You know... I'm kind of changing the way I use the author's notes because of stuff this thread got me thinking about. I still agree explaining what's going on directly on the page is strange, and if it's necessary, probably a sign of bad storytelling.

However... our discussion about comics being structured in such a way that people have to remember stuff they may have read years ago got me thinking - what about new people dropping in? This doesn't defeat Brock's argument at all, of course, but for story comics like mine, I think it makes a certain amount of sense to at least provide a reference to things that went on before and that someone who just dropped in for the first time wouldn't know about. And ideally, it would make people curious enough to go digging through the archive.

spacehamster
I think it makes a certain amount of sense to at least provide a reference to things that went on before and that someone who just dropped in for the first time wouldn't know about. And ideally, it would make people curious enough to go digging through the archive.

I do that a lot, and I make use of links to archived pages. I have 500 pages uploaded so far and a lot of sub-plots. Today, for example, I put up a page that includes an old nemesis. The pages where he last appeared were months ago, and I've likely gotten a few readers since then who might not have gotten around to reading that part -- and others who might want to jog their memories. So, I've provided links to his previous two appearances in connection to a specific foe.

When I've provided links to important plot points before, it has encouraged some readers to look into the archives. At the same time, it prevents the need for them to have to search around for the pages/chapters that I'm specifically referencing. In addition, linking to pages removes the need for explanations/spoilers and allows readers to form their own opinions of the events.

usedbooks
At the same time, it prevents the need for them to have to search around for the pages/chapters that I'm specifically referencing.

I seriously doubt anyone would do that, especially with an archive as large as yours. Any study on internet use will show you that the average internet user's attention span makes fruit flies look like zen monks. If we want people to read the backstory, it's probably a good idea to make it as easy for them as possible.

Yeah, I talk quite a bit in my comments area, but it's to give links or a few extra details that the page doesn't give.

I think the pet peeve here is more along the lines of everytime you post a page you tell what is happening ON THAT PAGE.

The comment area is to give a few extra details, links, backstory, and to mingle with the readers.

The page should tell the story itself. Now the daily SUPER LONG rant can be annoying as well though =p

spacehamster

usedbooks
At the same time, it prevents the need for them to have to search around for the pages/chapters that I'm specifically referencing.

I seriously doubt anyone would do that, especially with an archive as large as yours. Any study on internet use will show you that the average internet user's attention span makes fruit flies look like zen monks. If we want people to read the backstory, it's probably a good idea to make it as easy for them as possible.

I was speaking in general. If a comic is 100 pages long or something and the author mentions something that happened in the middle of a certain chapter (or even mentions the page number), I have sometimes gone back to find the page. -- I was just pointing out that it's easier with a direct link. ;)

usedbooks
I was speaking in general. If a comic is 100 pages long or something and the author mentions something that happened in the middle of a certain chapter (or even mentions the page number), I have sometimes gone back to find the page. -- I was just pointing out that it's easier with a direct link. ;)

Uh, yeah, I wasn't disagreeing with you, sorry if that wasn't clear... I completely agree it's a good idea to make the stuff easier to find for people, they're probably more likely to read archive stuff if you help them navigate it as much as possible.

spacehamster
However... our discussion about comics being structured in such a way that people have to remember stuff they may have read years ago got me thinking - what about new people dropping in?

Yeah, I'm a big believer in making things easy for the reader to know what's relevant to the curent page.

Like Used Books, I include links back to earlier points in the archive when I think it will help and I also start each chapter with a "Story so far" summary so new readers can jump in at almost any point.

But that's different from explaining what's happening on the current page. I don't think I've ever done that. Slap my wrists if you catch me!