But he is not alone in his experience either among New York cartoonists or among alternative-weekly cartoonists across the country. Judging from the cartoonists with whom the Journal spoke, an attitude prevails among alternative weeklies that is diametrically opposed to that of the mainstream world of daily strip syndication. The New York Press, in fact, has been so diligent about sweeping the cobwebs from its strip pages that it scarcely has any strips left. Mr. Wiggles remain, both favorites among the Press editorial staff. Several of Kaz's alternative cartoonist friends, who know the score, sent their own barbed cartoon responses to the New York Press ad.
Somebody suddenly thinks that a strip has turned too old-hat or too hip.
When a strip is popular with readers and editorial staff, the paper will make every effort to associate itself with the strip, often using images from the strip in house ads and even outside ads. Whoever handled the sales account would work out a deal with Millionaire. Now they're sticking the teddy bear from Rehabilitating Mr. Wiggles on all these ads. To some extent, the Press reflects the changing tastes of Smith, who, according to several contributors, runs the paper like a semi-benevolent despot. The Press has run two new strips in the weeks following Kaz's departure.