#project motorcomic

[ambiguous-anonymous]

Here's a little snippet of our newfound community forum for the MOTORCOMIC project.

If you want to join, then click the link below and feel free to sign up!:

http://z13.invisionfree.com/motorcitizens/index.php

[fyeahmotorcity]

MOTORCOMIC DEADLINE REMINDER: TIME'S ALMOST UP!!! 5 MINUTES LEFT!!!

SIGN IN AND CLAIM THOSE PROMPTS, MOTORCITIZENS!!!

PACIFIC TIME - 9 PM

ATLANTIC TIME - 12 AM

MIDWEST TIME- 11 PM

MOUNTAIN TIME - 10 PM

GOGOGOGOGO!!!

http://z13.invisionfree.com/motorcitizens/index.php

(But remember, we are always accepting new people and our deadlines are never strict or final.  However, we do need deadlines to get the project going, regardless.  If you don't or didn't manage to apply for a prompt tonight, then feel free to do so tomorrow or later throughout this week - but keep in mind that the other finalized teams WILL be moving forward with their assigned prompts.  thank you. B) )

[fyeahmotorcity]

MOTORCOMIC NEWS UPDATE AS OF 1/20/2012 - FINALLY! -ALL CURRENT REQUESTS ANSWERED; EXPECT MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENTS REGARDING TEAMS AND PROMPTS LATER TODAY.

THAT'S RIGHT, MOTORCITIZENS.  YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS? IT'S TIME FOR STAGE 2 - TEAM FORMATIONS AND PROMPT-ASSIGNING.

IN OTHER WORDS, THIS MEANS THAT ALL PRIVATE MESSAGES AND ASK BOX REQUESTS (THAT WE KNOW OF) TO JOIN PROJECT MOTORCOMIC HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.

I REPEAT, ALL CURRENT REQUESTS TO JOIN THE PROJECT HAVE BEEN ANSWERED!!!

BUT BUT BUT - before we move on, there are some important points that must be brought up in regards to a number of applications and submission letters.

First of all:

There are currently 48 people on-board for the Motorcomic project.

All 48 of them were accepted because they've managed to send their email accounts and their skype usernames in their submission notices, as it was required in our original announcement message.

However, there are still a dozen people who haven't been accepted yet due to one (or a combination) of the following:

1.  They DID NOT list their email addresses or skype usernames in their submission notice.

2.  They HAVE NOT accepted our Skype contact requests.

3.  They don't have access to either Google Docs or Skype.

The biggest issue regards to problem #2 is online status.  Many of the dozen or so applicants WERE NOT ONLINE during the times that we were accepting new members into the Skype chatroom (6-11 PM; PST.)  That, or their status was listed as 'away' or 'invisible.'  In other words, we were unable to include them into the chat room because of this.

We realize this mishap is likely the cause of timezone-related issues, and not the fault or intention of the either the receiver or the sender.  So we're now taking timezones into consideration in regards to Skype requests.

In other words, if you are still interested in the project, but:

1. haven't received a Skype contact request from us (fyeahmotorcity)

OR

2. weren't invited into the chatroom

Then send another message to our ask box and be sure to state your time zone, or a given date or timespan for when you'll be online. Skype is our primary source of group communication for the moment being, so it's crucial that you join the community chatroom.  We sincerely apologize for not responding to this problem earlier and we want to make the situation as easy as possible for those who haven't been accepted or added to our contacts list.  Feel free to ask questions or share recommendations in regards to these new requirements.

NOW, A FEW MORE POINTERS BEFORE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT COMES TO A CLOSE:

1.  IF YOU'VE JUST DISCOVERED THE PROJECT RECENTLY, BUT ARE CONCERNED THAT WE'RE NO LONGER ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS:

Don't be!  We're always willing accepting new members - regardless of the project's current progress or circumstances.  However, the sooner one applies - the better, as it's very easy to join a collaboration when it's still in its early development stages.  The submission letter requirements can be found here; listed under bulletin #3 of our first major announcement post:

http://fyeahmotorcity.tumblr.com/post/40146754463/the-show-may-be-over-but-it-doesnt-have-to-end

2.  IF YOU DO NOT - OR CAN NOT - HAVE ACCESS TO SKYPE, THEN DON'T WORRY!  WE'RE CURRENTLY CONSTRUCTING A COMMUNITY FORUM TO EASE MANAGEMENT AND FEEDBACK BETWEEN TEAMS AND FELLOW MOTORCITY FANS.  ONCE IT'S UP AND RUNNING, IT'LL BE FAR MORE ACCESSIBLE AND ORGANIZED THEN THE CURRENT SKYPE CHATROOM.  A link to the forum itself will most likely be up within the next few days; in our 3rd major announcement post.

Meanwhile, we're looking forward to hearing back from the dozen potential participants that have shown interest in the web comic!  As for everyone else - stay-tuned for upcoming team and prompt announcements later today, as mentioned in the title. ;)

Live fast; live free.

[fyeahmotorcity]

MOTORCOMIC Headcount Status as of 1/10/2012; 12:30 AM PST

Yesterday's statistics as follows-

TOTAL HEADCOUNT: 26

TODAY'S HEADCOUNT: 7

REPLIED TO: 14 REQUESTS

NUMBER OF REQUESTS AWAITING REPSPONSES: 20

CURRENT NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS THAT HAVEN'T EXCHANGED THEIR SKYPE INFORMATION: 7

[fyeahmotorcity]

For the Motorcomic project, when do you think it will begin? (:

We'll start assigning members into timezone-based teams within the next 2-3 days, if all goes well.  Current participants are already brainstorming their ideas with each other in our Skype and GoogleDocs discussion boards.  So I suspect that production and organization for very rough story-pitches, narrative research, rough designs and/or panel layouts will begin sometime next next week.

[fyeahmotorcity]

MOTORCOMIC NEWS UPDATE 1/10/2012: Regarding Those Who've Sent Request Messages Our Way...

First of all, can we just say WOW?  

Over 250 notes for our first major announcement post and dozens of requests from awesome fans who're willing to help out with the collaboration in anyway they can.  Amazing, and we'd like to thank our fellow Motorcitizens for showing such interest and enthusiasm for the project.

In fact, it was so overwhelming that our ask box was flooded with applications which were submitted last night (morning? afternoon?) but thanks to interfering time zones and the demands of real-life, we still have many people left to reply to.  Please keep in mind that this process takes some time and that we'll currently add your usernames and email addresses to our Skype chatroom and GoogleDocs list within the next 2-6 hours.  Messages regarding applications for MOTORCOMIC will most likely be answered or approved between from 5-11 PM, Pacific Coast Time (PST) from here on out.

(I repeat, MESSAGES WILL NOW BE ANSWERED BETWEEN 5-11; PACIFIC COAST TIME ZONE UNTIL FURTHER CHANGES ARE MADE IN UPCOMING ANNOUNCEMENTS.)

Remember - there's no specific due date to join the project; people are allowed to join the project at any given time so there's no need to feel rushed to send in a form to our ask box.  However, we will be assigning people into teams based on time-zone regions very, very soon; most likely within the next 2-3 days.

But for now, we're more concerned about getting more fans to join (With 20-40 people already, or showing genuine interest at the moment.)  We're also discussing ideas for a potential gathering/meeting on mibbit (a social chatroom site,) sometime within the near future; for those who don't have access to either Skype or Google Docs.  Applicants should expect Skype contact requests very soon, if not tonight.  If you've already sent a request to us either yesterday or today, but don't receive any replies from fellow crew members within a two-day time span, then please let us know by sending another private message our way. 

Well, that's it for now.  Live fast, live free, Motorcitizens.  We hope to see more of you on board in the future.  B)

[fyeahmotorcity]

THE SHOW MAY BE OVER, BUT IT DOESN'T HAVE TO END!

IN FACT, HOW WOULD ALL OF YOU FEEL ABOUT CONTINUING MOTORCITY AS A COLLABORATIVE PROJECT AMONGST DEDICATED FANS!  INTERESTED?

If you are interested, then we're currently under the process of gathering a team of dedicated writers and artists who wish to continue and develop Motorcity's world through a non-profit webcomic; code-named MOTORCOMIC.

MOTORCOMIC's mission: 

To extend Motorcity's fanbase and relevance by sticking as close to the series' canon elements as possible, while implementing the concepts, character arcs, and story-pitches that were planned for season 2.

The overall collaboration will be broken down into a series of short and loosely-tied chapter-based comics, or in this case, 'character arcs', centered around each specific Burner.  Very much like that of the show, which featured character-centered episodes, MOTORCOMIC intends change things up by incorporating specific art styles, themes, and tones that are meant reflect each Burner's background, development, and personality through his or her 'arc'.  This means that each and every separate character-driven arc will not look the same, feel the same, or unfold in the same way. All of the character-based chapters will become their own distinct works with their own unique format of storytelling, yet will remain congruent with one another thanks to a continuing plotline that ties all of their arcs together.

The comics themselves will most likely stick to a traditional format for the time being and will be updated through a social blog site such as Tumblr. However the idea of transitioning to an animated, flash-based format, or even the inclusion of sounds, fan music and a personal site is up for consideration, if enough people are willing to involve themselves with the project.

1. So, how's all of this organized?  Who's in charge of the whole thing?

MOTORCOMIC's crew will be broken-down into a series of small teams, all of which are determined and arranged by a combination of global timezones and 'character arcs' (character-based chapters).  Each team will consist of 2-6 individuals (no more, no less,) whose goal is to complete their said 'arc' by a certain due date.  All teams will be given a large degree of creative freedom while informing and notifying the other teams of their said progress and edits through frequent chatroom meetings, GoogleDoc collaborations, or Skype discussions.

As for the 'leader', there are no leaders.  MOTORCOMIC is a fanbase-driven, non-profit effort that intends to equally distribute all of the teams' work efforts.  Everyone involved with the project is allowed to add their own input, feedback, and recommendations during pre-production periods and editing stages.  A select group of persons or teams will not feel overburdened over others, and if certain members can no longer participate in the project or feel the need to take a break due to actual troubles or events occuring in their personal lives, then other potential volunteers or current crew members will take their place.  

However, this does not mean that a crew member is allowed to drop the project at random without consequences; if you're beginning to feel tired, overburdened, or overwhelmed with the project, then please inform your teammates and fellow crew members so that we're able prepare ourselves ahead of time for your potential hiatus or departure.

Due to the demands of real life, we realize that people will not always have the time to dedicate themselves to a fan project and we'll always keep note of that throughout the comic's development process.  This is not a paying job, so one's involvement in the project should not feel like a job. We're doing this because we love Motorcity.  All in all, it should feel like a fun, community-based experience.  Not a chore.

2. Sounds awesome so far!  What can I do to help?

We're currently searching for a wide variety of dedicated people who are skilled with one or several of the following criteria:

-Digital artists, those who have a basic understanding of anatomy, depth, posing, character design, or lineart.

-Storyboarders, specifically those who are knowledgable about the basics of panel formats and layouts used for comics and graphic novels.

-Writers, those with a stern focus on dialogue and characterization or ones that are willing to do legitimate research for world-building if the narrative deems it necessary.

-Digital painters, those who are skilled with coloring and color schemes, can implement dynamic lighting and shading to characters and settings, or are capable with painting background/scenery art.

3.  Alright, Now how do I join?

Easy. In order to join, simply send a private message or fan mail submission to us via Tumblr (http://fyeahmotorcity.tumblr.com/) that contains ONE OR SEVERAL of the following requirements listed below:

1.  Your email/gmail account:  In order to gain access to new information, announcements, updates, scheduling, and production changes, we'll need an email address (one that has access to GoogleDocs, specifically) to keep you informed.

2.  Your Skype username:  This is important if you want to keep in-touch with fellow teams and crew members for the time being.  

3. A brief list of your skills: Essentially what you can bring to the project and what positions you're interested in (example: If happen to be an artist that's great with posing, shading, and line art, then you should obviously include that in your message to us!)

4.  Examples of your work: are recommended, but not necessary.  A link to your deviantArt account, the art tag on your Tumblr, or even a fanfiction one-shot from archiveofourown.net will do.  It doesn't have to be something fancy or finished; sketches, line art, roughs, prompts, anything is fine as long as it's able to successfully convey your skills and give the other members a general idea of your work.

4.  Oh no, I can't open a Skype account and my email address doesn't have access to GoogleDocs!  What do I do!?  Can I still join!?

Don't worry. We're always searching for other options and methods for MOTORCOMIC groups to keep in touch with one another.  We're taking global timezones and social sites and chatrooms such as Mibbit, Twitter, and Facebook into consideration.  Just let us know about your situation in your private message to us and we'll work something out.

On a final note, MOTORCOMIC is, in its essence, a fandom's love letter to an amazing animated series and the talented crew of Titmouse artists that were able to make it happen, all while pushing the boundaries of modern cartoons. Even if certain fans are unable or unwilling to participate within any of the teams, they'll still be able to contribute by submitting their headcanons, fanart, fanfictions, and theories to us through messages or a Tumblr blog of sorts, all of which will be taken into consideration for the actual comic arcs.  We intend to create something truly great that will impact the fanbase and those within it in a positive way.

So if you're still interested... Well then, why don't you stop by and send us a message? We hope to see you on board!

Live fast; live free, Motorcitizens. B)