The Ask Jeph thread

[chASS]

Will you be my friend?

Have you ever met John Campbell?

[rubberband]

TEH: significance?

Is it a cultural reference? An obscure band name of some sort? Simply the uber-power term of 1337-ers everywhere? Or does it have a deeper meaning, at the heart of which lies the very essence of Martin's being?

[C-Rex]

It's a common typo, writing "teh" instead of "the".

[pwhodges]

But it has specific overtones in 1337; and I presume that was the intention of the T-shirt.

Paul

[catgal2005]

Sorry if anyone already asked this (I was too lazy to read 21 pages worth of posts)...but, anyway, I go to Mount Holyoke and I noticed that in the comic the library is called Williston, however that is the name of our library, not Smith's. Did you do that on purpose?

[Is it cold in here?]

Will Faye's father's suicide ever be explained, or is it like one in real life where there's never any answer?

I had a close relative commit suicide without the usual warning signs and even if there had been a note it wouldn't have been an explanation.

[GenericName]

Dude, that'd be a spoiler. Jeph's said he won't give away spoilers.

[raoullefere]

It's a common typo, writing "teh" instead of "the".

Odd. I've never done that one. I always do this: THe.

Sorry about your sleep schedule, Jeph. I know it's a pain if you actually plan to interact with other humans.

I wonder if you've the same sleep problems I do: namely, I'll get engrossed in something and forget the time till it's four or five in the morning. The problem with that is I'm very easily engrossed. I've found over the years that the only way I actually sleep at  night is if,  within five minutes after I yawn, I am in bed. Downsides: no tooth brushin', bathin', snackin', sex, meds, no nothing, or it's awake time, babee. Also, this usually happens at about ten p.m. The yawning, I mean.

All in all, I do much better at sleeping during the day. Unless, of course, I actually want to. THen I might was well have drunk my weight in caffeine. Yes, I think my eyes actually start bulging like this emoticon's at such times.

[GenericName]

Raoulle, youre blogging.

But in a good way. It's actually pretty interesting! A nice diversion from the book I'm supposed to read for school. Let me tell you all about it.

[raoullefere]

Ack! So I am. Odd. I've never blogged before. I always just blab inanely.

[UFOs8MyCat]

Hey Jeph... I noticed you frequently newspost about screwing up your sleeping schedule.  I haven't taken the time to read through this thread as it's very long (I hope this can be forgiven) so I don't know if anyone else has offered suggestions or advice.  I'd always had the same problems... goes waaaay back to middle school at least.  I just don't get tired when I should.  Even if I've been up since 6am.  Turns out I have Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder.  Biological clock works, it's just a number of hours off.  This was a recent discovery and I talked to my friend who is a PhD in neuroscience... as a first attempt at rectifying this, he suggested taking melatonin in the evenings.  It's available OTC as a supplement.  The problem with DSPD is that you don't get the surge of melatonin in the evening like "normal" people get... which is triggered by nighttime and thus, makes you sleepy.  You get it way later.  I've only had to take the melatonin twice and I've been on a fairly normal sleep schedule for the last two weeks or so (Bed no later than 1am... which is a considerable improvement for me).

Of course, you could be like I was and really don't give two shits about what you should do to try to fix the problem.  You've been living with it just fine.  But it was starting to affect my job and I was consistently oversleeping... something had to be done, so I finally started taking my friend's advice.  So I'm just offering this up to you just in case you DO want to try to get back on track.  Melatonin supplements.  They're cheap (less than $5).  Take it in the evening and you'll be out like a light.

[Crimison]

Well its been pretty entertaining reading 20+ pages of thread, nevertheless hopefully I wont be repeating questions.
I've really being enjoying QC, it has a rare down-to-earth flavor, like the smell of good coffee.

1. How does your family/people you meet react to your job as a webcomic? Or do you just explain that your an artist?

2. Since you said that you went to college for music, how did you progress to webcomic-ing as a job?
(Boredom, popularity, oh I can make money doing this whoo!)

3. What do like talking about? I don't mean on the internet due to the complexities of communication in person, but like your favorite bands or zombie preparation, or ..?

4. How often do you mentally break the 4th wall, like look at a new album and think "Damn Dora would totally love this." or see a poor awkward indie boy and think "MARTEN".

5. Do you have any pets?

(Oh, and I've heard good things about melatonin supplements but I've also heard that it can give pretty bad nightmares too.)

[GenericName]

Crimison's post reminded me of a question I have had.

If I were to mail you a boy who looks exactly like Marten, would you refund the postage?

[MrSteevo]

Jeph,

If I kill you, do I become you?

~Sincerely
Steevo.

[Ballard]

Guys, what the fuck? Quit being creepy.

Specifically MrSteevo.

[jcvciii]

I don't know if this question has been asked or not before, any chance of a QC RSS feed for updates?

[Jeff7]

No, no chance at all.
(Though I don't know why it is so out of date.)

[jcvciii]

I feel like an an idiot because I was just coming back to say I found it right after I posted. I guess that's just how it goes though.

[MrSteevo]

Guys, what the fuck? Quit being creepy.

Specifically MrSteevo.

Well I heard it happened with Micheal Jackson, so maybe it would happen with Jeph, or not, either way we'll know.

New Question though:

When are you going to patch up those holes in the 4th wall? Some Characters seem to be getting out.

[est]

I just did.  The Hannelore, Penelope, Faye, Dora and Marten accounts have all been banned.

I didn't IP-ban them, I just placed a ban on the names.  The people behind the accounts should still be able to log in with their normal accounts.

[Doug S. Machina]

Shame, I was enjoying the fourth-wall breach. Was it offically sanctioned? I remember Jeph saying he hated comics breaking the fourth wall.

Did you nuke the "questions to characters" thread?

[est]

I wasn't, it wasn't, he does and I did.

We had something like that a while back, but it was a one-off thing in reply to some creepy dude writing a love-poem to Dora.  Jeph was involved in that one and it was basically just a creative way to call the dude creepy and lock the thread.

[Doug S. Machina]

Oh, well. Were they all unrelated, or was it a few people co-ordinating their stories?

And the "things to say after sex" is locked now. Bummer. I admire your playing the forum like that:

"I basically moved it into here so a bunch of you could say how bad an idea it was and I could lock it."

[est]

One person was posting as a bunch of people, but a couple of others were flying solo.

And that was a half-joke.  That thread didn't belong in the general forum, but I pretty much knew that the "I Like Fish" folks wouldn't like it either.  I was already planning on locking it, but it just didn't feel right to leave it where it didn't belong.

[nightwing2024]

*sigh* If you must know, we were happenstance encounters that decided to coordinate. I really can't grasp the big deal. All of us were different people, btw.

[JorickHorn]

Ditto. This is Hanners. Shame, really, I was enjoying playing the OCD. est, couldn't you at least have left the posts up?

[vgaer]

Are you going to Lollapalooza?

[Doug S. Machina]

The truth comes out, you lying dogs! Well, it was fun. JorickHorn, you were doing pretty well, I thought. (And Marten and Penelope. It started to go too far after that, but I still enjoyed it.) But The Artist frowns on these things, and when he frowns, the forums tremble.

I mean, this whole thing only exists on his sufferance. So, how did a bunch of comics roleplayers happen to come together?

[est]

Doug, this is the "Ask Jeph" thread, not the "ask a bunch of people who were RPing Jeph's characters" thread.

[jeph]

Salutations! (Yeah, I know, but 'hey jeph' was getting old, and it seemed rude to just start with the question... but I digress....)

Was this strip influenced by this?

Maybe! Mitch's stuff is pretty consistently great. I pull inspiration from all over.

sorry if this has been asked before, but when are you and Cristy scheduled to get married?  And congrats dude!!

We're considering going to Vegas in October to get married during the World Bull-Riding Finals.

I am not joking.

And yeah I met Gabe Newell, he is a really nice guy! I fanboyed.

I duno if its been asked before, it probably has, but what chances are there for cameo roles?.... just the apearence of someones name/uesrname/avatar on a random comic at a random moment would be a really unusual addition to an already AMAZING comic...

Almost zero percent.

Well, looks like Jeph didn't drop by Sakura Con this year. Of course, I know it always depends partially on what kind of invitation the convention offers, and that often happens behind the scenes.

Hope to see you at a Northwest anime con in the future, Jeph. (Yeah, I know you're not an anime artist, but we love you nonetheless )

We're doing something out there this May...I can't remember the name ATM but keep your eyes peeled.

Dear Jeff,
How do you draw with boxing gloves on your hands?

Sincerely,
Gdog, MN

baleeted.

QFT.

Dearest Jeph,

Would it be a breach of copyright if you made some Dune shirts? 'Cause we all know that'd be win, really.

Yes, but I might do it someday anyhow. Lord knows it'd be less of a crime than the Brian Herbert novels.

Do you enjoy writing the comic? Does it feel more like work or a hobby?

If I didn't enjoy it I wouldn't do it. It feels like work, but fun work.

Will you be my friend?

Have you ever met John Campbell?

Doubtful. I am shy.

Maybe? I know a lot of Johns.

Sorry if anyone already asked this (I was too lazy to read 21 pages worth of posts)...but, anyway, I go to Mount Holyoke and I noticed that in the comic the library is called Williston, however that is the name of our library, not Smith's. Did you do that on purpose?

Nah, it's just a wealthy-family name from hereabouts so I figured it'd be appropriate. It was either Williston or Skinner.

Will Faye's father's suicide ever be explained, or is it like one in real life where there's never any answer?

I had a close relative commit suicide without the usual warning signs and even if there had been a note it wouldn't have been an explanation.

no spoilers

I wonder if you've the same sleep problems I do

No I just have a horrible schedule.

Well its been pretty entertaining reading 20+ pages of thread, nevertheless hopefully I wont be repeating questions.
I've really being enjoying QC, it has a rare down-to-earth flavor, like the smell of good coffee.

1. How does your family/people you meet react to your job as a webcomic? Or do you just explain that your an artist?

2. Since you said that you went to college for music, how did you progress to webcomic-ing as a job?
(Boredom, popularity, oh I can make money doing this whoo!)

3. What do like talking about? I don't mean on the internet due to the complexities of communication in person, but like your favorite bands or zombie preparation, or ..?

4. How often do you mentally break the 4th wall, like look at a new album and think "Damn Dora would totally love this." or see a poor awkward indie boy and think "MARTEN".

5. Do you have any pets?

(Oh, and I've heard good things about melatonin supplements but I've also heard that it can give pretty bad nightmares too.)

1. They didn't take it seriously until they saw my first tax return (my dad is an accountant).

2. Boredom.

3. I mostly talk about webcomics and video games because all my friends are nerds and/or webcomics artists.

4. Never.

5. Three bunnies.

Crimison's post reminded me of a question I have had.

If I were to mail you a boy who looks exactly like Marten, would you refund the postage?

Please do not send me your dead bodies

Jeph,

If I kill you, do I become you?

~Sincerely
Steevo.

You would not be able to kill me. I would win.

Shame, I was enjoying the fourth-wall breach. Was it offically sanctioned? I remember Jeph saying he hated comics breaking the fourth wall.

Did you nuke the "questions to characters" thread?

I haven't been on the forums in like a week or something. Breaking the fourth wall is retarded.

Are you going to Lollapalooza?

No I prefer to enjoy being alive

[JorickHorn]

Doug, this is the "Ask Jeph" thread, not the "ask a bunch of people who were RPing Jeph's characters" thread.

Which, incidentally, is a thread I'd rather have locked than deleted, as it was.

[Norton Quintessential]

Will you be at Comicon International in San Diego?

[Rusty]

will you be taking a short break after you get married?

[Just One More...]

Will you be at Comicon International in San Diego?

That would give me an additional reason to go to ComiCon this year.

Also, Jeph: Supposing a killer squid went rampant in the apartment complex Faye and Marten and Hanners live in, would Pintsize be to blame or would it just be another wacky incident that cannot be explained but easily solved by everybody moving in with Sven and potentially partaking in a giant QC orgy where in stead of sex it'd be coffee and playing uno?

Just... Just wondering...

[JorickHorn]

So was the little Marten doll Hanners made actually a voodoo doll, or what?

[jeph]

Will you be at Comicon International in San Diego?

Yes. And I'm probably taking next year off so if you wanna buy shit from me this is the year.

will you be taking a short break after you get married?

Possible but unlikely.

Supposing a killer squid went rampant in the apartment complex Faye and Marten and Hanners live in, would Pintsize be to blame or would it just be another wacky incident that cannot be explained but easily solved by everybody moving in with Sven and potentially partaking in a giant QC orgy where in stead of sex it'd be coffee and playing uno?

Just... Just wondering...

This is terrible. Do not be terrible.

So was the little Marten doll Hanners made actually a voodoo doll, or what?

whaaaaaaaaaat

[JorickHorn]

So was the little Marten doll Hanners made actually a voodoo doll, or what?

whaaaaaaaaaat

Well, considering it is an alternate universe, an actual voodoo doll doesn't seem that far-fetched, if you ask me.
Whatever, you're the artist.

[Nasgarath]

So was the little Marten doll Hanners made actually a voodoo doll, or what?

whaaaaaaaaaat

I think he's refering to this strip.
http://questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=546

If it helps.

[Just One More...]

What happened to the music blog that Marten made?

(whoah a non-terrible question this time. who woulda thunk it?)

[catgal2005]

Ah, I see. Skinner is the name of an academic building here at MHC, too. And the name of the green.

[Evander]

I know it's early to be asking, and all, but are you planning on goign to SPX this year?

[kkrrissttinnaa]

Jeph are you going to NY ComicCon?  You totally should.

[SilentJ]

Well, considering it is an alternate universe, an actual voodoo doll doesn't seem that far-fetched, if you ask me.
Whatever, you're the artist.

Whatever, you're the artist.

New peoples, when asking a question, keep these six words in mind:

This man is doing it right.

[Alphalpha]

He's not just the artist - he's also the writer

Jeph, what are your opinions on Feist? I've been hearing split opinions about her for a while and I wanted an opinion from someone who knows his music.

[dancewith]

So Jeph, It's safe to say I am a fan. I've read all of the comic thus far, I am in love with the characters and if I had any money right now my ass would be all over the merchandising section! I suppose what I want to ask you is something quite personal so ofcourse dont answer if you dont want to (well I cant force you, =|) But I am quite a mature girlie, 19, but I have the head of a 40-year-old, perhaps older, I just cant help being mature and well realistic in life! I wanted to know in your opinion how much logic and maturity really matters when it comes to picking a girlfriend and also where would you place Faye on the maturity scale.. (she's my fav character, sorry I dont care how offended Raven would be, Faye kicks everyone elses ass in greatnessness!) Faye is quite a closed person, but do her emotional and mental maturity come to the same level? *silently jumps up and down at the glee of her first post*

[kasuturo]

Three questions regarding Faye:

1.- When will she have a new haircut?
2.- When will she be thinner?
3.- When will we have some Faye fanservice!?

Two questions regarding the comic:

1.- Are you accepting guest strips?
2.- What would someone need to have a guest strip featured?

[Oscar]

Greetings to all QC fans, and obviously Jeph.

I just wish to make an observation about the 'cast' section in the QC website,
I think it is somewhat out of date or incomplete, since you have not added Steve's
new girlfriend, the 'morgue girl'. Also, on Dora's info it does not say that she is
Marten's girlfriend. Just small comments.

I would very much like to know what character class you played in highschool?
since I am certain that you were a D&D guy, probably still are. I prefer human
clerics of Pelor, though I've used Wizards and Wizard/Cleric combos as well.

Best regards.
Oscar

[reserve]

Three questions regarding Faye:

1.- When will she have a new haircut?
2.- When will she be thinner?

I'm sorry, but is there a reason Faye should be thinner? She looks perfectly fine as far as I'm concerned...or do you find her CARTOON BODY offensive? I hate to say it, but I cannot believe that you're trying to enforce traditional female body stereotypes on WEBCOMIC CHARACTERS. Ew, grossed out much?

[kasuturo]

Three questions regarding Faye:

1.- When will she have a new haircut?
2.- When will she be thinner?

I'm sorry, but is there a reason Faye should be thinner? She looks perfectly fine as far as I'm concerned...or do you find her CARTOON BODY offensive? I hate to say it, but I cannot believe that you're trying to enforce traditional female body stereotypes on WEBCOMIC CHARACTERS. Ew, grossed out much?

It is just that, for me at least, she looked perfect a loooooooong time ago, and I was wondering if we'd see her again like that.

Anyway, you're right about stereotypes... *looks at sketchbooks and says "yeh, he's so right..."*

[Is it cold in here?]

What does Steve do for a living?