Let me be clear here. I do not think that in any way that a book review actually endorsing and giving Larson’s work a favorable review in any way disrespects his work or should cause him any emotional distress. When books are reviewed, authors and photographers are usually pleased to have their work favorably reviewed and also have photographs, illustrations and quotes included within the reviews. For an cartoonist and publisher to object to a positive review with samples of the work is just ridiculous. This is a digital age, and Larson had better come to grips that his work is going to be put out there digitally in cyberspace whether he and his publishers like it or not. He can’t have it both ways.

Let’s be honest here, before the “Complete Far Side” was published, how many times did he and his publishers prostitute his “children” for sale in various re-packages and books that included the same cartoons? Yes, Mr. Larson, it’s OK if you exploit your “children,” it’s just not alright if you don’t have control of the media and profit from it, is that the problem?

Anytime something is put out there in the public forum in print or photographic form, it will be subject to use by other parties. I am a photographer, and although I have provided my work for free to people and have requested only a photo credit, very rarely have I been accorded that professional courtesy, despite my work helping various non-profit groups, private businesses and individuals.

People are still using my work to help themselves, their causes, and their professional images digitally on the internet and in other media forms, but there is nothing I can do to prevent it. I could write intimidating letters as Mr. Larson’s publishers do or sound like a whiny jerk as Larson does, but that would only hurt my reputation which I work hard to maintain. I do what practical people do in these situations. I may complain, but I have to realize that I have no control over the world wide internet and move on. Mr. Larson, enjoy your money and move on. You don’t control the world. Deal with it.