We've launched an exciting new project of our own! Introducing the Kickstarter app for iPhone!

Funded! This project successfully raised its funding goal on March 15, 2012.

Website Funded! New Goal $42,000, and a Group Reward

Update #4 · Feb 24, 2012 · 26 comments

I am stupidly thrilled that we're going to get to build the website I always dreamed of for Erfworld. Seriously, the website idea came first and the comic exists because of this "wouldn't it be neat" website idea that we're finally getting around to. I can't wait til you can see it! Watch the Site News for information about beta testing it this spring.

Next Goal: Who Should Be Reading Erfworld?

Xin is now working on an illustrated goals chart for the rest of the Kickstarter, but we're following the website with a smaller goal of $3000 for the "Who should be reading Erfworld?" initiative. Here's what that's all about.

Lev Grossman and Erfworld

One of the best things ever to happen to Erfworld in its first five years was being named to Time magazine's list of the Top Ten Graphic Novels of 2007. That happened entirely because columnist (and later, author of the excellent and groundbreaking Magicians series) Lev Grossman started reading it on the Giant in the Playground site. I've been grateful for the support and attention that Lev has thrown our way, and finally got to meet and party with him at his book release party (that turned into a Campbell Award winner celebration party) at WorldCon in Reno last August. Besides Rich Burlew, our webmaster Harknell, and my dad (hi Dad!), no single person has done more to help Erfworld succeed than Lev.

Find More Lev Grossmans!

You have to imagine that there are people out there who would get really into Erfworld if they only knew about it. So we need a smart, cost effective marketing plan to reach those people. The plan is to find a dozen more like Lev Grossman.

Assuming we raise the funds for this, we'll be asking for your suggestions for people who should receive a free softcover copy of Book 1: the Battle for Gobwin Knob. It's hard to get people into a dense story comic, and we need all the help and attention We're looking for people who are influential nerds of whatever stripe. The book reviewer at the L.A. Times might or might not be a good choice, but an entertainment editor at Wired would be great. It could also be someone in academia or the tabletop gaming industry...you tell us and we'll send them a promo copy. We're looking to send about 300 copies out, plus spend some money on an ad campaign for the motion comic when that's out.

New Group Reward - Year of the Dwagon Desktop

Also, once we hit $42,000 I will send an update to project backers only which will tell you how to get that beautiful cel shaded Year of the Dwagon graphic as a desktop background. More group rewards will follow if/when we hit that mark.

Comments

    1. Missing_small

      Creator Tim Bucknell on March 18, 2012

      I have a feeling Wil Wheaton and Chris Hardwick (Nerdist himself) would get a kick out of these books. They are huge gaming nerds and it would be right up their alley. They not only have large followings and a rather large internet presense, but they would probably really enjoy it too!

    2. Missing_small

      Creator John Speigel on March 8, 2012

      I've got a feeling that Mark Rosewater, one of the main designers for Magic: The Gathering, might like Erfworld and be willing to spread the word a little. I haven't followed him lately, but he writes a lot of articles for their website and I think he's pretty engaged in the community.

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      Creator phaoray on March 3, 2012

      TotalHalibut/TotalBuscuit might be a good idea for it. He has alot of gamer followers and is very well known.

    4. Me.small

      Creator Hyper on February 29, 2012

      You could send a copy to Coolshite for a potential review on their regular podcast - http://www.coolshite.net/

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      Creator Cody James Christopher on February 26, 2012

      Can I suggest the Extra Credits guys over at PATV?

    6. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Lukáš Slunečko on February 26, 2012

      The girl from The Guild is Felicia Day and agreed, she would probably like it and so would PA crew. Both are great ideas :)

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      Creator Justin Swinehart on February 26, 2012

      I would suggest Lewis Lovhaug and Doug Walker of Thatgutwiththeglasses.com, Tim Buckley of Ctrl+Alt+Del, Penny Arcade, Sean "Day[9]" Plott of the Day[9] Daily, Jon Stewart of the Daily Show and Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Report.

    8. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Cody James Christopher on February 26, 2012

      @Brian I believe you mean Felicia Day?

    9. Missing_small

      Creator Brian Arsuaga on February 25, 2012

      That girl behind The Guild. Can't remember her name, but she'd totally dig it. She's on Eureka too.

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      Creator Andrew Oswell on February 25, 2012

      Vin Diesel is a huge gek I hear. Also the LFG/least I could do guys are good people with a mouthpiece. Ira Glass of This American life on NPR could be fun. Movie Bob of the Escapist is a very vocal voice on comics and video games.

    11. Me.small

      Creator Christopher Hull on February 25, 2012

      How about Blair Butler, she reviews comics for G4.

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      Creator Andrew Hales on February 25, 2012

      Joss Whedon

    13. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator John Parker on February 24, 2012

      Maybe the guys at Penny Arcade?

    14. Patch.small

      Creator laha4902 on February 24, 2012

      I'd suggest the guys at 38 studios, Curt Schilling, R.A. Salvatore, and/or Todd McFarlane. I think a recommendation from one of those guys would help a bit.

    15. Missing_small

      Creator Travis Ward on February 24, 2012

      @Rachel The Nerdist is a real good idea. I'm trying to think of people who are known for their love of TBS or tabletop games. They seem more likely to really latch on to this awesome comic. In general the well known geeks would be great to get hooked, but I think they'd be more hit or miss.

    16. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Keith Nixon on February 24, 2012

      I'd suggest George Takei (ultimate god of the Web), Stephen Fry ( top of the twitterati) and David Brin (major blogger). These guys are listened to by geeks.
      Oh and they are quite well known for other things.

    17. Missing_small

      Creator Rachel Collett on February 24, 2012

      The Nerdist podcast?

    18. Missing_small

      Creator Mobomeku on February 24, 2012

      If he hasn't been mentioned yet, Scott Johnson (Frogpants Studios). He/they produce a wide range of podcasts covering entertainment, gaming, MMORPGs, etc. His podcasts have a very loyal following, and there might be an interview opportunity.

    19. Missing_small

      Creator David Jones on February 24, 2012

      Greg Tito at the Escapist... he's a regular on their podcast and also worked on the ACKS rpg, which suggests he's into this stuff too.

      To be honest, a few of the RPG luminaries you bumped into at GenCon might get you coverage... one of White Wolf's Ink monkeys, perhaps?

    20. Midnightavatar2.small

      Creator Sam Wright on February 24, 2012

      I've heard Neil Gaiman tweeted on the Order of the Stick drive...

    21. Missing_small

      Creator Nebulious on February 24, 2012

      I bet George Takei would love Erfworld.

    22. 1919_eclipse_negative.small

      Creator Fuin on February 24, 2012

      Patrick Rothfuss.

    23. Missing_small

      Creator Dan Lyman on February 24, 2012

      Felecia Day, Nathan Fillion have a huge geek fanbase and would probably appreciate the humor and story, Jeph Jaques (questionablecontent.net) or Randall Munroe (xkcd.com) both seem to have a lot of friends and contacts in the webcomic world and they seem to pub other comics on their sites quite a bit.

    24. Me.small

      Creator tobin belisle on February 24, 2012

      Wil Wheaten definitely. Also, Felicia Day. If i knew how to get this before their eyes without having to be part of fan mail (which may never be seen), id point them this way in a heartbeat.

    25. Fb_profile_picture.small

      Creator Russell Catt on February 24, 2012

      I would recommend Stephen Schleicher of www.majorspoilers.com

    26. Missing_small

      Creator Travis Ward on February 24, 2012

      Wil Wheaton, Jerry Holkins.

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