In case my information is not up to date, you might want to write to the publisher for the current status before you send money. Use your best judgment. It's payback time everybody! Thanks to all who sent products, reviewed the Lime Green News, and printed my ads! This material was originally published in Rik and Carolyn's International House of Slack, the Lime Green News #15 and the Lime Green News #16.
AFFAIR OF THE PEN: PO Box 3173, Warminster PA 18974 USA. E-mail afotp@aol.com. $2.00 per issue, $3.00 outside US
Letter lovers, this is for you. Participation is anonymous, so if you have an opinion that needs expression you may say anything you like here without fear. Guidelines for doing so are best explained within the publication itself. This is a very intelligent and interesting group of people to drop in on. It is kind of like talk radio in slow motion. Sometimes things get a little heated but logical discourse seems to rule most of the time.
A.M. Zine and catalog: From Alternate Music, P.O. Box 10338, San Bernadino, CA 92423-0338 USA. Price: Two .32 stamps.
This is enjoyable even if you aren't interested in the catalog. The wares for sale are mainly musical artists that I've actually heard of, and it looks like they have a lot of CD singles and vinyl that might be difficult to find in stores. They promise speedy service. Also included in my sample issue is some interesting personal stuff from the editor, an artilcle by Ann Koi on the futulity of doing crack, a couple of interviews with bands I haven't heard of, and music and zine reviews.
BEATLEFAN: Published by the Goody Press, PO Box 33515, Decatur, GA 30033, USA. Price: Sample $3.00 (outside US $5).
Yeah, I'm a Beatlemaniac. Do you have a problem with that? This is a good all-purpose Beatles magazine. If you simply must know about the latest books, videos, Paul's car accident, Yoko's new play, George's lawsuit, Linda's frozen food, or interviews with everyone who came within 10 feet of the Beatles, this is for you. If you can't wait for the latest Beatle news you can even have it faxed to you for an extra fee Oh yeah, they talk a little about the music too.
BEET: Published by Joe Maynard, 411 Kent Ave., Brooklyn NY 11211 USA. Sample issue $3. Accepts submissions with SASE (copies please).
Interesting personal stories, poems, fiction, cartoons, art, a piece about the '95 UPC conference. Cool beet logo on an orange cover. It's pretty thick and it's loose enough to look like a zine while still being easy to read.
BOX OF 64: From Stacey Estep, 931 Monroe Dr., Suite 102-177, Atlanta GA 30308 USA. Single issue $1.00, one-year subscription (six issues) $5.00. Make any checks payable to Stacey Estep.
This is a lighthearted and fun publication. It features letters, a regular readers' poll, puzzles and quizzes, and articles. These are youthful and well-written with topics such as A.M. Radio, Valuable Holiday Tips, Road Trips, Things We Do For Lust. It makes me feel young again to read this.
BRAIN CELL: Published by Ryosuke Cohen, 3-76-I-A-613, Yagumokitacho, Moriguchi City, OSAKA 570, JAPAN. Price: Participation.
This is not a magazine-it's a poster. To participate, send a rubber stamp, rubber stamp design, or 150 stickers or seals. Please send materials for one issue only per sending. In due time you will receive a poster, 11" x 17", covered with interesting rubber stampings, stickers, and artistamps. You will also get a list of all participants and their addresses, and sometimes an article or essay. Usually over a dozen countries are represented. Brain Cell has been in existence for years and the latest issue I have is numbered in the three hundreds!
DYSLEXIC: Published by Julee Peezlee, Box 4763, Boulder CO 80306 USA. Price: Probably a stamp or trade for toys, photos, car paraphernalia, automotive patches, rubber stamps, sex toys.
This is a catalog of Julee's products: Little books, Autopsy trading cards, Nails from Jesus' Cross, Gun Earrings, all kinds of stuff. As the owner of a set of her hand made plaster Skull Tacs, I can tell you that this stuff is cool! Give up your beer and lotto money this week and send it to Julee!
FACTSHEET FIVE: Published by R. Seth Friedman, Factsheet Five Subscriptions, PO Box 170099, San Francisco CA 94117-0099 USA. Sample Price: $6 (US).
I'm including this in case there is still someone out there who doesn't know about it. If you're zine shopping, use this to find one on every subject imaginable. If you have a zine to promote, a review from them is almost sure to guarantee some sort of response. Get a sample issue first for guidelines. Good articles too. Happy Hunting!
ERASER CARVER'S QUARTERLY: Published by Mick Mather. PO Box 222, Clay NY, 13041 USA. Price: Sample $3.00.
This is for fans of Eraser Carving. It includes how-to articles, samples of others' work, and contacts. I would prefer that the articles were a little more in-depth but the illustrations are satisfying. It might be a little pricey for the size, but at least the cover is on better than average stock and it looks polished and is easy to read. Carvers, send samples of your work. The editor also sent me his how-to booklet, "Make Your Own Rubber Stamps...From Erasers?" The information within is designed for the greenest beginners and seems like a good introduction to the craft. For $5 it may be a little brief but if it gets you started carving erasers it's probably worth it-just think of all the money you'll save on rubber stamps! (If you order this tell the publisher I sent you and I'll get a free issue!)
THE FOUR FOOD GROUPS: A postcard set featuring the artwork of Robert Caldwell, Eric Dietz, and Peter Schneider. Published by Anaconda Press, PO Box 14660, Chicago IL 60614 USA. Price $5.00 per set ppd.
This set of twelve postcards on handsome brown paper depicts the artists' interpretations of what it's like to be hopped up on alcohol, sugar, caffeine, and fat. A menacing view of the dangers of overindulgence. I'd like to see them do a series on gambling (that's all my co-workers talk about in the break room while they're having chips, soda, and a cigarette for lunch). These drawings will make you chuckle and then look at that cup of coffee you were about to drink and wonder if you really need it after all. Good packaging too - the cards come in an attractive envelope with a brief biography sheet.
GLOBAL MAIL: New Address! Published by Ashley Parker Owens, PO Box 410837, San Francisco CA, 94141 USA. Price: Free sample for two US .55 stamps or IRC's. Website: http://www.well.com/user/soapbox/eglob96a.html.
If you only get one zine from this list, make it this one. Global Mail contains the most extensive listing of Mail Art shows, exchanges and projects that I know of. And so much more! A brief sampling of other categories: Penpals, Events, Conceptual, Zines, Websites...A classified ad section is due to start with the next issue. There is enough here to keep you busy for months! Don't deprive yourself of Global Mail!
GOOD DAY SUNSHINE: Published by Liverpool Productions, 397 Edgewood Ave., New Haven CT, 06511 USA. Price: $12.00 for five issues ($16 Canada, $22 everywhere else.)
Another Beatles fan magazine. Similar to Beatlefan, with shameless self plugging of events and trips promoted by the publisher. But that's okay, I do that too with my beads. GDS is bigger than Beatlefan, sloppier, less regular in frequency, somehow more appealing to my zine-accustomed eyes. The GDS collectors column is really special. Even though I'll never be able to afford every obscure recording, I am fascinated to read about how to tell which factory manufactured a promo cassette or what box Paul's gift set was packaged in, and how many copies were made of that Ringo CD with the typo in the liner notes. Cool, geeky fun.
HEY: From M.B., PO Box 286, College of New Rochelle, New Rochelle NY 10805 USA. Trade is probably the best way to get this.
This is another sine that makes me feel young. (Okay, I know I'm not that old. My experiences of the past year must have aged me considerably. Hopefully the effects will wear off in time.) Hey has a sweet, sort of neo-flower power mood to it that makes me feel kind of warm and friendly. Editor M.B. prints poetry and various bits on her pet subjects, such as Harold and Maude, the band Ween, her pet turtle, or "cartoon food that always looked so delicious." I really like issue #3 because it features horoscopes with advice one can actually use (mine said "draw or paint a nice picture and give it to your Mom or someone who will cherish it") and in-joke Top Ten lists such as "Top Ten Pictures on my Wall" or "Top Ten Reasons Why This Job Sucks by Bruce". Plus, the editor reviewed the Lime Green News and was tactful enough to describe it as "obscure".
IN MY SHOES: Published by Clark Communications, 410 East Park St., Archer FL, 32618-4761 USA. Price: $3.95 Sample.
The emphasis is on non-fiction stories and essays about life, some funny, some traumatic. I read them all with interest. Also featured are poems, artwork, reviews, letters, classified ads, a poll, and writing contests (with cash prizes and small entry fee). Artists, poets, and writers, ask for submission guidelines.
LOST AND FOUND TIMES: Published by Luna Bisonte Prods., 137 Leland Ave., Columbus, OH 43214 USA. Price: $20.00 for five issues.
The Lost and Found Times consistently delivers a huge serving of hard-hitting poetry, Dada influenced graphics, and if that isn't enough, Al Ackerman writings. Poetry fans, reach for that checkbook now!
McJOB: Published by Julee Peezlee of Dyslexic, Box 4763, Boulder CO 80306 USA. Price: $2.00.
If you've ever had a crappy job, you will like this. Various working stiffs (including me in issue #2) vent and moan about their bad experiences, to humorous effect. Read and contribute, you'll laugh at yourself.
MERMAID NET: c/o R+A, 1052 Madison Ave., Evansville IN 47714 USA. Price: A stamp?
The second issue and will also be the last to feature the current catalog format. If you want to order a whole bunch of obscure zines and tapes for very reasonable prices without having to send out orders in twenty different envelopes, act now. One stop shopping for your convenience with dozens of choices! The material seems to be mainly of the more extreme or obscure type and the prices range from a stamp to a couple of bucks. In the future the format will change to a collection of ads.
METROZINE: From Teddy Ficklen, 7216 Colgate, St. Louis MO 63130 USA or e-mail swgfick@umslvma.umsl.edu. Price: Trade or pick it up at MetroLink stations, bus stops, Vintage Vinyl, Whiz Bam, etc.
In the summer of 1993, just before I moved to Colorado, a new light rail transportation system opened up in St. Louis. This zine is a series of ruminations and meditations on riding MetroLink and peculiarities of the St. Louis area in general, plus various other subjects. He is currently seeking material for a future all Nixon issue. I enjoy reading about familiar landmarks such as the junkyard on St. Charles Rock Road (hey June- remember when we went there shopping for seat belt buckles for the Maverick and Steve cut that hose that was full of freon?) and the Wagner Electric Plant.
MY TRIP TO THE SECOND ANNUAL UNDERGROUND PRESS CONFERENCE: Published by Julee-Peezlee of Dyslexic, Box 4763, Boulder CO 80306 USA. Price: .32 stamp.
Julee is one of the coolest networkers around, and in this one page 11" x 17" paper she tells what the conference was like and provides lots of good quality pictures. Let her inform you of her myriad of other interesting mail projects.
OPUNTIA: From Dale Speirs, Box 6830, Calgary, Alberta, CANADA, T2P 2E7. Price: $3.00 cash, trade for your zine, or letter of comment.
The starting point here is Science Fiction Fandom, but other topics come up as well (war, history, dealing with beaurocrats, the government, technology). Many letters from readers, and lots of reviews. Published at frequent intervals.
POEZINE: Published by Avelino de Arujo, Rua Serid, 486 - Ap. 1106, Petrpolis - Natal-RN - 59020-010 BRAZIL. Price: None listed (at least that I can read) but try trading.
Poezine is one long piece of paper that folds into eight panels. Most of the pages feature interesting visual poetry and artistamps. There is one page of text in Portugese and a page of shows/events with addresses. I have no idea what these are about because of the language barrier but it would be kind of fun to send stuff and see what happens. I recommend it for the terrific graphics.
THE SIDE VIEW: Published by Stephanie Stambaugh, PO Box 21812, Denver CO 80221-0812 USA. No price listed, try trade.
Now on issue #3, The Side View seems to be searching for a direction. Apparently it's hungry for submissions (I recognize the symptoms-I've been there!). If you have work seeking an audience, give this one a try.
SUFFUSION MAGAZINE: Formerly known as Subterranean Quarterly. Published by Brownhouse Graphic Arts, PO Box 57183, Lincoln NE 68505-7183 USA. E-mail brwnhsga@aol.com. Price $2.00 by mail, $4.00 foreign. Wholesale rates and subscriptions available. Wants submissions, write for details. Sells ads.
This literary zine is extremely polished and professional, with an interesting but restrained look that makes it very easy to read. It contains short stories, poetry, letters, artwork, comics, political commentary, and a small number of detailed reviews of music and zines. I'm no literary expert so it's hard for me to give an opinion on the fiction other than I liked it! I enjoyed the poetry and the political commentary, which includes a short piece on capital punishment by Elliot Cantsin! Lime Green News readers have been wondering what happened to him. Elliot Cantsin Fan Club Members, order issue 5.1, read it, and bombard the editor with rebuttal letters! This mag is a deal at $2.00.
SURVIVOR: Tom Evans, Apartment 2E, 11-15 45th Avenue, LIC NY 11101 USA. Price: $1.00.
Loves trades, prints ads, publishes at very frequent intervals. Survivor brings back memories of working in an Army Surplus store. Topics covered include making your own fuel, gun rights, freedom, taxes, the War on Drugs, ammo, crime, survival techniques. Lots of reprints and ads. Somewhat chaotic in form, but readable and dense with leads for further research.
TAPROOT REVIEWS: From Burning Press, PO Box 585, Lakewood OH 44107 USA. E-mail au462@cleveland.freenet.edu and send a short but human message. Quarterly, $10.00 a year. Make check out to Burning Press.
They review publications of experimental and alternative literature. They've reviewed the Lime Green News in the past so I would say that their definition of literature is pretty broad! Besides a plethora of reviews, it includes articles that are over my head. Newspaper format, very professional.
TENSETENDONED: Published by M.B. Corbett, PO Box 155, Preston Park, PA, 18455, USA. Price: Participation.
The idea behind Tensetendoned is similar to Brain Cell, taking the form of a folio instead of a poster. Send 56 originals, copies, postcards, texts, or 120 artistamps/stickers. Max. size, 12 x20 cm (8"x5"). Anything goes with medium or theme. In the past I've received collages, handmade paper, rubber stampings, Xeroxes, postcards, and less easily classified pieces. A treat for me is the little envelope of artistamps and stickers. As with Brain Cell, you'll get a list of all participants with addresses. If you're shopping around for people to trade Mail with, this is a great way to see what kind of work other artists do so you can hook up with the ones you can relate to.
TRADING SALIVA: Published by Melody Owen, PO Box 14172, Portland OR, 97214 USA. No price listed by try trade.
A strange little book of cute/sinister cartoons with a few words here and there. Example: "When I'm sick I can drink lots of milk but no vodka." Little boy (or girl?) holding up a jar with a bug in it. "I like to kill!" I don't know quite what to make of this but it's interesting. Kind of reminds me of Mark Reed's stuff.
TRANSFUSION: Published by Alessandro Ceccotto, C.P. 116, 45011 Adria (RO), ITALY. No price listed but try trading Mail Art. Mostly in English, some text in Italian.
I have two issues of this magazine in my possession. One consists entirely of images produced by a variety of techniques; stamping, artistamps, collage, pen and ink drawings. Very interesting work, and a great way to see what other Mail Artists are doing. Some pages include the artist's address. You might find a new mail pal here. The other issue contains many images and listings for Mail Art shows as well as articles. Topics covered include censorship of a Mail Art show in California, Electronic Mail Art, and the use of words as an art element. Transfusion is a useful resource if you are interested in European Mail Artists and their activities.
U-DIRECT: Mary Kuntz Press, PO Box 476617, Chicago IL, 60647-6617, USA. E-mail MKuntz@AOL.COM. Price: $3.00 per issue, $10.00 for one year subscription (four issues).
This is a great resource for underground publishers, writers, artists, and other creative people. The publisher also sponsors the Underground Press Conference. If you are interested in this event, U-Direct is a must-have. Very polished and professional, readable, meaty with content. (Sorry vegetarians.) Topics covered in the latest issue include The '95 UPC Conference, the American Booksellers Association annual convention, underground poetry, and book publishing. Regularly featured are poetry and fiction, reviews of comics and zines, and listings of live poetry events. Not directly related to Mail Art, although the Zine and Mail Art scenes overlap extensively. For more emphasis on Mail Art, check out what appears to be U-Direct's sister publication, the essential Global Mail.
UMBRELLA: From Judith Hoffberg, c/o Umbrella Associates, Box 3640, Santa Monica, CA, 90403 USA. E-mail umbrella@ix.netcom.com. Price: Subscriptions are available for calendar year only, individual rate $18.00 yr., 2 issues. Write for foreign and institutional rates.
Umbrella is a fitting name for this magazine, as it covers the full spectrum of art from Claes Oldenburg on down to the Lime Green News! Picture something like the news column from Art News or Art in America combined with Mail Art, artists' books, and the Zine scene. The emphasis on artists' books is especially strong (about 10 pages in one issue) so if you're interested in that field consider getting this. Competition listings, extensive reviews, Mail Art shows, censorship news, reviews of exhibition catalogs and more combine to make Umbrella an important resource.
UNITY: From PO Box 206, Manitou Springs CO 80829 USA. Price: Free (try SASE or trade to be nice).
Peace, love, anarchy, flowers, hemp, anti-copyright, cool, vegetarian, hippy, trippy, free-form collage format. What you'd expect from Manitou Springs, Colorado! Desperately wants submissions, will give away anything you send in trade so others can enjoy. Can you dig it?
VAMP STAMP NEWS: Published by Nancie Waterman, PO Box 386, Hanover MD, 21076 USA. Price: Sample $2.50.
Vamp Stamp News is Similar to Paper Crafters in its focus (technique, products, conventions) and level of professionalism (high), only the subject is rubber stamps instead of paper. It also has extensive information on rubber stamp clubs and rubber stamp activities on the Internet. If you're into both computers and rubber stamps, Vamp Stamp News is probably a must. If your artwork is published, you get a rubber stamp in return, so give it a try.
WHAT GOES ON: Published by the St. Louis Beatles Fan Club, PO Box 190602, St. Louis MO, 63119 USA. Price: $7.50 yr. (4 issues).
A mixture of coverage of local activities and articles of interest to Beatles fans everywhere. Since I'm a card-carrying member of the St. Louis Beatles Fan Club, I'd better give them a plug, right?
Ringo fans, maybe they will sell you a back issue of the July 1995 issue, which features a detailed review of Ringo's outdoor July concert here (good show, I was there) with extensive photos. Their finest issue, I think. Well, I don't know, the post-Anthology issue was pretty good too, and not just because I wrote a little bit of it. It beat Beatlefan's and Good Day Sunshine's Anthology post mortems to my mailbox, for what it's worth
Reviews by Carolyn Substitute, publisher of the Lime Green News. For subscription info, write to her at PO Box 771, Florissant MO 63032-0771 USA, or e-mail at limegr@ezl.com. Reprint permission for "A Year's Worth of Zine Reviews" granted with inclusion of this notice.
Send e-mail to Carolyn Substitute.