I think they determined the 40% engagement by how many subs, episodes you published, how many likes and comments per episode and probably totaled it by the "mean". So like if you had less than 200 subs, (like my comic for instance), but per episode about half or a little under of your subs engaged in some way - they just calculate that out and figure out what percentage of people will actually stay for your comic and read it as it continues. So using that method they could judge a comic with 200 subs the same as a 100K sub comic, if both had about the same number of episodes published. Because the audience engagement could be like 75% for both...if that makes sense.
I'm sure they realized that they promoted certain comics which in turn lead to a mass amount of engagement for those comics, so I feel like they didn't take that into consideration. I truly believe they chose what they thought will catch on, and what has a unique story and art style.
There's no denying that PH is a beautiful comic, but it may have felt too similar to other comics on LW and honestly they probably could make more money in Discover with the ad revenue. And there's still a chance for more featured creators later on after the contest.
@BlackRose108 I understand feeling that way. I was pretty sad myself, but I think participating in the contest purely for the money is the wrong way to think, especially if you are an artist and a creator. Trust me, I'm broke AF too. I know that pain. But the contest wasn't supposed to be about money. You have to love what you create even when it makes no money. That's how it is for a lot of people For me, the contest helped me learn what I need to work on and helped me to work hard towards something I care about. Don't give up!
Congrats to all the winners!
Shameless self promotion my comic is called Paracosm by FatTackyCats check it out lol