Picky Pickles' readers put pressure on publisher

MOSES LAKE - Can you put a price on a laugh?

Columbia Basin Herald Publisher Harlan Beagley learned this month that a good laugh is priceless, when he canceled the Pickles comic, much to the disappointment of some readers who are very particular about their comic choices.

"The lost comic was no laughing matter," Beagley said.

Beagley said the Washington Post Writers Group, which advocates for hundreds of syndicated columns across the globe, wanted $3 more per strip starting the end of December, and "that adds up."

"I told them to drop that charge or we would drop the funny," Beagley said. The Washington Post group did not drop the charges.

However, after more than 30 angry funny page readers called the Herald, and even more e-mailed, Beagley said he "gave in" on Friday, and Pickles returns today.

"I appreciate thoughts and comments regarding content of the paper. It shapes the future of our paper," Beagley said.

Herald reader Judy Davis was among those who called, unhappy with the cancellation of Pickles.

"Well, I think it's really good (Pickles is back). I just think Pickles has more to do with everyday reality more of the time," Davis said, comparing Pickles with the comic that replaced it.

Readers Kitty and Jim Ditzel also called. When they heard the news Pickles would be returning Kitty said, "I just think it's wonderful he's (Beagley) listening to the readers."

The Ditzels like the comic because the main characters, Earl and Opal Pickles, are "old folks like us. We can relate to them," Jim said.

Herald readers are not the only ones happy to see Pickles back on the funny pages.

Pickles cartoonist Brian Crane told the Herald, "It's humbling people care that much."

"I've been saved from cancellation by my fans more than once," he said.

"I wish I could thank them all personally but it would take me too far away from the drawing board," he said. Instead, he asked the Herald to give all who called or e-mailed, a "great big hug for me!"

Crane said his comic becomes important to viewers as they take the characters into their lives, and they become family or neighbors.

"A good laugh is so important, there are so many things to be worried and sad about," Crane said. He said a laugh is important, "to bring a smile to your face, and joy and health."

Take some time to meet the artist through this video from BYU Magazine.