Paid Digital Copy Alternative?

[arbanims]

If someone made a on going comic series and posted it on this site for free, but made an alternative where you can buy a digital or Physical copy for let's say about 8 dollars a volume if your willing to support him/her. Would you just read it here for free or buy a copy just to support him or her?.

I'm curious to hear what you all think about this.

[Larskroon]

I think it really depends on the comic, if you just find a comic you kinda like I would just read it on tapastic, but if I'm really interested in the series, I might consider buying a volume.

[Elm]

This is the route many webcomics take. Dare I say maybe even all. Plenty of comics have their printed editions kickstarted, or crowdfunded, or self-funded and release them through online stores or conventions.
There are comics I personally prefer to read online, but I also have my fair share of comics on my shelf that I've bought at conventions because I wanted a physical copy. Nimona and Hemlock are just a few favourites on my shelf. However, I don't always have the disposable income, but when I do I'm happy to do so.

Some may buy to support an artist, because they want to see more. Some may just genuinely want a physical copy (especially those of us who just like the feeling of books).
I could waste a lot of time making a list of all the comics that have both physical and web alternatives.

[stephensharpe707]

If physical copies are available, I usually try to buy those up because it's always nicer to have something right there in your hands, and it feels like value for money.

I think the issue with selling digital copies whilst also having a free alternative (perhaps cynically), is that the vast majority of people aren't going to pay for something they already have access too unless you offer something more, unseen content, bonus pages. Perhaps the free version is in black and white whereas the paid version is full colour.

[Kayke]

I definitely buy digital and physical copies of comics I like to support artists, even if I could read the comics for free online.

And I know people do the same for me with my comics. I even know some people who will ONLY read print comics, so they get excited when I make physical prints of my work even though they could have read it online.

[arbanims]

This is all very interesting, but just a question would you rather buy a digital/physical copy for just support them on patron instead?

[Michelle]

I'd rather buy a physical copy, since buying a digital copy feels kind of redundant. UNLESS the digital copy was considerably further ahead than the free-to-read version. Otherwise, I'd rather support the artist on patreon.

[sarrowsmith10]

This is all very interesting, but just a question would you rather buy a digital/physical copy for just support them on patron instead?

I don't support patreons. Sounds bad of me, but I just don't (I don't run one for myself either). I'd much much much rather buy a physical book or support the artist at a convention or through their online shop.

I have my comic online for free, and I think it is invaluable to physical sales. I've had no problem selling physical comics. I think its because you need to build a fan base first, then make sales. Besides, you can go into a comic store and open a comic and look inside it and see if you want to buy it based on the story/art. Having my webcomic online is basically the same thing. Lets people see before they buy.

[miseryhunting]

To be honest, I would never by a digital copy. No matter how much I like a comic.
If I wanted to read it on my computer, I would have just read the normal feed on Tapastic or their site.
However, if I like a comic, I often look at the authors page to check if they have a physical copy. Depending on the prize and quality I don't mind spending a little extra.

[arbanims]

I've only ever paid for a digital copy of a comic if it is significantly early than the free version or has something extra e.g coloured pages