Owning a business that primarily operates online has many plusses and a few negatives. One of those major negatives is the conversation with others that you are an amateur, playing at your respective field and are only dabbling in it, not really getting your feet wet.
Ryan Sohmer of "Least I Could Do" fame offers some advice on what it takes to sometimes sit at the adult’s table. Here is an excerpt.
"Rather than spend 4 hours of your day ranting on online forums about why another is so wrong, and you're so very right, ignore it. Every time a flame war breaks out, it accomplishes nothing but make all parties look like children. Keep your head down, focus on your work, let that and your success be what speaks for you.
Don't let your readers dictate what your work will be. Trust yourself, your direction. You may end up with a few less than stellar arcs or strips, but you need to follow through on your vision.
Accept your limitations. If you're not a business person, don't try to be one. There are many business-minded individuals who love to partner with a creative force such as yourself, you just need to find him/her. -
- Forget everything else, forget the drama, the arguments, it's the work that matters."
Now I know that this applies to creating webcomics, but the basic truths apply to anyone trying to create a strong business on this thing called the interwebs. And I can wholeheartedly admit to falling into some of the pitfalls mentioned.
You can read the whole thing at his website
Least I could Do give it a good read.
Play well
Clovis
