Balancing the books on the backs of the little guy

[Atman]

Unless you're building bombs or otherwise engaged in bomb-delivery related activity programs, you're likely getting screwed in the Bush economy. Even some giant newspapers, struggling for income, have decided that simply not paying contributors is a reasonable way to balance the books. Now, of course, try that at home with the electric company or the phone company...

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Philly 'Inquirer' Asks for Comics at No Charge

By Dave Astor

Published: January 29, 2004


NEW YORKThe Philadelphia Inquirer recently asked several syndicates to provide comics at no cost for at least six months, E&P has learned.

Sources indicated that two syndicates may have reluctantly agreed to the Knight Ridder-owned newspaper's request. Another syndicate is thinking about it. And the Washington Post Writers Group said no.

"We thought it was an unreasonable request and would set a very disturbing precedent," said WPWG Sales Manager/North America Karisue Wyson, when contacted by E&P. She recalled that the Inquirer, citing budget reasons, told WPWG it would continue to run "That's Life" only if it could use Mike Twohy's comic free for 12 months. It later shortened this request to six months, according to Wyson, but the syndicate still would not agree.

Though feature rates are usually low, newspapers frequently pressure syndicates to reduce or freeze prices -- especially during recessionary times. But Wyson said a client never previously asked her to suspend billing for so long. "When I mentioned it to a couple of other editors, they were shocked," she said. "Comics are a unique, complex, important art form. The artists deserve to be compensated."

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http://www.mediainfo.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2080161

By the way, you can read MY comic strip for free anyway, with my blessing...click HOO Cares! below.