Working 9 to 5

So, George R. R. Martin missed his latest book deadline, and the "Game of Thrones" world has been split into 3 factions: detractors, supporters, and those that don't care. I find myself understanding all 3.

Faction A: Those that at most find this amusing, or at the least don't care 

This one should be self-explanatory. We have the TV series. We never committed to the book, or only enough to support our preference (the TV series). No new book? All the better to have the advantage over the elitist bibliophiles.

Faction B: The supporters

Neil Gaiman, (a witer whose work I've only sparingly ingested, and only in comic media), shared a supporting post from 6 years prior. In Gaiman's words: "George R.R. Martin is not your bitch." and "it's unrealistic to think George is 'letting you down' ". Gaiman states "For me, I would rather read a good book, from a contented author. I don't really care what it takes to produce that."

So, I'll quickly state what I agree with: "Martin is not the reader/fan's bitch" and "I'd personally prefer a GOOD book from a 'contented' author. From Gaiman's harangue, those 2 were about it for decent arguments. We should be polite and understanding and know that Martin is human. His only contract is with his editor/publisher. They are the ones that should, hopefully, hold him accountable. Additionally, Gaiman's 6-year old words showcase that Martin has missed deadlines before. The "definition of insanity" (in fact "stupidity") is: doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. We know he can be late. Only the stupid or ignorant would be shocked. So, why the uprorar? Read on.

Faction C: The critics

In my opinion, Gaiman's argument that readers/fans are "unrealistic to feel let down" showcases either: a misunderstanding of the term "let down", or a biased creator's denunciation of the very allegiance they crave. Fans shouldn't be insulting Martin, or otherwise acting uncivil, but disappointment is absolutely warranted.

We have seen delays in "creative work", (e.g. film, music, prose, art) before. Usually the greater the interest in the work, the more vocal the disappointment. This is logical. Marketing, behind-the-scenes information, or merit earned from previously published work, all whet the appetites of fans. You want the fans clamoring for new sustenance. You want them ready to pay for non-refundable work "sight unseen".

There is no financial contract. But, I suggest there is a social responsibility, not unlike fans of underperforming sports teams. Customers may be paying for "just the published work", but you foster the fanaticism with merchandise, derivative work, etc.

As a fan of the comic medium, an industry built on repeat customers craving new work on a regular basis, I know how dissapointing late  (or worse cancelled) work can be.  While the effort required to produce the work influences my level of forgiveness (refusing to support late writers like Kevin Smith, but doing so for late artists like Adi Granov), I feel "let down"each time.

But as I do with my sports team(s) suffering through bad seasons (NINER NATION!!!), fans will shout their displeasure, but come back for more, until their allegiance is stifled.

I could use additional analogies with other industries that enforce timely "creative work", e.g. software engineering, but it's 2 days before my vacation ends, and I don't want to depress myself.