Controversy has surrounded a recent “white paper” issued by comic shop retailer organization ComicsPRO. In the open letter, the group expressed their concerns over individual publishers hurting their ability to do business by offering pre-retail convention sales.

ComicsPRO has asked publishers NOT to offer any books to fans at conventions or local gatherings before they become available in retail outlets, despite this practice being the only thing allowing some independent publishers to remain in business. ComicsPRO maintains that it’s the responsibility of publishers to provide them a level playing field.

In light this, another retail group has issued their own white paper regarding an even more controversial issue.

ComicsBRO States Position on Creator Comp copies

ComicsBRO is again “raising the bar” by releasing another “white paper” instructing publishers how to better serve the greater comic book community by making sure retailers can maintain their current market share without having to alter their business practices AT ALL. This open letter to publishers is related to complimentary copies of creator-owned merchandise presented “to” creators.

Connor Oglethorpe, Jr., ComicsBRO board member, board president and owner of Lemaris’ Comic Cove in Cresbard, SD, commented, “When publishers comp their creators with early preview copies of their own books, the creators often pass those copies on to family and friends… at no charge. These are relatives that would have been otherwise inclined, for the purpose of posterity, to purchase multiple copies at their local retailers. By continuing these practices, publishers directly impact the cash flow and bottom lines of Direct Market retailers.

Continued Oglethorpe, “It has been my professional retailer experience that proud grandmas often buy several copies of their beloved grandchild’s latest offerings, especially at finer comic book stores such as Lemaris’ Comic Cove in Cresbard, South Dakota. New comics every Wednesday, M:TG and Pokemon tourney nights Tuesdays and Thursdays.”

Oglethorpe, also the proprietor of “Titters” Gentlemen’s Adult Club for Adults located conveniently where Highway 29 meets the 680, stated “The giving-away of these free comp copies to non-purchasing, familial members of the public affects the ability of these copies to be sold by retailers. We will be encouraging publishers to adopt sales strategies that will benefit the market responsibly, and gently strong-arm their family and friends to purchase copies legitimately — through the direct market.

More on this as it develops.