Zines@Douglas: About Zines

A Zine (pronounced 'zeen') is a self-published, small press or homemade publication similar to a pamphlet. Zines often address specialized topics from an independent, controversial or alternative viewpoint. They can be a collection of random personal thoughts or expertly made political treatise.

Due to the independent nature of Zines they are not peer reviewed nor are they controlled by mainstream media or the editorial process of the publishing industry. These publications break from conventional format and are often photocopied, folded and stapled. Zines can be visually inspiring and artistic and offer personal, passionate and unedited viewpoints.

Zine (zeen): independent, self published work often created by a single person.

Zinester: An individual who creates zines.

Perzine: Short for personal zine. A zine that discusses personal thoughts, experiences, and everyday events.

Zine Distro: Short for Zine distribution. Distros are places that distribute zines. Some independent book stores carry zines as well.

A Brief History of Zines by Laura Van Leuven of University of North Carolina 

Zines 101 by Lilith Cooper

The Book of Zines - contains interviews, articles and essays on zine history and zine-making as well as resources on copyright and distribution 

Zine Wiki - catalogues the independent press, zinesters, authors, artists, and distros and is open to contributions and editing

$100 and a T-Shirt: A Documentary About Zines in the Northwest (128 min)

A documentary by Joe Biel, illuminates the world of self-publishing and serves as a cultural analysis of what makes the thriving sub-culture of zinesters tick. Biel interviews about 70 zine makers and readers from the northwest—all quirky and artistic young people who produce hand-crafted magazines which run the gamut from artistically ornate polemics to minimalist whimsical rants. They discuss the impetus to create zines, their genesis, self-publishing history, intricacies of the zine community, resources available for zine makers, and the genre's future.

Gender, Sex, and Tech! Continuing the Conversation | Episode Fourteen: Interview with Jaime Yard

An interview with Jaime Yard about her experience making zines in the classroom, the history and significance of zines as well as DIY holistic technologies in general. Jaime explores the way zines hold the potential for transnational feminist expression in the classroom and beyond.

30 years ago, a movement called Riot Grrrl started in the Pacific Northwest. It wasn't just music – it was politics, feminism, culture and zines. And we're still feeling its effects today. Starting a Riot tells the history of riot grrrl: why it started in the Pacific Northwest, and what its lasting impact has been.  We’ll hear from people on the margins, people who felt left out, and the people who insisted on being part of the conversation anyway.

Listen to All Riot grrrl episodes on Spotify.