Scott McCloud's second book, Reinventing Comics, a less theoretical work, basically laid the groundwork for what he's doing now online. McCloud has been dying for micropayments to be a reality for a long time (he's listed as an advisor to BitPass), and, with his inimitable clarity and skill, he partly explains why here.
McCloud has just launched a feature on his site/blog called The Morning Improv, in which you can track his efforts as he composes a comic for "one hour each day, whatever comes into my head." The feature will be free, although apparently soon you will be able to vote on the titles of the strips he creates for an online micropayment donation (you'll literally be able to put in your two cents).
More fully realized is The Right Number, a beautifully told story (part 1 of 3 apparently) that showcases McCloud's considerable and varied talents--at drawing, prose, story structure and more. The great thing about McCloud is that he is not just a visionary and technical innovator (the dude just can't stop thinking)--he has the goods to show that wonderful art can be the result of innovation. He engages your mind, but he gets you in the gut, too.
Thank BitPass for this: There are no annoying ads to look at while you experience The Right Number. McCloud didn't have to seek corporate sponsorship. And you don't have to pay a $20 subscription fee to see his work. All you put at risk is a quarter. And believe me, by the time you get to the haunting conclusion of The Right Number, you'll be happy to have spent the quarter.
Further reading:
Scott McCloud: I Can't Stop Thinking #5: Coins of the Realm
Slashdot discussion: Scott McCloud tries Webcomic Micropayment
CBR News: He's Got Your Number: McCloud Launches 'The Right Number' Online
US News: Interview with Scott McCloud
PaidContent.org: Guy Kawasaki is at it again
Nothings.org: Micropayment barriers
(Cross-posted to Brian Flemming's Weblog and Nothing So Strange)
Article comments
1 - John Mudd
It looks fantastic! How do you get an invite to earn?
2 - Brian Flemming
Don't know how you get in on it. You can get on a waiting list right now.
3 - Mike Grossman
I'm betting on Ron Rivest's new company Peppercoin http://www.peppercoin.com. He has a track record for success.