FAQs
How do you have an FAQs section already when you just launched, and you’re so unpopular? Like, who’s asking the questions?
Geez, really? And the first question? Is the internet really this unforgiving?
So you’re really just arguing with yourself now? That’s weird.
Too meta. Let’s just move on.
Okay.
How do you pronounce “Winke,” as in the name of your website?
‘Wink-y,’ or ‘Wink-ee,’ not ‘Wink.’
What is the purpose of this site?
Still figuring that out, but definitely researching and writing about topics I’m passionate about, illustrating short comics, and the like. So long as you laugh and learn something, I’ll be satisfied. My ‘secret’ goal, though, is this site gets popular enough that it helps me get back my stolen passport.
Endearing.
How often do you post?
There is no set schedule. Not only does it depend on the topic of the post, but also everything else going on in my life. I’ve posted thrice now (once in July 2018, again in February 2020, and last in July 2021), so let’s say “infrequently.”
Did you just use “thrice” in a sentence?
Yeah, sorry.
Are you actually going to post those ‘coming soon’ ones under your ‘teaser of some upcoming posts’ section? Why do you even have such a section?
Yes! And I thought of including such a section because I didn’t want this site to look like it was only for the first post, “How to (Really) Recover Your Lost or Stolen Passport Abroad.” The site just looked so empty. I also didn’t want this site to look like it was only going to be about that one topic. I was making my debut, and wanted to give a better sense of what this site will offer. A teaser section that took my most developed post ideas (in my head) of the various topics I’ll be covering (e.g. travel, science, politics, relationships, etc.) addressed both of these concerns. Once I get enough content up, I’ll likely take down the section.
Can I suggest a topic for a future post?
Sure. Why not?
Alright! Ya know how everyone is wearing Ons now?
Uhhhmmm…
Well, have a four-panel comic, an-
-Maybe we can discuss this offline, and get back to the questions?
Yeah, sure. That’s fine.
Okay, for your existing posts, I’ve read some of them. Do you have to have such a potty mouth?
I practically grew up working in kitchens in restaurants, so cursing comes naturally to me. I don’t go out of my way to be vulgar, though; I just want to keep my writing authentic, or supportive of the story or idea I’m trying to convey. On a related subject, I’ve always written how I speak – e-mails and texts even, which I believe is to the annoyance of others, as it can be lengthy compared to what everyone else does.
Another thing about your posts, I’ve got mild to severe OCD, and I’m bothered that some of your drawings are black and white while others are colored, and sometimes there are details, and other times there are not – your style is inconsistent!
Totally. I’m bothered by it, too. Personally, stick figures aren’t ideal, but it’s already such a grind to generate content this way, I can’t imagine doing more complicated drawings – it’d only serve to drag out the process further. So I’m still figuring out my style, and what that middle ground is. To give you peace of mind, though, the common thread is I aim to draw what’s sufficient enough to get the idea across in any one panel. If color is necessary to tell what something is, for example, then I add it only for that thing, otherwise I move on.
Got it. That does make me better.
And now, what is “The Winke Insider” all about?
I thought to differentiate my content. “The Winke Observer” is for general musings and nonsense, and “The Winke Insider” is for things I feel I have more authority to talk about – putting my education and experience in International Relations, politics, and the like to good use. Both “The Winke Observer” and “The Winke Insider” will be in illustrated essay format.
So “Winke Insider” is kinda like a second website? Don’t you think that’s a little much now when you’re hardly posting on your main one?
It’s more like a separate section than an entirely different site, similar to, say, CNN having one section for business, and then another for entertainment, sports, or whatever.
*nervous laughter
Hmm… I see. So you’re like trying to be like an Influenc-
-Yeah, no fuckin’ way.
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I’m sorry, but did I offend you?
I just don’t identify with Influencers in the slightest. The attention-seeking, or need for validation? The self-absorption, the entitlement – the celebrity of it all? The idea there’s ‘a cheat code’ to wealth? Sacrificing your dignity to build a soulless, dead-end career shilling for big corporations? Yeah, I can’t say I have any respect for them.
… Is now not a good time to mention this FAQs is brought to you by-
-Stop.
-ZipRecruiter-
-No it’s not!
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… The smartest way to hire.
Please!
Can we advertise on your website?
No. Advertisements are lame. If I do anything with funding in the future, it will be through the readers, or an online store.
What if we gave you, like, $1,000?
No.
$10,000,000?
… No.
$100,000?
What?
How can we best support you then?
Please subscribe, follow me on social media, and share my work. More on my sharing policy here; basically, please don’t steal.
Shifting gears here from your site, let’s talk about you.
Uh-oh.
Can you describe yourself?
I realized recently that I look like the default Memoji when I was setting it up on my iPhone. Not much customization there. Likewise for Miis on Nintendo now that I think about it.
I meant personality-wise, not physically.
Oh. Well then… let’s go with innocent.
What’s your biggest vice?
Opening hundred of tabs, and never getting around to reading a fraction of them.
What are some of the sources of inspiration for your work?
Other than my own life experiences and things that make me excited? Off the top of my head I’d say: Anthony Bourdain, Jon Stewart, Conan O’Brien, Jim Gaffigan, Patton Oswalt, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Steve Irwin, Wes Anderson, Pixar, “South Park,” “Family Guy,” “Rick and Morty,” “Last Week Tonight,” “Spongebob Squarepants,” “The Oatmeal,” “Wait But Why,” “The Far Side.”
Did you have a good pandemic?
“Did I have a good pandemic?”
Yeah, did you, like, make sourdough bread and shit?
What’s wrong with you?
*sobs
I’m sorry! I don’t know, okay?! I just haven’t socialized in months, and just feel I forgot how to now.
*sobs
I’m sorry, too! I can actually relate. It’s been a stressful year. We all just have to be kinder to each other, ya know?
Yeah… I guess I asked for it. I was being a little bit of a dick with some of my questions. I didn’t even say, “Hi,” I just jumped right into it.
Boy, this FAQs has sure gone off the rails, huh? Is anyone even listening? Is anyone still there?
Uhh… I think some have made it this far in the FAQs, yeah. Th- they can hear you.
Oh – oh, okay…
*sniffle
Ahem…
*clears throat
Speaking of the internet being overly critical, what’s your first experience with online trolls?
I had to be less than 10, still new and figuring out my place in this world - much like the internet at the time – and in an ‘interests’ section on a website, I wrote, “The movie ‘Scream,’ and Beanie Babies,” and a girl called me demented.
Scarred for life.
I see… You have a real job, right?
Yes.
Oh thank God.
… Uhh, anything else?
Nope. I’ve heard enough.
…