This is the first Basic Instructions, or at least the first one that was completed.
I got the idea for Basic Instructions at a Burger King. I was refilling my drink, looking at the sign that said “No Refills.”
I thought, Of course I’m going to refill my drink. The refill is how Burger King repays me for doing what’s essentially their job. Without the free refill, I’m paying them a buck to hand me a paper cup.
I was a standup comic at the time, but I couldn’t think of a way to make that idea work as stage material. When I got home, I started writing the first Basic Instructions, “How to Refill Your Drink.” After a couple of hours, I realized that I couldn’t make that idea work as material for a comic strip either, butthe idea of a web comic couched as instructions stuck with me.
A week or two later, I produced this, and put it up on LiveJournal. That’s how this all got started.
You’ll notice that the final panel of this comic is the source of the comic’s logo. You’ll also notice that in the first panel, I look like Nosferatu.
This is the first Basic Instructions, or at least the first one that was completed.
I got the idea for Basic Instructions at a Burger King. I was refilling my drink, looking at the sign that said “No Refills.”
I thought, Of course I’m going to refill my drink. The refill is how Burger King repays me for doing what’s essentially their job. Without the free refill, I’m paying them a buck to hand me a paper cup.
I was a standup comic at the time, but I couldn’t think of a way to make that idea work as stage material. When I got home, I started writing the first Basic Instructions, “How to Refill Your Drink.” After a couple of hours, I realized that I couldn’t make that idea work as material for a comic strip either, butthe idea of a web comic couched as instructions stuck with me.
A week or two later, I produced this, and put it up on LiveJournal. That’s how this all got started.
You’ll notice that the final panel of this comic is the source of the comic’s logo. You’ll also notice that in the first panel, I look like Nosferatu.
Many have asked if I’d make a fresh comic or two, or even consider starting the comic up again if I felt inspired, and the answer is, of course, yes. That said, I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you. I make no promises.
I am, however, deeply grateful that there are people who care enough about the comic to ask, and for the attention and support you’ve all given me. This thing has worked out far better than I ever had any right to hope, and that’s entirely thanks to all of you.
I will start posting reruns here, on Facebook, ( https://www.facebook.com/basicinstructions ) and on GoComics this coming Tuesday night/Wednesday morning (August 25/26, to be specific). I’ve been looking through the first few dozen comics, and let me tell you, this could get rough. When posting time comes, If a comic looks particularly weak to me, I may well decide to post a second or even a third comic along with it in hopes that I can make up for poor quality with volume. (I don’t see any problem with that logic.) On GoComics, where I can only really post one comic at a time, I’ll select whichever comic I think is the strongest.
One other change that I haven’t mentioned is that for the reruns, comments will be turned off on the site. It will still be possible to comment on the comic, but you’ll do so at Facebook.com/basicinstructions. I know this will make some of you unhappy, but you’d be surprised how much of the mental bandwidth of running a webcomic is taken up in handling comments.
I know I’m rambling, but one last thing before I let you go: As most of you know, I have started an e-mail list. It’s not just a means to put out self-serving news when the mood strikes. I’m trying to send out a message every week, and I’m trying to have at least part of that message be funny. Below you’ll find my favorite one so far, followed by a web form you can use to sign up.
Thanks for everything,
Scott Meyer
So, Ric and I were talking …
Many of these messages will start with either “Ric and I were talking” or “Missy and I were talking.” Consider yourself warned.
Ric and I were talking, and we both agree that while the Civil War was possibly the worst time to have a surgical procedure, and also the worst time to be a surgeon, it was probably the easiest time in history to be an anesthesiologist.
Here, I'll show you what I mean.
Scot Meyer Presents
Professor Milo Strunk: Civil War Anesthesiologist
Episode 1 - Pre Op Care
Milo
Okay, Captain Grundig, I understand you're here today to have your left leg amputated just above the knee, is that correct?
Grundig
Yes.
Milo
Good. Here, drink these three fingers of whiskey.
Grundig
Okay.
Milo
Good. Now, when the surgeon gets here, I'm going to ask you to count backwards from ten. When you get to one, I'll shove this stick in your mouth for you to bite on during the procedure. Here, drink three more fingers of whiskey.
Grundig
Whiskey and a stick?! Is that it?
Milo
Now, now, Captain Grundig, I know this is all quite nerve-wracking, but I assure you, you're receiving the best medical care the Army is prepared to offer. It might make you feel better to know that I've sterilized the stick. Drink up.
Grundig
Don't you have anything stronger than whiskey to give me?
Milo
Hmm. Unfortunately, we're out of vodka. I'll tell you what, though … the Bayer pharmaceutical company does have two brand new drugs: aspirin and heroin. I have some samples. Here, have an aspirin, and wash it down with this whiskey.
Grundig
What about the other new medicine?
Milo
Heroin? It might be used for pain, I suppose, but my understanding is that it's primarily a cough remedy. Now listen, this is important. Know that once the surgery begins, I'll be right here with you the whole time.
Grundig
Okay.
Milo
When the surgeon starts the amputation, don't, under any circumstances, cry. I detest weakness.
Grundig
Can I have some more whiskey?
Milo
I don't think so. We don't want you to make yourself sick.
Announcer That ends today's thrilling episode of Professor Milo Strunk: Civil War anesthesiologist! Tune in next week, when you'll hear Milo say ...
Milo Amateurs! You can't administer this anesthesia in stemware! This procedure clearly calls for a highball glass!
A big thank you to everyone who has subscribed so far! If you try to subscribe and there's any problem with the form below, simply e-mail me and tell me the e-mail address you'd like to use to subscribe. I'll put you in manually. Please do try the form first though.
Many have asked if I’d make a fresh comic or two, or even consider starting the comic up again if I felt inspired, and the answer is, of course, yes. That said, I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you. I make no promises.
I am, however, deeply grateful that there are people who care enough about the comic to ask, and for the attention and support you’ve all given me. This thing has worked out far better than I ever had any right to hope, and that’s entirely thanks to all of you.
I will start posting reruns here, on Facebook, ( https://www.facebook.com/basicinstructions ) and on GoComics this coming Tuesday night/Wednesday morning (August 25/26, to be specific). I’ve been looking through the first few dozen comics, and let me tell you, this could get rough. When posting time comes, If a comic looks particularly weak to me, I may well decide to post a second or even a third comic along with it in hopes that I can make up for poor quality with volume. (I don’t see any problem with that logic.) On GoComics, where I can only really post one comic at a time, I’ll select whichever comic I think is the strongest.
One other change that I haven’t mentioned is that for the reruns, comments will be turned off on the site. It will still be possible to comment on the comic, but you’ll do so at Facebook.com/basicinstructions. I know this will make some of you unhappy, but you’d be surprised how much of the mental bandwidth of running a webcomic is taken up in handling comments.
I know I’m rambling, but one last thing before I let you go: As most of you know, I have started an e-mail list. It’s not just a means to put out self-serving news when the mood strikes. I’m trying to send out a message every week, and I’m trying to have at least part of that message be funny. Below you’ll find my favorite one so far, followed by a web form you can use to sign up.
Thanks for everything,
Scott Meyer
So, Ric and I were talking …
Many of these messages will start with either “Ric and I were talking” or “Missy and I were talking.” Consider yourself warned.
Ric and I were talking, and we both agree that while the Civil War was possibly the worst time to have a surgical procedure, and also the worst time to be a surgeon, it was probably the easiest time in history to be an anesthesiologist.
Here, I'll show you what I mean.
Scot Meyer Presents
Professor Milo Strunk: Civil War Anesthesiologist
Episode 1 - Pre Op Care
Milo
Okay, Captain Grundig, I understand you're here today to have your left leg amputated just above the knee, is that correct?
Grundig
Yes.
Milo
Good. Here, drink these three fingers of whiskey.
Grundig
Okay.
Milo
Good. Now, when the surgeon gets here, I'm going to ask you to count backwards from ten. When you get to one, I'll shove this stick in your mouth for you to bite on during the procedure. Here, drink three more fingers of whiskey.
Grundig
Whiskey and a stick?! Is that it?
Milo
Now, now, Captain Grundig, I know this is all quite nerve-wracking, but I assure you, you're receiving the best medical care the Army is prepared to offer. It might make you feel better to know that I've sterilized the stick. Drink up.
Grundig
Don't you have anything stronger than whiskey to give me?
Milo
Hmm. Unfortunately, we're out of vodka. I'll tell you what, though … the Bayer pharmaceutical company does have two brand new drugs: aspirin and heroin. I have some samples. Here, have an aspirin, and wash it down with this whiskey.
Grundig
What about the other new medicine?
Milo
Heroin? It might be used for pain, I suppose, but my understanding is that it's primarily a cough remedy. Now listen, this is important. Know that once the surgery begins, I'll be right here with you the whole time.
Grundig
Okay.
Milo
When the surgeon starts the amputation, don't, under any circumstances, cry. I detest weakness.
Grundig
Can I have some more whiskey?
Milo
I don't think so. We don't want you to make yourself sick.
Announcer That ends today's thrilling episode of Professor Milo Strunk: Civil War anesthesiologist! Tune in next week, when you'll hear Milo say ...
Milo Amateurs! You can't administer this anesthesia in stemware! This procedure clearly calls for a highball glass!
A big thank you to everyone who has subscribed so far! If you try to subscribe and there's any problem with the form below, simply e-mail me and tell me the e-mail address you'd like to use to subscribe. I'll put you in manually. Please do try the form first though.
