DC Comics has hired Nielsen, a company known worldwide for their production of TV ratings, to compile data relating to their New 52 relaunch efforts. This week through Friday, October 7th, Nielsen will offer an online survey specifically targeted to people who have purchased and read any or all of DC’s September offerings.
DC seems to be moving in the right direction in assessing who’s buying and reading their products. This data can be very influential in helping them find their weak points and their strengths, but it can also cause as many problems as it can potentially solve.
The data can present a clearer picture of DC Comics buyers than they have previously been able to see, but it’s still very early to compile significant data in what seemingly is a “one off” survey. The cost to run a professional ongoing survey over the course of several months might be too high to justify. DC could get a clearer picture of their demographic after the initial launch has settled in, maybe DC can have another survey in 6-12 months?
If DC’s Editorial departments stick to a long term vision for their books, the data can be a valuable resource to help them attract new readers – as long as they don’t let the tail wag the dog. It’s easy to have the reader let you know what they like, but if you write specifically for that, you can lose creative vision. A good story will always find an audience – as long as DC keeps the creative talent writing good stories, they won’t have to tailor stories for the audience that already exists. DC has invested enough money and effort into the relaunch that this might not be a problem. Although, lately there’s been quite a few changes in creative teams already.
If you’ve bought and read any of the DC New 52 comics, you can take the survey here. It takes about 10-15 minutes, but the data gives DC a much better look at their audience moving forward.
DC Comics has thanked retailers and fans for their enthusiasm and support during the launch of THE NEW 52, but in a new appeal they’re asking for feedback in a new online survey.
As they made clear from the beginning, their goal was to expand the market by appealing to new/lapsed readers. They believe this has happened, but now they’d like feedback from the fanbase and comic shop retailers about where to go next.
DC has engaged Nielsen NRG, the world-class research company, to survey U.S. consumers and retailers (online and in person), to learn more about DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 and its readership.
You can participate by completing a "Reader Survey," online at http://www.nielsennrg.com/dcsurvey. The Survey is available now, through Friday, October 7.
Retailer will also be asked to complete an individual "Retailer Survey."
DC Comics promises to release the results sometime early next year.
Please note – DC will not be retaining any consumer information associated with this survey. Additionally, Nielsen will be visiting a handful of comic shops nationwide for in-person interviews and will be surveying digital consumers from its app/website.
– The Comic Book Critic