Comic Book Reader's Bill of Rights Version 1.0

As a comic book reader, you have the right to expect that the people who create the comics you read will be treated ethically and compensated properly for their effort by their publishers, in a manner that enriches both the creators and the company that publishes their work.

As a comic book reader, you have the right to expect that creators want to create stories with a higher goal than the mere sustaining of the economic viability of trademarks owned by corporations.

As a comic book reader, you have the right to buy work that entertains and enlightens you, and the right to spread the word to others who might enjoy such work if you choose to do so.

As a comic book reader, you have the right to express your opinion on work that you have invested your time and money on, and the responsibility to do so in an intellegent manner that encourages civil and responsible debate on the themes, purpose and merits of the work.

As a comic book reader, you have the right to quality merchandise that delivers what it promises. If the merchandise is flawed in some way or misrepresents its contents in either advertising or cover copy, you have the right to expect -- and retailers have the responsibility to issue you -- a full refund.

As a comic book reader, you have the right to expect professionalism from the retailer or retailers selling you their merchandise. This includes, but is not limited to, competent customer service, a clean and safe retail environment, and modern retail policies including sales receipts and posted refund and return policies.

As a comic book reader, you have the right to expect that your retailer understands and is capable of professionally implementing the current pre-ordering system. While progressive, forward-thinking people will recognize the system as ineffective at best and disastrous at worst, until Diamond and Previews are supplanted by a real ordering system that works for both retailers and readers, you have the right to expect that your retailer understands how the system works, and will make sure that you receive 100 percent of the merchandise you choose to order through them.

As a comic book reader, you have the right and responsibility to spend your money on the works that you want to purchase. You have no responsibility to buy products in formats you don't care for in order to artificially prop up a failing industry unable to see its way to its own future.

As a comic book reader, you have the right to expect that your tastes will be respected, and that all genres and formats of comics will be properly displayed and offered for sale by the retailer you choose to give your money to. You have the responsibility to avoid any comics store that makes you uncomfortable or dissatisfied, for whatever reason, and the right to notify the owner in private of any reasons why you choose not to support their store.

Similarly, you have the right and responsibility to support the comics retailer of your choice, for whatever reasons make that retailer the most responsive to your personal, individual needs as a comics buyer.

The Comic Book Reader's Bill of Rights is Ideological Freeware. The author grants permission for its reproduction and redistribution by private individuals on condition that the author and source of the article are clearly shown, no charge is made, and the whole article is reproduced intact, including this notice.