So as I peruse Manga Magazine's content, some may wonder "Hey shinka, why don't you fave my stuff/manga?"

Because I'm an old man, I don't read as fast as I used to when I was in my 20's, things that I liked when I was younger have changed as I matured, also insomnia attacks make it difficult to really focus on a manga unless it really grabs me. Plus just like anything in life, you gotta earn that respect and recognition.

I've been around enough artist alley's in the cons I've attended to already sniff out those who are just there for that brief moment of recognition and those that actually care enough with what they created they just keep bringing out the best of themselves through their stuff, and even exceeding their expectations they've set for themselves.

It's very gratifying for me when I return to a con and see a young artist who could only churn out 5-10 pages to actually having several issues prepped on their table. And they enthusiastically welcome back supporters from previous years who are more than happy to shell out their hard earned cash on the artist's work, which they know as they pick up that fan comic/doujin that it was crafted with utmost care and love. Which is a great disparity compared to the others who in a previous year had a table, brimming with arrogance, thinking the content they've made is "top tier quality", who now just jealously watch at the sidelines as regular event goers, and just sneer and belittle a young mangaka's efforts behind their backs because they couldn't put in the same amount of effort or set realistic goals on their creations. They never cared about what they created in the first place, they just wanted a fast track to some quick money and that 15 minutes of delusional "fame".

The same could be said about Manga Magazine. Except I don't have to shell out 35 bucks for a con ticket. Only thing I miss is actual face-to-face interaction with the creator and an actual physical copy of their work. Digital is nice, but being a pack rat, I like collecting and stowing away stuff. Anyways, I digress.

I know some of of this community's up and comers wish to have that 500+ subscribers on their profile, but as you look at the more established community mangaka, they've earned it due to their diligence and dedication to the very things they created. Plus it also really helps to actually commune/respond to the community beyond just "Hai! Iz luvz yur wurkz! Now fave me back plz ok?". I feel a sense of sadness when I see on MM's feed when an artist has to desperately advertise themselves to get hits/subscribers. I wish the Internet has that technology where I could send myself over there and physically sit down with them and offer some sagely advice (because PM's/IM's are just too impersonal) plus I could look them in the eye and see what they're really thinking. Granted I'm no expert, but if you've read my first journal entry, you can pretty understand I've delved into the dark side of the comics industry, and I'll try my best to veer you young 'uns off that path. But I believe raluca-z's blog post here sums it up nicely (just surprised it hasn't gotten a lot of response, because she's got some great points):

http://www.mangamagazine.net/blogs/Manga-Illustration-MM-and-more/detail-page/851

Now before you dismiss this as ramblings, take a step back and think really HARD why you're really here. Us creators and artists have to realize MM is just a stepping stone, a way to test the waters as you will in regards to what we create, a subscriber to your profile should just be beyond than the mere statistical ping. Because amongst that sea of IP addresses that click that "Subscribe" button on your profile is that one of few fellow artists that TRULY appreciates what you created and shares that passion you have.

Anyways, if you've got that tl,dr vibe here's the gist of it:

I'll subscribe because I like what I see, and the potential for greatness in you as an artist, because you believe in your work so strongly that you are willing to share it with a complete bunch of strangers on this site.

Appreciate the communal bonds you develop with your fellow artists beyond just that one time subscriber, because they will be your greatest supporters as you work your way to the top.

So if you see me on your "Likes" wall, I'm just a meager fellow who can't sleep at night who just found a lovely diamond in the rough, and that I can go to bed at 6:00 AM and say "Damn, that was a great read!" *clicks Subscribe*

Alrighty time to get down to some reading (and eventually subscribing)