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Poll: Changing the Dark Science Update Schedule (Patreon)

Published:
2015-11-25 00:23:56
Imported:
2026-06

Content

Starting around January, I'm going to be launching a new site design, and also possibly restructuring how the archives and updates work. Tell me which of these you'd prefer, as a reader:

1) One pages every two weeks (the way it currently is)

2) Two or more pages, all at once, once a month 

The second option has the potential to deliver larger story chunks in a more satisfying way, as I'd actually be able to work faster if I could break up the production more efficiently (pencils multiple pages at once, then paint multiple pages, etc.)  The workload for me is functionally the same either way, with the only real difference being a possible change in production speed.

If I went with the latter route, I could still offer the pages as I finish them to Patreon subscribers, so for you guys there wouldn't be a huge difference in frequency. But for everyone else, my theory is Dark Science is hard for new readers to jump into, as it stands, and offering "chapters" as updates may make it more accessible.

Tell me what you think! 

Comments

Meg

Door number two...

Christopher Heiny

Two is fine with me, as long as my DS fix keeps arriving!

Emanuele Barone

Option 2 is intriguing, and maybe change is good, so I will go for that one.

Andres Jacobsen

I vote option 2: we get more Dark Science in the long term, it's better than "instant" gratification

E

Happy to try option 2 out!

Benjamin Lash

2: whatever's best for you dude! We get a great story either way :)

Ivan Bushmarinov

If deadlines in comic creation work the same way as in any fields I am familiar with, the "new" schedule will mean that in some months there will be no Dark Science updates at all - like in the good ol' times. Accidents of all kinds happen, and they will affect a much larger chunk of work each time. So option 1.

Hannele

2. Even as it is, I definitely end up rereading the previous few pages on each update so I can see how they flow together. But definitely, I am behind whatever you choose as the best approach for your audience.

Johnathan Walde

I prefer 1. 2 might work if it's done right, but I've read many webcomics that have attempted to do so (poorly), and the whole experience just felt clunky to the point that I would drop them from my regular reading rotation entirely; I typically prefer to archive-dive anything that needs "chapter" updates to follow well (which hasn't really been the case with DS, at least not for me), at which point the 1/2 decision would already be moot.

Liam Hagenson

Personally I prefer getting little doses of Dark Science as often as possible, but I'm all for anything which makes your life easier.

Max Kaehn

2 sounds good to me.

TPRJones

As long as there's still an RSS feed of some sort it's all good. It sounds like two would be better for story purposes.

Ned Gilmore

You gotta at least try option 2, if it might be better, and if it doesn't work out you can go back to option 1 (which has been *awesome*, btw).

Dylan Armitage

I like option 2 as well. I usually end up reading a few previous updates every time anyway, so I feel like #2 has the ability to give a bigger punch.

John Murphy

I'd prefer option 2, myself -- I tend to get behind and binge-read anyway.

Tim Mensch

Either way works for me, though option 2 does sound more satisfying. :)

Jordan Ewbank

I wish I could say that I didn't love the more frequent updates, but I do think that the once a month option sounds more appealing overall.

Dylan Fox

Option 1! I gobble up the pages quickly when they come out; I'd rather have that rush twice a month than once.

Matthew

Option 2, with a bit of regret... I'd miss the twice a month posting... but it sounds like option 2 could further your progress overall.

Daniel

Option 2. I usually have to reread the previous page anyway to remember what was going on, so it'd be nice to have more content at once.

tagno25

Option 2

Jason

Option 2!

Matt Zweig

Option 1. I just started reading Dresden Codak again after a hiatus of a few years. I'm afraid my attention span will wane again if the gaps between updates are too long.

Katherine

Option 1, same reason as Matt.

JP Sugarbroad

Option 2. Maybe we can get 3 pages a month! :-D

FunkyTuba

I like option two

Barrie Treloar

Option: Whatever suit you best. If you could find a way to get ahead of the schedule so that you could get that planning you want done as well, that would be tops!

Dan Franklin

option 2, but not a strong preference

Randall Blank

I vote for Option 2. I feel that posting one page at a time works best when they're coming at you two or three times a week — the gaps are short enough for me to keep the story in my head (just barely, though). I don't think there's THAT much of a difference between a two week schedule and a monthly one, so a bigger chunk of story every month should be more satisfying.

Action Ben

Whatever's best for you! I'll be sticking around no matter what.

Kenny Van Eimeren

I'm cool with whatever, Aaron. But don't drop the ball if you go once a month!

Phlosioneer

Option 1. For me, personally, the more often you update, the more often I think to check your site *for* an update. If you really wanted to aim for your core audience, us, your patrons, then bigger chunks will be better. Even bigger chunks. Books, or magazines, or full chapters, that each tell their own story. That's what sells best to the people who care about your work *for* your work. But if you want to aim for new readership, we're the wrong people to ask. New readers will be drawn in by a frequent update schedule; gag-a-day-with-slow-story performs the best among webcomics. The odds are more in your favor that they'll return when they don't have to try and remember for a *month* to return for the new content. It all depends on what you want to do. But understand that we are biased; we are not going to choose the best option for new readers.

John

Try monthly delivery, if it doesn't work go back to fortnightly.

Josh

Whatever works best for you!

Matt

Whichever works best for you sir, although I suspect you've been thinking about option 2 for a while as a more realistic way of working. You have had a spate of poor health recently, possibly related to the stress of running the strip/updating frequently, and so maybe this is a more streamlined or reduced pressure method of working. We'll continue to support you however we can, and we've generally got the patience to wait longer if needs be. Quality over quantity, and not at the expense of crushing the artist! Go for the one you're most comfortable with.

Pholostan

I like option 2. Up to four pages at approximately the end of the month sounds good to me.

Christoph Gossing

he! I would prefer option 1, but: It is way more important that it suits you. I appreciate that you ask the readers, but in the end it has to work for you. If it does not there will be no comics. And if you structure your work as you need it (drawing in bulks) you can update in the usual frequence (or as the most readers prefer it). I do not know how others see this, but I do not like to think that you owe us something. In german you can specify a patron as a 'Mäzen' - a person that supports someone else without expecting a direct reward or return. I pay something because you deserve it. Your work is great and you should have the time to work on 'Dark Science' or any other project you wish to. As CGP Grey once said: he does not believe in a reliable update schedule, but high quality material that people actually want to see. I do not believe that anyone would be angry if you would work on other awesome stuff (Zelda-Clockwork Empire, Star Wars, or any other sideproject). And yes, I would love to read more about Kim and her world. But I do not want to or can tell you how you should do your work. The only thing I can do is give you the opportunity to do what we both enjoy: telling a wonderful story about complex topics with enjoyable and deep characters through amazingly drawn paintings and astonishing conceptual work. (And in the end it cost me only a few bucks, so: chill out!) Take care and look after yourself. And dont forget to breathe!

Matthew Jones

Yeah, I quite like the sounds of burst mode option 2, but happy either way really, whatever works best for you

Mel Orr

Option 2 appears to be the best option, especially for you.

Nicky

I'm going for option 2.

Mike

I'm good with option 2 if that works better for you. I had lost track of Dresden Codak for a while because it didn't have an RSS feed when I last checked, but now that there's an RSS feed to notify me of new comics, I shouldn't have to worry about forgetting about it again. :)

Jeff Good

After our twitter discussion I'm solidly on board with #2. I think the value of packaging of content to make it more accessible outweighs the downside of less frequent updates to new readers. Your core readers will stick with you no matter what. We were thrilled to be able to make regular monthly updates a reality. With a monthly release schedule, you should probably do a little more on the site and on social media to tease and promote every update throughout the month to keep people engaged.

Chip Celley

I've only been a reader/patron for the last few months and I have found that it is hard to get into a page a month. If #2 is better for you as you've made the case here, go with it and let your readers (aka The Market) decide.

Dan L

Overall faster output is more important than bi-weekly gratification, IMO.

David

i am with the majority here, option 2 is far better to me. especially if it will help you with the work load.

Edward Lott

I can live with either option, but if one works better for you than go for it.

OctoPokto

I agree something need to change and option 2 sounds good.

Michael Hartley

Given that you used to have a lower rate of output and the comic still did okay, I reckon the less frequent, 2 at once option wouldn't upset people too much. Getting meatier chunks does appeal.

Scott

Do whatever keeps your creative energy flowing. I hope to see this continue for a long time.

Rafael F.

I go along the line of thought that you should do what suits you best, if that is option 2, then so be it.

Tibs

I don't actually mind - I started following Dresden Codak when updates were whenever they came, and that was OK. So you choose...

Salv

Doing the pages two at a time seems like the better way to go for efficiency, since getting all of the penciling and painting done at the same time would be easier. Plus it doesn't really change my DC/time ratio so option 2 seems good to me!

Joshua Lewis

I'm all for making things easier for you...!

John Daly

Consider me another vote for switching to the monthly mode, assuming it really does turn out to be no greater a source of stress for you than the current routine. Ultimately, I'm just gonna say thumbs up to whatever schedule keeps you at your desired level of sanity.

Karl-Aksel Larsen

I'm all for any opportunity to get larger chunks of the story at once. There's been more than once where I've gotten to the end of the page and gone, "Awww man now I want more..." My vote goes for option 2.

Jon Barker

I am happy with either. Go with whatever suits you best.

Johannes Kanavin

Simply put, the second option. The fact that you're even asking the question implies it would be preferable for you, and you argue well the advantages it would have to your process. Of course, it may not work out as you have hoped, but you can't make a new evaluation unless you've been given the opportunity to try :) a healthy artist is better than a prolific artist any day :)

L Tantivy

Option 2. Monthly.

Ax

option 2, for the same reasons as Johannes Kanavin.

Gareth Bracchi

Option 2 please. Sounds like it'd be better for you, and I like to read more of the story all at once. (I've been saving all the updates since July last year, and I read them all last night. Really nice to go through the story that way!)

Colby Driedger

Efficiency is good, and if the supporters aren't really affected it seems like a win win for number 2. Though really, I imagine everyone wouldn't mind waiting if you ever needed the time. Keep up the good work.

William Watson

Whichever works best for you is fine with me. There's no need to press for biweekly if you feel less frequent updates would work better for you.

Hugh Eckert

Either works for me, but it sounds like option 2 is what you prefer...

Mystisk

Two sounds good.

davØ

I will love the artwork in any case. I feel strongly that you should go with whatever satisfies your artistic and story telling ability. Your art is so very wonderful. Thanks for doing this!

Ben Fuchs

You know, your readers where happy when your schedule was: "whenever". So, as this won't change a lot for us Patreons (who finance the bi-weekly update), why bother? Do what fits your mood.

Jeff Constable

Late to the party as usual - so you know I'll go for option B :) But to be honest I don't care - whatever makes more sense for you creatively would be best.