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Stand and Deliver
2006-11-07 08:36:14

I read a post or a blog entry online last night somewhere on the internet that said something to the effect of, "Tom Brevoort used to be that guys whose name meant that the books wouldn't suck too badly. Now he's just that crazy, snarky, defensive guy who's always going off on something online."

I suppose this kind of feeling is unavoidable, and a direct result of me trying to maintain a greater presence among the online community. But still, I think it misinterprets my intent.

I stand behind what I do, so unless you happen to hit one of those oh-so-rare instances where I totally agree with a criticism, you're going to have to expect me to stand behind my work, and the work of the creators that's being done under my watch. Doesn't mean I don't want to hear the feedback--just doesn't mean I'm going to roll over and take it. And I'm crazy pressed for time these days, so I tend to post here at this blog and online very, very quickly--one draft, no polishing, no time for second thoughts. And that coupled with the internet's uncanny ability to make everybody read everything with the worst possible term and in the worst possibel light, means that sometimes I may be coming across harsher than I intend to be.

But I'm not trying to be off-putting. I wouldn't be pounding away at this column well after close of business if I were. Nobody pays me anything extra to venture out here into cyberspace and dialogue with people. I do it because I want to do it--because, had the internet existed when I was simply a reader rather than an industry insider, I would have been out here posting and communicating all the time. I figure the least I can do is give something back.

I give you my standard, solumn guarantee: I'll never knowingly lie to you. But part of that means that, if I don't agree with you on a point, I'm going to argue it. And make no mistake about it--I'm a snarky fella. So there's going to be a certain irreverence when 'm chatting online, if for no other reason than to amuse myself after all the hours I'm putting into this communication.

More later.

Tom B

yeah!
Bring it on, Tommy!
Set Phasers to Snark

Posted by bigdaddyhub2 on 2006-10-05 22:09:19

amen
people will complain about anything, that's what the internet is for.

your blog rules, don't worry, the silent majority digs your postings, and I don't see the "defensiveness" any more than any man trying to prove a point or push an idea. don't be discouraged - keep sharing!

Posted by stuckinazkaban on 2006-10-05 23:20:34

People are so focused on making comics legitmate that they forget its comics. They see "spin" when its simply promotion, and "political correctness" when it might just be telling a story they like. I believe super-hero comics are a legitimate form of entertainment and sometimes even art, but at the end of the day, when all is said and down, its just comics.

I think part of the reason people take it so seriously tough, is because they all feel like they're a part of the business. We can read the solicitations, chat with the creators, see the sales numbers, etc. People feel like they know just as much as Tom so who is he to even act like he knows more. Fans look at an editor who says "there is a whole lot more to this story than you know" (which applies to both the actual story being judged half-way in or people think they understand how sales or creator issues work) and they think, "nu-uh, I've been reading for years, I know exactly where this is going" or "I read my ICV2, I know everything there is to know about sales".

Many fans just see you as the guy that has the job they want instead of someone that a major corporation has confidence in to make them money. If anything your "snarkiness" is telling us what we don't know and your "definsiveness" gives prespective.

I don't agree Tom, I don't think you're crazy or unprofessional, I think some fans are just not true with themselves. Not that they "don't get it" and not that "they're dumb" or "have bad taste", they just don't focus on what they're really feeling.

Posted by IanZL on 2006-10-06 00:10:31

I've been aware of this problem ever since I became the Official Tom Brevoort Apologist, and here's my take on it. You like to play devil's advocate. I've read a lot of your editorial philosophy both in interviews and in online exchanges like these. So there are times when I see you take a position, and I feel 99% certain that you are simply playing devil's advocate, because it doesn't really fit with your stated editorial philosophy. Of course, you don't say you're playing devil's advocate. I think part of this is, as you say, because you like to have fun with the fans, wind 'em up. Fair 'nuff. I think another part of it is the Colin Powell Effect, where you play the good soldier and support decisions you may not necessarily agree with. Of course, none of us can read your mind, so this is all just speculation based on my reading of your philosophy. But the average Joe fan who isn't that familiar with your writings may happen upon Civil War Room and take it a totally different way. Hence where us apologists come in.

Posted by CylverSaber on 2006-10-06 07:58:20

What does Snarky mean anyways?
I sure as hell appreciate your online presence, both here and especially on the CBR forums. Thanks for taking the time to do all that. Many people think they are entitled to online presence from creators and staff, but it's not true.

I don't think I've ever seen you as defensive or crazy. You seem like a straight shooter to me. I wish there were more people who would just get to the point instead of beating around the bush.

Posted by PercussionMasta on 2006-10-06 09:45:47

Actions/Words > 1
I was going to say what a good thing this blog is, but I'll just link you to the two times I've mentioned Marvel Blogs on my Blog (I'm The Hermit)
Post 1
Post 2

Keep on trucking, or whatever.

Posted by DrObviousSo on 2006-10-06 15:19:57

Doh
Guess the comments dont like URL links. Here's the two URLs

http://www.zigguratofdoom.com/?p=1699
http://www.zigguratofdoom.com/?p=1773

Posted by DrObviousSo on 2006-10-06 15:20:38

Ah don't pay the unjustified critics no nevermind.

Your blog is one of the best "inside looks" into the Big Two available. You actually provide insight into Marvel and the industry instead of the usual "Buy this NOW, it's the BEST EVER!" that many company-hosted blogs provide. You're an editor, of course you'll be critical, of course you'll challenge the status quo and play devil's advocate. If you're a good editor, you'll do all this and more. I, for one, just appreciate that you take the time to share it with readers.

Posted by Erin S. on 2006-10-11 19:10:58

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