There are so many people wondering how to profit, including the likes of Rupert Murdoch, from News media corp. from online content. Justin from Cartoon Smart sticks to a very simple equation: The public will always pay for quality content, and this is what he has been doing since he started. Frequently the top paid download on Payloadz, his site CartoonSmart.com ranks into the top 50.000 sites in the US, nothing bad for a one man show, selling content. By the Way – this is NOT a paid review, is just a good professional, I have delight in endorsing.
We had a small chat and Justin gave permission to publish the conversation, to inspire everyone out there trying to make it on ActionScript and Tutorials. Here is the full transcript:
SayWeb: Can you tell us a little about Cartoon Smart?
Justin: CartoonSmart sometimes is a company with one guy working very hard, into the wee hours. Other times, its that same guy spending 5 minutes pondering a chess move, then going to the next game to mull over another move for way too long. Basically its a job where the boss (me), could use a real boss keeping him at task. When that happens, some of the best online video training occurs.
SayWeb: When and why did you decide producing tutorials?
Justin: I guess it started because I trained most of the new animators and illustrators at a company I worked for back in 1999 to around 2002. We were using Flash 4 and 5 to do animated web shows, like short 5 minute pieces. So every year or so I’d have to train a new wave of college kids. Then around 2003 I just got bored one day and screen captured some similar training. Uploaded it, placed some Google Ads and that was it. Got hooked.
SayWeb: How do you feel competing alone along deep pocket companies with teams?
Justin: I don’t feel like I’m competing with any big companies. If anything, I’m competing with the thousands of younger software users with screencap programs, microphones and nothing but spare time on their hands.
SayWeb: Can you give a rough idea how many tutorials were downloaded so far?
No I really couldn’t. Its a lot though.
SayWeb: What would you rate/call CS biggest success/failure?
Biggest success is just still existing I think. We’re fortunate enough to have a great fan base that supports the site through good and bad times. Biggest failure would probably be not teaching enough. I tend to “baby” every new tutorial more than I should. So I could probably shave off 20% on quality and add 50% more quantity. But thats not the CartoonSmart way, we certainly don’t over-produce.
SayWeb: What is your advice for people out there starting with flash and actionscript?
Justin: Start anywhere, but actually start. A lot of people (me included) think about starting to do something more than actually doing it. I have friends that have been telling me for years they are going to learn Flash or Actionscript. Seriously, years. Beginning is always the toughest part because you don’t have to deal with the guilt or fear of abandoning a new endeavor if you are constantly saying “oh I’m gonna do it”
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