So what's it all about?

     Okay, here's the deal: The site name's mine, so's the design and layout
     and review content - mine, all mine. And the toons? - No, they're not mine
     (apart from Flick and Wired World). Every character, series and creation
     has its respective copyright owner or owners. This site wouldn't exist without
     this amazing group of animators, cartoonists, creators and site owners.
     I'm attempting to be as thorough as I can with my acknowledgments,
     but if  I've missed anyone out, or credited someone incorrectly then
     tell me, please - I'm a struggling cartoonist myself, so I know all too
     well how frustrating it is to be incorrectly credited...

   

     Reasonable Usage

     Now, speaking of copyright. I'm trusting that the images and illustrations
     incorporated in these pages are covered by that ambiguous term
     "reasonable usage". If I don't have specific clearance for usage, I've been
     careful not to make pages image-heavy, and trust that the percentage
     of images used equates to the correct percentage of use for review
     purposes (say, what?).

     I'm ultra-cautious when it comes to usage. For that reason, there
     are no full-page comic strips, and very few sound and movie files
     (aside from ones with proper clearance). Toonhound is, first and
     foremost an information site. Think of it as a toon database.

     And whilst we're discussing usage, I'm aware of a great many folks
     hotlinking to the site via MySpace, etc. At times it gets quite mad, and
     I've considered adding scripts to block such behaviour. But I'm fearful of
     blocking legitimate links in the process. So let's just say I'm monitoring
     the situation. That monitoring includes eBay, where far too many people
     seem to be lifting whole chunks of my index pages to include in their
     sales patter without due credit to me or the site. Every so often I'll bite
     back. I'll change image files or contact the dodgy dealer directly to
     point out their error. Part of me is flattered, of course. But you can
     usually tell the difference between legitimate toon fans and sellers,
     and folks just out to make a quick buck anywhichway they can.
     So again, folks, I'm monitoring you!...

   

     In Review

     Now those reviews. If  I've caused any offence, I'm sorry. I've tried to
     be frank and truthful when I've checked out a toon or a site. I'm all too aware
     how much effort is required to get a series off the ground, a movie into
     production, a book into print, a comic into circulation or a homepage
     up and running. I don't see any point in ripping stuff to shreds in review.
     I'll always look for something positive in its construction. But if something's
     a little clunky or it would benefit from an edit or two then I've mentioned it.
     Hey, I'm duty-bound...

     It needs to be added that I can not and will not be held responsible for
     the content of any of the sites I link to. If there's inflammatory, pornographic
     or offence material there, or viruses or trojans or lord-knows-what - heck,
     that's nothing to do with me. I do my best to avoid that kind of thing but it
     could very well sneak through. You follow The Hound's links at your
     own risk folks...

  

     Yes, there are adverts here. They're unavoidable. I need the revenue to
     survive, now that the site is taking up so much of my life. But I always
     try to keep 'em discreet - usually slipped into the left-hand menu bar.
     I do have a number of direct Amazon text links embodied in my index
     pages, and on my news pages. But you asked for them specifically,
     so you really can't complain! - Seriously, my Inbox is regularly
     stuffed-to-busting with requests for DVDs and book info...

   

     Technically speaking

     For those who want to know, Toonhound has been built using a combination of
     Dreamweaver, Fireworks and Coreldraw software. The code is probably all over
     the shop - I have only a basic knowledge of HTML and suchlike. But it all
     seems to load in the browsers I've tested it on, so what the heck, maybe I do
     know a bit about programming after all...

     If any copyright owner or site owner's still unimpressed, then let me know. 
     Toonhound's still a puppy so I might need some housetraining. I can't be
     fairer than that, can I?

      - Happy hounding!

                    - June 2006