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Daily News declares itself nothing more than a fly swat

By Howard B. Owens

It's disappointing to learn today that the Daily News thinks of itself as serving no other higher public good than acting as a fly swat.

Well, I suppose it could also be used to line a bird cage, wrap a fish, clean a window or mulch a garden.

At The Batavian, we're pretty proud of the fact that we're here to serve the community by helping people become better informed and giving all residents a chance to have a voice in their community.

You can subscribe to the Daily Fly Swat at BataviaNews.com.

Charlie Mallow

Howard that was drawn by County Legislator John Hodgins, not the "paper". It’s an editorial cartoon; you can send a letter or cartoon expressing your view point into the paper. To their credit, The Daily prints everything in the editorial section, even negative things about themselves.

Jul 10, 2008, 3:38pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Either way, Charlie ... rather curious timing for them to publish this ... right when we're starting to get real traction ... traffic has been up quite a bit this week, we're finding more and more people talking about us and congratulating us about the site, and we're making noises about opening up to advertising (retail and classified) ... and this is the Daily Fly Swat's first public acknowledgment that we exist.

How can I not have a little fun with that?

Jul 10, 2008, 5:19pm Permalink
Lazlo Toth

I'm surprised that The Daily publishes any of John Hodgins' cartoons. They are poorly drawn, and have obscure subject matter. I suspect that his "work" is entertaining only to himself. Given the obtuse nature of the cartoons, I wonder what kind of image of Batavia they present to the rest of the world. The Daily is doing a disservice to the area in that regard, as in publishing his scribblings, the message screams, "We are just a bunch of hicks!"

John Hodgins should stick with landscapes.

Jul 10, 2008, 8:26pm Permalink
Charlie Mallow

I could not agree more. John's cartoons have gotten more and more negative as time goes on. Most don't even make sense. The idea that he would slam the paper who has given him a voice for so long is just bitter. This one is extra special because he was also able to slap TheBatavian too.

Jul 10, 2008, 8:50pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Funny thing is, a few of my friends have asked if the man in the cartoon is supposed to be a caricature of me.

I hope not.

I may be ugly, but geez ... though the hairdo is kinda close.

Jul 10, 2008, 9:18pm Permalink
Daniel Jones

Its clear that as time goes on John Hodgins becomes more irrational, I think that he's losing his bearings. His poorly drawn cartoons are almost comical in their desperation for attention.

John Hodgins should just should just go back to stenciling signs, he was better at that than he is at trying to help run a government or make a political statement.

Jul 10, 2008, 9:19pm Permalink

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