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What do you guys think... (and please don't share this outside of here) :) This might sounds strange but here goes... I have been talking with a giant Korean company that has a massive webcomic presence in Korea called Webtoons.com. They are trying to get their foot into the American market and they are actively seeking American content to put on their site. They are offering to pay me enough money monthly to make me consider their deal. The thing is, they want me to put Sithrah on their website instead of on my website at Sithrah.com. They also want full digital rights for 2 or 3 years. But they said I could keep this Patreon going like it has been and keep full ownership of the books and everything else I'm doing with Sithrah. They just want the digital publishing rights. Since my focus is on getting books finished this is looking like a great way to help me be able to work on Sithrah full time. When I add the money from Patron and what they are offering, I could potentially pay all my bills once I move to Idaho and that would mean I could probably do 2 books a year and finish Sithrah all that much faster. :) They will not touch the book rights, or my publishing rights. They only want digital exclusivity for a few years all around the world. So, if I sign contracts with them then, you would have to goto Webtoons.com to read the web version of SIthrah and it would be updated weekly. But I would still be able to post the book spreads here along with everything else I'm showing you guys. :) It would also make sure that you can get Sithrah on a schedule too. Haha. Anyway, there are lots of questions I still have with them. I'm talking to a few friends who are already on the platform and they seem to love it. I could still do it without this company but it would just be slower and more random. So... that's where I'm at. What do you guys think I should do?

Comments

J.

Sounds like an awesome deal that allows you to achieve what you are wanting to do. I would want some pretty detailed information on what the digital rights pertain to, is it purely via their website or does it encompass digital downloads like PDFs etc, might pay to have a friendly chat with an IP Lawyer.

SKITS comic

Making it in business is all about taking advantage of opportunities. Sounds like a great opportunity and you should take it. It doesnt hurt myself any I read physical books. I dont believe in selling out. What ever it takes to do what you love is fine.

Ralf Singh

North or South Korea?^^ You really should reach out what you can get from this deal. And you should also have a plan what comes after this 2-3 years. Digital market is really a big deal today, so don't underestimate what you're giving them. But it sounds like you get some good money and you cans till make some awesome prints.

Tony Liang

Jason, here is my two pennies worth 8) First and foremost, one has to make sure one's responsibilities to family is fulfilled. If this potential Korean venture will allow you to both be the artist and storyteller that you are and more easily, and with more certainty, support your family... by all means, go for it. The deal, as you describe it, sounds like they are most interested in the digital content with no reach across to printed matter or your creative rights and ownership of everything non-digital. If you can still keep creating and publishing for both yourself and your fans... and get your bills paid off and provide for your family... heck yeah... you have my full support and vote. Second (just barely)... and this is where having married a lawyer for the past dozen years kick in... make sure the printed contract says the same thing that they've been discussing with you. Protect yourself and your work... but i have a feeling that i don't need to tell you this 8) So, that is my two pennies. i am certain that whatever choice you make will be the best foot forward for the circumstances that you are in. Only you can be the most knowledgeable about what those circumstances are. Thus, whatever choice you make, you have my best wishes and my gratitude for the stories and art that you create.

d.Forrest

Let me begin by saying "giant Korean company" and "exclusive comic deal" or variants there of are permanent fixtures in my daily fantasies and you'll have to excuse my seething jealousy. Next I'd ask why you consider this a potential sell-out. My understanding of that word is that it means you compromise some core value because someone found your price-tag. That's not what I am reading is on the table. Finally I'd say there's no sin in announcing that sithrah.com will be moving to a new host. Sites change their home all the time. Protect your I.P. give the promises a good review by an I.P. Lawyer (I know a guy if you need a referral, but I suspect you don't given the industry you're in, you probably couldn't throw a stick without hitting a guy). You might want to expand your Patreon to include a broader representation of your work at that point, since you're already getting paid for Sithrah and some patrons might be bothered by the "double-dip". We want you to succeed Jason, we love you, that's why we support you.

Kavalaris

I say go for it man! As long as you're not endangerIng your intellectual property rights, I'd say it sounds like a really great opportunity.

Richard Weir

1) GET A LAWYER. They won't be trying to screw you, but if you go into this without a full legal understanding then it may feel like they did. 2) Make sure there is a time limit in the deal, so if they don't start paying you within X months *OR* payment lapses then all rights revert to you. And make it tight, because if they suffer from "funding problems", "market not right", "our associates are dragging their feet" etc etc ad infinitum for too many years (IT HAPPENS) then you could end up with no pay, no permission to use your own work and a very, very bad taste in your mouth. 3) Watch out for clauses that mean they keep associated rights (ie film and merchandising) even if core rights revert to you. Again, I don't intend to suggest they will screw you, but in a long contract (negotiated in two languages!) clauses can get left in that shouldn't be there. Because they might go bust. And a third party might buy all their IPRs (including those of yours you thought had reverted to you), and they will then insist on a return on what they paid for. 4) Finally. GET A LAWYER! It's the very best investment in a situation like this. ( Did I repeat myself? I am no lawyer! :-P ) Wishing you the very best of luck. This sounds exciting, fun, and potentially very useful for you! Richard Weir.

David Rowe

I was going to say something similar to d.Forrest's second paragraph. Does this deal mean they will have say over your content? It doesn't sound like it. It sounds like you may have found a distributor who will help get you more exposure. But you have to do the math on if the deal is worth it to you. And think about why you consider it selling out, that has negative connotations, so there may be something your back brain doesn't like about the deal. Or is it more that this is an unplanned direction change? In any case pay attention to your gut as well as your head.

Jason Brubaker

Haha! Well, I kinda just said "sell out" because it's the opposite direction from where I was planning to go. But I definitely don't look at it as a sellout. More like changing plans to include a big corporation that would put pressure on me to get things done. But at least it's my own content so the pressure to get it done faster would be beneficial to us both. Thanks for your feedback.

Jason Brubaker

Yeah, it's more of an unplanned direction change. I'm going to take to some lawyers to make sure I understand everything the whole thing has more pros than cons from what I can tell.

Jason Brubaker

Thanks Richard! Great points. I have made some calls and I'm going to lock down a good IP lawyer to look this over. :)

Jason Brubaker

Shoot me your referral if you can. I'd love to have some options of good IP lawyers. Can you send his info to my email brubaker.jason@gmail.com Thanks man!

santosho

Sounds like some great possibilities. More fans in Korea! And they only keep the digital rights for 2-3 years. I'd hire a lawyer to read over the fine print. But I'd probably do it for the money and exposure to a new audience.

Gerald Campbell

If this opportunity will help you achieve goals and continue to be able to work as an independent artist and creator you should give it very serious consideration. I certainly agree with the advice given by others to understand fully your responsibilities and rights and the company's obligations under the agreement. You should definitely get legal advice from a lawyer experienced in intellectual property law, and maybe also with experience in international agreements.

Justin McRoberts

Right off the bat, this sounds like a distraction. That's my gut feeling - that you are just now branching out into your own space and finding your legs as a fully independent artist... and this may well be helpful to a small degree but it seems peripheral to your initial dream. Again, this is mostly gut-feeling. I just see you picking up more traction, more fans and a wider base for creation and publication on your own. Of course, that's been my experience as a songwriter/author as well. I've never regretted going to solo road. It means more work at times... but I love the work anyway.

William Burke

I'd say, give it a go and follow what other users here have suggested; lawyer(s), details, etc. :D If nothing else I would think it eases the burden on doing the digital side of things with Sithrah. Which would probable be a welcomed relief. 'sides that 2-3 years isn't forever if something goes pear shaped.

Tanker

Agreed with Richard, this is good advice. I'd definitely consider the opportunity, just make sure the legal aspects are buttoned up!

Sean Harrington

I think it sounds great! I would definitely go for it if I were you. Good luck, Jason! You deserve it and I hope this works out really well for you.

Young Park

Looks like it's owned by Naver which is basically the Facebook of (South) Korea and an online behemoth in Korea. If this deal gets you where you want to be both personally and professionally (and I get the impression that it does), then go for it. I think the deal has the potential to make Sithrah even better by freeing your mind and body from some of the business side of the equation. Didn't someone say recently that you should go international? :) This deal may open up more opportunities for you later.

Jason Brubaker

Haha! Thanks Young! Talking to a lawyer tomorrow about it all. As well as another artist who is already being paid by them. It really might be a great opportunity. I'll keep you guys in the loop. :)

Jason Brubaker

Hey Justin! Thanks for the opinion. I can see what you are saying and I think this is kinda what I'm feeling too at times. I always wanted to be free to call the shots and do things on my pace but this would limit some of that. But I also want to work on Sithrah and my next books as my main job instead of getting freelance to help pay the bills. That is also a big distraction and so its almost like I'm choosing between two distractions as to which will be most helpful in getting to the goals I am striving for. Since my goals have always been to finish more books, it seems more favorable than doing freelance. I'm still unsure what to decide until I get more clarity on what it all means but I've never had an option on the plate like this before that involves me doing my own projects. I really appreciate your advice. Thanks again!

Tom Dell'Aringa

This site reminds me a lot of Tapastic and a few other places I have seen. They seem to have some funding and are trying to build a business model around digital comics. My first comment is to agree with those saying have a lawyer look it over - that's very important. Just to make sure there isn't anything there that will trip you up. Secondly, I would play out in my mind what it means for you to not have those rights over the next 2-3 years. What *can't* you do if that is the case, and how does that weigh against the money you will receive? Maybe list it out on paper so you can visually take it in. My gut feeling is that you should probably do it since it's the digital rights only. The whole idea here is to get money for your creations. You just want to make sure the contract doesn't hurt you in any way if you go for it. Happy you've got this opportunity! I may just post my stuff there myself to see how it goes.

Patrick Davidson

I say, if the contract looks good, do it! Imagine how much you can create in 2 years without worrying about freelance work. Good luck Jason!

Nelson Gonzalez

Hello Jason, As other have already mentioned, contact a savvy IP lawyer that understands the new digital distribution market. In addition to what others have already mentioned concerning ownership rights, et al, carefully consider the termination clause in the contract. Specifically, under what conditions either party is allowed to terminate the agreement. You always want to establish guidelines under which you are allowed to terminate the exclusivity agreement with your benefactor. There may arise unforeseen circumstances in the way that the company may distribute your materials that run counter to your interests. For example, suppose that they pair your work alongside of advertising or other materials that you find morally questionable. Or perhaps, for some reason, they decide not to publish the work; instead, opting to keep it from being distributed. I'm not suggesting that they would do any of these things, just framing the issue for your consideration. However, I am cautioning that you should establish clear guidelines that give you some flexibility under which you can rescind the digital distribution rights if your best interests are not being served. It sounds like a fantastic opportunity. Good luck and thank you for all the inspirational art. -Nelson

Charli Churchill

I quote/paraphrase David Cross: I can't use street cred to buy a house. Do what's best for you and your family in my opinion. I'm not getting as in-depth as some people on here, but i don't read your web stuff anyway. I support you on here, because i love what you do and i wait for the printed material to enjoy your incredible work. So, do what's best for you and yours and i'll be here supporting for as long as i can and await the next kickstarter or whatever to throw you even more cash. If this deal helps you continue to make great work, then do it, because your work deserves the best shot to continually find it's way into the universe for others to enjoy. thanks for everything and continued success.

Leroy Brown

Hi Jason, I'm a little late to the party, but as a media professional (which you are too) I would have to agree 100% with Richard Weir. Also, digital rights can mean a lot more than just webcomics these days. It probably also means mobile, and it could mean animation, product placement, advertising, etc. You should get royalties from anything that is yours and keep full ownership. You should get the power to refuse any misuse of your copyrighted material and you should definitely TRADEMARK ALL YOUR MATERIALS BEFORE YOU SELL TO THEM. This might mean trademarking in Korea as well, so you might have to look into a firm that can do that for you. Ultimately this is a business decision that you will need to make. There are things that you can do to ensure that it works in your favor. Cheers!

Laurence Dea Dionne

hello, I just pledged :) love the graphics and textures in the colors of your comic! I have been seeing Webtoons get increasingly popular (even seeing teenagers read Webtoons on the metro (subway) here in Montreal. I say, go for it!

David Montoya

As a fellow starving artist, I think if the deal is good then you should do it and just make sure all is to your liking from the deal.