JimShooter.com – Page 3 – Writer. Creator. Large mammal.

Stardoll 1: Secrets & Dreams

On September 24, 2013

Hello, Dolly!

The first ever Stardoll graphic novel is on sale today. Available physically and electronically.

If you don’t know, Stardoll is, according to their website: “The world’s largest online fashion and dress up games community for girls!” It has 200 million users worldwide. It’s “paperdoll heaven.”

Even I knew that, and I’m decades older and the opposite sex from their target audience, which is “…girls who love fashion, making friends, shopping, decorating and being creative.” Hmm. Reminds me of a certain Blog Elf I know.

And if you’re wondering, no, I did not sign up. I do not have my own “MeDoll.” If I did, my lack of fashion sense would probably get me thrown offline.

Happy Holidays

By Jim Shooter

On December 24, 2012

In 16 Stuff and Nonsense

To anyone reading this and all ships at sea,

Merry Christmas or happy whichever holiday(s) may apply.

Thanks for the mostly kind attention and support you graciously gave me back when I had time to blog. And, thank you to the justifiably cranky folks who chimed in when the occasion called for it. Blogging was fun and I’ll do it again someday if I can ever get my ducks lined up.

The Year of Storms is almost over. May next year bring comfort and joy for all.

Whatever your conception of the gestalt of existence, I mean this sincerely, to each in his or her own way: God bless us every one.

Be well,
Jim Shooter

PS. JayJay here. I’d like to add my holiday wishes to you all and thank you very much for everything!

Inkwell Awards Voting

By Jim Shooter

On May 8, 2012

In 14 Events

JayJay here. I just wanted to let everyone know the Inkwell Awards annual ballot is live and voting is in effect now! From May 1 – May 15 at http://www.inkwellawards.com

Vote for your favorite inkers and vote for two of the industries most outstanding talents to win the Joe Sinnott lifetime achievement award!

The Dramatic Conclusion of the New Business Model Rant

By Jim Shooter

On March 30, 2012

In 08 Recent Work, 11 Writing, 17 Freelance and Consulting

First This

Cory Doctorow sent me a couple of nice e-mails recently. He said he liked the last three posts, which discussed issues he raised about copyright, DRM and SOPA.You probably noticed from the dates on Cory’s articles and essays I cited (if you followed the links) that some were written a while ago. Cory said that he’s currently working on an updated, comprehensive book on the “big, synthesized whole” of intellectual property in the digital age. He sent me a sneak peek at the work in progress and gloriosky, it’s great. It’s not just for people in the biz or those fascinated by legal issues. Draconian digital copyright protection measures currently in use or being contemplated can affect ordinary, innocuous communications and be used in nefarious—make that really evilways—that never occurred to me. Some of the things Cory brings to light are deeply disturbing.

VCS Seven Project

By Jim Shooter

On March 19, 2012

In 14 Events

JayJay here. The VALIANT Collector’s Society asked me to make an announcement…

They have organized a special project of 100 Seven issue 1 comics signed by Jim Shooter, and several other creators who worked on the books, combined with a signed printout of issue 2, a CD with issue 2 in PDF format, a plot overview, character dossiers and much more extra stuff. And a COA from the VALIANT Collector’s Society.

This special package is a benefit to help support this blog and to finance the Unity 2000 project. I’m helping organize and finalize the project and I’m also working on coloring the unpublished Unity 2000 issues. It should be a very interesting and fun thing.

Here are the details for the Seven Project on the VCS forum:

http://valiantcollectorssociety.websitetoolbox.com/post/SEVEN-Project-Final-Sign-Up-and-Payment-info.-5752157

I’ve got a list a few posts down on the forum of everyone who has signed up. Message me or email me if you have questions.

The Doctorow Doctrine and Other Techno-Tectonic Upheavals – Part 3

By Jim Shooter

On March 12, 2012

In 08 Recent Work, 11 Writing, 17 Freelance and Consulting

Creative Commons

Cory Doctorow opposes technology that limits what one can do with digital content and laws that criminalize people for alleged copyright infringements that he believes are harmless, or even beneficial. I think that’s an accurate assessment. If not, I hope Cory will correct me.

In any case, don’t take my word for it. Check out his position statements for yourself. They’re entertaining reads. The guy writes like the Silver Surfer surfs. Here are the links again:

http://www.locusmag.com/Features/2008/11/cory-doctorow-why-i-copyfight.html

http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/columns-and-blogs/cory-doctorow/article/49728-cory-doctorow-copyrights-vs-human-rights.html

The Doctorow Doctrine and Other Techno-Tectonic Upheavals – Part 2

By Jim Shooter

On March 6, 2012

In 11 Writing

First This

Yesterday, I took issue with Cory Doctorow’s “dandelion” theory. Cory says: “Dandelions and artists have a lot in common in the age of the Internet.” He believes that spreading your digital content for free across the Internet like zillions of dandelion seeds scattered by the winds helps sales of physical products. It seems to work for him. However, I said: “Now, about how Cory’s marketing advice applies to most creative people and the comic book business—it doesn’t. Or I don’t see how. Maybe he’ll set me straight….”

Maybe he already has.

Check out these passages from his book CONTENT – Selected Essays on Technology, Creativity, Copyright and the Future of the Future:

“Technology giveth and technology taketh away.”

Shelly Moldoff

By Jim Shooter

On March 4, 2012

In 09 Reminiscences and Tributes

I just found out that Shelly Moldoff died on February 29th.Shelly was one of the great comic book artists of the Golden Age. He is did outstanding work on many features, most notably Hawkman and Hawkgirl, and of course, Batman.

Shelly co-created Poison Ivy, Mister Freeze, Clayface, Batgirl, Bat-Mite and Ace the Bat-Hound. Ace the Bat-Hound made his first appearance in Batman #92, 1955. In those simpler times, when I was a little boy who loved dogs and desperately wanted one, the advent of the Bat-Hound was a thrilling development.

The Doctorow Doctrine and Other Techno-Tectonic Upheavals

By Jim Shooter

On March 4, 2012

In 11 Writing

First This

I’m back. Sorry I’ve been absent so long. Pay-the-bills-work on tight deadlines, plus a protracted case of the flu interfered with my best laid plans.

Cory Doctorow

Cory Doctorow describes himself as a science fiction writer and a technology activist. A science fiction writer, says he, “envisions the future” and a technology activist strives to “change the future.”

Not all science fiction is future-oriented, but most is, I’d say. Anyway….

Wikipedia says that Cory Doctorow’s parents were “Trotskyist teachers” and that he grew up in a Jewish activist household. Jewish activists, also referred to as the Jewish left, are supportive of left-wing, generally liberal causes and policies.

The Spirit of Vengeance

By Jim Shooter

On February 14, 2012

In 03 Marvel Comics

Gary Friedrich sued Marvel over rights to Ghost Rider. Gary lost. Marvel sued Gary for unauthorized exploitation of their trademarked Ghost Rider property. Gary lost. He is obliged to pay Marvel $17,000.

The web is a-Blaze with controversy about the above. Lots of people, including many notable comic book creators, have weighed in with their thoughts and theories.

Most of them have a flawed understanding of intellectual property law, work-made-for-hire and the circumstances of Gary’s services to Marvel way back in the 1970’s.There has been discussion, for instance, about whether or not the W4H acknowledgement on the backs of the checks Gary received for his services back then specified certain rights, or whether or not Gary crossed out certain parts, and what those things might mean.