Priceless.

There are benefits to doing a webcomic that you cannot put a price on.  Between Patreon, Kickstarter, and various advertising programs, there are plenty of benefits you can put a price on.  But some go beyond finances and enrich your spirit, and to me those are priceless.

Not many webcomics do conventions any more.  With all the above-mentioned benefits the “business model” has changed for webcomickers.  Garth and I are starting to embrace some of it (with our Star Powered Patreon campaign, for example), but we still put a lot of stock in the convention circuit.  For me, meeting readers in person is an uplifting experience.

Here are some other priceless benefits to doing webcomics:

It was at this past Otakon that I received not only a freshly-baked batch of sugar cookies and banana bread muffins, but custom crafted beers inspired by my previous work, Dominic Deegan: Oracle for Hire.  A few years ago I received a similar gift of a bottle of wine, made specifically from a personal vineyard for me.

It’s at conventions that we see faces light up at the sight of Star Power, whether it’s established readers finding our table or curious fans seeking something new.

When someone tells you, either through email or in person, that they’ve been going through a rough patch and your work is the only thing that kept them going.

If you stick with webcomics long enough, some day someone will tell you that they’ve literally grown up with your comic.

There are countless other examples, like simply getting a kind email, or having someone shake your hand at a show to say “it’s just really nice to meet you.”

It’s important to remember that the success of webcomics, or any creative endeavor, is not measured solely by its financial income.  It’s certainly important if you’re pursuing it full-time, but that’s not for everyone, nor is it the only option.  Whether you’re doing something creative part-time or even simply as a hobby, remember to appreciate kind words and well-wishes.  An expression of gratitude can go a long way, and it means a lot to someone.  It should mean a lot to you, too.