15+ Ways to Manage Your Webcomic

Amanda — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 09:23:30 +0000

Update: Is this list out of date? Go to the Links Page under Hosting & Content Management Systems for current links or to add your own.

I frequently run across the question of what content management system a new webcomic creator should be using for their website, and find that the answers can often be one note depending on where the inquiries are made. In truth there are a variety of publishing options worth considering based on your tech savvy, willingness to spend time on your site, and hosting choices. Check out this semi-comprehensive list to get started (order implies nothing).

WordPress-based Systems

If you have or will have your own hosting and wish to use a very robust blogging CMS, a WordPress-based option may be best for you. WordPress builds all pages dynamically and can have server load issues. However you will have access to a host of plug-ins and support via the WordPress community.

Comicpress: Currently on version 2.9, with a Comicpress 3 coming soon, the core theme is free with paid add-ons and child themes for v. 3. WordPress 3 compatible.
Inkblot/Webcomic: Webcomic/Inkblot just released version 3. This plug-in-based system is designed to let you work your comic into any WordPress theme. WordPress 3 compatible.
Manga+Press: Another plug-in-based system, Manga+Press is also intended to be used with a regular WordPress theme by automatically or by inserting template tags. WordPress 3 compatible.
StripShow: stripShow is a plug-in to make your WordPress blog into a webcomic site. The most recent version, 2.5, is in beta. I believe it is WordPress 3 compatible.
WP-Comic: WP-Comic is another theme-based solution which recently released its 2.9 version. I believe it is WordPress 3 compatible.

Independent Scripts/CMS

Also for people with their own hosting, independent solutions can be lighter on your server (you don’t have all the extra WordPress stuff), but may require more technical know-how. They can generally be added to existing websites.

ComicCMS:A PHP program designed to be the core of your webcomic site (although it can operate within another website). ComicCMS also has the backend features many non-techie creators want.
Comic Gallery: ComicGallery is a light-weight PHP script that creates a gallery for your comic that can be integrated into an existing site. It does not appear to offer pre-scheduling of pages.
Comikaze: A database-driven comic management system designed to work within an existing website. May not be actively supported anymore.
Walrus: A PHP-based script. Version 3 is (apparently) coming soon, but the site is only semi-functional, so it’s hard to say what exactly is going on.

Hosted Solutions

If you want webcomic-specific hosting, these hosts also provide their own content management scripts. Hosted solutions vary wildly, but may require joining a very specific community, prevent you from joining other networks, or may force you into a specific format. Visit each for details.

Clickthulu: A premium CMS and hosting solution specifically for webcomics. Includes a member’s section function. Hosted and managed by the creators of Code Name: Hunter. Paid service.
ComicFury: A free to join & use and ad-free webcomic host with available templates.
Comic Genesis: A free to join and free webcomic host, Comic Genesis is intend for new webcomickers. It is run by Keenspot. Keenspot itself does not accept new applicants anymore.
Drunk Duck: Free to join & free to use webcomic community owned by WOWIO and typically for new webcomickers. Your site will be forced into their template and large top-of-site bar.
Dumbrella Hosting: Premium hosting for professional webcomic creators. Paid service.
Rampage Network: A webcomic network with free hosting. By application or invitation only.
Smack Jeeves: A free to join webcomic host generally used by new webcomickers. There are three levels of membership: free, donator, and premium with different features.
Spiderforest: A webcomic community with free hosting and the ProPanda CMS available to members. By application or invitation only.
Webcomics Nation: A free to join and use webcomic host with pre-set templates and a narrow top-of-site bar.
WeVolt: Another WOWIO webcomic community, WeVolt offers both free and paid (Pro) hosting plans.

Update: Thank you to everyone at the Webcomic List for your suggestions. You can also check out this similar post for more options.

Do you know of a content management solution for webcomics that I missed? Share it here so I can add it to the list.

This article was written for Day 2 of the 31DBBB & SITS challenge.

The One Question to Ask Yourself About Self-Hosting

Amanda — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 08:23:21 +0000

Do I want control?

If you are serious about your comic, your answer should be YES. In caps. Bold. Maybe a couple of sizes larger.

Paying for your own hosting space and URL does cost money, but not much in the grand scheme of things. And in exchange you gain so much more control over your website and the way your comic is presented to the world. Hosting your own site grants you control over:

Total Look & Feel: Make you site look just right and behave the way you want it. Don’t lose space in the header to advertisement unless you want to.
Back-end Management: Whether you use WordPress, ComicsCMS, or a home-brewed system, you can chose a system that works best for you and your craft.
Branding: If you’re self-hosted, you don’t run the risk of muddying your brand with that of the free host.
Advertising & Sales: Most sites that will host your content for free will either 1) put ads on your site or 2) don’t allow you to earn money from your site. Self-hosting puts you in control of any revenue options.
Deletion Risk: A hosting company will have terms of use that effect what you can and cannot host with them, but in general the restrictions are much looser than a free hosting site.
Downtime: A paid host is (usually) more likely to be responsive to downtime problems. If you pay someone money they are more likely to make your needs a priority. Simple as that.

Is your answer No?

If these things are not an issue for you, maybe you’re new to webcomics or a hobbyist, then maybe a free hosting service will work for you. In this case seek out a host that will infringe on your control the least. Personally I would give up advertising space before relinquishing a large amount of “above the fold” design space to a host.