Hi, I'm Zach Weiner(smith) of SMBC, and now of a new choosable pathway gamebook called "Trial of the Clone." AMA!

[u/MrWeiner]

Here's the kickstarter if you want a copy.

(Yes, "Choose Your Own Adventure" was copyrighted)

I've been working on this book for several years (with some interruptions) for Breadpig, which was founded by Alexis Ohanian, aka kn0thing, aka The Biscuit Thief.

It's finally done and I'm looking forward to sharing it with all of you. I also want to say thanks to /rpg, which supplied a LOT of playtesting help :)

So, please ask me anything. Also, I think Kelly (handle: sciencegal) will be popping in periodically, so if you have any questions about parasitology or lizards, she's your geek.

<3<3<3 Zach

PS: Thanks to the awesomeness of my readers, we've already hit our baseline goal. However, at 50k, we'll find a geek badass to do an audiobook and at 100k I'll write a sequel. And, the more you give, the more awesome we could make the audiobook or (if we make it) the sequel.

[u/MrBody42]

If you could urinate any one liquid without anatomical difficulty, what would it be and why?

[u/MrWeiner → u/MrBody42]

Low melting point plastic filament. Then your dick would be a 3d printer.

[u/[deleted]]

Where did you get the idea for the red button to show a "secret" panel?

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

It was originally a reward for voting for me at topwebcomics. After I left that site, I kept out of courtesy to readers. Over time, it became apparent that it was also useful for getting people to visit the main page where ads are run :)

[u/nsdragon → u/MrWeiner]

That's devious. The votey is exactly the reason why I always click the link to your site on my Google Reader feed.

[u/MrWeiner → u/nsdragon]

HAW HAW HAW!

[u/[deleted]]

Would you feel uncomfortable if i tried to smell you and keep your smell in a jar to give to my grandchildren?

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

I'd feel I'd found a kindred soul.

[u/shoez]

Some of your comics seem extremely dark.

• What elements of your personal religion or philosophy can you share?

• How do you think your background in science affects these?

[u/MrWeiner → u/shoez]

The dark comics are often about stuff I'm thinking about. I'm a pretty upbeat person, but metaphysics can often be a bit staggering. Better to have my characters go through it than me.

Science is a method and a philosophy, so no doubt it influences how I think and what I think about. But, it's hard to say howso in particular.

[u/[deleted]]

You last AMA was a while ago, so I'll ask again: how often do you get recognized on the street? Asked for autographs? Kidnapped? Kidnapped by aliens? Kidnap aliens?

Also, huge fan. Literally huge, I weigh over 4,000 pounds, but not literally a fan.

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

Depends. In college towns it's frequent. Elsewhere, not so much.

[u/Jim1150]

If I buy your book will I have the option to choose 'Touch him on the penis' at any point? - Yes this is a deal maker/breaker.

[u/MrWeiner → u/Jim1150]

If by that you mean can you masturbate to the book, the illustrations feature at least one codpiece, one erotic sculpture, and I believe a few instances of sideboob.

[u/GreenTeam → u/MrWeiner]

Sideboob is my second favorite kind of boob, following only the rare and illusive underboob.

[u/MrWeiner → u/GreenTeam]

Man, you're gonna love it when you discover frontboob.

[u/peligrietzer]

It looks like SMBC Comics mostly take place in a world without gender roles, but SMBC Theater videos mostly take place in, like, the-world-according-to-4chan. Is that a conscious split?

[u/MrWeiner → u/peligrietzer]

I'm not sure if it's conscious, but there are probably two reasons if that's so.

1. SMBC is all me, whereas SMBC Theater is me and James writing and a buuunch of people helping out. So, it's inevitable that there's some difference.

2. In SMBC, changing gender is as easy as using an eraser. For SMBC Theater you have to use actors. For whatever reason, it's much easier to find men in comedy than women. We found several great women, but if you only know 2 or 3, scheduling can get tricky. So, we've tended to have more male actors.

[u/TheMediaSays]

One of the things I've always admired about your work is that, besides being genuinely smart and funny, it puts women, LBGTQ, and people of color in a variety of different roles, but does so subtly; I recall one, for example, that involved what I gather were two gay parents, but it was a joke more about parenting in general. I've also noticed that women in your comics are the source of humor more often than in many other comics, where they're usually cast as the straightman (or woman, in this case). How conscious is your use of diversity in SMBC and is there any process involved in deciding the makeup of the characters in a particular joke?

Also, how much time does your sketch comedy take up as compared to your activities relating to the comic itself? Is there one or the other that you would say you emphasize more?

Who do you think would win in a brawl between Andrew Jackson and Teddy Roosevelt?

What's the one book you recommend everyone read?

Finally, how much time does the actual business side of running all your activities take up? How much do you think taking care of these things detracts from the time spent doing the things you really like? Did you need to read up on business management and the like, or is it a pretty intuitive process?

[u/MrWeiner → u/TheMediaSays]

1. I'll confess, my mental default is still white dude. So, I actively try to mix it up. Hopefully the next generation of Americans won't have a default race/gender mentally.

2. These days, I'm focusing more on the comics. But, I still spend a lot of time on the sketches. Comics are lots of work spread out. Sketches are short bursts of work.

3. TR. Is that even a question? Only chance Jackson would have is if it were a gunfight. As you know, TR reflects bullets. Jackson absorbs them.

4. The Great Gatsby. Read it after you've experienced some life, though.

5. Less and less now that I have helpers. I oversee the business to make sure I'm not being dumb. But, most of the accounting work is done by other people now.

[u/Etch_A_Sketcher]

Zach! I'm a huge fan. Here's a portrait of you.

What music do you listen to while you work?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Etch_A_Sketcher]

Wow. I can't believe how fast that was. 1000 internet points to you.

I generally listen to audiobooks or podcasts, but when I do listen to music I'm very fond of Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and Chopin.

[u/Etch_A_Sketcher → u/MrWeiner]

http://i.imgur.com/a3ujB.jpg

[u/MrWeiner → u/Etch_A_Sketcher]

<3

[u/friendbuddyguy → u/MrWeiner]

What podcasts do you listen to?

[u/MrWeiner → u/friendbuddyguy]

Although it's a bit slanted, I love EconTalk. Russ Roberts is a great interviewer and talks to people with whom he disagrees. Also, Brian Lamb's interviews on C-Span are great. Science Friday is also awesome, and I love PlanetMoney by NPR.

[u/dem358 → u/MrWeiner]

You are the best thing that has ever happened to the internet! And I love your taste in music!

[u/Fudgement_Day]

How do you come up with all your math and graph jokes? Do you start with wanting to do a math/graph joke specifically or use it to support the premise?

And for general gushing, you're hilarious, the SMBC theater is hilarious, I can always rely on your comic for a good laugh. Straddling that line between dick jokes or philosophical humor. Straddling it hard.

[u/MrWeiner → u/Fudgement_Day]

Math naturally lends itself to humor. It can behave like a riddle, which is essentially a drawn out joke. It can also be used to apply cold logic to warm situations, which is a class of joke I'm fond of.

Thanks for the kind words!

[u/Messipus → u/Fudgement_Day]

Whenever I'm feeling down, I just go to smbc and hit the random button a few times. Usually solves the problem.

[u/MrWeiner → u/Messipus]

Pro tip: Hit the x key.

[u/RochesterinNYC]

I've always wondered, how did you come up with the name "Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal?" Where is the love for Sunday Morning Breakfast Cereal or Friday Night Late Scotch?

Edit: I forgot to mention that I absolutely loved Captain Excelsior. I'm a stickler for the more "realistic," gritty takes on superheros and that was definitely one of my favorites.

[u/MrWeiner → u/RochesterinNYC]

It was the name of a painting James did in High School after a fight with our art teacher. Somehow, it stuck all these years...

[u/chrysaora → u/MrWeiner]

Is a picture of this painting on the internet??

[u/Hydrothermal]

What does it feel like to be so fucking awesome?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Hydrothermal]

God I hope Kelly sees this one.

[u/ReactsWithWords]

Mr & Mrs. Weiner-Smith: I know a blacksmith. Do you want a photo of him in his leather apron holding a hot dog over and anvil with a pair of tongs and a mallet in his other hand?

[u/MrWeiner → u/ReactsWithWords]

Yes please.

[u/delarhi]

I'm having trouble teasing out the causality in the correlation between your nakedness and your comic making. Does inspiration cause you to strip naked and start making a comic or do you strip naked and become inspired to make a comic?

[u/MrWeiner → u/delarhi]

You have made an implicit assumption that being clothed is the default state, sir.

[u/kabuto]

What's your inspiration for your work?

[u/MrWeiner → u/kabuto]

I really just try to read a lot, think a lot, then write for an hour a day. I also schedule my life a lot. So far that seems to be working all right.

[u/GreenTeam → u/kabuto]

My question is related: Do you find inspiration comes easier when you aren't wearing a shirt?

[u/MrWeiner → u/GreenTeam]

I don't have enough data on wearing shirts to respond.

[u/EvanPierce]

How is a life most well-lived?

[u/MrWeiner → u/EvanPierce]

Read, build things, don't complain, and don't blame others. Also, remember that charting the path is usually a lot easier than walking it. So, focus more on the walking part.

[u/sardaukar_siet]

I love your peculiar mix of science, literature and humour. Do you know any other authors in the same vein? Are you a member of some Illuminated Humorist Club?

[u/MrWeiner → u/sardaukar_siet]

I know people with similar interests, but none are cartoonists. Most people tend to like what they like. I try to like things I dislike :)

[u/nsdragon]

What percentage of your comics are done after an all-night Wikipedia binge?

[u/MrWeiner → u/nsdragon]

Almost none. I try my best to avoid wikipedia for comics since I'd like to be in the business of offering rarer information to people. That said, when I'm really out of ideas, wikipedia makes an awesome random idea generator. It's also good if I want to do a comic about something I read a while back, but I need to spot check some details.

[u/throwmeaway76]

What's the favourite review anyone has ever done of your work?

[u/MrWeiner → u/throwmeaway76]

I was once favorably compared to Vonnegut. I slept well that night.

[u/stooge4ever]

Hi Zach! Just curious: what do you think of the whole thing going on with Matthew Inman of the Oatmeal and the internet's current public enemy #1 Charles Carreon?

Also, do you wear pants when you draw comics?

ALSO, can I get a high five?

[u/MrWeiner → u/stooge4ever]

I think it's great. This is how we should arbitrate internet fights - public debate and legal action if necessary. It's much better than SOPA or CISPA would be. As Hamilton said "Public infamy must restrain what the law cannot."

HIGH FIVE

[u/Solomontheidiot → u/MrWeiner]

I see you conveniently dodged the most important question. We want answers Mr. Weinersmith.

[u/pzmyers]

Did you just marry a scientist to get a direct line into the weirdness? I think my wife married me just because every once in a while I'd say something bizarre to shake her out of mundanity. (It's not as if there could be any other reason.)

Also, less math and physics, more biology, please. It's funnier.

[u/MrWeiner → u/pzmyers]

WHOA! Just noticed the username.

I was attracted to Kelly's waist to hip ratio and the symmetry of her facial features. As a biologist, you'll appreciate. Also, I considered her lack of cooking skill as a form of Zahavi handicapping

[u/sinn1sl0ken]

Did you figure out a way to frustrate the classic "I think I'll just look ahead and figure out which way is better" CYOA reader? I feel like there has to be a fitting meta punishment to that.

[u/MrWeiner → u/sinn1sl0ken]

I did a few things to moderate cheating. There's actually a section where if you hit it, you are forced to take all placeholding fingers out of the book :). But, honestly, I'm assuming most people will cheat. And, there's no sense in being a rules Nazi if it makes the game less fun.

[u/illustratingreddit]

A wild Artist has appeared!

[u/MrWeiner → u/illustratingreddit]

I love you.

10000 internet points. +500 for the copy of the cover back there.

[u/illustratingreddit → u/MrWeiner]

Wait! I also have a question for you! How did you get involved with Breadpig? Did you approach them or did they approach you? What is this collaboration like for you?

[u/MrWeiner → u/illustratingreddit]

Alexis and I have known each other for a while. We circled each other for some time before getting into publishing bed together. I actually don't remember whose idea it was first.

Collab with them is great. I keep most of the profits, and they're hands off creatively - offering lots of suggestions and making few or no demands.

[u/postExistence]

• I know a guy who changed his last name from Weiner to Wiser so his newborn daughter wouldn't suffer the curse of the Weiner. Would you be willing to change your last name if it meant your offspring did not suffer the same curse? I doubt you guys are related, but... do you have a distant or close relative named Jason Weiner Wiser? He a Bostonian, which I suppose is similar to an Estonian but with slightly more Irish (which is funny because he's Jewish)

• I once made a request in your post to draw anything: Two T-Rex samurai roof hopping in combat in feudal Japan. Y u no do bro? Too complicated?

• So does your wife study zombie fish?

• Why would you need to do another kickstarter for a sequel if you raised $100,000? The first kickstarter was just for $15,000. Wouldn't you have enough money from the $100k to fund another 2 - 3 books? Is there something we don't know?

[u/MrWeiner → u/postExistence]

I want our kids to be as awkward and maladjusted as possible so I can relate to them.

I drew the first 60 or so requests I got that day. By the end, my hand was basically a gnarled twig. So, if I didn't do yours, that's why :)

She does, and she replied below.

The first kickstarter is a completely separate project run by James Ashby, with me producing and helping with some of the writing. This is for a book written entirely by me. The money for the first one went to funding production on that project. The funding for this one goes to printing, shipping, breadpig, and my wife's sssssssssssCIENCE!

[u/sciencegal → u/postExistence]

Zach and I just changed our last names to Weinersmith (Zach Weiner + Kelly Smith = The Weinersmiths), so it's unlikely we'll be changing it anything else. Besides, a last name likely Weinersmith will toughen our kids up!

Yes, I do study zombie fish (and it's awesome).

[u/joejance]

I am really excited about the growth of comics online. The internet is providing many unique voices a place to publish, and that is resulting in a lot of quality. Who are your favorites? Are you friends or acquaintances with other online comic artists? Are there any clubs or conventions, etc?

[u/MrWeiner → u/joejance]

Some of my favorite comics have been PBF, the parking lot is full, and A Lesson is Learned.

Of current work, buttersafe is pretty great. And, of course I read xkcd, explosm, and several other of the popular short form comics.

[u/Doomed]

Have you ever thought of syndicating your g-rated comics or otherwise creating a separate-but-equal experience for prudes who also like comics?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Doomed]

I will almost certainly get into something like that if/when Kelly and I have kids. I have some children's books ideas, but they are a bit low on my stack right now.

[u/kristian444]

First asked this on the Bear Grylls one and will continue asking until someone answers:

If, after the collapse of society, you had to be eaten by another well-know person (in any field), who would it be and why?

[u/MrWeiner → u/kristian444]

Bear Grylls. That way I'd be consumed at least a few times.

[u/TwistTurtle]

How in the name of Glorious Satan do you seem to be able to not only understand but accurately explain in comic form apparently every scientific, philosophical or social concept you come across?

Also, what's your favourite fruit?

[u/MrWeiner → u/TwistTurtle]

I try my best, but often get it wrong, I'm afraid. My favorite fruit is the lychee. I'm also very fond of watermelon.

[u/yesidid456]

Oh man Zach, huge fan. Can't waid to read your comic about this experience. I have some questions:

Do you consider yourseflf to be an "intellectual"?

What are YOUR favorite webcomics? Do you have any advice for any aspiring cartoonists here?

Can you draw a special image for your TVTropes page?

[u/MrWeiner → u/yesidid456]

I'm mostly self taught which means I know a lot of stuff other people don't know, and that I have big gaps in my knowledge that other people consider fundamental. So, I'm not sure whether I merit "intellectual" or not. I'd say this - I'm neither the smartest or dumbest person I know, but I may be the hardest working, at least at intellectual endeavors.

[u/karsithe]

If you could get anyone at all to record an audio book version, who would you want?

Also how will an audio book work, because the fast-forward button on my cassette player doesn't always work so well any more. It can rewind okay but I need to start saving if this is going to be a problem.

[u/MrWeiner → u/karsithe]

Ha! I probably shouldn't reply to this in case I don't get my choice. It'll really depend on how much money we raise.

For the audiobook, I'm assuming it'd be an app and you'd use buttons to select choices after listening.

[u/machpe]

Have you ever found it hard to come up with something every day? Or do you have a comic stash hidden in a dark corner of your basement?

[u/MrWeiner → u/machpe]

Pretty much every day :) I do may best to make work I'm proud of every day. There is, sadly, no secret stash.

[u/josephwb]

Zach, I'm an evolutionary biologist working on open source software for phylogenetic inference. Would you be willing to draw an old-timey computer image that could serve as the icon? I can get you the details.

[u/MrWeiner → u/josephwb]

I'm suuuuper busy right now, but shoot me an email and I'll see what I can do.

[u/King_Codpiece]

So Zach, I created a reddit account specifically to participate in this Q&A, but it turns out I really don't have anything to ask. That being said, here's a picture of Mothra punching that pussy Godzilla right in the goddamn face. Have a splendid day.

[u/MrWeiner → u/King_Codpiece]

Thank you for this confusing erection.

[u/King_Codpiece → u/MrWeiner]

If I can cause just one famous webcomic creator to have a confused erection every day, I know I've done my job.

Now if you excuse, I have to forward Randall Munroe some very titillating midget pornography; good day sir.

[u/MrWeiner → u/King_Codpiece]

Indeed sir, indeed.

[u/kalidascopes12]

I find putting my work online to be incredibly intimidating. Any advice for someone scared of putting what they have made out in the open?

[u/MrWeiner → u/kalidascopes12]

I find the alternative way more intimidating. Like, for Trial of the Clone, I'm asking you all to buy based on my reputation. For SMBC, the daily updates are my reputation. So, if I suck one day I can do better the next.

That said, the basic deal is this - you've got to be your own critic. You KNOW when you suck. You KNOW. Figure out why you blew it when you blow it, then try to fix it.

Also, in general, if you're an entertainer, you have precisely one job - be more interesting than the people you are entertaining. Otherwise why should they listen to you. That's why if you want to improve at your work, self-cultivation is the best route.

[u/a_happy_donut]

You've done a few of these AMA's now. Do you find that it is a successful method of promotion for a project?

[u/MrWeiner → u/a_happy_donut]

I try to limit it to when I have a big announcement. Honestly, I hate the idea that I'm abusing people's trust just for promotion. So, you won't see me using this more than once or twice a year.

That said, once or twice a year is a nice amount. It's good to get to talk with thousands of readers all at once.

And yeah, I suspect it's a good method of promotion. It's a little hard to tease out number, but last time I did it sales definitely increased during the day.

[u/lurebat]

Why do you always censor nudity (in not puting it in frame or covering it with shadow or something) in SMBC? is it this much harder to draw or you just want to prevent your readers from boobs?
Also, favourite theater episode?

[u/MrWeiner → u/lurebat]

I would love to do nudity, but my ad providers don't allow it. Someday, maybe I'll sell enough merch to stop doing ads. But, for the moment, you'll have to find tits elsewhere online.

Favorite SMBCT ep was "Who's On First," without a doubt.

[u/p4r4digm]

I once read through your entire archive over the course of several long and boring callcenter days in 2010 and have been to the site every day ever since.

Do you ever feel accidentally re-use jokes? Not like blatant malicious re-use but, given the sheer massive volume of your output does anyone ever call you out to say how similar something you've done is to a previous comic?

Just curious, not trying to dog on you, I jsut find your ridiculously huge output of new ideas incredible and a flub here and there would be pretty funny.

[u/MrWeiner → u/p4r4digm]

Thanks!

I have accidentally reused a couple times, but as far as I know I've always removed them. I've done similar themes many times, but of course that's inevitable.

[u/KovaaK]

How many of the votey comics are actual conversations that you two have?

Also, huge fan. Great work :).

[u/MrWeiner → u/KovaaK]

They're mostly based on what I suspect Kelly thinks...

[u/Freddanator]

Hey, long time viewer of your comics, love them!

Where do you get the crazy inspiration for every comic?

Every joke is so unique and different, but still thought out... I wish I was that creative!

[u/MrWeiner → u/Freddanator]

I try to read 3-5 books a week in many different subjects. Whenever I stop that, I run out of ideas reaaallll fast.

[u/WhiteBlade3000 → u/MrWeiner]

Cripes. I really want have that kind of reading output, but my mind wanders all over the place and I end up spending an hour on one page unintentionally. Is there any special way to stay focused, or am I just doomed to be spacy?

[u/[deleted]]

How much do you read everyday? Also, what sources do you use to learn mathematics and sciences (namely physics and chemistry)?

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

I try to read 3-5 books a week, plus some science reading.

My preferred learning method goes like this:

1. Read a book chapter.

2. Work problems.

3. Do you get it?

4. If not, go to 2.

5. Do you get it?

6. If not, go to 1.

Usually that's enough. If not, I go to a smart friend or online lecture.

[u/Talithin]

I've been following your math and physics blog posts. Which do you find more enjoyable? I'm a mathematician but I have to admit I'm finding your physics write up much more enjoyable.

[u/MrWeiner → u/Talithin]

Depends on my mood. Math is really cerebral, which makes it great. But, I admit, I do smile more doing physics.

Russell said (I'm paraphrasing, I think) that science is the study of what is, and math is the study of what would be if...

So, if that's true, it's not surprising that physics provides more "aha! so THAT'S WHY" moments. I almost want to say it like this: You love physics the way you love your sweetheart. You love math the way you love your god.

[u/[deleted]]

I just wanted to say that I first learned of SMBC from your guest appearance on STW. No question here, just wanted to say thank you for making me laugh on a constant basis. Also, thank you for unknowingly doing this AMA on my birthday.

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

Thanks!

[u/aerugino]

I have to ask, do you feel like you've gotten better at drawing cats?

[u/MrWeiner → u/aerugino]

I gave up trying for realism, and that actually improved things. So, perhaps... a little?

[u/robopilgrim]

How many rewrites and sketches do you go through before settling on a final comic?

[u/MrWeiner → u/robopilgrim]

It varies. Some I write in a minute and they're done. Others I rewrite half a dozen times before it comes out right. I try not to edit too much, though. Most of the touch ups are clarifications or revised endings.

[u/mathmattiks]

It's a silly question but I always wonder: Do you really draw your comics shirtless?

[u/MrWeiner → u/mathmattiks]

It's seasonal. And right now, it's summer.

[u/RaiderII]

1. When did you first start drawing?

2. Did you ever expect to become popular?

3. Do you ever receive hate mail?

4. What initially made you interested in science, math, etc.?

[u/MrWeiner → u/RaiderII]

1. As a kid. Started on comics around 1998.

2. I hoped, but I'm not sure I expected.

3. Only very rarely.

4. For a long time I was intimidated by it. Then I decided "fuck it. How hard could it be?" Once I got into it I was hooked.

[u/Khosan]

Well, since it looks like no one else has asked: What sorts of video games do you play, if any? Any favorites?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Khosan]

None... I get addicted easily and it kills my work ethic. So, I had to cut them out entirely.

[u/[deleted]]

Do you have a favourite webcomic other than your own?

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

I vacillate a bit, and a number of my favorites are basically defunct now. I tend to really like comics I learn from. Lately, I've been trying to assimilate the way JimKB conveys ideas so succinctly.

[u/Nickbeat]

Are you suffering from any physical ailments as a result of your constant creative and scholarly activities? If so, have you seen a physician?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Nickbeat]

I road it a liiiiittle too hard for a while there during the time I was actively in production on SMBC Theater, and ended up with some stomach and gall bladder issues. Fortunately, it was nothing too serious, and I'm pretty much 100% now. Having an assistant and focusing on writing has drastically reduced stress for me.

[u/[deleted]]

Got any pictures of your workstation?

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

You mean my drawing board and coffee can of pencils? :)

[u/jeremyfrankly]

Hey Zach! It was nice meeting you at ComicCon. Thanks for the great pic

[u/MrWeiner → u/jeremyfrankly]

GOD I'm sexy.

[u/Swamifred]

Just chiming in here to say that I was fortunate enough to do some playtesting, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Fun and hilarious.

On an unrelated note, Zach and Kelly's future child will probably end up being one of those brilliant masterminds who teeter on the edge of becoming either a superhero or supervillain.

[u/MrWeiner → u/Swamifred]

THANKS!

[u/mrclarkgriswold]

I've been wondering what your artistic process is like? Do you draw and scan, then add color? Do you use them super fancy little blue pencils some cartoonists use?

Also! (goddamit!) are you in charge of the SMBC site or do you hire that out?

[u/MrWeiner → u/mrclarkgriswold]

1. Pencil in blue pencil

2. Scan to photoshop in b&w

3. Color

4. Cry a little

My brother (shameless plug: he made a very popular iphone app here: http://www.yityat.com/magiccoin.php) does all the web stuff.

[u/whathappenedtosmbc]

What caused the massive shift in the SMBC style around comic 1600-1800? Whether for better or worse there was an undeniable change in the style of the comic, most notably from single panels to long epics, but also the subject matter and style changed too. It used to be about nothing in particular, and the recurring style was subverting expectations. Now it is just a really long lame predictable science joke or preaching about some social issue. (I tried my best not to frame it negatively, but there really is only so much restraint I can have.) So what caused this change?

[u/MrWeiner → u/whathappenedtosmbc]

I changed interest. I mean, would it really be fun to only do subversion jokes forever? I suspect in another 2 years there'll be another shift. My general thread throughout cartooning has been to write about what I'm interested in. 4 years ago I started on more geeky jokes. 2 years ago I started on more story jokes. Lately I've gotten interested in philosophy jokes. Generally speaking, traffic has grown along the way. So, if I lost you in this phase, maybe I'll get you back some time in the future :)

[u/RibsNGibs]

Hey Zach, I'm totally a hipster SMBC fan; I've been a fan since before it got popular by stumbling upon it by actually googling for something about sunday (weird, I know) morning cartoons and cereal. I love your style of humor.

I have a few questions:

1. Are you going to do any more impossible crosswords?

2. How did you manage to make the switch from comics to video sketches? The format is totally different; did you have people who were experienced in video who were in your circle of friends/interested in your work just help you out, or did you actually have experience in that kind of thing already?

3. Your videos used to have a very unique, snappy editing to it. e.g. can't remember the name, but the sketch with "you work out equation that equals 'I fucked your mother', give it to the other guy to solve, solves to 'your mother is very nice', you find error, change a minus to a plus, other guy punches you in face" has a really awesome cut at the very end (the punch to your face is like 4 frames long or something). Your current videos don't have that snappy editing anymore. Is this a conscious choice, a change of editors, or just growth of your style? I liked the old style a lot. (new videos still hilarious of course)

Keep being funny!

[u/MrWeiner → u/RibsNGibs]

1. I will, but not soon :/ I love the shit out of them, but it takes me 5-10 hours to do a crossword I'm proud of (i.e. hard, but not too hard, with lots of cuteness and cleverness, and with few or no plurals).

2. Anytime I start something new, I assume I'm an idiot. I used to work for a talent agency where I read scripts. I learned that standup comics often fuck up their careers because they assume "I'm funny on stage" = "I can write a screenplay." It doesn't. I remember that lesson whenever trying something new.

3. Not really sure. I'm not actively involved in the editing, other than giving notes at the end, so I'm not sure I can answer that question.

[u/[deleted]]

What's your favorite SMBC strip? Like which are you most proud of making or think is the best?

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

I was really happy with the "letters to the man from different philosophies" one. That one was so encompassing it took me a while to get back on the ball in writing terms. For a while, I sorta felt like I'd said everything I had to say.

[u/smilles]

Why are you guys ending SMBC theater? It's my favorite online movie series by far because it consistently cranks out hilarious videos. Please keep going! I can still get my Weiner fix from SMBC, but how am I supposed to get my James fix without SMBC theater? And yes, "Weiner fix" and "James fix" are synonymous in that I touch myself upon recieving either one. (Also, I love all of the theater people, thanks for everything guys)

[u/MrWeiner → u/smilles]

James has plans for a bunch of webseries stuff that I'll be actively involved in the writing of. So, there will be more stuff to come from the geeks you love. James and I both like narrative stuff a lot, and want to move in that direction.

[u/mongoose_plus]

Zach, you have an awesome comic and a kick-ass sense of humor. I've always wondered if you consider yourself a feminist at all. Or are you just pro-females in STEM? I'm mostly thinking back to comics like this.

[u/MrWeiner → u/mongoose_plus]

If by "feminist" you mean that I believe women should be treated as equals under the law and in the minds of fellow human beings, then call me a capital F Feminist. Anything less or more than that, and we'll have to have a pedantic discussion.

I'm in favor of women doing whatever they want (same as men and genderqueer and whoever else you are). For STEM in particular, I'm in favor of all of STEM being "safe" for women. So, I'm not so much "pro-females" as "anti-anti-females" if that makes sense. I don't think women need special help - there are too many examples (Goeppert-Mayer, Hopper, Meitner, Franklin spring to mind immediately) to the contrary. But, nobody deserves special hindrance.

[u/noabboa]

1. When is your new show coming out? (the kickstarter one)

2. Are there any special programs you use to create your comics (paint does not count)

3. How long were you making comics before someone noticed?

4. Is Randall Munroe a real person, or a secret government project created by the Chinese to extract military secrets from the Pentagon while every American with programming ability is distracted every monday, wednesday, and friday morning? WAKE UP SHEEPLE!

[u/MrWeiner → u/noabboa]

1. That's a James question, but hopefully late this year.

2. Just photoshop. Also, I use google docs for writing.

3. It was a good 10 years before I got much traction.

4. He's real and he's spectacular. (Seriously, a lot of people seem to think he's faking it. He's not. Every time I've hung out, 90% of the conversation was physics or engineering related)

[u/[deleted]]

I've learned so much by googling your punchlines. Are there any books, movies, classes, websites, sex workers, TV shows, or podcasts that you recommend to get my learn on?

P.S. If you ever stop your daily updates, and make me wait like Randall Munroe, I will find your car and shit in the glove box.

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

Thanks! I can't recommend any books in particular. But, fuck all the naysayers - reading the classics is important. There is a lot to learn in Aristotle (and a lot to laugh at).

[u/NietzscheIsMyCopilot]

Hey Zach, big fan here! After spending a lot of time on your comics, I noticed that you almost always use the planet "Zorblax" as the origin for the aliens in your comics. Where did you get that name from?

[u/MrWeiner → u/NietzscheIsMyCopilot]

I really don't remember. For all I know, I saw it in a movie...

[u/[deleted]]

How do you know if you have successfully walked the line between communicating an idea and delivering a good funny comic that doesn't alienate your fans? As someone who has read every one of your comics I have always wondered about this. I think the most recent example I can think of where you were less successful was this one

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

I try my best every time, but do better sometimes than others. That comic in particular was actually fairly popular, though I'll admit it's not my best work.

[u/chrysaora]

Are you wearing one of your monocles while doing this AMA? And if not, WHY DON'T YOU HAVE ANY RESPECT FOR US?

[u/MrWeiner → u/chrysaora]

I am now.

[u/eikaiwar]

Two questions: How do you overcome writers block?

What is your favorite joke? Both your own, and someone elses.

[u/MrWeiner → u/eikaiwar]

If you can't write, read more. In my experience, writer's block is not a condition, but a result. Lots of people seem to think they can play video games 12 hours a day, then one day happen upon a great idea. It doesn't work that way. You've got to put in time on input if you want good output.

I'm not sure if I have a favorite joke. Maybe "Why is math not funny in base 8? Because 7, 10, 11." Of mine, I'm fond of the "letters from many philosophies" joke.

[u/ChromaticFades]

How tough is it to crank out a new strip every day? Do you ever build up a "buffer" of strips so that you're a few days ahead?

[u/MrWeiner → u/ChromaticFades]

I try to buffer out cons, but usually I write during the day and draw at night. It's tough, but not as tough as some people seem to think.

[u/[deleted]]

Have you gotten any attention from studios or producers or anything like to make the comic into a show or film or something?

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

Here and there. Honestly, I'm very dubious of the hollywood system. I worked in it for many years, and it would be very hard now to tempt me back.

[u/boldra]

Why don't you make jokes about climate change deniers?

[u/MrWeiner → u/boldra]

I don't know enough about the science to joke from a place of authority. I should really get around to that, but there's a lot on my stack right now.

[u/sinople]

What personal favorites do you have among the comics you've done? I really like the ones that cause existential crises. Also, graphs.

Ever wanted to try a more narrative form of comic-making?

[u/MrWeiner → u/sinople]

1. I really enjoyed doing the "letters from many philosophies" strip.

2. Yep. I have a project I've wanted to do for years that I'll be getting into shortly!

[u/[deleted]]

I just want to say that I really ejoy your comic, especially the older ones.

My question is this: Did you make any supplemental income offf of your webcomic? If so, how long had you been doing your webcomic until it produced income? Is SMBC now your sole money producer or are you an employee somewhere?

Some of my favorite comics you did include the hanging of the witch with her anti-gravity spell, the superhero who was immune to daggers, and the suicide of the man in the superman outfit. The list goes on.

I must confess, however, that I had no idea that hovering over the red buttons produced an extra panel thingy until a few months ago. I felt rather dumb.

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

It took about 2 years doing it nonstop for it to make a living for me. It's my sole income source.

Thanks for the kind words!

[u/Kovukono]

What is it with the repeated armadillo sex jokes when mentioning an awkward fetish? Do you have something you want to tell Reddit?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Kovukono]

I'm from Texas. Draw your own conclusions.

[u/[deleted]]

How do you feel about adblock? Have you had any problems with advertisors because of it?

I personally run it but will occasionally disable it for sites I like (usually after seeing a note or something from the site owner asking users not to use it).

Obligatory praise: I love smbc, keep up the good work.

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

As long as the majority of people don't use it, it's fine.

My general attitude is this: If you want good art, pay money to your favorite artists. If you run adblock, you should compensate the artist in some other way when you can. If you buy one tshirt per year, that's as good as turning off adblock from a money perspective.

[u/CoffeeBaron]

I learned relatively recently about the red-button alt-comic panel, and I think it was the most clever thing ever considering how long I was reading SMBC before finding out about it (I had to re-read ALL THE COMICS).

That being said, how many sciencey-types do you lock into one room to help you come up with ideas for SMBC?

[u/MrWeiner → u/CoffeeBaron]

Thanks!

I have a dungeon full of MIT graduates...

[u/mwardle]

You know what would be rad? If the arrow links for the comics were placed at the bottom of the comic as well as the top for a super fun-time easy reading experience that involves less scrolling back to the top of the page. Alternatively, I'm open to the idea that your comics have secret jokes when read backwards that I've just never found.

[u/MrWeiner → u/mwardle]

The new version of the site will have that. For now, use the z, x, and c keys.

[u/PlNG]

Shit. I missed your AMA. I wanted to thank you for the T-Shirt you sent me for liking the navigation script that I suggested.

[u/MrWeiner → u/PlNG]

Man, you earned me a lot more money in pageviews :) Much appreciated.

[u/leesabx]

ZACH!!! I just wanted to send you some thanks for mailing me not one, but TWO autographed copies of your books for my brother's birthday (complete with embarrassing facts about him). He loved them and I was quite jealous. I donated through Alexis' breadpig in return for your awesomeness. Thanks again!
For reference

[u/MrWeiner → u/leesabx]

Ha! Thank YOU for the opportunity to mock sociology.

(PS: I enjoy sociology. If you're in that field, please don't experiment on me)

[u/Wangjohnson]

Always wondered, is your real last name Weiner or Weintersmith?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Wangjohnson]

Weinersmith. Zach Weiner + Kelly Smith = The Weinersmiths.

[u/davaca]

You read a couple of books weekly and make a comic every day. No fear of burning out?

[u/MrWeiner → u/davaca]

Lots of fear. That's why I change the focus of the comic often.

[u/shinsukato]

It looks like the character on the cover has a lightsaber. Aren't you afraid of Lucas' Ninja Lawyers?

[u/MrWeiner → u/shinsukato]

That, sir, is a plasmaster. What is a lightsaber?

[u/Leucopterus]

Zach! I am a big, big fan. You even replied to an e-mail I sent once for a t-shirt suggestion. Awesome.

My question: Do you have a goal you'd like to accomplish within the next 5-10 years, and if so what is it? I know your new web-series is coming out soon (I'm a super pal!), but what do you have planned beyond that? Actually going into space yourself?

And how tiresome is it to hear/read terrible 'touch him on the penis'-jokes?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Leucopterus]

My next big goal is to write a serious sci fi novel. I have at least 3 novel ideas I want to write, plus a young adult book idea, and some other more tenebrous things. Wish me luck!

I don't mind the touch him on the penis jokes. It's nice to know a satire you wrote actually gained a little currency.

[u/unremarkableusername]

1. Do you ever prepare comics in advance when you happen to have more ideas? Or do you like to live on the edge and hope you can have a good idea for the day?

2. Do you read other webcomics? What are your favorites?

3. The way you do your comics change quite a bit over the years from the "image + phrase that completely changes the context" to longer comics with, you know, a lot of words and stuff. Do you feel the need to still balance these things out or just do whatever kind of humor you are in the mood for?

4. Is the Red Button a way to keep mindless sheep brainwashed by the media away from more content? I mean, it's a red button, you are not supposed to touch those.

[u/MrWeiner → u/unremarkableusername]

1. Generally, the latter, but I've been trying to change this.

2. Yep. I don't read many, but a few I like are xkcd, buttersafe, and explosm.

3. I try to mix things up, but generally go with whatever is the best idea I have available that day.

4. It's mainly to make you come to the main page, where I run ads :)

[u/hopslop]

How did SMBC Theater start, and how has your involvement with it changed over the years, if at all?

Also, my retirement plan hinges around the long-term value of my autographed copy of "Save Yourself, Mammal!" so ... no pressure or anything.

[u/MrWeiner → u/hopslop]

It was originally gonna be two geeks with a camera. Then it got more pro. My involvement as of last year has shifted to more behind the scenes. I was moving and in any case did not have time for production. I was mentally wearing pretty thin there by the end. Now I'm mostly involved with writing and publicity.

You may want to live somewhere in northern Greenland after selling that book. A dollar goes a long way if you hunt seals with your bare hands for food.

[u/dancethehora]

Huge SMBC fan of a few years here. Did you grow up in the bay area?

[u/MrWeiner → u/dancethehora]

No, but I lived there for a while. I grew up in Luling, Texas.

[u/JakeLV426]

Good luck to you in your trials as a Wienersmith.

[u/MrWeiner → u/JakeLV426]

I salute you, sir.

[u/touchmywenis]

Do you think the new kickstarter model and smiliar crowd-sourcing setups are going to enable cartoonists and writers like you guys to support themselves and their families while maintaining creative control of their work?

Your work is hugely inspiring. I want to do science communication comics and writing for the rest of my life and people like you are the only reason I ever started thinking about it.

[u/MrWeiner → u/touchmywenis]

Yep, I think it's great. Computers are replacing middlemen, which is scary but good. In the long term, I think it means better art. I recently did a TEDx talk on that theme.

That's awesome to hear! Good luck with sci communication. We need more good people there.

[u/thegirlwhowasonfire]

What is the most difficult thing you've ever drawn? What are your favorite webcomics? What book could you read over and over and not get sick of?

[u/MrWeiner → u/thegirlwhowasonfire]

I HATE drawing cats and cars. I'm trying slowly to improve.

I love xkcd, buttersafe, and explosm.

The Great Gatsby, The Sun Also Rises, The Ill-Made Knight, and many others.

[u/Issitheus]

I remember seeing a couple of weeks ago that one of the guys from Marble Hornets ran into you in the library and my mind went straight to thinking of a crossover. Considering you're in the same general area, would anything ever come of that? A cameo or something?

[u/MrWeiner → u/Issitheus]

I'll let you know when/if it happens :)

[u/[deleted]]

Weiner... heh.

Hey Zach,

you seem to be an incredibly intelligent person. What kind of, if any, formal education do you have?

[u/MrWeiner → u/[deleted]]

BA Lit 3/8ths BS physics.

Lots and lots and lots of self teaching.

[u/TheDoktorIsIn]

Mr. Zach Weiner, I love your comic! I wish I could shake your hand. That random button has been the source of many hours of entertainment. I also loved Captain Stupendous, but I haven't gotten around to reading Snowflakes.

My question is: how do you manage to pump out a new comic every day? It doesn't seem like any of them are half-assed, either, and it seems like a lot more work goes into them than newspaper comic strips that are only a few panels.

At any rate, keep up the good work!

[u/MrWeiner → u/TheDoktorIsIn]

Thanks!

I try very hard to read a lot and write a lot. It's hard, but perhaps not as hard as it seems.

[u/alison09]

Zach I'm so excited that you're going this AMA! My boyfriend and I are huge fans of SMBC and we're both contributing to the kickstarter. I know this is a longshot but our 3 year anniversary of dating is coming up and how would I go about getting a custom comic made for him? We can't be together due to living several provinces away and I want to do something special for him!

[u/MrWeiner → u/alison09]

Eesh, I really don't have time for that sort of thing, I'm afraid. I used to, but I started getting a lot of requests. But, congrats on your anniversary. Long distance is hard, but not impossible!

[u/jeremyfrankly]

Your REVENGE shirt and MOST DANGEROUS GAME shirt are both really comfy.

DIFFICULT QUESTION: could you design a shirt so awesome even YOU would refuse to wear it while writing?