We are here--but how do we let you know that?

As readers here have noticed, I run the Art and Comics online store over at www.artandcomicsstore.com .

As many people also likely know, the economic times have been tough. More and more, we've had to find ways to get the word out to new customers. We've been running paid ads, which is the traditional way, I suppose. We've also been making sure the search engines let the online world know we exist.

Also, I've been spending a lot of time slogging through various "free ad" offers online. Sadly, many of these are outright scams. Some do the bait and switch with pushing paid advertising. Others just want us to exchange banners with places we've never heard of with no say over the type or content of what ads appear on our site. Still others only want the information so they can send me spam. Then there's the places that on closer look, only offer local ads in one city, or only let you pitch a specific product, as opposed to an entire site full of products.

So I've been taking my message to the fans, directly. This is a tricky process, as some forums specifically prohibit too much commercialism--as I quickly found out after being asked to leave a couple of places. They were right to do so--my posts WERE commercial.

Therefore, I've altered my approach a bit, contacting forum owners and/or administrators with a short introductory e-mail explaining who I am, what I represent, and what I'd like to do. Universally, they've responded with positive encouragement, either specifying how and where to post, or explaining why they'd prefer I not do so.

This seems to work best for everyone, and with their various blessings, I've begun spreading the word once more.

Those of you who read this, I'd really appreciate it if you'd help out when and where you can, even if it's only mentioning the site or this blog to your friends.

Thanks,
Mike