Setting up a small-press 'zine. . .?

[Adam]

Was this a fanzine?

Did you offer any sort of payment?

Much as I loathe the term "fanzine," it's the most accurate term, yes. We did not offer payment and still don't - although I want to move to a model that pays the contributors, I don't have the time between my personal life, my day job, and freelance work to do the work necessary to move to that model.

Looks like the message was cut off mid-sentence?

"This Probably. ." what. . . ?  Is like trying to jump start a model-T in a thunderstorm with tweazers and a 9v battery?

Inquiring minds want to know.   :-)

whups. I'm not sure how that happened. If I'm remembering correctly, I was meaning to say "This probably resulted in fewer submissions in the long term, but I also spent less time hand-holding and working with "trouble" authors and artists. Although I certainly spent my time working with a few of them that I would not want to work with again."

I don't think offering payment would necessarily make things better. It may attract more people, but you would still have a large percentage of those that simply can't deliver the goods in the end, or don't deliver text/art of a high enough quality.

--
Adam Jury

[Christian Walker]

Howdy,


Does anyone here know how hard it would be to do?

What sort of capital/licenses does one need going into such a venture?

Is it even worth considering in this economic climate?

Just curious.


Kind Regards,

Kester Pelagius

I've been publishing Scrollworks for 30 issues now. It's a print zine, digest format, saddle stitched. It's a labor of love to be sure and is finally at a point where it's starting to break even.

It's hard, hard work and you really have to enjoy long arm staplers and paper cutters if you assemble the rag yourself. But like I said, it's a labor of love.

If you go print, you're going to lose money for a good long while. It takes a long time to build a readership. Freelance art fees are going to get you as well. Don't skimp on the art. People will forgive poor wiring, but bad art is a sin. When it comes to writing, there are lots of talented folks willing to do it for free. Just treat them well, build relationships, and give them a lil' somethin' somethin'. One trick I employ is to release the material as OGC. They author gets some material in print, while still retaining access to the material.

I publish under the d20STL/OGL, but I am unaware of other legal requirements for
non-D&D material.

I've been doing this for a while so feel to ask and questions you might have.

Christian
http://www.scrollworkspress.com/