> In 1995, the Pew Research Center did just that, finding 14% of U.S. adults with internet access.4 Most were using slow, dial-up modem connections—just 2% of internet users were comparatively screaming along with an expensive 28.8 modem.
if 86% of households don't have internet, it's much too early for launching a comic strip, not merely slightly.
This sets aside the fact that revenue streams were not present for comics on the internet, as monetized webpages did not exist yet. He was paid by newspapers directly. It's an absurdity to give up 70% distribution and a guaranteed paycheck for 14% maximum distribution and no income stream at all.
The first banner ad was 1994; By the end of 1995, when he would have been deciding to go online, internet advertising was definitely a thing people were aware of. On the other hand, Waterson hated advertising.
> 70% distribution ... 14% maximum distribution
These numbers are not comparable: 70% is the fraction of newspapers he was in, but not everyone got a newspaper.
> It's an absurdity to give up 70% distribution and a guaranteed paycheck for 14% maximum distribution and no income stream at all.
He was done with newspapers, so he was giving up that guaranteed paycheck regardless. His alternative, which he took, was retiring.