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Apr 12An update and thoughts on advertising
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Hey guys. I just thought I would throw out a quick update for anyone who may have missed it on facebook/twitter. The book proposal is officially done. Not only that, but on Thursday this week it was sent out to various publishers and editors who will review it, discuss it, decide on it, etc. In a few weeks time I should have something to report on the fate of a Cooking Comically Cookbook. I know it’s something that a lot of people want and a publisher’s help would be welcome, but one way or another I’ll find a way to get it out to you. As a small celebration, here are 2 concept covers that I did for the proposal. One here. The other here. Wallpaper of the second one here. Edit: I should stress that these are in no way final designs.
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On another topic… I’ve now been approached by a number of advertising services and so far I’ve turned them all down. It’s not that I’m against advertising–I do think it can be an effective business model– I just have some strong opinions on the subject. I want more control over what is displayed on the site than I think many people are willing to give me. I demand the final say in who advertises, the size of the ad, the type of ad, and what the ad is for. There will be no pop-ups (fucking obviously, this isn’t 1997), no commercial site takeovers, and no sound nor video in ads here. When ads do come to this site I will insist upon them being simple, effective, tasteful and, as best as I can determine, relevant to the interests of my readers. If you think you can provide that for me, then my email is in the about section, you have my ear.
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One last thing. Who’s interested in shirts/aprons?
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April 22nd, 2012 at 12:41 am
Great! Looking forward to the book!
And if the cost of shipping to Canada isn’t severe, I’d be happy to buy both a t-shirt and an apron.
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:58 am
I would be down with a shirt. love the recipes and the concepts. I always look forward to seeing a new recipe
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:50 am
First, I like cover #1. Second, I have no problem with ads
and lastly. Aprons and shirts: fuck yes.
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:50 am
Have you considered using Project Wonderful for ads? It’s an advertising service where people bid for advertising space and you have the option of manually accepting ads, so that you don’t end up with any obnoxious ones.
It’s used a lot for webcomics, but it’s not unheard of for other things.
April 22nd, 2012 at 5:38 am
Why not try a kickstarter? (http://www.kickstarter.com/)
I would back it
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:18 am
I like the style of the first I think it fits better into what attracted me to the 2am chili recipe the first time.
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:19 am
Oh and I’d buy a shirt too, and Apron would be cool, but I don’t wear one when cooking…
Maybe a BBQ/Grill outside recipe, that is when I see Men wearing Aprons.
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:54 am
I am totally interested in a shirt and/or apron.
April 22nd, 2012 at 7:22 am
I totally want shirts!!!!!!
This site is gonna go even bigger.
Im ready to buckle up for the ride
I cant wait till your book will get out . Love both the covers:)
April 22nd, 2012 at 7:54 am
hmm. some thing menacing behind that seemingly innocent cover, on the first one. But the 2nd shows off more of your drawing skills. But If I do see the book, it will be the first cook book Ive ever bought =p Id buy my mother in law one ( loves cookbooks) but seems such a waste when she’s on a diet of green beans and chicken *shakes head
<3 your food thanks dude
E. Conley
stay @ home mom =D
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:06 am
Your thoughts on advertising are really great and should be shared by others.
The merchandising would be great…
BTW i liked the first cover
April 22nd, 2012 at 9:12 am
I could go for an apron, but only if it’s black.
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:48 am
I came across your site while using Stumble and have Stumbled you pages a couple of times. Great site. I am very familiar with many food blogs and yours is so unique and fun.
I am following your blog now and look forward to not only the fun posts but the fact that there will be no music (hooray)and no pop-ups (triple hooray).
Good luck with the book and any merchandising you do.
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:52 am
Shit yeah. I would love shirts and aprons. I’d even buy them for people who had no idea who you are, cause let’s face. They’ll be awesome.
April 22nd, 2012 at 11:47 am
Shirts…aprons…Yes please I’ll take 2 of each.
By the way, the 2nd cover is epic. Keep up the good work, I’m off to make sexy pancakes.
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:05 pm
Aprons and tshirts ftw! I love the idea of both offerings and would definitely save my pennies for them.
Personally, I find the second concept cover much more exciting and engaging. Too many red checks on the first one.
Best of luck, man!
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Ditto on the Kickstarter suggestion, assuming the publishers don’t leap at the chance to publish the book. I’d back it.
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Subject: Shirts
Hell yeah!
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:43 pm
I like the first cover better and I really want a book! Tasteful and small, relevant advertising wouldn’t be an issue I don’t think.
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Your recipes are awesome(and funny), and a book will just take it to another level. Glad to hear that is in the works, you’ll definitely have a customer here.
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:47 pm
BTW cover number 1! and yes please on the aprons!
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:55 pm
I would love to get an apron! I will be leaving for college in a few weeks and I would sport this everytiem I cooked in my apartment. I actually like the first cover since it is more identifiable then the other cover. The zombie cover is nice but people might mistake it for a zombie comedy book and not a book on how to cook awesomeness!
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:15 pm
Apron!
Also, I love the first cover. The second cover should be your second book.
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:35 pm
You make the shirts/aprons, and I’m sure I’ll buy them as soon as that sweet, sweet money rolls in!
I think for celebration of an apron, we need a messy, saucy, downright delicious Cooking Comically BBQ recipe to go with it though.
April 22nd, 2012 at 1:35 pm
I’ll buy at least one shirt.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:04 pm
Shirts – Yes, Aprons – Heck yes!
I am excited about the book as well.
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:21 pm
I too think the first cover would work much better than the second one. I’ve always thought your over the top character coupled with all the real, practical, down to earth recipes is what makes the comics really tick, and the second picture might have gone a little too far on the fanciful side.
(It’d make a great looking shirt though!)
April 22nd, 2012 at 2:42 pm
I love cover number two! Which is odd because I hate zombies with the fiery passion of a thousand suns.
Also, I would love an apron/t-shirt. Just let me know where to send my wallet.
April 22nd, 2012 at 3:35 pm
The first cover is professional but the second would make kick ass apron! I’d buy it! Keep up the good work and good luck!
April 22nd, 2012 at 4:21 pm
Shirts and aprons would be fantastic, but if you do make them, please consider this:
How awesome would it be if said shirt and apron were COMBINABLE? As in, wearing them simultaneously (overlaying the apron on the shirt) creates one continuous image, different from that of the shirt by itself?
April 22nd, 2012 at 4:42 pm
Allvah’s idea + Apron & shirt bundle discount = I’m sold.
April 22nd, 2012 at 5:46 pm
I would buy an apron!
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:04 pm
I enjoy the first book cover. it is something that I would display proudly in my home. Perhaps behind glass as to protect it and cherish it forever.
no really i like and I am looking forward to buying this cook book.
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:14 pm
both are great covers, but the second is better in my opinion. go for the ads, i love it when i see people who create free and awesome content on the web get rewarded for it with some money, and shirts would be super awesome
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:15 pm
I’d say the first one is more fitting. It’s a really cute idea and I like how it looks like a regular cookbook and then you get thrown off by the entertainment. Though I do like the 2nd one (nombies)(on, the first reflects the comics better. ^.^
ALSO; please please aprons!!!! and shirts!!
April 22nd, 2012 at 6:26 pm
I really like Cover # 1. Cover #2 is amusing as well, but 1 is my fav. Also, hellz yeah on the shirt/apron!
April 22nd, 2012 at 7:42 pm
I like both covers, and if you do not use one for the first publication, why not for the second? As for the shirt/apron idea, I like them a lot. But if it comes to one or another, I think the apron is much more appropriate.
April 22nd, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Totally digging the apocalypse comic cover.
April 22nd, 2012 at 8:55 pm
SOOOO interested in Merch. Would buy that up like nobody’s business.
April 22nd, 2012 at 11:26 pm
LOL, I love cover #2!!
I’m totally up for aprons, if shipping to Canada isn’t too expensive. I’m a student after all. xD Keep up the good work! : D : D : D
April 23rd, 2012 at 12:12 am
Shut up and take my money.
April 23rd, 2012 at 12:26 am
That second cover is amazing!! And I would definitely be interested in a shirt. That would be awesome.
April 23rd, 2012 at 12:27 am
If you do shipping to Australia, SHIRTS YES PLEASE!
April 23rd, 2012 at 12:37 am
I just want to say that I love cover #1. I would be down for an apron!
April 23rd, 2012 at 12:46 am
I would love an apron AND I would love to help make them! My friends and run a small print shop in MI. Holla at us: http://www.modati.com.
PS-Thanks for the delicious comics. I make the sexy pancakes whenever dinner turns into breakfast.
-Sarms!
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:54 am
Congrats on your progress! I wish you the best of luck in these coming weeks.
I personally am not a fan of ads on this site- I think it has a style to it that would be ruined by ads, but in the end- it’s up to you.
April 23rd, 2012 at 4:07 am
This is the best news I’ve heard all week!
I would pounce all over an apron/book combo deal! POUNCE, I TELL YOU!
Man, the first cover would be awesome with my other cookbooks, it’s so normal then BAM, it’s a comic cookbook.
HELL to the YEAH.
April 23rd, 2012 at 6:24 am
I am interested in an apron. And many props to you for keeping a clean and tasteful site. I’m sure it isn’t cheap to maintain, so turning down adds is tough but thank you for all of your work. I’ll buy the cookbook when it comes out!
April 23rd, 2012 at 6:28 am
Oh and I forgot to add that I like the first cover better. It seems to be more of a book cover than just a picture.
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:07 am
I haven’t been reading for long, but I really enjoy your work. As someone who feels very strongly about advertising, reading this post makes me very happy indeed and I want you to know: it is appreciated! If/when you do get advertising, be sure to let us NoScript/AdBlocker users know, as I allow ads on sites that I support. Keep up the awesome cooking/comics.
Thanks,
Dan
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:52 am
i like cover 2, but i might be better for a later book. i think for a first book cover #1 is better. and i would totally by a shirt or apron.
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:02 am
1st cover, totally. Reminds me of the old better homes and gardens cookbook, but far cooler!
Apron please! Its the sort of thing I would use all the time, and would buy for everyone I know. Shirts are a little harder to make as gifts, plus there’s always someone who hates the material or fit of any given shirt.
April 23rd, 2012 at 8:55 am
I don’t always wear an apron, but when I do, I wear one with style. I would totally want an apron, preferably something with Comically Cooking Badassery. Also, awaiting the cookbook, it looks awesome. I liked the first cover more than the other (although I am not averse to zombies except that I want to kill them). As for ads, it sounds like you have viewers interests at heart, so follow that…
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:32 am
I lerrrrv the second cover and, like most people, appreciate your stance on ads. Yes to merch! I made your mcguffin muffins over the weekend and they were a huge, delicious hit. Who has two thumbs and can’t cook to save her life? THIS GIRL. Thanks for posting easy and awesome and funny and artistic and comic-y recipes!
April 23rd, 2012 at 10:35 am
I love the first cover! I think it would be neat if the zombies were running across the spine from the back cover, but you’re the artist!
Also, I would be very much in favor of an apron, especially if it were in black as robert suggested.
April 23rd, 2012 at 11:19 am
Ok, LOVE both book covers. I like cover number 1 for book 1 and cover 2 for book 2. Love the apocalypse thing. Can’t wait for it to be published! I’m gonna order one for our library!
As for the shirts and aprons…yes! Black and white, my two favorite color combos!
April 23rd, 2012 at 11:56 am
Ok, i like the second option better, first one doesn’t feel as comically and energetic as the second one, the second ones reflects better the style and ideas of the comics.
And shirts and aprons would be cool, specially aprons. Even having a recipe notebook where people would write their own recipes could be cool, as long as it felt like it was from cooking comically
April 23rd, 2012 at 12:31 pm
If you do a shirt see if your printer can do 4XL, not that I’m a huge slob of a guy, but being 6’5″ and a little heavy, a 4XL would be nice. Also, it just seems to make sense that it would be white on a black t-shirt.
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:02 pm
I cannot wait for this book to come out! It will be the centerpiece of my coffee table for years to come. Btw, I would be all over a shirt AND an apron (probably a couple of them) like white on rice!
April 23rd, 2012 at 2:35 pm
I would definitely buy a published book. I’d also be interested in shirts… possibly aprons as well. Hell, if I had an awesome Cooking Comically apron, I’d probably do even more cooking, just to have an excuse to wear it.
As for advertising… well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, considering the trouble you’d have to go through to get to a satisfactory place with it, and also with how many people use AdBlock and the like (although if you said you were using ads to help with upkeep costs of the site or somesuch, I’d whitelist the site instantly).
April 23rd, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Lovin’ the first cover design! It’s more simple, which is what usually draws me in to books in the first place.
Merchandise – Is it just me or do others only cook with a dish towel shoved in their pocket? If you had a black dish towel option that would be awesome.
April 23rd, 2012 at 7:18 pm
Not seein too much support for it, but I LOVE #2, it really shows off what the feel of it is and I think would pull the potential consumer in faster than than #1. Plus it would look smashing on a bookshelf.
Aprons, I’m a big Supporter!
April 23rd, 2012 at 9:53 pm
I like both covers….just tell me when merchandise goes on sale!
April 24th, 2012 at 3:23 am
I think you should use the first concept art for the cover, because it seems to fit more with what a cookbook should look like. In terms of shirts; I believe I would buy one, hell put the second concept art as the t-shirt design and you have yourself a deal lol
April 24th, 2012 at 3:36 am
Idea: Hardcover edition and paperback edition of cookbook, different covers. The first one is great, has that traditional, silver palate-y feel to it with your own flair. As far as ads go, if it supports you so you can go at this full speed ahead I’m all for it and I’ll make the extra click to get the ad out of the way.
April 24th, 2012 at 8:08 am
I agree that both covers are awesome, and I cannot wait for t-shirts, aprons and whatever else you come up with I love your site.
April 24th, 2012 at 11:38 am
I like the first cover. As for advertising, check out http://www.projectwonderful.com/. A lot of my favorite sites use this indie advertising strategy successfully.
April 24th, 2012 at 11:43 am
I want a t-shirt!
I like the second cover better. It’s more likely to catch people’s attention, is an honest statement, and gives people a heads up on what may be lurking within.
FYI I haven’t see you do a zombie spoof yet, what’s up with that?
April 24th, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Cover 1. Shirts- hell yea
April 24th, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Edit: I mean cover 2. It’s much more like the site, but only if you include the wallpaper
April 24th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Book…yes, t-shirt…yes, apron…maybe, #1 book cover…yes, #2 book cover…ok, wallpaper…excellent. Looking forward to more recipes.
April 24th, 2012 at 5:51 pm
i like the first cover.. i would buy shirts aprons whatever..love the comic recipes
April 24th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
If you do shirts I will definitely be purchasing them. An apron is a serious possibility. The covers are both pretty awesome, but I feel that neither really conveys how hilarious you are. Maybe something like #1, but hit the parody of cookbook covers harder?
April 25th, 2012 at 2:35 am
I’ve been in need of a good apron. So you should DEFINITELY offer that. I love your comics. They’re hilarious. Good luck with the proposals!
April 25th, 2012 at 8:29 am
I love the cover numero uno and if you´d be doing aprons it would be AWESOME!
April 25th, 2012 at 9:07 am
I love the first cover! I would definetly be interested in a n apron.
April 25th, 2012 at 10:40 am
i really like the betty crocker cover and merch? hell yeah!!
though i usually need more a face shield than an apron…
April 25th, 2012 at 1:02 pm
so it would seem though that after showing my boyfriend the choices, he just loves the zombie (nombie) one. ^.^
April 25th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Just want to say I love your site and the writing is hilarious. Reading through this last post made me very happy. Glad to hear you have integrity when it comes to advertising on the page. The cockles of my heart are officially warmed!
April 25th, 2012 at 6:22 pm
an apron will be amazing!!
April 26th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
One: I also love the first cookbook cover design.
Two: I love the idea of a T-shirt and an Apron
Three: I look forward to every new recipe
Four: KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK!
April 29th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
An apron would be pretty tight… i’d buy it and itd be the first apron I’ve ever owned
April 29th, 2012 at 4:43 pm
If it’s up for a vote, Cover 2 is awesome. Maybe flip it and make the running cook the front cover and the zombies the back cover to solve weird landscape cover-ness.
Tshirts and aprons would be awesome, especially if they say “Cook of the Apocalypse”.
If you’re worried about control with ads, try talking to Randy Milholland of the webcomic Something Positive, and asking how he handles ads on his site.
April 30th, 2012 at 1:30 am
Shirts and aprons. Yes. Do it. I would buy them. I know at least 7 other people who would as well.
April 30th, 2012 at 6:59 am
I would buy a shirt before an apron.
May 1st, 2012 at 3:58 am
I like the first cover, it looks neat and simple.
Some good and to the point ads are fine, I will add your site to my Ad-block whitelist=)
I like the idea of aprons. Will there be worldwide shipping?
May 1st, 2012 at 9:14 am
Have you looked at Google Ads? They are unobtrusive and small
May 1st, 2012 at 10:07 am
Shirts and aprons, fuck yes. Don’t know if you’re looking for people to comment on the cover designs, but I’d have to say cover one feels right to me xD Bad ass site man!
May 2nd, 2012 at 1:06 pm
I would definitely be interested in the book, shirt, and apron.
May 2nd, 2012 at 1:37 pm
I love cover #2. I mean – it has zombies!! (I’m a dork and I ain’t goan apologize for it.)
Unfortunately, I love cover #1 as well. It seems almost accidental.
And yes please, I’m in the market for an apron. With or without zombies.
As for ads, well, after this I might switch my Adblock off sometime, just to see how you did in the ad-controlling-department. And thank you for saying “no” to some of the ad service guys.
May 2nd, 2012 at 7:46 pm
I think I didn’t read anything about a digital version of the cookbook. Is it going to be available in that format (pdf or for kindle, whatever)? I’d be glad to buy a copy in digital since delivery takes ages (I live in Mexico).
Nevertheless…if I order a shirt and a copy of the book, then it might be worth the wait.
May 2nd, 2012 at 9:21 pm
I think cover one is great for a cookbook about a bunch of different foods. Cover two only made me think of a whole book of recipes you could cook if you got stuck in the apocalypse (like Hobo Pies). Also, yes…yes I would like shirts and aprons.
May 2nd, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Shirts, yes. Aprons, yes. Book, can’t wait. I’d also buy other things, like glasses/mugs or something.
Also a fan of cover 1. Stay classy.
May 2nd, 2012 at 11:12 pm
I love cooking and am sometimes disappointed with the results i get from some recipes, but your website has reinvigorated my interest in the kitchen. You know exactly how to educate this generation on “fine culinary arts” and I look forward to a cookbook; (I vote cover #2) and an apron would be awesome.
May 4th, 2012 at 4:59 am
I like the first one.
I LOVE the second.
May 4th, 2012 at 9:25 pm
MORE RECIPES! GIVE US MORE RECIPES!
May 4th, 2012 at 11:39 pm
I would love an apron. And have you considered approaching businesses you’d like to advertise on here, and asking if they’re interested?
May 4th, 2012 at 11:40 pm
Oh, and the first cover is by far my favourite.
May 5th, 2012 at 11:43 am
How about a new recipe for us poor, tortured souls beating our way through the barren wasteland that is finals?
May 5th, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Love the covers, if I had to pick one it’d be the second. Aprons, Heck yes!
May 5th, 2012 at 6:43 pm
LOVE the idea of aprons. Me and my guy would be outfitted.
May 6th, 2012 at 2:12 am
An apron about putting out the give would be awesome
May 7th, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Where’s May’s recipe!? I knead it.
May 7th, 2012 at 7:30 pm
aprons and shirts would be amazing!!
May 9th, 2012 at 9:14 am
I like your point on keeping this website non-commercial. That being said, I like the first cover better ! =)
Best with everything !
May 9th, 2012 at 10:05 am
I love the first cover for all of the reasons people gave above…
I’d buy an apron, shirt, kitchen timer, spoon holder, kitchen towel, plates, bowls… pretty much anything with your fun comics on them!
May 9th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
APRONAPRONAPRON.
i love you.
tht is all.
May 12th, 2012 at 12:04 pm
Make me an apron damnit. Loooooovveee yeeeeewww.
May 13th, 2012 at 9:06 am
Just found this site and I’m already in LOVE!! ^_^ YES cookbook! Yes shirts! Yes aprons!!
May 14th, 2012 at 6:41 pm
Yes on shirts. Some thoughts I hope are helpful:
Go for quality. When you get to that point, ask your readers what 5 and 10 year old shirts they have that have held up.
Consider using something like Amazon with a pre-order discount price. You could order the shirts after you see confirmed interest. If you sell many, it could help the book deal. I might not be your average fan, but I’ll pre-order a movie a couple of months in advance if I think it is a fair price.
If you do Ninja’s and Zombies, offer an Adult/Child combo deal. A number of Divorced Dads (moms too, I imagine) might have a teach your son how to cook Ninja Red Sauce. I mention this because you might not think of that demographic.
May 16th, 2012 at 6:27 am
Can’t wait for the book. I’m a definite on shirts and aprons so long as they’re not cost prohibitive.
I love the zombie cover!
May 17th, 2012 at 9:19 am
Some Aprons\shirts would be terrific! I would love to own a black apron with “Sexy Pancakes” all over it, and, of course, the devilish dancers.
May 19th, 2012 at 12:05 am
I like the first cover design better. And I would love a cooking comically t-shirt!
May 26th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
Love the first cover design! Second one is cool too, but the first one is the saxxx.
And t-shirts would be flippin’ epic.
June 5th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
I would be really interested in a t-shirt and apron. I would just hope they are at least decent quality material so they last. If they are I would probably buy a few for myself and get the word out to friends and family! Love all your stuff! I like the second book cover
June 18th, 2012 at 5:33 pm
1. Cover 1- yuh.
2. A-okay with non-obnoxious ads if it means I can keep cooking comically.
3. I’d rock an apron.
4. I know I’m def in the minority (or completely alone) for this request, but could you comically cook some hearty vegetarian dish?
5. I love you.
September 26th, 2012 at 5:22 pm
Why not do a self-published book on via Amazon, you will get way more royalties then going through some publisher. DIY http://www.createspace.com