SMBC is ending its partnership with Hiveworks after ten years. Zach Weiner, the creator of SMBC, expresses gratitude for Hiveworks' support in growing the comic and handling business aspects, allowing him to focus on the creative side. He emphasizes that the split is amicable and driven by a desire to explore new opportunities and have more direct control over SMBC's future. While the comic's URL and format will remain the same, behind-the-scenes operations are changing. Weiner looks forward to maintaining a positive relationship with Hiveworks and is excited about the next chapter for SMBC.
Zach Weinersmith, the creator and author of the popular webcomic Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal (SMBC), has officially announced the termination of his professional relationship with Hiveworks, the webcomics collective and publishing platform that previously assisted with the business aspects of SMBC. This severance, effective as of January 1st, 2024, marks the end of a decade-long partnership between Weinersmith and Hiveworks. While the announcement expresses gratitude for the support provided by Hiveworks over the years, particularly in navigating the complexities of webcomics business management, which allowed Weinersmith to focus on the creative process of writing and drawing the comic, it also emphasizes a desire for increased autonomy and direct control over SMBC's operations going forward.
Weinersmith articulates a clear intention to transition into self-publishing and directly manage all aspects of SMBC's business affairs. This includes handling advertising, merchandise, and other ancillary operations formerly overseen by Hiveworks. The post frames this change not as a negative reflection on Hiveworks, but rather as a natural evolution in the trajectory of SMBC and a strategic decision to consolidate all operations under Weinersmith's personal purview. He portrays this as a step towards a more streamlined and personalized approach to managing the comic's business side, allowing for quicker adaptation to the ever-shifting landscape of the online comics industry and more direct engagement with the SMBC readership. Weinersmith reassures readers that this transition will not impact the frequency or quality of the comic itself, promising that SMBC will continue to be published regularly. Furthermore, the post expresses optimism about the future and the opportunities this new independent direction presents for both the comic and its creator.
Summary of Comments ( 54 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43269614
Several Hacker News commenters expressed surprise and disappointment at SMBC's departure from Hiveworks, with some speculating about the reasons behind the split. Some wondered if it was due to financial disagreements or creative differences. Others praised Zach Weinersmith's talent and entrepreneurial spirit, wishing him well in his independent venture. A few commenters mentioned missing the collaborative nature of Hiveworks and hoped other creators wouldn't follow suit. Several also lamented the loss of the Hiveworks unified RSS feed and the convenience it offered. The potential difficulties of self-publishing, particularly regarding advertising and merchandise management, were also brought up. There was general agreement that the change would be a significant undertaking for Weinersmith.
The Hacker News post titled "SMBC Parts Ways with Hiveworks" links to an SMBC comic announcing Zach Weinersmith's departure from the Hiveworks collective. The comments section contains several reactions and speculations, primarily focusing on the implications for both SMBC and Hiveworks.
Several commenters express sadness and disappointment at the news, highlighting their appreciation for Hiveworks' model and the sense of community it fostered. One commenter remarks on the perceived rarity of amicable splits in creative partnerships, commending both parties for the seemingly smooth transition. They further speculate on the potential complexities of untangling shared infrastructure and resources, expressing curiosity about the logistical aspects of the separation.
Another commenter raises the question of SMBC's potential move to a different platform or a self-hosted solution. They contemplate the possibility of Weinersmith leveraging Patreon or exploring other avenues for monetization and fan interaction now that he is independent of Hiveworks.
Some comments express a more neutral stance, simply acknowledging the announcement and wishing both parties well. There's a general undercurrent of curiosity about the reasons behind the split, though speculation remains respectful and largely avoids unfounded conjecture. No insider information or definitive explanations are offered within the comments.
The most compelling comments revolve around the potential impact on the webcomics landscape. Several commenters express concern about the future of Hiveworks, questioning whether other creators might follow suit and potentially destabilize the collective. Others ponder the implications for SMBC, speculating on whether this change will lead to new creative directions, business models, or content delivery methods.
Overall, the sentiment leans towards cautious observation and respectful discussion. The commenters express genuine interest in the futures of both SMBC and Hiveworks, acknowledging the significance of this parting of ways within the webcomic community.