FAQ: This new website is very different than the old Featurebank. How do I use this site?

FAQ: I'm currently a customer of United Media. How do I get the files that I always download from Featurebank?

FAQ: What if I forgot my username or my password?

FAQ: Okay, I was able to log-in and get to My Downloads page with no problem at all. When I look at the features I am able to retrieve though, I noticed that there are some titles I used to get but now seem missing. What happened to them and how do I get them back?

FAQ: Some titles seem to be available for download now only as "Zip" or "StuffIt" (Sit) files. Why is that and how do I go about downloading them and opening them?

FAQ: I tried using the "Batch Download All Files" link that I see available for all the features I have available to me. With some of them the link worked fine: I got a Zip file that had everything I needed. With others though, I got an Error message that said something about "Allowed memory size... being exhausted". What does that mean and what do I do?

FAQ: I noticed that there is a My Accounts page that I can click-to in the left side navigation. When I go there I see general contact info about my Account. Some of it is wrong, incomplete or out-of-date though. How do I fix it?

FAQ: I love the new website and the fact that I can learn so much more now about ALL of your features. Now that I've browsed around and found new titles that i want to put in my publication, who do I talk to?

FAQ: This new website is very different than the old Featurebank. How do I use this site?

Whether you're a new visitor to the site who isn't a customer of United Media's great titles yet, or you're already enjoying the benefits of using our content in your publication(s), using the new Featurebank is straightforward and simple. Click here for more information and a quick How-To.


FAQ: I'm currently a customer of United Media. How do I get the files that I always download from Featurebank?

To Log-In and retrieve the Features and content files that you already subscribe to from United Media, please enter your Account's username and password in the two fields designated in the above right-hand corner. Once you've successfully logged-in, you will automaticaly be taken to your My Downloads page, where you will be able to download all of your files.


FAQ: What if I forgot my username or my password?

If you cannot remember your username and/or corresponding password, please feel free to contact our Customer Service team and someone will be more than happy to assist you in retrieving your account information for you. Click here for more about our Customer Service department.


FAQ: Okay, I was able to log-in and get to My Downloads page with no problem at all. When I look at the Features I am able to retrieve though, I noticed that there are some titles I used to get but now seem missing. What happened to them and how do I get them back?

In building the new Featurebank website out, we tried very hard to make sure all of the data we used for our customers, and the content that they are accustomed to getting, remained as correct as possible. In migrating to the new site from our old one though, there will be some inevitable cases where an account will have a few titles go missing in the transfer. Don't worry though. Click here to get to our Customer Service department and they will be more than happy to help get the Features that you are subscribing to back on your My Downloads page ASAP.


FAQ: Some titles seem to be available for download now only as "Zip" or "StuffIt" (Sit) files. Why is that and how do I go about downloading them and opening them?

To make it more convenient and faster for our customers to download a title that is made up of many, multiple files for each new "edition" of the title, we are bundling all files for a given date, week or month together of a title so that you can download them all at once and extract the files out whenever you need them.

We chose to bundle them as Zips and Sits, because these two formats are now widely accepted as standard file compression formats on both Macs and PCS and are compatible with nearly all computer systems. If you are using a PC that is using Windows XP, you should be able to download a Zip file and open it automatically by clicking (or double-clicking) on it. On Macs running on OSX, you should be able to do this with both Zip and Sit files.

If you cannot do this or think your system may need a separate software application to expand the Zip or Sit file you've downloaded, below is a list of links to some applications, either free or free to try, that should be able to help you:

StuffIt Expander for Windows, for both Zip and Sit files
StuffIt Expander for Macs, for both Zip and Sit files
7-Zip for Windows and PCs, for Zip files
ZipGenius for Windows and PCs, for Zip files


FAQ: I tried using the "Batch Download All Files" link that I see available for all the features I have available to me. With some of them the link worked fine: I got a Zip file that had everything I needed. With others though, I got an Error message that said something about "Allowed memory size... being exhausted". What does that mean and what do I do?

What that basically means is that the sheer number of files you are trying to batch download for the feature, in total probably exceeds the maximum size limit we have for batch downloads, which is right now a pretty big and heavy 20 Megabytes.

Due to the large size of the total files currently available for the Feature then, we recommend that you download only the individual files that you need presently. Since the large Batch Download you are trying to get would take a long duration for you to retrieve -- and may also slow down your own system -- getting the individual files will ultimately save you time and effort in this case.

FAQ: I noticed that there is a My Accounts page that I can click-to in the left side navigation. When I go there I see general contact info about my Account. Some of it is wrong, incomplete or out-of-date though. How do I fix it?

Email or talk to one of our extremely competent, and always nice, Customer Service staff and they will fix your account data for you ASAP. Click here to get in touch with one of them now.


FAQ: I love the new website and the fact that I can learn so much more about ALL of your features. Now that I've browsed around and found new titles that I want to put in my publication, who do I talk to?

We're glad you asked! To get more information on our features and/or to become a customer to any of our titles, you can contact one of our Sales Managers and he or she will be able to assist you in no-time flat. Click here for a list of representatives and choose the person that best meets the needs of your respective region and requirements.

If you're outside of the United States and would like to become a customer, go to our International List page, and find one of our Agents in your area of the world. They'll be happy to help you!

My local newspaper doesn't publish my favorite comic strip. How can I get it in the paper?
I want a copy of a certain comic strip for my own personal use. How do I get it?
I want to put a copy of a certain strip on my Web Site or Intranet. Is that ok?
I want to put a copy of a certain strip in a Publication. Is that ok?
I want to link to your site using one or more of your Feature graphics. Is this OK?
How does syndication work?
I would like to submit my idea for a column to you. What should I do?
I would like to submit my comic strip idea. What should I do?
I would like to submit my idea for an editorial cartoon, puzzle, or nontraditional feature. What should I do?
How much do cartoonists make?
I've written a comic strip, but I'm not an artist. Can I still submit my work?
I have an idea for one cartoon that I'd like you to buy. Can I send it to you?
The answer to my question is not here, what do I do?


FAQ: My local newspaper doesn't publish my favorite comic strip. How can I get it in the paper?

If you'd like to see your favorite comic strip from unitedfeatures.com or comics.com added to your local newspaper, check your paper for a mailing address, phone number or e-mail address, and send a request to the Comics or Features Editor. Editors want to create the best possible newspaper for their readers, so your input does make a difference!


FAQ: I want a copy of a certain comic strip for my own personal use. How do I get it?

Send a letter or an e-mail with a brief explanation of how you intend to use the strip. Be sure to include the date (located on the strip) and a description of the strip. Providing the words in the first pane of the strip will help get your request processed faster. Please include as many details as possible when sending a description as many strips can be similarly described. We will get back to you as soon as we can.

Contact information is as follows:

United Media
attn: Reprints Department
200 Madison Ave
4th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212-293-8500

Comic Reprints - U.S./English
reprints@unitedmedia.com

Comic Reprints - U.S./Foreign Language - Non-U.S.
reprints-int@unitedmedia.com

Original strips and signed copies of strips are unavailable. (Sorry!)


FAQ: I want to put a copy of a certain strip on my Web Site or Intranet. Is that ok?

Permission to reproduce Dilbert, Peanuts, Get Fuzzy or any other comics on your Web site or corporate Intranet is granted on a case-by-case basis. Fees and restrictions vary depending upon usage. For rates and availability, contact:

U.S. and Canada Online Sales & Syndication
United Media
attn: Reprints Department
200 Madison Ave
4th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212-293-8500
e-mail: reprints@unitedmedia.com

International Online Sales & Syndication
ph: 212-293-8722
800-221-4816 ext. 722
fax: 212-293-8720
e-mail: international-syndication@unitedmedia.com


FAQ: I want to put a copy of a certain strip in a Publication. Is that ok?

To use a strip for a presentation, newsletter, book, memo, or any other type of distribution, you need permission from United Media. Permission is granted on a case-by-case basis. Send a letter with a brief explanation on how you intend to use the strip and include the date (located on the strip) and a description of the strip. If you can provide the wording in the first panel of the strip that would help get your request processed faster. Please include as many details as possible when sending a description as many strips can be similarly described. If you wish to submit your request by email, please use the reprint permission form. Please include the type of publication (or topic of presentation) and the circulation of the publication. If it's a book, include whether you are seeking world or North American rights and also whether you need us to supply the art (camera-ready proofs, electronic delivery, etc.).

Rates are based on the information above, but the range is $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on circulation. There are also special rates for high school and college students and non-profit organizations.

For all English language rights, send your request to:

United Media
attn: Reprints Department
200 Madison Ave
4th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212-293-8500
e-mail: reprints@unitedmedia.com

For foreign language rights, contact:

International Sales & Syndication
ph: 212-293-8722
800-221-4816 ext. 722
fax: 212-293-8720
e-mail: international-syndication@unitedmedia.com

Please allow at least two weeks for a response. If you are on deadline, please indicate when you need a response.


FAQ: I want to link to your site using one or more of your Feature graphics. Is this OK? For instance, how about if I put up a selection of comics with the same filename so I can include a continuously updating comic on my Web page? I'm thinking of an automated HTML writer that would generate links to your comics and/or other Feature graphics.

Please do not use any material from our Web site on your Web site other than official link icons approved by us for such usage. Taking material from our Web site and displaying it on your Web page without our permission violates United Media's copyrights. Please do not use any comic strips or panels, graphics, or text without our approval first.


FAQ: How does syndication work?

Syndicates promote, sell, edit, and distribute features (comics, editorial cartoons, puzzles, columns) to newspapers around the world. We also represent our features in a variety of subsidiary venues, such as publishing and licensed media or products. United Media is comprised of two syndicates, United Feature Syndicate and Newspaper Enterprise Association. Although the two syndicates differ in the way they market to newspapers the features are handled by the same sales, editorial and licensing staff. Your contract would be with the individual syndicate, and you would be advised of the differences between the two ahead of time.


FAQ: I would like to submit my idea for a column to you. What should I do?

1. Column proposals should be targeted toward a minimum of weekly frequency.

2. We do not buy one-shot articles or series articles.

3. If you are proposing a column, we would like to see 4 to 6 samples -- no more than that in the first submission.

4. Preference is given to established writers and to those who already have a client list through self-syndication.

5. If your material is already published, legible PDFs of tearsheets are acceptable.

6. Column length, as a rule, should be between 500 and 600 words.

7. Our syndication agreement generally calls for an equal split of net cash proceeds from sales of a feature.

8. If we are interested in a feature for one of our "package" services, we may negotiate a per-column flat fee payment.

9. Please send your submission to us by e-mail, at submissions@unitedmedia.com. A PDF format for your samples is preferred, as it makes it easier for our editors to review.

Good luck. We look forward to hearing from you.


FAQ: I would like to submit my comic strip idea. What should I do?

We are always interested in new comic ideas, especially if they come from you. To submit comic features to us for possible syndication, please follow these guidelines.

Sending Your Submission: 


We would like to see 18-24 PDF samples of your work, both black-and-white and color, so that we can judge its consistency. Six strips to a page for dailies is ideal. As a syndicated cartoonist, you’ll be expected to file electronically, so this is good practice!

Please include a short note about yourself and your work. Please don’t include lengthy character descriptions, licensing prototypes or large presentations.

It can often take several months to review a submission. If you send a hard copy submission, please note that we cannot promise to review or return it.

The following tips may help you in the submission process:

Work in whatever size you feel most comfortable. However, if you are interested mainly in print syndication, please take the time to measure the kind of feature you are submitting in your local newspaper and work in the same proportion. Your art needs to be clean and legible enough to reduce to newspaper size.

Please send your submission to us by e-mail, at submissions@unitedmedia.com.

Good luck. We look forward to hearing from you.


FAQ: I would like to submit my idea for an editorial cartoon, puzzle, or nontraditional feature. What should I do?

Editorial cartoons: Please send a PDF of at least 12 samples, no more than 6 to a page. Black-and-white is ok, but we’d prefer to see some in color, as well.

Puzzles: Please send a PDF of at least 8 samples with clear, concise instructions on how to play. 


Interactive or animated features: Please send links to view samples, along with a clear description of what the feature is about and whatever technical requirements or components are involved. 


For all types of submissions:

Please include a short note about yourself and your work.

It can often take several months to review a submission. If you send a hard copy submission, please note that we cannot promise to review or return it.

Please send your submission to us by e-mail, at submissions@unitedmedia.com.


FAQ: How much do cartoonists make?

We pay our cartoonists using the standard syndication royalty split.


FAQ: I've written a comic strip, but I'm not an artist. Can I still submit my work?

Please find an artist interested in your idea and work together to submit it. Although many strips are collaborative efforts, we do not find artists for writers or vice versa.


FAQ: I have an idea for one cartoon that I'd like you to buy. Can I send it to you?

We do not buy "one-shots." We suggest you check "artist market" type books for publications that do.


FAQ: The answer to my question is not here, what do I do?

If your question has not yet been answered then please feel free to e-mail Carmen Puello at cpuello@unitedmedia.com and she will respond as soon as possible.