At no point did I say that Keith was an asshole. Nor did I imply it. All I did was point out the offer had a major problem that needed to be addressed. Which, it seems, Keith is openly acknowledging.

When offers like this are made, you can make the exact same point by saying: I will give you your money back (not double your money, which then creates a profit incentive), and limit of one per customer. You protect yourself, while still providing a guarantee to the potential consumer.

Of course, I also think that if you read World War III when the trade comes out next week (shameless plug), separated from the hype surrounding the initial release, more people might find something of merit in there.

Tell ya what, Keith, I'll even re-read the WWIII issues on their own and do a bit on them next week.

I guess that’s kinda the whole point of the offer, Dan. There wouldn’t be much point trying to convince people who already thought they were going to like it to buy it.

I just want to make sure I don't get one of those "well, you wouldn't have liked it anyway" responses if I want to return it.

I respect that you stand by your work, but I grow tired of people telling me not to judge a work until I've experienced it...

With all the entertainment out there, I don't have time to try something just on a promise it is "good" or "You'll like it". I have to do my research and make an educated guess on whether its worth risking my time and money to enjoy a specific work.

In fact, there is so much good stuff I like, I actually have to prioritize and make sure I'm enjoying the best possible stuff I can.

Keep an open mind, don't judge something before you read it. I don't think Arena is going to reinvent the entire form of comics but it's so much more than fan wankery. I liked the challenge of finding ways to incorporate the fan vote and I feel it's the best writing work I've done in comics to date.

Of course, I also think that if you read World War III when the trade comes out next week (shameless plug), separated from the hype surrounding the initial release, more people might find something of merit in there.

So what do I know?

When you say, “please take him up on it,” you’re just encouraging people to buy the book, right? Or are we conspiring to bankrupt Keith Champagne via the power of the blogosphere?

Oh yeah, I totally admire the move by Champagne, so I wanted more folks to hear about it.

Although, he's clearly an asshole, because he probably wouldn't pay me double if I purchased 500 copies and returned them to him.

And...he's just so darned cute.

So if I buy 500 copies and dislike all of them, he will double my money?

Somehow, I doubt it.

Yeah, what an asshole Keith Champagne is.

Somehow, I doubt it.