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 scholarly, or 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.
A Brief History of Zines by Laura Van Leuven of University of North Carolina
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. Many individuals run Distros out of their homes, mailing zines out to those who order them. Some independent book stores carry zines as well.
$100 and a T-Shirt: A Documentary About Zines in the Northwest (128 min)
An original 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, ex-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
In this episode, Jill interviews Jaime Yard about her experience making ezines in the classroom, and about the history and significance of zines and ezines as DIY holistic technologies in general. Jaime explores the way in which the zine and ezine, as DIY holistic technologies, hold the potential for transnational feminist expression in the classroom and beyond.
Thirty 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. And we focus on the stories that haven’t often been told as part of the history of the movement. 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.
Zine Wiki - catalogues the independent press, zinesters, authors, artists, and distros and is open to contributions and editing
The Book of Zines - contains interviews, articles and essays on zine history and zine-making as well as resources on copyright and distribution