The Next Webcomic
After an extended and much needed hiatus from near-constant updates (for both myself and some of Webcomic’s users, I imagine), I’m starting to kick around ideas for the next version of the Webcomic plugin. Working on Webcomic taught me a lot about PHP and the WordPress platform, and feedback and additional projects (Empathy and Chapbook) have greatly expanded my understanding in both of those areas. I’ve learned quite a bit, and I’d like to bring this knowledge back to Webcomic.
First, some of my current thoughts on the next Webcomic:
- It will be a major update, much like the transition from Webcomic 1 to Webcomic 2. It’ll probably end up being Webcomic 3.
- Unlike the transition from Webcomic 1 to Webcomic 2 I’m not limiting myself to what exists now. Webcomic 2 was a heavy rewrite of Webcomic 1. Webcomic 3 is an entirely new plugin built from the ground up and borrowing things I’ve learned from Webcomic, Empathy, and Chapbook.
- There will be some new features (some you may have seen elsewhere, others you may have not) but my primary focus will be making Webcomic even better at the things it already does, which is quite a lot to begin with.
- As with all major releases there will be a new companion theme, possibly more than one.
I’m really glad so many people have chosen to use WordPress with Webcomic to publish their own comic. I never imagined something I started on a whim (as a challenge by Liliy of The Adventures of Wiglaf & Mordred no less) would turn into such a fun and, admittedly, draining project. There have been a few minor conflicts along the way but nothing of consequence, and a lot of support from Webcomic users. Overall it’s been a great experience.
What I’d like to ask of all Webcomic users (past and present) out there now is for your own thoughts: on Webcomic, on how it works for you, on what doesn’t work so well for you, and on how you’d like it to work in the future. To this end, I’ve put together a brief form I’d like as many Webcomic users to fill out. Thanks everyone!
