Episode 159 – The Inkd Interview




Comics Coast To Coast show

Summary: On this episode of Comics Coast To Coast we talk to Benedict Jones and Justin Salsburey of inkd.me : andnbsp; About INKD :  visit: inkd.me  Inkd is creating a distribution platform for Webcomics. You all know that Webcomics are one of the most creative and unique pieces of content thats surfaced on the internet, so its a real shame that theres no platform built just for them. Right now the tech and online community are the biggest readers. But because theyre so much like Comic Strips in the Newspaper, we think a much larger audience is ready to enjoy them! Unfortunately they’re difficult to discover, organize, and consume. Inkd wants to solve these problems! Users will have an experience similar to Twitter, in which youll see a stream of content being pushed from the webcomics you subscribe to. Unlike twitter however, when you decide to read a new issue of a webcomic youll be immersed in a comixology-like experience. But truly it all begins with the Authors. As the creators of this content they need better ways to publish their work, make it more accessible, and easier to share. Authors will have an opportunity to drive traffic back to thier site, and earn revenue through advertsing. Currently we are looking at providing the ability for Authors to create and place their own ads (at the end of each strip, for example) affording them a space to highlight merchandise, or drive traffic to any page on their site. Access to traditional options through an Ad Network will also be available. andnbsp; Dont forget to listen to all the great podcasts on the Frog Pants Network. As always, you can find our show by clicking the link below, or if you want to take us with you, you can download us from iTunes. Download MP3 Show Notes: andnbsp; What was the motivation behind creating inkd? Brian (if not answered above) Are any of you aspiring cartoonists, fans or just saw a need in the market? Brian You had an unsucceful Kickstarter Campaign back in January. Obviously, you are still moving forward. Whats the plan now? Brian How much will inkd cost? viewer vs publisher? Brian Did you work with any cartoonists during the development of inkd? Brian Do you have a favorite cartoonist? Brian Your number 1 selling point for inkd as a publisher. as a user. Brian With the general decline of ad revenue on websites (specifically webcomic sites) do you feel ad supported revenue with your app may suffer? Joel How are you handling multiple screen sizes? From iPhone small to iPad big. Retina? Joel The screen shots on your website appear elegant and user friendly. Can you tell us about your design mission objectives? Joel Your site description mentions a curated experience for readers. Whos taking care of that, Inkd or the creator? Customizable? Joel Tell us about the Author Advisory Board. Whats that been like? Joel Can you share how artists have received the project / how they have contributed? (I understand if per-launch you cant be too specific) Joel Out of all the platforms youre planning to be on, which one do you think is/will be the most difficult? Matt Have you been actively approaching creators or are you counting on them coming to you? Matt Ranking system? Comics rated like apps are rated in the app store? (not important - can leave until last) Joel Intro Music: Found on Looperman.com Follow the guys on Twitter: Brian, Joel, Matt and Denver Special thanks: Scott Johnson (http://myextralife.com), Sebastiaan (The Mashup Man) for our Mashups, Nicole Spagnuolo (http://nicolespag.com) and everyone behind the scenes andnbsp; Official Note Taker: