View Full Version : The Cellar Door Comic Book Review Site do you read it? Why? Why not?
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 05:31 AM
http://www.cellardoorpublishing.com/reviews.htm (http://www.cellardoorpublishing.com/reviews.htm)
above is the link to the cellar door publishing review site.
each week, we try to recommend indie/alternative books that we think you might enjoy.
With a talented roster of reviewers including myself, Michael Peterson, Matt Bylsma, and Alex Paknadel, we try our best to pick books we think you all (the comic reading public) might like.
Every Tuesday, a new review goes up. Every tuesday, a thread is posted here, heralding the new review. Every Tuesday, the thread falls off the front pages very quickly.
We, as reviewers, aren't getting paid for this, but are doing it because we enjoy the medium, and would love some feedback on the books we review (good or bad)
But, we rarely get it, except from the cellar door people, themselves.
so, my question is: Do you read the cellar door reviews that we put up every week? Do you like them? Do you not like them? Why? Why not?
Is there something we can do to make the reviews for interesting for the reader?
Yes, I know there are tons of comic review sites, but since many people here claim to hate The Fourth Rail so much, I was hoping that maybe some of you would hop on over and check out our reviews.
There are people from this community doing these, and I would love to see more support for them/us.
So, tell my why you don't go there. Or why you do.
And what we can do to make it better for you, our reading audience?
I read them every week and find them quite informative... ;)
But in all seriousness, we've got a really diverse group of reviewers. So, if you don't necessarily care for so-and-sos taste in comics, you'll probably like that-other-guy's taste. And the diversity wasn't an accident.
I think you all do a wonderful job.
Caley Tibbittz
11-08-2005, 05:38 AM
I like them... the one about the Archie comic was quite interesting...
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 05:41 AM
I like them... the one about the Archie comic was quite interesting...
See, that's what I am talking about.
Someone made a thread here about whether or not Archie Comics are still relevant in today's world.
I wnt out and reviewed the latest issue of Veronica. I posted a link to that review in the Archie thread.
not one person mentioned anything at all about the review in that thread. not one. instead they kept debating amongst themselves about whether or not the book was relevant/should be published.
am i banging my head against a wall here?
We do have a steady number of viewers every week. I think it's just a matter of everyone knowing what a great resource this is. It isn't bitching about comics or trashing comics. It's recommendations of really good indy books.
Caley Tibbittz
11-08-2005, 05:47 AM
See, that's what I am talking about.
Someone made a thread here about whether or not Archie Comics are still relevant in today's world.
I wnt out and reviewed the latest issue of Veronica. I posted a link to that review in the Archie thread.
not one person mentioned anything at all about the review in that thread. not one. instead they kept debating amongst themselves about whether or not the book was relevant/should be published.
am i banging my head against a wall here?Well, the reason I don't comment on the reviews is I usually can't afford to buy the comics... same reason I don't read most of the comics threads here.
Although I did buy Defferding's book, so I COULD have commented on that... :surrend:
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 05:49 AM
Defferding's book was solid.
It created the appropriate mood, as well as sort of distorted visuals (at times) that were necessary to show how out of her depth lindsay is.
I just got the 2nd issue in the mail. was gonna read it yesterday, but decided to pack it on my trip to Canada.
Caley Tibbittz
11-08-2005, 05:55 AM
Defferding's book was solid.
It created the appropriate mood, as well as sort of distorted visuals (at times) that were necessary to show how out of her depth lindsay is.
I just got the 2nd issue in the mail. was gonna read it yesterday, but decided to pack it on my trip to Canada.Yeah, I really liked the writing and the characters, especially the star. And the smiley-faced guys were great... the art was a tad too murky for me in places, but the style was fantastic, and Diamond not carrying it is total B.S. to me. Hell, they carry Liefeld's stuff...
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 05:59 AM
judgine solely on the 'flip-through' I gave issue 2 of School, the murkiness was cleared up immensely.
The line between light and shadow is clearly defined, and has crisp, clean lines.
Deceleration_Trauma
11-08-2005, 06:03 AM
I'd like to see a couple more reviewers. No offense to you, Matt, and Michael - I love your reviews - I'd just like a few more opinions. I'd also be interested in seeing two of you review the same comic.
Oh, and MORE COVERS, LOL! I need a visual ref in case I spot 'em in my comic shop.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 06:05 AM
I'd like to see a couple more reviewers. No offense to you, Matt, and Michael - I love your reviews - I'd just like a few more opinions. I'd also be interested in seeing two of you review the same comic.
Oh, and MORE COVERS, LOL! I need a visual ref in case I spot 'em in my comic shop.
I believe Jade just posted about their being an open spot for a new reviewer.
Did we fill that spot, yet, Jade?
Caley Tibbittz
11-08-2005, 06:06 AM
Did we fill that spot, yet, Jade?This would be funny out of context...
See, that's what I am talking about.
Someone made a thread here about whether or not Archie Comics are still relevant in today's world.
I wnt out and reviewed the latest issue of Veronica. I posted a link to that review in the Archie thread.
not one person mentioned anything at all about the review in that thread. not one. instead they kept debating amongst themselves about whether or not the book was relevant/should be published.
am i banging my head against a wall here?
Some how i forgot about these but enjoyed yours. I havnt read a review by the other guys though. how about bumping or linking here?
Deceleration_Trauma
11-08-2005, 06:10 AM
http://www.cellardoorpublishing.com/reviews.htm (http://www.cellardoorpublishing.com/reviews.htm)
:D
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 06:11 AM
Some how i forgot about these but enjoyed yours. I havnt read a review by the other guys though. how about bumping or linking here?
the link to the review column is in the first post of this thread.
and every week when a review goes up, we post a thread here about it w/ a link.
No one ever really responds.
But thanks for the words, and for responding.
I'd love to get more feedback on the books I review. I would love to know that people are appreciating that I (and the other reviewers) are looking for stuff outside of the mainstream comics that everyone seems to be reading.
I am sure if we started reviewing Crisis on Infinite Earths, we would get tons of people praising or slamming us, but that isn't what we are about.
We are trying to give exposure to the little guy/girl, and expose you all to books you may not be reading.
I believe Jade just posted about their being an open spot for a new reviewer.
Did we fill that spot, yet, Jade?
Appears so... but we can always discuss having more reviewers, if that's something people are interested in.
I also like the idea of having two reviewers look at the same book. That would just be a matter of coordination on the part of the reviewers.
Caley Tibbittz
11-08-2005, 06:14 AM
I also like the idea of having two reviewers look at the same book. That would just be a matter of coordination on the part of the reviewers.I think that's a fantastic idea.
the link to the review column is in the first post of this thread.
and every week when a review goes up, we post a thread here about it w/ a link.
No one ever really responds.
But thanks for the words, and for responding.
I'd love to get more feedback on the books I review. I would love to know that people are appreciating that I (and the other reviewers) are looking for stuff outside of the mainstream comics that everyone seems to be reading.
I am sure if we started reviewing Crisis on Infinite Earths, we would get tons of people praising or slamming us, but that isn't what we are about.
We are trying to give exposure to the little guy/girl, and expose you all to books you may not be reading.
Ha see how easy it is for me to get lazy and not look. :) Nice review. I usally pick up the double digest stuff and rarely the one namers cause my local store doesn't usally carry that stuff but if i see that one I'll be picking it up unless i see the holiday specail cause im a sucker for those first and foremost.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 06:18 AM
Ha see how easy it is for me to get lazy and not look. :) Nice review. I usally pick up the double digest stuff and rarely the one namers cause my local store doesn't usally carry that stuff but if i see that one I'll be picking it up unless i see the holiday specail cause im a sucker for those first and foremost.
off topic: did your screen name change?
off topic: did your screen name change?
:lol:
yes. It changes every month or so. I tell Denny I'm tired of my name and he changes it to something random.
Here's a suggestion that might already be out there or might not but i would love a review site that reviews old back issue bin stuff that's pretty common in my most stores or at least not impossible to find.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 06:23 AM
:lol:
yes. It changes every month or so. I tell Denny I'm tired of my name and he changes it to something random.
Here's a suggestion that might already be out there or might not but i would love a review site that reviews old back issue bin stuff that's pretty common in my most stores or at least not impossible to find.
see, our store doesn't carry back issues, so that would be difficult for me to do.
Here's a suggestion that might already be out there or might not but i would love a review site that reviews old back issue bin stuff that's pretty common in my most stores or at least not impossible to find.
That's a great idea... You're full of good ideas. :D
Brian Defferding
11-08-2005, 06:41 AM
I have the review site in my favorites at work :D
Ron is a great critic. He's not fanboyish nitpicky and he's also not an indie snob. This review site deserves :heart:
Balthazar
11-08-2005, 06:46 AM
I don't have the time to wade through long reviews like that. I'd rather see a short synopsis review, maybe saying something like "if you like this...you'll like this", or just telling me the genre and if it's good or bad, with a link to a longer revie if I so choose to read more. I might not be the norm, but I barely have time to read the comics I buy, let alone a bunch of long reviews.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 06:51 AM
I don't have the time to wade through long reviews like that. I'd rather see a short synopsis review, maybe saying something like "if you like this...you'll like this", or just telling me the genre and if it's good or bad, with a link to a longer revie if I so choose to read more. I might not be the norm, but I barely have time to read the comics I buy, let alone a bunch of long reviews.
fair enough.
I don't agree with that, but I do understand it.
DaGetHighKnight
11-08-2005, 06:54 AM
I read the reviews wile I eat lunch at work ..
see, our store doesn't carry back issues, so that would be difficult for me to do.
wow i thought all comic book stores had back issues. what do you do with comics that won't sell?
That's a great idea... You're full of good ideas. :D
;)
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 06:57 AM
wow i thought all comic book stores had back issues. what do you do with comics that won't sell?
;)
Our store doesn't keep anything beyond the last couple of years.
for back issues that don't sell, we collect them in arcs, and then sell those arcs in bags for 70% off.
They go pretty quickly when we do that.
Our store doesn't keep anything beyond the last couple of years.
for back issues that don't sell, we collect them in arcs, and then sell those arcs in bags for 70% off.
They go pretty quickly when we do that.
ah that's pretty cool. Do you keep a bunch of trades in stock then for people looking for older stuff?
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 07:01 AM
ah that's pretty cool. Do you keep a bunch of trades in stock then for people looking for older stuff?
we have a HUGE tpb selection. an AMAZING manga section (better than Barnes and noble) and an indie/alternative section that is out of sight.
Deceleration_Trauma
11-08-2005, 07:10 AM
I don't have the time to wade through long reviews like that. I'd rather see a short synopsis review, maybe saying something like "if you like this...you'll like this", or just telling me the genre and if it's good or bad, with a link to a longer revie if I so choose to read more. I might not be the norm, but I barely have time to read the comics I buy, let alone a bunch of long reviews.
Hmmm ... perhaps a main page of synopses (by the reviewers), a thumbnail of the cover for each linked to the review?
Then if you're pressed for time you can scan the synopses, and if you wish, click and read the whole review.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 07:12 AM
Deceleration has some nice ideas.
The question here is:
will any of this get more poeple to go to our site?
Deceleration_Trauma
11-08-2005, 07:15 AM
I also like the idea of having two reviewers look at the same book. That would just be a matter of coordination on the part of the reviewers.
I think that's a fantastic idea.
Thank you! People tell me I'm fabulous alllllllll the time! :roll: :rofl:
Olivier E.
11-08-2005, 07:20 AM
I read them when you ask me :Oops:
I don't have the time to wade through long reviews like that. I'd rather see a short synopsis review, maybe saying something like "if you like this...you'll like this", or just telling me the genre and if it's good or bad, with a link to a longer revie if I so choose to read more. I might not be the norm, but I barely have time to read the comics I buy, let alone a bunch of long reviews.
Well, the synopsis of every review is basically, "this book rocks and if you love comics you will pick up this book." So, then, it's just a matter of going into why said book rocks.
Deceleration_Trauma
11-08-2005, 08:01 AM
Well, the synopsis of every review is basically, "this book rocks and if you love comics you will pick up this book." So, then, it's just a matter of going into why said book rocks.
Are all the reviews positive? That is, are the reviewers to only review books they liked? (Sorry, I've been reading these reviews as they come out so I can't recall if I've seen a negative one) I know that the purpose is to draw readers to indy, but if a book blows then I'd like to know that too.
Are all the reviews positive? That is, are the reviewers to only review books they liked? (Sorry, I've been reading these reviews as they come out so I can't recall if I've seen a negative one) I know that the purpose is to draw readers to indy, but if a book blows then I'd like to know that too.
These are more recommendations than reviews... There are plenty of other sites that will tell you what books to not buy. We're just trying to do our part to show support for good indy titles by directing people to books we think they WILL like.
Balthazar
11-08-2005, 08:44 AM
Well, the synopsis of every review is basically, "this book rocks and if you love comics you will pick up this book." So, then, it's just a matter of going into why said book rocks.
Well I do love comics, but not every comic. Just because your reviewers like it does not mean it's my bag. And I might not have the inclination to read a whole review in order to find that out.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 08:53 AM
Well I do love comics, but not every comic. Just because your reviewers like it does not mean it's my bag. And I might not have the inclination to read a whole review in order to find that out.
that would be true of any review site, though. Just because someone likes a book, does not mean that you will, true.
But then why have negative reviews, too? After all, by the same token, just because someone doesn't like a book, (from any review site...ours, theirs, your own), doesn't necessarily mean you will hate it, too.
and if you don't have the inclination to read through a whole review (good or bad), then I don't see why I should bust my hump to please you. (that came out a lot snarkier than I meant, and I don't mean to insult you, but when you come in and say that there is no gurantee that you will like what we review, and that you are too lazy to read a full review anyway, then why should I care about what you think?)
Again,that sounds crueler in print than I am hearing it in my head, but that 's what immediately springs to mind.
I can understand the point that Jade made, by letting us reviewers know up front that this would be a 'positive' comic experience. And I think that with so many people in this very forum complaining that they are displeased w/ the fourth rail guys perspective, maybe you would check out the perspective of 'one of us'.
But if length of review is an issue, I don't think it will matter to you who is writing it.
I apologise if I misrepresented your views. Perhaps you can elaborate more?
Wagon
11-08-2005, 08:54 AM
These are more recommendations than reviews... There are plenty of other sites that will tell you what books to not buy. We're just trying to do our part to show support for good indy titles by directing people to books we think they WILL like.
yeah, the way I look at it is that there are so many books out there, that it can be kind of daunting to find something you might like in the indie world... so we try to help out by pointing out what we consider to be really good.
Rabbi Noculars
11-08-2005, 09:00 AM
Ron, I think that you and Michael and Matt do a great job bringing books to readers that they may not consider on their own.
There is a place for the Archie titles on our shelves, and it was nice to see a new context for review of the stories.
I think positive recommendations do more good than negative reviews. You're trying to get folks to read comics, for crying out loud.
Though I haven't commented too often, I read and enjoy every review.
Also, Comicopia is a bitchin' shop, and I have never seen a better Trade Paperback selection anywhere. Any comic shop would do well to model themselves after it.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 09:04 AM
thanks, Rabbi.
I was wondering. I kind of enjoyed the 'commentary'/review that I did this month.
Would you be more apt to read a 'commentary', or column-like article that brings up issues and offers up books for review that reflect the theme you are discussing?
or would a 'just the review, thanks' be more something any of you would like to see.
Deceleration_Trauma
11-08-2005, 09:05 AM
These are more recommendations than reviews... There are plenty of other sites that will tell you what books to not buy. We're just trying to do our part to show support for good indy titles by directing people to books we think they WILL like.
Ahhh ... I'm with ya! A misunderstanding on my part. Sorry!
Wagon
11-08-2005, 09:12 AM
thanks, Rabbi.
I was wondering. I kind of enjoyed the 'commentary'/review that I did this month.
Would you be more apt to read a 'commentary', or column-like article that brings up issues and offers up books for review that reflect the theme you are discussing?
or would a 'just the review, thanks' be more something any of you would like to see.
I think a commentary type review every once in a while would be interesting, really.
Deceleration_Trauma
11-08-2005, 09:16 AM
if you don't have the inclination to read through a whole review (good or bad), then I don't see why I should bust my hump to please you.
'Cause you're trying to attract people to the site! :D
If folks are pressed for time or prefer their indy comic info in small bites then the synopsis page would solve that, I think.
The point is to 1) get people there, and 2) get them to read more indy, right?
If, through more effort on Cellar Door's part, you accomplish these two things, then that's good (even if you don't agree with a reader's decision-making method). This is what will continue to make Cellar Door's review site superior. :thumb:
Andreas
11-08-2005, 09:48 AM
I appreciate reviews of books outside the mainstream. You put a lot of thought in your reviews, your love of the medium comic book shines through, and I always enjoy reading them. A good example may be your review of Jamie Rich's I WAS SOMEONE DEAD. Do you write reviews for local magazines, too?
People seldom respond to reviews (unless you post about something that happened to your pet ;) ), but they appreciate them. Else they wouldn't come back for more.
Andreas
thanks, Rabbi.
I was wondering. I kind of enjoyed the 'commentary'/review that I did this month.
Would you be more apt to read a 'commentary', or column-like article that brings up issues and offers up books for review that reflect the theme you are discussing?
or would a 'just the review, thanks' be more something any of you would like to see.
I think a regular commentary/review could be pretty cool... It could be your thing... :D
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 09:53 AM
'Cause you're trying to attract people to the site! :D
good point, guess I got all defensive and shit.
sorry.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 09:53 AM
I appreciate reviews of books outside the mainstream. You put a lot of thought in your reviews, your love of the medium comic book shines through, and I always enjoy reading them. A good example may be your review of Jamie Rich's I WAS SOMEONE DEAD. Do you write reviews for local magazines, too?
People seldom respond to reviews (unless you post about something that happened to your pet ;) ), but they appreciate them. Else they wouldn't come back for more.
Andreas
thanks. I guess its the fact that I never knew if people were coming back for more, or at all, because no one said anything.
Shwicaz
11-08-2005, 09:54 AM
I think a regular commentary/review could be pretty cool... It could be your thing... :D
well then.
I am that!
I kind of enjoy those types myself. may try a few things.
well then.
I am that!
I kind of enjoy those types myself. may try a few things.
Yay!!!
Yeah, feel free to experiment with the format. I love that sort of thing.
Childress
11-08-2005, 10:45 AM
I go through the reviews every week, and have picked up many books because of them. I haven't been let down yet.
normally I'd be here bumping my ass off in the CD review threads, but...um....yeah....stuff.
I say keep posting the links ron, for the silent majority at least.
(akaRyanHoffman)
11-08-2005, 10:47 AM
I don't have the time to wade through long reviews like that. I'd rather see a short synopsis review, maybe saying something like "if you like this...you'll like this", or just telling me the genre and if it's good or bad, with a link to a longer revie if I so choose to read more. I might not be the norm, but I barely have time to read the comics I buy, let alone a bunch of long reviews.
Man, The reviews aren't that long. They don't take very long to read at all...
SimiBoyz
11-08-2005, 01:19 PM
my response (http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showthread.php?p=987598#post987598)
my response (http://www.606studios.com/bendisboard/showthread.php?p=987598#post987598)
Cross thread posting, eh?... I can respect that. :D
Humphrey_Lee
11-09-2005, 12:21 AM
I don't even like to read my own reviews, let alone those of people much better at it than I am......
Caley Tibbittz
11-09-2005, 12:23 AM
Cross thread posting, eh?... I can respect that. :D
What about when someone posts their suggestion in what just turns out to be the wrong thread? :surrend:
What about when someone posts their suggestion in what just turns out to be the wrong thread? :surrend:
:lol: I knew where you meant to post it.
I don't even like to read my own reviews, let alone those of people much better at it than I am......
Ooooooooooh, don't be down on yourself like that... you still need to review one of our books...
Humphrey_Lee
11-09-2005, 01:16 AM
Ooooooooooh, don't be down on yourself like that... you still need to review one of our books...
Send me one, and I will... I'm cheap like that ;)
oh, wait, better idea... hand deliver it to me..... that's the stuff...
Send me one, and I will... I'm cheap like that ;)
oh, wait, better idea... hand deliver it to me..... that's the stuff...
Would if I could... but you'll just have to give me your mailing address instead... so, I can mail myself to you...
Humphrey_Lee
11-09-2005, 01:25 AM
Would if I could... but you'll just have to give me your mailing address instead... so, I can mail myself to you...
what if I just paid for a plane ticket?
One way though... you're just gonna have to learn to live with me...
Caley Tibbittz
11-09-2005, 01:29 AM
Would if I could... but you'll just have to give me your mailing address instead... so, I can mail myself to you...Wearing only stamps...
:shifty:
*PMs own address instead*
what if I just paid for a plane ticket?
One way though... you're just gonna have to learn to live with me...
Okay... fine... then you're just gonna have to learn to live with me sleeping in the nude... sorry... that's just the way it's gotta be... we all gotta make sacrifices...
Wearing only stamps...
:shifty:
*PMs own address instead*
I already know where you live... So, I can come over in stamps whenever I want. Muuuuaahhahahahaha!!!
Humphrey_Lee
11-09-2005, 01:36 AM
Okay... fine... then you're just gonna have to learn to live with me sleeping in the nude... sorry... that's just the way it's gotta be... we all gotta make sacrifices...
Well then you're just gonna have to live with me sleeping in a constant state of.... uh... awareness......... yea!!! *shakes fist*
SimiBoyz
11-09-2005, 02:00 AM
Cross thread posting, eh?... I can respect that. :D
Well, I don't like duplicating posts so I had to link. :grin:
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