right knee.

“What happened to your knee?” Thirlby asked.

“I don’t know how it happened,” Galifianakis said. “It just slowly started getting painful and then more painful.”

“You need to go to a doctor,” Thirlby said.


Strange. Unknown, perhaps to the writer, or maybe even Galifianakis, the REAL Haspiel sustained a broken knee many years ago and walks with a bit of a limp. Even more oddly, the story continues…

The next scene was outside Ralph’s Meat Corp.: Schwartzman is running down the street with a limping Galifianakis (his knee injury had to be written into the script), and they bump into Thirlby.


Odd. Is this a reverse King Mob/Grant Morrison-like case of real life spilling into the fictional? Will Galifianakis soon start taking off his shirt at parties and talking about webcomics? Developing.

5 Comments on PERSONAL #3: Haspiel/Galifiniakis — the cosmic connection, last added: 9/4/2009
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16. PERSONAL #2: Chris Weston, crimefighter

Large-Msg-11897638265Artist Chris Weston is no stranger to mayhem, having drawn THE FILTH, THE TWELVE, and many more beloved comics classics. Doubtless the ninja training of working with Grant Morrison and JMS has honed his senses into the lightning fast reflexes he needed to actually solve a crime! After witnessing a robbery at his local bank, Weston raced home to sketch the dastardly perp. The rest:

I took my drawings round to the local cop-shop. Finding it full of your usual oiks and ne’er-do-wells, I was reluctant to broadcast my status as as a grass (yes I’m aware of the irony of that last statement given that I’m now announcing my deeds to the world on a blog)… so I gingerly approached the desk and whispered “I’d like to report a serious crime…”. The copper patiently asked for some more details, so I mouthed “The bank robbery …”. This got his attention and he asked me if I was a witness.

“I’m more than a witness!” I blurted, “Check these out!”


With the help of Weston’s artistic fidelity, the felon was nabbed and justice restored. All in a day’s work for…Comic Book Artist Man.

5 Comments on PERSONAL #2: Chris Weston, crimefighter, last added: 9/4/2009
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17. PERSONAL #1: Single man found in comics

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We won’t out this blogger, except to say that Time Out New York has deemed him one of New York’s most ELIGIBLE bachelors:

Brian H., 28; blogs editor for PC Magazine and editor-in-chief of The Daily Cross Hatch; Astoria, Queens

Why he’s a great catch: “I say funny things and know things about stuff. I’m nice to small, helpless animals. I’ve got a steady job (fingers crossed) that allows me to be creative and gets me free tickets to rock shows. I would be awesome on your trivia team and your mom will probably like me. Also, I am a passable harmonica player. This will come in handy when you least expect it.”


Get ‘im, girls!

2 Comments on PERSONAL #1: Single man found in comics, last added: 9/4/2009
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18. Did Comic-Con spat break up Twilight duo?

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Even as Twilight campers were cleaning up after two days in the wilderness, an attempt at a Comic-Con reunion between Twilight stars Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson went awry after Stewart learned of his affair with Emilie de Ravin, tabs are saying. (de Ravin plays the erstwhile Claire on Lost.)

The duo had dallied during filming, but Stewart, 19, went back to her boyfriend, Michael Angarano, after a three hour limo ride back from Comic-Con together with uber-hunk Pattinson didn’t mend the rift that his time with de Ravin had caused. Sources say….OKAY, THAT’S ENOUGH.

BTW, how happy is Kurt Hassler now? He’s got a bonanza by the tale with that Twilight manga license. A few folks asked us how Yen Press landed this coup? The answer is simplicity itself: Yen is an imprint of the Twilight Saga’s prose publisher, Hachette.

Meanwhile, Female Force now includes best selling AUTHORS with this bio of Stephenie Meyer:

Stepeniemeyer

6 Comments on Did Comic-Con spat break up Twilight duo?, last added: 8/8/2009
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19. Anonymity=Cowardice, Honesty=Refreshment of Spirit



This poster visualizes the spread of anonymous gossip as the production of destructive monsters. Designed by Alex Godfrey for Ownwhatyouthink.com. Download Poster PDF.
The latest fads in our society almost never produce refreshing news. On the other hand, sometimes, like in the post from before Christmas about the guy who overcame disability to build a useable Viking Ship from popsicle sticks , you'll get somebody that says "You can't take me down!" to evil, tragedy, pain or disaster. Or to a current fad.

Remember the Magician's book in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader?(Sure you do, without it I wouldn't have the premise for this very blog! :-)

It exists. Or at least, one of the spells from its pages does. That's the spell that Lucy tried out to see what her friends really thought of her. Lewis-as-narrator of Voyage of the Dawn Treader remarks of the words of this spell "nothing will induce me to tell you what they were."

But people today can find it --on the internet, of course. I guess we should have expected that, eh?

Blogs, e-mail lists, social networks, forums.....all of these have potential for damage. Writers may be indiscreet or even malicious as they slip into careless remarks about friends, or in a passive-aggressive way announce on their Facebook update or Twitter "Marjorie Preston (the girl who gossiped about Lucy) was getting pretty tired of some people by the end of last term."

But there is a site even more egregious than these, that exists for the very purpose of saying all sorts of things, without any social constraints at all. I'm not linking to it. It's called Juicy Campus, and it's a gossip cesspool like we've never seen before, where college students come to write the kind of stuff that used to only appear on washroom walls. Classmates may find themselves hounded, outed, harassed, labeled and slandered-- and unlike Lucy's friends in the Magician's book, the perpetrators get to remain anonymous.

But it's all in good fun. Well, fun like running with scissors, that is, until somebody gets an eye poked out.....

But hang on. This evil website has a noble twin.

Started by students at Princeton, Own What You Think.com "seeks to unite people and bring personal accountability back into the ways in which we communicate and interact with each other. It is about encouraging individuals to voice their opinions respectfully and constructively while refusing to participate in anonymous and malicious character assassination. It is also about taking a personal stand for something and encouraging others to do the same. "

Among the initiatives of their campaign for civil discourse, these students have created a "love wall" in which they write positive things about others; T-shirts that declare "anonymity=cowardice" and a petition/pledge that begins:

We, the undersigned, commit ourselves to taking a stand against anonymous character assassination, a culture of gossip, and all other acts of ethical and intellectual cowardice.
Bravo, Princeton and other colleges that have joined the campaign. Call it prissy and Pollyannaish if you like...when you see the stuff they are taking a stand against, ownwhatyouthink.com is what I call good magic.

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20. Rumours updates: Kodansha, Tpop, Wizard, etc etc.

200806091031
§ Japanator weighs in on the Kodansha mystery with a pretty unequivocable Rumor squashed: Kodansha not making a move into the US market, based on a conversation with Ali Kokmen of Del Rey Manga.

After a bit of a laugh at it, Ali told me that it was totally false. He was at BEA, and heard nothing of Kodansha’s move, and when the rumor hit that Kodansha was coming in, Del Rey had someone in Japan setting up new Kodansha licenses for 2009 and 2010. So, that would seem to be a rumor that got busted.

Unless of course, I’m going to be proven wrong, and just need to “wait and see.” The biggest indication towards this whole rumor being true, in my mind, was the massive pullback of Tokyopop’s titles. But, that’s just to keep themselves from losing more money through cannibalization.


Quashed? Well, er, yes and no. We keep hearing rumours of Kodansha getting into the US market from reliable sources not named after an HP Lovecraft character, which is not exactly the same rumour as Kodansha pulling all its licenses from Del Rey and so on. We’ll just put a big question mark next to this one for the time being…there’s definitely more than a surface ripple here.

§ ICV2 sits down with former Tokyopop publisher Mike Kiley for more info on the restructuring (note: Kiley is still with TP, but his new position hasn’t been named yet.)

At a fundamental level, we wondered about the reasons for the corporate reorganization into two business units, and asked why two lines of business led to the decision to split into two companies. “I think the most immediate and practical answer is that we wanted to set things up in ways that would very clearly and definitively allow those businesses to focus on what they need to do to succeed,” Kiley responded. “The goals in each company are different and the achievement of those goals is more realistic, more possible if everyone working in each of those companies is very clearly focused.”


Added bonus: this interview with Kiley is the first time we’ve ever heard the term “rightsizing” used to mean “downsizing,” which itself means “layoffs or cuts.” Truly corporate euphemisms are a wonderful, wonderful thing. We’d like to attend the seminar where they invent them some day.

§ Bonus Tpop gossip of the day: Several OEL creators are even now attempting to buy back the rights to their books. Whether they will succeed or not — how much does Tokyopop need to money? — is unknown. One of the reasons for the big restructuring, we’ve been hearing, is massive returns from Borders recently, to the tune of 80% — part of Borders own massive financial woes.

ALSO, don’t expect to see too many exit interviews with Tokyopop editors.

§ MORE rumours! While Tokyopop remains the most chattered about company right now, Wizard is a close second. Everyone told us that Wizard World Phily was horribly attended — one exhibitor told us they made $14 on Saturday, and that was from someone who normally pays for travel expenses at the very least from booth sales. Most people doubt they’ll be going back. Wizard World Chicago , normally their biggest show of the year and arguably the second biggest comics show in the US, is in three weeks and no one seems particularly enthused. There’s been a lot of chatter about whether there will even BE Wizard World conventions next year — one rumor we heard a few times is that Wizard and Reed Exhibitions, which puts on the New York Comic-Con, may be in some kind of negotiations.

Dept. of Newsarama: Sharp-eyed readers may have noticed that Graeme McMillan is no longer blogging for Blog @ Newsarama; he’s devoting himself full-time to i09, Gawker’s somewhat chimerical SF blog. Speaking of Newsarama, the new-look site apparently arrived so suddenly that the Blog@ crew didn’t even know it was happening until the site went offline. Long-time posters are predictably annoyed by the changes, and if you’re a really a masochist, you can read some of the pain here. From our standpoint, anything that makes Newsarama posters have to think just a bit more before they post may be a very good thing indeed.

20 Comments on Rumours updates: Kodansha, Tpop, Wizard, etc etc., last added: 6/9/2008
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21. The Luxe - Rumors


New York City Society (with the capital "S") is still reeling with shock over the disappearance and presumed death of Elizabeth Holland. On the cusp of being married to Henry Schoonmaker, she plunged into the river and was not seen again. Only Elizabeth's sister Diana, and Penelope Hayes know the truth, and neither one is talking.

Penelope is busy working her way into the sights of Henry's stepmother Isabelle in the hopes of finally making a match with Henry. Diana, on the other side of things, is desperately trying to avoid all of the matches her mother is trying to make for her in order to mend the family fortune. Diana is still a bit of a wild one and she cannot forget her night with Henry in the greenhouse, and though she suspects what Penelope is up to , she is certain that Henry's feelings for her mirror her own.

Nobody counts on Lina, the Holland's former maid, making her way into Society. But Lina has information, and in turn of the century New York, gossip is currency. Especially if it is about moneyed families taking a fall.

Lush descriptions, fascinating characters, and gossip to rival today's mongers all make for a compulsively readable and enjoyable ride. I am already waiting for the next book from Anna Godbersen, and I am sure those who read Rumors (especially the second last paragraph) will feel the same way!

2 Comments on The Luxe - Rumors, last added: 6/4/2008
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22. Calling all tonguesters: Refresh your gossip with old words

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Mark Peters, the genius behind the blog Wordlustitude in addition to being a Contributing Editor for Verbatim: The Language Quarterly, a language columnist for Babble, and a blogger for Psychology Today, is our guest blogger this week. Below Peters encourages us to make old words hip again.

Did you hear about the nude pictures of Lindsay Lohan and Roger Clemens drinking a human growth hormone/grain alcohol smoothie?

You have? Then let me tell you what my brother’s nanny has been up to with your father’s mechanic in the gazebo. (more…)

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23. Gossip Column

Ever see the fast-talking Rosalind Russell in His Girl Friday? No? How about the modern day equivalent: Betsy Bird of Fuse 8? (Go look at that pic of Rosalind and tell me Betsy isn't channeling her.) Betsy has posted FOUR essays on the 1st Annual Kidlitosphere Conference. Me? I've barely had time to digest my food from the conference, let alone what I did/saw/thought. I'm also terrible at the tidy overview. I was the one in class who never took notes; I just listened. Thus, the following...

GOSSIP COLUMN

Laini Taylor met her husband, Jim Di Bartolo, on the first day of Art School in the parking lot. She was a Navy brat. And now she's an awesome author with pink hair and a cool illustrator husband. This makes me feel good about the futures of my own two children, who are also growing up military. And! And! She has a new blog about writing, Not For Robots, which makes me feel immensely better about my struggles with revision just now. I'm wearing the button she gave me as inspiration.

Ellen Klages can name five kinds of blue cheese. Just ask her. She also spoke up bravely for those who HATE the term "kid lit." This doesn't include me. I only hate it if it's "kiddie lit" but still, kudos to Ellen, who knows how to speak her mind.

Gregory K. knows the real purpose of the appendix. And would have advised me to name this post: "Sixty Boobs Meet in Chicago," which would have caused my stat ratings to go through the roof. If I had named it "Judy Blume and Sixty Boobs Meet in Chicago," I would have attracted a "narrowcast" of just the right crowd. (I know, Judy wasn't there, but her little sister was. My, how rumors spread...)

Adrienne can pull a cute pink t-shirt out of thin air. And next time, I'm coming to the conference early so I can shop with her. That girl covered some ground!

Esme Raji Codell knows exactly how wrong Meet the Author Events can go, and thus, provides posters and cookies and lovely signs, and makes every single person feel loved and part of the circle. Please, someone put her in charge of the National Office of Children's Authors Book Visits: Policies and Plans. And pay her a lot so she never leaves.

Imps act rather impish if you sit between them. They pass notes. They make jokes about balls and nostrils. They look oh-so-sweet and innocent, but those are some wickedly funny and sharp minds those two have. One might even call them juggernauts of the kidlitosphere, if one wanted to risk sparking a rash of witty give and take.

Robin either knows herself very well or has an evil internal clock. On the first coffee run, she told me to meet her in SEVEN minutes in the lobby. The next morning, she instructed me to appear in THREE minutes. What? Does she not do five/ten/fifteen minutes intervals like the rest of us? Where are those missing minutes, people?

Confidential to Sara: Someone tell that poor girl not to order only one hard-boiled egg at an IHOP. (Okay, I knew this, in theory, but I'd already had a large chocolate mocha and a bagel with cream cheese and a banana from Starbucks with my coffee buddy--see above--that morning. But when the egg came in the little dish, I felt silly, like a kid at a birthday party whose mom told the hostess not to give her child any cake. Luckily, Tricia saved the day by sharing a delicious potato pancake with me.)

And apparently, there was kidlit action going on at home, as well. When my plane (Susan of Wizards Wireless was also on it) landed at National Airport, right on time, the pilot informed us that we would have to wait indefinitely on the tarmac until a gate opened up. (What? A plane landing is a COMPLETE SURPRISE?) So my husband had to spend an hour in the cell phone parking lot. I apologized when I finally got into the car, and he smiled and said: "No problem. I finished this great book." It was Cecil Castellucci's YA novel, Boy Proof. The one she'd signed in L.A., but I hadn't even read yet. As soon as I do, we're going to gossip about it.

Gossip: Cause that's what happens when I don't take notes.

***Thanks to Mark and Andrea of Just One More Book for the awesome photos!

***Next year's conference will be in Portland, under the leadership of Jone (MsMac.) Make your plans now!

15 Comments on Gossip Column, last added: 10/10/2007
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24. The Celebutantes: On the Avenue by Antonio Pagliarulo

The Celebutantes: On The Avenue by Antonio Pagliarulo

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25. Gerard Butler has gone soft, SOFT I tell you

Dt Butlernew-1We’re pretty exhausted here at SBM. Not only are we putting the finishing touches on THE NIGHTMARE FACTORY graphic novel we’ve been editing in our space time, but this whole man vs. woman thing is surprisingly EXHAUSTING! Jeez louise, once you mention “boobs” you unleash a raging flood of bottled up angst and anxiety! We have one more essay planned, on female creators and a few other loose ends, but we’re going to rest up today and tend to other matters.

To relax, we did a little Google for DDGB and we’re terribly afraid that the 300 worldwide icon yadda yadda deal may have gone to his head. Not only has he gone from below-the-radar acting guy to tabloid hanging-out-with-porn–stars (Stormy Daniels? What kind of name is that???), banging-Naomi-Campbell guy, but he’s signing up for a kiddie movie produced by Walden Media called NIM’S ISLAND where he gets to play Abigail (Little Miss Sunshine) Breslin’s dad.

Based on the Wendy Orr children’s book of the same name, Nim’s Island concerns the resourceful daughter (Breslin) of a scientist (Butler) on a remote tropical island. When her father is lost at sea, she begins communicating through e-mail with the authoress of one of her favorite books (Jodie Foster) and, with distant coaching, begins to handle her difficulties on the island. It’s hard to think of two bigger recent breakout Hollywood stars than Butler and Breslin, so the idea of them battling together onscreen against greedy tour companies is rather intriguing.


Gerry, we know you are firmly committed to getting old and fat now, but missing dad? Seriously, with Oscar®-nominee Abigail on screen, no one is even going to LOOK at you! Ask Mel Gibson. And now you are not even going to be in WATCHMEN, so you can star in a Brian de Palma sequel. And whatever you do, don’t play He-Man!
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And you need a STYLIST, fast, Tubby! Look at the way you showed up at Cannes…and that get-up on the right is what you wore to accept a LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD for looking like a piece of steel! We know you don’t drink any more, so you don’t even have the Paula Abdul excuse!
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Oh and don’t bother going up on a rooftop and smoking a cigarette and looking all hot…you didn’t dress yourself! Gimme a break.

You used to be so COOL when you were OUR Gerry…now you are just…oh, never mind.

…Stormy Daniels…

9 Comments on Gerard Butler has gone soft, SOFT I tell you, last added: 5/31/2007
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