Global Cartoon Site Launches in Wake of Violent Demonstrations

Gogags.com, a web site where readers may purchase comics directly from cartoonists around the globe, supports strong editing role.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) February 13, 2006 -- GoGags.com, a web site that uploads comics directly from cartoonists and delivers them to mobile phones around the world, launched last week amid the global uproar over cartoons caricaturizing the Muslim prophet Mohammed. Dawn Douglass, president of Full Tilt Features, the comics syndicate behind www.GoGags.com, said the violent demonstrations have served to strengthen her company’s resolve to ensure that the comics they deliver do not defame, harass, abuse or threaten any person or religion.

Douglass, the mother of a US Marine wounded in Iraq in 2004, said she supports artists’ right to free expression but not at all costs. “Freedom of Speech must be balanced against common sense and social responsibility,” she said. “As we’ve seen, matters of principle can quickly turn into matters of life and death.”

Conceived long before the cartoons crisis, the goal of GoGags.com is to gather cartoonists from around the globe to upload and offer not just editorial cartoons, but funny gags and comic strips that find humor in the mundane things we all do and the human traits we share in common. “What better way for cultures to learn about each other honestly than through the universal appeal of simple, modest day-to-day comics?” asked Douglass.

Indeed, comics have reminded all nations how powerful they can be. And with power comes responsibility. “Full Tilt adopted its name in 2003 to show that we were relaxing U.S. newspapers’ 1950’s sensibility standards for funny pages,” explained Douglass, whose editors welcome even ‘R’ rated gags. “However, anybody around the world who has a cell phone with mobile Internet service can retrieve goGags, so we need to be culturally conscious.” To that end, editors have been prepared to be alert for comics that may be egregiously offensive, and they have the power to reject any gag before it appears on the website.

“Laughing with people is better than laughing at them,” is the mantra.

Cartoonists interested in becoming contributors and readers who would like to join the fun can get more information at http://www.gogags.com.

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