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Zines - A Barebones History
Zines (pronounced like "zeens") are self created publications. Or as a child told me, zines are homemade magazines. They can be about any topic. There are zines about brownies, dogs, veganism, feminism, politics, shoes, and about other zines. Zines in one form or another have been part of our culture since the beginning. Good Ole Thomas Paine wrote a zine called Common Sense in 1776. (Though in those days zines were called pamphlets). You could say Common Sense was a huge success.
Moving forward in history, in the 1930s science fiction fans started writing letters to each other to discuss what they were reading. First in science fiction magazines, then in their 8 page stapled zines sent through the mail. These types of zines are typically called fanzines. And of course, today there are many types of fanzines.
Many social and cultural movements had zines as part of their history. Hippies, beatniks, punks and riot grrls have written and self published zines. The punk and riot grrl movements are particularly invested in self publishing because of their do it yourself (DIY) ethic.
Enter the World Wide Web (WWW). There are electronic zines or E-zines all over the place.
Portland Zine Scene
Our fair city, Portland, Oregon is currently seen as a type of zine mecca. We have here many establishments that support zine culture in one way or another.
- Independent Publishing Resource Center
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The Independent Publishing Resource Center gives access to resources and tools for the creation of independently published media and art. The IPRC also has a zine lending library. Established in 1998.
- Microcosm Publishing
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Microcosm Publishing is an independent publisher and distributor. Established in 1996 with one person doing part time mail-order out of a bedroom.
- Portland Zine Symposium
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The Portland Zine Symposium is an annual three day conference and social exploring underground press and DIY culture. Established in 2001.
- Reading Frenzy
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Reading Frenzy is an independent press emporium. Reading Frenzy sells and promotes zines through its shop doors and hosts literary and arts events throughout the year. Established in 1994.
Zines or self-published documents are primary sources giving voice to many people's public or personal attitudes. They help to represent all points of view of non-mainstream perspectives. Sounds like free speech and all that!