Moonstone Forums

When will we see him again? When will Sex, Lies and Private Eyes be released? and what about Partners in Crime?

Thanks!

At the speed Moonstone is getting things done, I would say in 2099

http://groups.msn.com/HEROESCOMICS/bostonblackie.msnw

Do you really think jumping in with a load of snark every time a question of scheduling comes up is either appropriate or useful?

PDS

A fan posting on these boards is definitely a diehard Moonstone fan and someone that really cares about these books being released and is, justifiably, frustrated by late releases and poor publisher to fan communication as to what's going on. It may not be "useful" but it's definitely appropriate regarding the current situation with late books and lack of communication.

I'm not trying to be a jerk but I completely understand the frustration and irritation leading to snarky message board posts in this case.[/quote]

I'm well aware that the fans posting here are generally diehard Moonstone fans and I can well understand a certain level of frustration. That's why I limited myself to commenting on the tone of the messages.

As to whether that tone is appropriate, I disagree. Is it appropriate to ask questions? Sure. Is it appropriate to phrase them belligerently? No. In fact, that's never truly appropriate.

What's the old saying? You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar?

Personally, I find that people use certain words and phrasing on message boards that they would never dream of using in real life. In this case, I don't think Renaud would be likely to walk up to any of the folks at Moonstone in person and make a comment like the one made here.

I should probably include a disclaimer here that none of my opinions or comments should be construed as an official Moonstone position. I'm just a freelance writer who does the occasional project for the company and has the privilege of calling a number of Moonstone's finest friends. And, honestly, if you saw someone being snarky to your friends and colleagues, wouldn't you step up and call the person on it?

PDS

<<And, honestly, if you saw someone being snarky to your friends and colleagues, wouldn't you step up and call the person on it?>>

yeah, I understand and you are right. It's just my biggest problem with the comic industry is the silence by publishers when a book is late. Fans should not HAVE to ask where the books are that they've (in many cases) gave the publisher a guaranteed order 2+ months before the book is even due in stores. Publishers don't have to say "such and such book is going to be late because Joe Scmoe artist isn't turning their pages in as promised" but they can tell us pro actively that a book promised to ship in the month of June is running late and when we can expect it tentatively. If the schedule slips further, update us when the new release date is now expected to be. It's just being respectful to the people that have promised you their hard earned money in advance of you printing the work.

If anyone is still interested, Sex, Lies and Private Eyes will be released Aug/Sep. Here is the listing from Westfield Comics:

A Moonstone Crime Wave event! When it comes to sex, lies often follow & in the dark heart of the city, death can be the ultimate payback! A landmark collection of all-new original noir short stories with the theme of sex for sale. Written by some of today's top crime writers, Sex, Lies and Private Eyes features a stunning cast of legendary characters from the best mysteries of the past and present: Alo Nudger, Fred Carver, Blackshirt, Candy Matson Domino Lady, Kolchak, Lai Wan, Jack Hagee PI, Johnny Dollar, Mr. Keen, Pat Novak, Sherlock Holmes, The Silencers, The Maze Agency, Toby Peters, Truxton Lewis, and more! With stories by Max Allan Collins, Loren D. Estleman, Stuart M. Kaminksy, Mike W. Barr, Mike Bullock, Barbara Collins, Steven Grant, CJ Henderson, David Tischman, and more, this is one noir ride you won't want to miss!

I'm getting it!

Ticktock

I have noticed in the past dealing with different publishers that a good kick in the virtual behind once in a while when very much deserved, it does get things movies much more than undeserved flatteries; I'm afraid I am not very good at sucking up. One might never dream of speaking in such a way in your face perhaps, but one street business wouldn't dare treat their costumers in their face this way either or inform so poorly or be so often late in shipment, stores don't survive long by ignoring costumers

As for Boston Blackie, if it was up to me, all of Moonstones' Boston Blackie comic book stories would be put into one single regular size high quality hardcover; And I ordered those too

- Partners in Crime
- Sex, Lies, and Private Eyes (Whenever)

PS: I might have confused reprints of Boston Blackie comics (sold out overdue for new reprints) with new work still to be released

Still, it is mightily frustrating when things scheduled originally for May end up coming out in July or August. Particularly when you've had pre-orders in for months and months.

I wouldn't mind it half as much if this fact was just COMMUNICATED as it was happening rather than just letting the book arrive when they arrive with no mention made as though that was when they were solicited for. To me, that's being disrespectful to the fans and, even more importantly, retailers.

Regardless, I think we all agree that the 2 month slide should be the exception, not the rule.