Darn it, why does everyone always think we're joking?

Seriously.

Newspaper closings and bankruptcies have cut in half the already modest amount we make for writing and drawing Rudy Park. And people read the strip on the Internet essentially for free.

We know we're not alone in hitting tought times. Lots of Americans and American enterprises are hurting. And we feel blessed we've had nearly a decade-long run with Rudy Park.

We're trying to come up with some creative ways to support our efforts, perhaps by introducing a premium service for a small fee. (look at us adeptly using the e-commerce vernacular!). In the meantime, we ask only this: please be aware of and appreciate the fact that artists cannot support themselves (ourselves) with an economic model in which everything is distributed on the Internet for free.

We're open to suggestions, and your input. would you be willing to pay for a premium service -- say, $9.99 a year -- to keep Rudy Park in business and get some added benefit (like a framable, autographed Rudy Park comic strip)? Would you be willing to buy a Rudy Park t-shirt, coffee mug or other collectable?

The email lines are open. Please send us a note at Rudy@rudypark.com

Sorry that we're acting like a bunch of whiners. This sort of whining makes Sadie very upset.

Sincerely (seriously)

Theron and Darrin.