What Remains
Despite cessation of new production, the "Rustle the Leaf" web site still generates thousands of hits and visits each month. A comic viewer still functions, and visitors can read all strips published between November 2004 and July 2007. All lesson plans are still available for download, as is the digital version of "Rustle the Leaf's Earth Day Book." Despite the ups and downs, Ponce and Wright remain friends, and still believe that "Rustle" was a viable creative and business opportunity, but one that was a victim of bad timing. "We launched the new 'Rustle' site the day before the 2004 presidential election," said Ponce. "Following that controversial election—and the fact that there would not be an 'eco-friendly' shift in national policy or a new occupant of the White House—we had to struggle to find support. A year later, only days before we attended the first ever 'Sierra Summit' in San Francisco, Hurricane Katrina ripped the Gulf Coast apart, and environmental organizations of all types lost donations as Americans redirected their giving to rescue and recovery organizations. Everyone who was committed to environmental causes was financially strapped. In 2004-2005, our president still was not acknowledging the existence of Global Warming. There was no 'Inconvenient Truth' to start grass-roots dialogue. By the time that film came along, we were running on fumes economically. I think the whole thing was a matter of timing. It certainly wasn't a lack of investment on behalf of the Zeitlers, nor a lack of talent on behalf of Dan Wright. From every credible forum and authority, "Rustle the Leaf" was considered to be a funny, intelligent, beautifully drawn comic strip. One of California's leading environmental education groups called it 'the Green Calvin and Hobbes.' For us, that was the highest possible praise. For a few exciting, roller-coaster months, Dan and I had the opportunity to do something we loved, and we were fortunate enough to create several thousand fans along the way. Other than the big hole left in Steve and Melissa Zeitler's bank account, I wouldn't change a thing. And I believe their ongoing connection to "Rustle" has provided both direct and indirect economic benefit for them—and will continue to do so into the future."
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