2008 Webcomics Challenge

The Otakon 2008 Webcomics Challenge

We know that there's a huge audience for webcomics, and there are plenty of great ones out there. Not only do many of our staffers read them, at least a handful write or draw them, too. Webcomics are in many cases an ultimate expression of do-it-yourself fandom, and our immense Artist Alley space is brimming with many talented people whose works are waiting to be discovered. In fact, Otakon's Alley is probably one of the biggest concentrations of webcomics talent you're likely to find, if only due to size.

Since we're not inviting webcomics guests this year (because honestly, they mostly wind up in the Alley all day anyway), we're looking at other options to promote this stuff. We'll provide a guide at the con so fans can find their favorites in the enormous hall, of course. But earlier this year we had an idea that might be of more practical value for all concerned. Something that can benefit the con as well as the webcomics crowd. Thus was born the Otakon 2008 Webcomics Challenge.

The Rules

Beginning today, and running through the 11th of July, we're inviting anyone with a webcomic to write about Otakon and let us know about it. In turn, we'll link to your site, and help drive some traffic your way. And at the end of the period, we'll choose at least two of the best, and give you a pretty useful prize: a free table in the Alley and two comped memberships to Otakon, as well as whatever cool stuff we can put together in the next few weeks. (If you've already paid for your table and memberships, we'll work something out.) AND you'll get a "Front of the Line" Express Pass for picking up your registration.

Eligibility:
1. Any web-based strip or similar comic published between now and 11 July 2008, featuring a storyline specifically about Otakon, is eligible.
2. The comic must have been updated on a regular schedule for at least three months or have at least 20 comics in its archives.
3. You may submit either a stand-alone strip or a series of them.
4. You must submit your OWN site -- not someone else's.
5. You must link to Otakon somewhere on your site, preferably somewhere near where you'd find the comic you submitted.
6. You must offer the comic free of charge -- no pay-only sites, please.

Who's Definitely Not Eligible:
1. This contest is not open to Otakon staff. Sorry guys, you're going to be busy running the con, and we'll probably rope you into judging anyway.
2. If you've been banned from Otakon for some reason, you can't win the contest, but you may enter it anyway for the free promotion.
3. Sexually explicit, tasteless, or 18+ comics are not eligible. If you'd have to check ID to sell your comic in a store, we really can't use it.
4. Sites with annoying pop-up ads, inappropriate content, misleading links, etc., or that otherwise appear to attempt to mislead visitors.

Things that Might Make You Ineligible:
1. Your *#*$*(! language or content. Assume a PG-13 rating, and try to avoid too much foul language. It's not an outright dealbreaker but dropping f-bombs cerrtainly limits the audience.
2. Bashing the con, or specific segments of the membership. This is supposed to be a celebration of stuff we all love. Why on earth would we encourage the opposite? Mean-spirited nastiness is pretty obvious and we're not going to encourage that. (Don't worry, that leaves plenty of room for riffing on just about anything, including us.) It's not an easy line to define, so we'll have to make do with trusting our judgement on this one.
3. Failing to properly identify your content. Don't surprise us with anything questionable.
4. Use of copyrighted characters without the owner's permission. Parody goes a long way, but doesn't give you blanket rights. Again, this may wind up being a judgement call.
5. A boring submission, amateurish or lazy art or writing, or other stuff that might make your comic suck. (Okay, it won't make you ineligible, but you sure won't win.)

Stuff you need to know:
1. You retain the rights to your submission -- we are looking for permission to use your submission in our website and or in promotional materials.
2. You may use our mascots for this contest. Otakorp, Inc. grants conditional permission to all submitters to use the Hiroko-chan and or Hiroshi-kun mascots of Otakorp, Inc. in submissions for this contest. No other rights or permission are granted for Otakorp, Inc. mascots use. Information on the mascots can be found on the website.

Prizes -- to be awarded to at least two webcomics:
• We provide you a "Front of the Line" Express Pass, to speed you through the registration process.
• We cover the base cost of your Alley table.
• We cover the cost of two convention memberships, either for the creative team or for support staff who're coming with them.
• If you've already registered and paid, we'll consider other prize options, including a refund.

The Big Rule:
• All decisions of Otakon staff regarding eligibility, as well as prize awards, are final.