August 15, 2010
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Xanxiety: A cartoon strip
I’ve been planning this comic strip forever, and finally decided to give it a shot. The art is a mixture of hand drawn with computer artpad and copy/paste embellishments. It was only going to take a short time to put together and took the better part of the day. I think every blogger can relate. (Well, most every blogger). I never know what’s going to take off around here. I don’t think Xanga has any current comics. (In the early days there was “Joe Xanga”.) Perhaps I’ll make more of these. I’ve got at least two more ideas. MFN/ppf
EDIT: 8:58 p.m. pdt. Well, just thought I’d check my comments before retiring and……YIKES.
Well, now I wish I’d drawn this better. 
HERE is an entry I did in 2009 showing some cartoons I’ve drawn over the years.
Thanks for the comments! Short entries about Xanga. They seem to be much more popular than long posts of original writing for some reason. 
MFN/ppfEDIT: 8/16/10 4:25 a.m. pdt. Of course I’m checking comments as soon as I wake up, and find that this little entry not only has 45 comments. (Well, 44, one of them is my own “reply comment”, and there was 46, but I had to delete and block a “spam commenter!” ) but it’s #1 on Top Blogs! (It’ll get knocked off by Dan’s (TheTheologiansCafe) next entry, but that’s okay! ) Well, guess, I’ll have to create more of these little comics for y’all.
MFN/ppf
Comments (109)
POSITIVELY AWESOME
nice ‘toon. lol, I haven’t yet experienced frame three!! heh heh!
all of xanga has replied to your comment! XD
Cute, I laughed. (And sighed)
the top one was truly LOL. Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
This happened to me once. I posted a blog and I came back 15 minutes later and no one had commented. I then realized I had posted the post on “private” so it was all ok.
AW! I love this! xD
lol Story of my life…
I love it! Haha.
Haha! Very funny/cute.
@TheTheologiansCafe - LOL
That situation seems awfully familiar. lol
This is like the best thing ever! I especially like the “All of Xanga” replies to your comment that most people probably missed because it’s right there at the very bottom almost cut off. LOL And the righteouscafe. You’re great at drawing and pretty much captured Xanga comments to a T!
ha ha. coo
The entries I spend the most time on, unfortunately, are also the longest. And the world is ADHD these days because of technology. Oh well.
I like the tshurt.
@x_Butterflies_and_Hurricanes_x - I recall he mentioned having done a strip or two sometime in the past… if memory serves correct?
Nice job, Mike
. Unless I happen to strike the right topic at the right time, it seems to be how things are around my site.
I mostly have problems writing up long posts, sending them and getting an error message, thus losing everything.
<li>Generalized Anxiety Disorder checking for comments every 30 seconds
<li>Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—–checking for comments every 10 seconds
<li>Panic Disorder—checking for comments every second
<li>Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)——-coming back the next morning and finding no comments
<li>Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)—fear of getting no comments
I’m glad you made this cartoon — it rings so true for me!
fun idea!
@GodlessLiberal - I’ve gotten in the habit, that when I’m writing a post that is really important, to either type it up in word (which I dont’ like because I can’t format it Xanga style- linking and whatnot) or throughout writing it, highlighting everything I’ve written once in awhile and copying it to my clipboard. At least then if I lose it, I can just copy paste it back in there right away. It’s not permanently stored in memory of the computer but it’s stored long enough while I’m writing the post. I tend to write my posts in one sitting though. So this format might not work for everyone.
You nailed it!
Oh, this is so cool! Great work! And, yes, I think most of us can relate… Curious to see what other comic topics you have in mind
this was fantastic and here’s a comment to reduce your xanxiety.
awesome. i loved it :] job well done.
@Diva_Jyoti - Dear Jyoti, thanks for starting the ball rolling.
@beautyinbeautyout - Dear Beauty, Ahhh. I’ll drop by and leave you a comment in the morning. The point being made is that since Xanga put the “reply to” feature in comments, a lot of comments are “answered” by replies and people don’t immediately make visits to the commenters’ blog, as they used to before the reply feature.
@TheTheologiansCafe - Dear Dan, I’m sure you were somewhat perplexed, for a few moments at least.
@x_Butterflies_and_Hurricanes_x - Dear Butterfly, Funny you should mention. I pulsed last week about having had a “popular” entry with lots of comments which I followed with a “longish” entry of original writing which got very few comments after having been online for 16 hrs.
@theacematt2 - Dear Matt, I added the link to my entry containing some of my earlier comic strips.
@GodlessLiberal - Dear Krisco, Always write your entries on Notepad, do your editing, and then copy/paste into the editor screen. That way you have a copy. I comment in this way too. (And if you ever saw one of my comments, you’d know why.)
Amazing, Mike!
This is awesome and often how I feel when I write a post and only get a few comments.
adorable! Hey Mike, how do I make one of those morphing pic blocks like you have in the upper right hand of your page? Also, I have a friend just starting up his very first blog. I’ve been bugging him to do it for awhile, since he’s a really good writer, used to write for a paper, and has a great sense of humor. Here is his link if you’re interested in checking it out. http://www.fencepostsitter.blogspot.com/ Hope you like it! There’s promise there, tho I think I’m gonna hafta tweek his site to be a little more colorful, what do you think? Thanks for a great cartoon, it’s awesome to see you here, still blogging away! Peace and love,
Very awesome, I love the art work. I would like to do comics also to post, I don’t think I have the patience though. Thumbs up!
Nice job Mike. Oh, BTW, there is another comic in here, it’s just not as sane as yours.
Yep! Time well spend sometimes are worthless. I like this!
Haha… most people have the similar problems regarding feedback.
Love the comic strip!!
Game over. You win.
Nicely done.
LOL
oh my goodness! your drawing abilities are amazing!
best thing to do is blog for yourself
I think it’s neat to see a different presentation style from you. I usually just don’t have time to read many long entries. It’s nothing personal – just my busy schedule.
Wow, those comic strips were very well done!
Been in that situation before!
lol I hate the reply thing too. It used to be that people just went over to your Xanga and visited but also, there were people who never bothered to read what you wrote and just replied to what you said to them lol. Or those that left a comment saying “Come visit my site” I prefer taking out comments of the equation, that way I don’t feel disappointed or anything. No, really… it’s nice to receive e props xD I love your comic, or should I say artwork? I have done a few comics but they are more like scanned doodles. xD Yours is amazing.
hahaha, good one – keep ‘em coming…
I quite enjoyed this. I know the sentiment all too well. Lol. Nicely done, sir.
Good job.
Ha Ha! Great job! I love this!
I love the way your creativity flows,you have talents and share them with us,writing,humor drawing,wit,observation, and you are friendly to boot. So glad that you are a part of this community even with its Xanxiety!
Very good, Mike. I enjoyed this.
I get the same way as in your cartoon, haha. Sometimes, I want people to reply/comment just for talking…. and sometimes, god forbid, I’d actually like attention! Haha. Great comic though!!!
xanxiety..? interesting terminology~
“Gee Mail”!!! This is cool the way you put this together.
How true. Hilarious!
(Glad to stumble across your page again! When did you come back from your hiatus?)
“Xangxiety”. Nice. I like that.
I’ve been with Xanga since 2006 and haven’t branched out any father than family. That is ending now! What a good start I’m making with your site. I really enjoy the cartoon and admire the work. Congratulations on #1 Top Blog! It is what drew me here. I’m subscribing and will be back for sure.
Yep I can definitely relate
Count this one into your total!
Very funny! I must subscribe to your site!
awesome creativity
This is incredible!!! Wow. Do more of thissssssss =] <3 Most amazing.
I think everyone on xanga can relate to this! And then the silly little throwaway post that you don’t spend five minutes writing is what everyone likes. At least that’s what often happens to me.
Fun. I love cartoons/comics!
Great post, Mike. Very creative, but we’ve all came to expect that from you.
Xanga can seem like a job if you let it. Nice work on the art.
LOL – Thanks! peace, Al
Perfect illustrationd!
i am sure a lot of people here can relate! Good work!
The art is quite impressive. Good job getting the comment volume you wanted this time!
Cute. I like this.
I hope to see more of these. Mostly because up until lately, that’s all I’ve felt being on Xanga.
thanks for the comment. and yea i know once life starts slipping away it def goes quick i found that out with my granddaddy. he was fine and healthy one day the next he was sick and then he was gone. so im def going to spend more time with my aunt im sure she’ll enjoy the company too.
I’ve experienced thist. It just takes work. :] I loved this little cartoon, though. Great job on it!
Mike, if anybody deserves to be top blog it is your blog. I am glad that you were inspired to deliver a top entry. I think every Xangan can relate. LOL….I would add another last pic of the following day…which would be the same as the first. It seems we just keep going and keep writing. I think this entry shows your true talent and ability to connect on a popular scale. Well done with a superb entry.
Haha.. pretty accurate! Except for the “worked 7 hours” part. I’ve worked 12!
And yes, I am kidding. 
hilarious!
I rarely get comments on my stuff compared to all the replies to comments I get. it’s almost disheartening but I could just stop being so damn social. =P
Loved this.
Hahaha. So much truth. Your artistic abilities are impressive, Mike. You’re just an all around creative and talented guy!
I love the screennames. XD
These are really awesome. I can relate.
I comment enough, and get replies to virtually every comment I post on other sites, but only a small percentage visit back. Oh, well. Their loss.
hahaha!XD
This is just awesome
Yep. Seems as though Xanga is like that. I think you did the toon exceedingly well. It sure did register well with others since I’m reading so many comments.
I love the toon idea. Keep it going!
~~Blessings ‘n Cheers
cute!
@DickDoktorII - Dear Steve, I visited you this morning. Your comment is a bit anticlimactic for me now. Good stuff on your site, further adding to my “xanxiety that I didn’t really spend a lot of time on the actual artwork.
@oceanstarr - Dear Ocean, You remain one of my favorite Xanga artists, no scratch that, artists in general, and I owe you a visit or three.
@seedsower - Dear Beth, I always love seeing a comment from you. Since you’re a photographer, the lack of mention that I snap a few pics now and then makes me realize it has been a half year since I’ve gone on a Photo Expedition. Happy Birthday yet again. I hope the day is going wonderfully for you!
@kittycat123 - @christykim - Dear Kitty and Christy. “Xanxiety” never made it to my dictionary of all terms Xangan: The Xangapedia. But I’ve used the term before on my blog, and knew I’d use it as the title of the comic strip when I planned this about six months or so ago!
@saintvi - Dear Melinda, I try to intersperse the stuff I want people to see with the little “throwaway posts” and Lord knows I sprinkle enough links, but it’s the easy stuff about Xanga that always seems to do the trick. I’m lovin’ it, however. Still on top of top blogs and it’s past noon!
@Ro_ad808 - Dear Michael, It’s a nice job. No pay, but the rewards can sometimes be excellent!
@BoureeMusique - Dear Emily, Wrong entry, but you are one of the few who always comment on the entries which mean something to me!
@MyxlDove - Dear Riis, Always a pleasure to get a visit from you. I’ll have to go see what wonderful songs you have written/sung lately over at your place.
@Unstoppable_Inner_Strength - Dear H, Before the “reply” feature, Xangans had to visit, and I kinda liked that better. Although back then there were a lot of “RYCs” (regarding your comment) and “comment me back, dude” comments which didn’t comment on the post at hand at all. I always attempt to make a visit to each Xangan who comments, even though it sometimes takes me a long time!
I can relate, but not entirely due to my blog. It’s not that popular. BTW I hope none of your fans are still on dial-up.
ha ha, I KNEW this would zoom straight to the top. you must feel pleased, and rightly so.
It’s the most genius thing I’ve ever seen you do on here. And DUDE, you can reall DRAW too!
That’s great!
This is how it usually works for me.
Good idea! Look forward to more.
Very Clever Mike! I’m impressed!
Cool comic, I laughed and I really like how it looks
Yaaay! Way to go!
Hehehe… the entries that I think are best are never the ones people like. It’s always the lame little ones that I post that people seem to enjoy. Perhaps I should stop overthinking it. hehe
Totally cute post!
haha this is great!
LOL Loved it! Keep up the great work!
Nice drawings.
I’m always surprised when I get a comment within the first 3 minutes, but it has happened. Usually it is 2 or 3, and over a period of 3 days.
I like your cartoon, and the updates you gave made me chuckle, because I can relate.
I hope you’ll continue to draw, whether it’s comics or xanga-related, or not. You have a talent you could build into a skill.
haha it is funny, but i cannot relate…3 vies is like golden for me! haha =D
Way to go Mike! No shortage of comments on this one. Well done!
Dear Mike,
.
This is great! haha. Very cool cartoon
peace,
Jane
Awsome cartoons,..Sir Mike!! You missed your true calling!!
Stanelle
How delightful. I backed off of Xanga for awhile because I was spending too much time here. Now after the withdrawal symptoms are gone I have been able to come back with some sort of reasonability. ~ mom
Last! Because I am not on the internet as often as I used to be. Now if making cartoons don’t take too long, it looks like a sure winner for xanga ratings, who knows maybe someone might want to sydicate it?
Thanks for the Evergreen cementary post, the Chinese Historical Society still has a spot there way in the east side of that cementary, not as elaborate as the Japanese part but hey at least we have a monument there….
what the ‘h e double hockey sticks’ does MFN/ppf mean? PS I love your little GIF in the header.
@RushmoreJ - Rush, At work, so this’ll be quick. MFN/ppf is an acronym for my signature, which has been, and will remain, as I am, Michael F. Nyiri, poet, philosopher, fool
I really like your comic/art strip