Your Comments (And Why They Mean Everything)
December 28th, 2007 by Josh NeufeldAs the year winds down, it seems appropriate to reflect back on a full 12 months of A.D. I’ve immersed myself in this project in a way I never have before, and it’s been incredibly exciting and fulfilling to see that effort bearing fruit.
From January, when editor Larry Smith and I traveled down to New Orleans to interview our subjects, through the rest of year writing and drawing the actual story, it’s been a long journey to where we are now, the cusp of 2008. At times it can seem as if the story of six people who survived and escaped Katrina will go one forever (and, of course, in a sense it truly does). So if you think that the often slow pace can be agonizing on your end, believe me, I get just as frustrated crafting the story in my painstaking fashion!
But one thing keeps me constantly revitalized and determined to move forward: the response from the A.D. community. I’m not just talking about the story’s subjects themselves—Leo & Michelle, Denise, Hamid, the Doctor, and Kevin—nor even the amazing reaction we’ve gotten from the press and blogosphere. No, what means more to me than all that is the wonderful reader feedback we’ve received on the A.D. message boards.
I’ve been publishing comics for a long time, but I’ve never felt this connected to my audience. For one thing, there’s the immediacy of the experience. I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to see that initial reader comment, usually within the first few hours of a new chapter being posted. I’ve said this many times: it’s not praise I’m looking for, but rather just the simple knowledge that my story is being heard (or in this case, read). In fact, comments like “Cade Roux”’s response to Chapter 1, which pointed out a timeline issue with the story—
I hate to be a nitpicker, but NO ONE was thinking about this storm coming to New Orleans until Friday. All the projections were Tampa and then Florida panhandle and then Alabama. It wasn’t until Friday evening that the projections changed to New Orleans.
—are incredibly helpful. A story like A.D., which takes a cataclysmic event and tries to present it from a human vantage point, relies on the details being correct. So thanks, Cade!
In the same vein was a fascinating exchange from Chapter 3, when “Amy”, a nurse from the same hospital portrayed in the story, took issue with some elements of Denise’s story. Denise herself responded to Amy on the message boards, and their conversation about the events of that fateful day before the hurricane struck added valuable and unexpected dimensions to my portrayal.
Highlighting these “conflicts” in no way implies that reader response hasn’t been overwhelmingly positive. Modesty prevents me from citing the praise, but suffice it to say that my heart is continually warmed by the typical message board post. I love the way the community pick up on the details I put into most panels, and it’s especially gratifying to hear from actual Gulf Coast residents and those who survived the storm.
A.D. is truly a labor of love. I believe that comics (or graphic stories, if you prefer) have vast potential to inform as well as entertain. What we’re attempting to do with A.D. is to forge a document, a companion piece to all the other records of Hurricane Katrina. Knowing that the community of readers around A.D. believe in that goal too, and are always there—whether to set me straight, cheer me on, or a little bit of both—is all I need to keep plugging away.
Now, enough with the past: on to Chapter 9!
From New Orleans, a sincere thank you and best wishes for a happy new year. I definitely want to cheer you on — especially if that will get Chapter 9 up faster!
This is a really interesting and compelling way to follow a story as it unfolds, kind of like the old newspaper strips! I was very impressed by your involvement in aid to the area and your documentation of it in ‘Katrina Came Calling’. Your dedication to telling these people’s stories with such artistry and skill is very inspiring. Congratulations on all of the attention that A.D. is getting, I look forward to watching as it progress into the new year.
Great collection, lucky you, I am also crazy about Batman comics, can read hours and hours without getting bored. Its great to see someone like me.
Thank you so much for linking up again to Mommy Solutions! We love what you share! Congrats on being #5 most clicked link on the blog link up last week! You rock! The new linky is live. Budapest rental
This is often at the same time a good present that many of us seriously enjoyed browsing. It’s not at all on a daily basis which i provide the likeliness to check something.cape verde holiday
Yes, I agree with your words for every blog these user comments are extremely useful to upgrade it to the next level. I was here to hire someone to write an essay and understood how important are these comments.
Overall, very good outcomes; you have a new reader. What do you think about the article you just published a few days ago? Are you in need of anything?
To me, you are my great mentor because when I lost my way, you guided me down the path I wanted. wordle
It is important to get feedback on articles in order to improve the quality of writing. Public comments are very important. Continue in the same spirit, and you will definitely succeed in your business!
Thanks in advance,
Andersen
Hi companions ! If you have any desire to get the best assistance, then you can agree with it from our position, which our side gives the best help. Gives different sorts of administration.
This is your site that provides every important need, such very time to time I check your web post.
The tourist destinations you shared are very good and very useful to me, I will often visit your articles to gain more knowledge.
It’s interesting to read about how a group step by step goes for their dream. I like such stories.
I appreciate you sharing this information. The blog post you wrote is excellent. Everyone has access to a blog article that is both entertaining and instructive.
This is a really interesting and compelling way to follow a story as it unfolds, kind of like the old newspaper strips! I was very impressed by your involvement in aid to the area and your documentation Camping VIC
I hope that the ninth chapter that the author continues to create will be a better chapter than before, and I hope it can bring me more surprises.Janitor AI
Hope your AD can reach the top one day in the future, I think he deserves such an achievement.chat gpt login
Your work brings me joy, thank you for your creation.jordan reps
If you’re ready for an electrifying gaming experience, head over to the here website and give “Thunderstruck Stormchaser” a spin. It’s a thunderous good time that could lead to some truly legendary wins!
Pretty cool post. It ’s really very nice and Useful post.
Call Girl in Indore
In case some of your wildest wishes are additionally now not fulfilled, then you simply want to employ an on-line facility and book a Goa Escort Service for your well-known freelance commercial enterprise owner. Where you can find out the excellent fun. If you have ever linked to a internet site online, it is secure to suppose that you may be searching for a trivial journey, relaxation, or possibly prolonged manage story success.
Feel free about knowing something new on solar energy, solar power and, of course, solar panel
You are a person who inspires me a lot, I read a sedecordle lot of your articles and use them as motivation. You are a wonderful person in my eyes.
I see your post and read. This is great for me this is a decent post you give a piece of extraordinary data and supportive gratitude for sharing this side. https://www.janvisingh.in/