No means to offend, but I've been reading CC since its start. I happened to be in the comic's current page and reading everyone's mini rant about the main character's breasts. Jeez I'd wish people would stop ranting about the main character's boobs in this comic, sure the character's boobs are mayhaps D cups...but have some back bone. there's a story, guy likes girl, girl has friends, girl is out of guy's league supposedly, girl is not some ditzy air-head red-headed blonde and is actually smart and has a gargantuian eating disorder. Stop whining, if you're tired of reading the writter's comic because Lalia's "Boobs are in the way" go read some yaoi or Charby the vampirate. CC is the autor/artist's creation and I think its quite creative to be honest, you don't see that many big breasted women in comics go on a cupcake binge. At least she's not whoring about. I'm sure if the comic industry decided to make Starfire, Rouge, or Storm go on a cupcake binge no one would care or read because they'd be to busy starring at their breasts! Give the author some credit and stop placing so much jealousy because their in the top 10, I'm female and I have not a problem with reading CC, I actually think its funny that she eats alot, I'm guessing like me. Fast metabilism.

Personally I'm not much of a fan of Craving Control but I do agree that people really do need to cut the creator some slack. I think I've read at least ten conspiracy theories about CC's rapid climb in popularity and a whole ton of criticisms claiming that the comics nothing more then a pair of breast. Really, the only reason thats happening is cause the comics popular and while no ones going to admit it, I think we're all a little jealous.

Ultimately its a good, popular comic, if you don't like it don't read it, simple as that.

Eh.. I don't really get all the controversy about it. It doesn't really interest me personally, so - here's the shocker - I don't read it. Why people feel the need to leave flaming comments about it is a bit beyond me, although I suppose it falls under "no press is bad press" as I think the arguing is what has helped to keep it at number two even while it's on hiatus. I'll admit it, I click on it now and then just to read the comments, because they're usually more entertaining than the comic itself. I'm sure I'm not the only one doing that. =p

I only read through the story through once.

For what it's worth, the art's crisp. I don't know what to say about the sex appeal and all, but I -do- think that if this is what the author wants and he/she isn't doing it entirely for popularity and fanservice, it's fine.

None of us should stoop down to doing things we're not into for brownie points, though...

And flaming isn't cool.

Blah. It gets a lot of visits from DDers because it's on the front page.
It's on the front page because of DD visits but mainly outside links from various places.
People love to talk about body image... And people use the comment board like a message board.
Well, let them. :)

It was good for the first few strips but I lost interest. And with the comments like they are and talk about the comic even in the fmain forums here it's turning into the "mainstream" sensation of DD... Craving Control is our "Lost", "American Idol", "Brittney Spears" etc.
-Not to imply insult to the comic by those comparisons, but that's the kind of devotion and audience it seems to have attracted. For better or worse.

But like those other sensations, Craving Control's "mystery" is only increased by threads like this. So I'd say in the spirit of your post about Paris Hilton; prolly best not to talk about it all the time ;)
You can if you want though, but if you do you just become part of the problem you complain about...

Hey now, while I wholeheartedly agree that no one deserves to be attacked for being popular on this site, I don't really appreciate being dragged into this either. I know my comic is overrated, sheesh. Sorry but it's the "then go read porn or CTV" part that doesn't sit well with me, honestly I'm a quite hurt by that statement.
I don't buy into the conspiracy theories either...my comic got where it is with no advertising at all, it's perfectly reasonable to believe CC got there similarly: word of mouth. All the mentions in the forum probably helped too. It's impressive to do so with as few pages as there are in the CC archive though. The people that seem to dislike it are ironically the ones keeping it exactly where they don't want it to be.
I'm not going to begrudge someone who puts hard work and effort into their comic, no matter what the content is. Not too long ago, someone had a comic that was merely MSN chat conversations and they had the same problem, folks coming in to bash it, keeping it up at the top, where it drew more attention for MORE people to come in and bash it. The difference was the author of that lashed out, whereas CC's (from what I've seen) has been almost frighteningly patient with naysayers. I find that positive attitude commendable, quite frankly.
And it's not the binge eating that seems to bother people... it's the mega weight-gain depicted. Whether or not it is meant to be, it DOES attract a fetish crowd for that. You're not going to get comments like "make her fatter, that's so sexy" for no reason at all.
And yes, I'm fully aware that bloating is often used in anime when people binge eat (Samurai Champloo has a decent example of that)and that may well be the author's intent.
And yes, to say that people go there just for the boobs does bespeak of jealousy, but it seems most people actually go there to argue about the boobs than to see 'em.
For me, the only thing the disconcerts me is the discouraging of honest opinion. It's really only flaming when you come back again and again after you made your point, and you're insulting the artist personally.
However I did see that a few respectful differences of opinion lead to some nasty backlash by some of the fans, that should really be discouraged. DD is for feedback, and no one should expect people to visit a comic on their knees ready to kiss butt. Hell, I'd rather hear what people dislike about my comic than to have to read it in some forum out in the middle of the internet! CC has the wonderful opportunity to hear honesty about their comic! What's better I ask, someone telling you what needs to improve (even if you aren't going to change it for storyline reasons) or getting the same "this comic is awesome!" comment that you'll see the same user post to the neighboring comics?

And I'm not going to claim that I work harder than anybody else in this site, but I work darn hard despite difficulties and I really don't appreciate being tossed in there to say "if you don't like this actually good comic, then go read crappy CTV". Our comics being parallel on the lists doesn't mean they are similar in any way, or better than each other for that matter. It's just not nice to complain about people being rude to CC then come out and insult my comic in the process. If that wasn't your intent then I apologize, but that what it reads like to me. But you don't see me bashing other comics to make my point either.

Wait. The main character has big boobs? I read through the comic and hardly even noticed them. 0_o Of course, I did get kind of bored with the story after a few pages...

My problem with Craving Control wasn't the big breasted character herself, but rather the popularity of the comic (atleast, this is my opinion). I felt that the comic was sparsely updated, the art was inconsistant (we went from beautiful color pages, to black and white, to more color with bad hi-lights), and the creator was arrogant and full of unfulfilled promises. It said it would update twice a week, but instead we get "hey guys, i'll let you guess where this story is going lolz" and then a new page 2 weeks later.

There are tons of better comics that deserve to have been in #1 place. Ozoneocean made a good point; it's the mainstream hit of Drunk Duck but mainstream and popularity doesn't mean "good."

However, despite my dislike of the comic, I do agree that spamming and trolling the comments isn't necessary and only adds to the controversy and popularity. I hope the creator sorts out his/her personal issues but now that CC has had its run, I pray that a new, higher quality comic comes into the spotlight.

I look at it for the boobs XD

Someone had to say it.
The "friend" is much cuter to me actually. I don't understand why people care if it is the top regardless the reasons.

Congratulations to the author. Maybe some day my book can drop put of the 600-700 spot =P

Just remember, if people are complaining about your comic, they are still talking about your comic. ^^

Meh, doesnt matter to me, I just think it is sorta funny how even though its not updating anymore its still number one, funny in a "haha" way. I dont think I'll ever make top 5 so it doesnt matter to me one way or the other.

I read the comic for the bright vibrant colors, and it just so happens that boobs are better eccentuated with all kinds of shine on them? heh.

JustNoPoint
The "friend" is much cuter to me actually.

Yeah. The roomate is hot.

LIZARD_B1TE

JustNoPoint
The "friend" is much cuter to me actually.

Yeah. The roomate is hot.

WoW nerd= +50 HOT. And that's without set bonuses.

Wouldn't the red head have the "set bonuses" ???

JustNoPoint
Wouldn't the red head have the "set bonuses" ???

No. Both my sisters are redheads. It's nothing special.

The hair color wasn't the pun in my statement :kitty:

*opens mouth to say something*

*decides against it*

*leaves*

JustNoPoint
Wouldn't the red head have the "set bonuses" ???

As soon as I see her wearing a full Avatar set, I'll let you know.

Craving Control is just another comic that got to where it is because of boobs.

Now, not to demean the artist and his comic, but deep down inside, all of you know that it is true. Without the main character's pesky watermelons, would it really be number one? Probably not, possibly lost somewhere middleside of DrunkDuck with a fairly small fanbase like most of us here. The lesson of the internet is this: Sex sells. (I'm not gonna say I'm innocent, hell, just look at my banner.)

Why would people on boards link to it? Boobs. People on blogs? Boobs. Hell, even the fights on the comic's comment system either directly mention or are somewhat related to boobs. I ask you this, would people really care and make such a huge fuzz over Craving Control if it was a guy with, er, huge man breasts? (keep in mind, with the same art style and color that it has now.)

I don't hate the comic, I loved it when it first started. It just got stale.

I don't know anything about any controversy...or why other comics stay at the top 5 or for whatever reason. And I agree with you Amelius, and it wasn't my intent to make your comic look undesirable or disliked in anyway. I do however agree that some things have best been left unsaid and I should not have pointed out certain comics in any way. But I don't take back the rant because this is how I honestly feel, sure the story has kept me hooked but I cannot say the same for others, nor force my opinion onto them. I'll be honest and say that my response would have been for anyone else in the same case.

Terminal
I don't hate the comic, I loved it when it first started. It just got stale.

I agree.

Ah, no hard feelings then, I was just a little sore over something else that happend to me that morning and I might've let that get to me more than it should have. I would never say to recant your rant either, it is simply another matter of opinions (as you mentioned) and to attack someone for how they personally perceive something is rather pointless indeed. You indeed have all the right to yours opinions, and I do hope I did not seem confrontational with mine. I wasn't disagreeing with you in any way, just throwing in my 2 cents. I did feel prompted to respond to this because of the mention however (usually I butt out because of my social anxieties...I think I was feeling a little sassy then)and it wasn't so much that I really felt insulted by the mention, it was just the company in the phrase (the porn) that riled me up a bit. ^_^ I oughtn't get off subject though... (like I said it is water under the bridge and sorry if I overreacted)
I did forget to mention that I agree you have some very good points, especially about the character not whoring about. That's been really bothering me about mainstream comics lately (DC and Marvel) where they have equally rocket-breasted women, but they have the personalities of dry toast and spend more time in bed than Brian Wilson.
And I sincerely hope that most people who are being negative about this actually read the archives before condemning it. I've had that happen to me numerous times, and it's downright frustrating. Granted, I have a longer archive and far worse art in it, but I still find it petty to judge on one page or word of mouth alone. How many pages does it take to make up one's mind? I have no idea, I think it really varies from comic to comic. This is just my opinion really. I've read comics that really didn't snare me in the first or present page, but the middle got me hooked.
Quite frankly I wouldn't care if her breasts were growing on her backside if it has a compelling story to go with it. A lesson I learned the hard way with another one of my comics, you can't depend on a gimmick/gag alone for long before people get bored with it, even if it is a unique one.

A good point to bring up though, is that it's on the gag-strip side of categories, so expecting a huge story seems to be a little silly if you ask me. Witty writing and good dialog are a must for those comics, but a strip comic does fine without an ongoing storyline. No one would criticize Beetle Bailey for lack of storyline, eh?

mhm, oh and as for the CTV part, I meant to read something better. Not that I'm saying either or comic is better than the other. But I'd prefere Charby anytime. But I guess the argument is all wrapped up...but I'm still lost on the contreversy part. And you didn't overreact, it was simple reflex. Anyone else who have responded in the same tone I am sure. I simply think to deeply on things. :3

Oh, I gotcha ^_^ as for the controversy stuff, I'm mostly referring to some things I've heard about the popularity being due to massive advertising (spider sites I think I heard someone say) but a lot of people have ads on other sites too... or that the only people who read it are the perverts (I've seen some rather lascivious comments but I don't think that makes the majority) Some feel that the comic heavily objectifies and demeans women, a few arguments sparked over that issue. They applied the "Barbie-syndrome" theories to the proportions of the main character. I'm not to bothered by this really, but then again I've never had weight issues so I can't even pretend to understand the problem intensively.

I've also heard it referred to as soft porn, and that this aspect is the only draw to the comic. Some people are really put off by breast jokes...licking food of them or smacking people in the face may be funny to some, disturbing or dirty to others.
It'd be certainly hard to explain that when you're reading it at work, y'know. People were uncomfortable with the wardrobe of the character Yenny when it was on Drunk Duck a few years back too, and made similar complaints. Though, the concept and the character were far different in proportions...but a lot of skin makes some folks nervous. Perhaps some are worried the comic may take a turn for something a little more risqué? I've seen comics I truly enjoyed take a plunge into smut only through the fewest nudges from fans, and I doubt anyone would want that to happen to the comic.
Also, the suggestive thumbnails were thought to have boosted the popularity sky-high. I admit this could be true, it seems that the repeat hits from people arguing is what actually keeps it where it is. I think it's quite unfortunate, I hate when my own readers squabble in the comment section! But people are drawn to controversy, and if someone says something controversial about the comic, it'll have a flock of morbidly curious visitors. I know it worked for me, I wanted to see what the forum brouhaha was all about myself. It was alarming how quick it shot up when so many other comics with seniority over it merely hover from place-to-place.
And another point made is that it's not just the large bosoms that get to people, it is the rather sexual nature of the comic itself. It's not that there is sex and nudity rampant, but I admit the first thought I had when I saw the image of her eating cake in a rather...lets say, suggestive manner? Led me to think the comic was a little too sexy for my tastes. (I admit to being a big prude)it is only when you read the comic from which the image was taken that you notice her stomach is distended in what some may find a rather un-sexy manner. Of course, that's just not my cup of tea, for what looks like a sexy pregnant woman (I thought she was at first I admit, until I read on a bit) but I can understand at least what the artist was going for. Or I'd like to think so anyway.

I think of it as 4 camps of readers who visit CC, and bear in mind this is very simplified, I mean no offense to anyone:
1. People who enjoy the art,or the story, or both. They find merits in the character development and/or dialog. They are keen to point out what the story actually is, because they care enough about it to have paid attention to this detail.
Most see a comic about a woman who just happens to have a cartoony proportion. Because they see it this way, they are defensive against those who see it another way.
Nobody appreciates being called a pervert for reading a comic, do they?
2: People reading it for the boobs and innuendos. Some comments are just a little less mature sounding...there is a character standing behind the breasts too, but those seem to be the focus of attention for them. That, and she looks like she really enjoys cake...
3: Reading for the weight gain and binging. A little like the breast fans, but they want to see Lalia's proportions balloon out of control. They urge the author to make her plumper next time. The presence of these fetish folks seems to make the first and last category uncomfortable. There's nothing wrong with liking bigger girls mind you...but the Big Bertha [en.wikipedia.org] ability to be super-sexy-skinny one panel and have a big belly the next is appealing and fascinating to them. There is a bit of a following for that on sites like Deviant Art.
4: There for the arguments or to complain about the comic being popular, thus keeping it popular. I wonder what they'd do without this nugget of joy in their life? If CC falls off the list, they'll have to complain about the next comic to go there I guess! The draw is the flaming and arguments. DevArt's complaints forum is popular for this reason too, people like to gather around and be cranky, sadly. Also in this group are people who return to see if the author responded to a question, and instead are being answered by the readers. Conversation is being held like a mini-forum.

I think some of the problem also is people feel ashamed and offended when someone shouts "this comic is only about boobs!" and feel the need to shoot back. I feel sometimes they aren't defending CC, but themselves. I've been in those shoes before, though honestly I never argued with anyone, but i too take it personally when a comic I like gets kicked about by people who don't like it. I feel that they are attacking my taste in comics, even if they are merely expressing their opinion to the author only. Few people like being called pervs or fetishists. Even if they know some of the negative things to be true, insulting someone in the process is a surefire way to make them obstinately disagree with your point no matter how well put forth.

I should try and attract weirdo fetishist to my comics page. You know, the kind that like dicks!

A comic will not get to a top spot because of boobs.

When will idiots understand that? Sure, the intial attraction could be that but the only reason people keep coming back is because they ..i dunno..ya know...maybe LIKE the goddamn thing.

The fact is people hate that it is where it is because they aren't there, stop acting like this is a big pissing contest and just make what you make because you love making it.

When will idiots understand that? Sure, the intial attraction could be that but the only reason people keep coming back is because they ..i dunno..ya know...maybe LIKE the goddamn thing.

Yeah, they LIKE the BEWBS, man.

Have you heard of illwillpress/foamy the squirrel? It started out as a quirky flash cartoon with semi-intelligent rants but soon Germaine took the spotlight because of her "figure." The creator said that he'd never show her naked but each and every cartoon featured her in more revealing positions like the "jiggly butt" or the episode that showed her topless face down on the couch. Foamy had a really small cult following but after the creator "sold out" it suddenly became an instant hit with ****ing Hot Topic bandwagoning bull**** and merchandising. It's pretty disgusting now.

Yea, sex sells. There's no refuting that. Victoria Secret catalogue isn't read by women.

Enef
A comic will not get to a top spot because of boobs.

True! As far as DD is concerned. 100% true.

BUT, As for linking to your comic from elsewhere-adds, blog links, links from top ten lists etc. any mention that your comic has titty-booy-sexy-mature-type content will get you extra++ hits. Take it from me. On example was when I listed Pinky TA through the Belfry comic list. All I did was tick the options for violence, language, mature content etc (back then my comic used to have more of that than it does now) and suddenly hits were flooding in from that! lol!

Enef
When will idiots understand that? Sure, the intial attraction could be that but the only reason people keep coming back is because they ..i dunno..ya know...maybe LIKE the goddamn thing.

For story, art etc, Craving Control isn't really a stand out work here at DD, especially not these days, so that's not a compelling argument. The frequent updates were a factor, but mostly it's the community of DD commenters and people coming in from outside that put it where it is.
-I know how those things work you see ;)

And GOOD ON HIM! No matter if you like the comic or not (it's not of of my faves), or are annoyed when the thumbnail stays on the front page like it did, it's great that he got as popular as he did because it means that you can to. Be happy for his success people and hope that others will be as happy for you when you get there!

angry_black_guy

When will idiots understand that? Sure, the intial attraction could be that but the only reason people keep coming back is because they ..i dunno..ya know...maybe LIKE the goddamn thing.

Yeah, they LIKE the BEWBS, man.

Have you heard of illwillpress/foamy the squirrel? It started out as a quirky flash cartoon with semi-intelligent rants but soon Germaine took the spotlight because of her "figure." The creator said that he'd never show her naked but each and every cartoon featured her in more revealing positions like the "jiggly butt" or the episode that showed her topless face down on the couch. Foamy had a really small cult following but after the creator "sold out" it suddenly became an instant hit with ****ing Hot Topic bandwagoning bull**** and merchandising. It's pretty disgusting now.

Foamy The Squirrel was never good. It was trite and boring, the reason it got popular? A high pitched voiced angry squirrel. Fuck that. It annoyed the shit out of me when it came out and i never watched another episode. The animation wasn't that good, the voice acting was weak the whole thing was piss poor.

Ozone
BUT, As for linking to your comic from elsewhere-adds, blog links, links from top ten lists etc. any mention that your comic has titty-booy-sexy-mature-type content will get you extra++ hits. Take it from me. On example was when I listed Pinky TA through the Belfry comic list. All I did was tick the options for violence, language, mature content etc (back then my comic used to have more of that than it does now) and suddenly hits were flooding in from that!

Durr, it all depends on WHERE you link to yourself from. If you do it properly and exploit your strong points OF COURSE YOU ARE GOING TO GET PEOPLE. It's not that DIFFICULT people.

My comics? One is about how much i hate popular culture. Know what i would do? Find places that PROMOTE said CULTURE, Video Games, Music, Comics, etc etc and PROMOTE IT AT PLACES RELEVANT TO THIS.

Know why that would work? Because those people love those things they would be interested in checking out the comic.

Your comic has big ass boobs and nice art? Post it in places where people like BIG ASS BOOBS AND NICE ART. Who knows, maybe you will get a few return visitors.



In closing. I hate people because people are idiots.

...No, I didn't link from a site where people go because they like boobs etc, Belfry is a fury toplist, my comic isn't fury though... lol!
Sorry enf, "adult content" trumps special "interest" every time, wherever it's mentioned.

Whatever. Craving Control has had enough airtime here, Some intelligent things have been said, especially by Amy, but others as well, and one or too silly things. It's been a nice talk overall but I think we've tapped the topic dry. But there's always the "boobs in the top ten list" thread to have a look at if you want more!

In the mean time, I'm locking this, But you can always check out Craving Control and join the commenters there in further discussion! -they're probably the better audience. ;)