mindpollution.org

Wow.

Simply put, wow.

In the last 24 hours, I’ve received more than 60 messages via email, MySpace and Facebook from people offering their sympathy about the Wizard situation, sharing their own Wizard horror stories and offering tips on job openings. I’ve heard from ex-Wizard employees, current Wizard employees, professionals at various positions in the comics industry, message board users and other comics fans all over the world. The traffic on my little soapbox here quadrupled in the last 48 hours, too.

To be honest, I hoped that the interview would generate a lot of buzz, but I didn’t really expect it to happen. Let’s face it: Wizard Entertainment is a big company with enough resources to spin a story in whatever direction they choose. If you’ve been following the comics industry for any length of time, you know how off-base the reports Wizard releases on their Wizard World convention ticket sales numbers tend to be (this was a running joke around the office), so the company’s no stranger to heavy spin. That said, I haven’t heard a word from Wizard about the interview, but the word from friends of mine still with the company is that a link to the story is quietly being passed around the office - and receiving a lot of nods and smiles.

So, in the interest of sharing some of the kind words I’ve received from people about the interview, here’s a selection of some anonymous excerpts:

“Thanks for saying what some of us are thinking. It’s a good interview, and I’m glad some people will know how the magazine treats their talented staff.”

“Just wanted to say thanks for all the work you put into the site. It is a great site and I’m sure it will suffer with you gone (remembering the relaunch…shudder). I also wanted to say that I read your interview, and good for you, man! All too often people will cop out for one last paycheck, and just be content to walk away. Kudos to you for taking a stand, man!”

“I read the interview you did with The Comics Reporter, and just want you to know that I went through a similar time at Wizard, culminating with my firing for ‘not being a team player.’

I wish you luck in finding a new position. As many others have stated, leaving Wizard is a good thing.”

“I just saw your interview over at comics reporter and just wanted to say that I sympathize.

The more I look at your complaints … the more I feel like I should be angrier with the company, but the truth is I knew they were a bunch of bastards who only happened upon the right course of action by chance (when they did) and I chose to work there anyway.”

“I’ve read your interview with comicsreporter and it really looks like something I’ve enjoyed for years is going down the tubes.

… they should have poured more resources into the website and allowed you to continue your success. This would have seemed like the more logical way to go. In my own experience the forum had gotten me to buy the magazine again. … I just wanted to let you know that I’m mad at the direction Wizard has taken and I wish you, Mel and everyone else good luck.”

It’s also been funny to receive so many “I Told You So” messages from old friends and fellow comics fans from my pre-Wizard days. Heck, I even received one from a former employee of the local comic shop I frequented back in the day.

These are weird waters I’m treading, and I just want to let everyone know that I appreciate knowing so many people are willing to go out of their way to help me (in some cases, a complete stranger) stay afloat.

Thanks again!