This is the web version of the first of (hopefully) many issues of Pepper. This is a newsletter that reviews and lists independent NZ zines and projects of a pro-girl and/or pro-queer nature. Originally I said this would also review “youth” zines, but I decided not to include this as part of the reviewing policy because I’m interested in reviewing dumb typical bullshit youth culture type zines (if ever these arose). So what I am interested in is zines that are feminist or queer focused. I started this newsletter because there is such a lack of zines being made in NZ, and I think there are cool kids out there who would benefit from learning about zines. What I hope this is gonna do is encourage/inspire lots of kids to be more active, to be more politically aware, and make their own zines, or start projects of other kinds. I also really want to get more kids (girls and boys) into feminism, and made aware of related issues such as heterosexism (homophobia), racism, classism and so on. These days the remark “I’m not a feminist, but…” is heard all too often. Why be ashamed to call yourself a feminist? If you believe that all people should have equal rights and be respected, then you are a feminist. Redefine feminism so that it includes you.

If you get ahold of this, please write to me and tell me what you think. I’d really appreciate feedback! I’m really optimistic about this working. Included in this newsletter you will find info on how to make your own zine, what they actually are etc, which I hope will be helpful. Inspiration and ideas for Pepper are credited to Kristy Chan’s "Riot Grrrl Review and Sarah Dyer’s Action Girl Newsletter (both American publications) and a lot of the wording in this is theirs too. Also just a little something I want to mention about zine length: I think there’s this kind of mentality that the longer a zine is, the better it is. Sure, thick zines are fun and often have tons of stuff to read, but the bigger a zine is, the more costly it is. There’s a lot to be said for squeezing a lot of writing into a small space, thereby creating possibly a very short zine, as this keeps the price down and makes it more accessible. Short does not mean void of information. Of all the judgements you can make on a zine (style, length, layout), CONTENT is the most important thing. Well I hope you get something out of this and enjoy it, and hopefully it inspires you to start a zine of your own. Remember to please write to me should you get a copy of this and let me know what you think. Well that’s about all so read on for the rest of the info!!
xoxo Penny

OK SO THIS IS THE DEAL
If you do a zine, send it to me with a note attached to the cover with the ordering address and price clearly written on it. Specify whether you want people to send stamps as well. If it fits the review guidelines or I like it, I’ll review it and print your name, address, and price of the zine. If you have some kind of project that you want the word out about you can write and tell me. Examples could be… a zine you’re doing that you want contributions for, a group you’re starting up, a d.i.y. music label you wanna advertise, etc etc etc. The music I’ve reviewed in here is just bands I am friends with and like. You can send me a tape of your band to review if you like but remember I am particularly partial to girl stuff.

REVIEWING POLICY
Generally I want to review things that are feminist and queer focused. For example, I might review a zine about feminism written by women, I might also review a queer zine by a boy. The reason for this is simply because these are the kind of zines I love. These are just guidelines though. I fully reserve my right to refuse any zine I don’t like or review stuff that doesn’t follow these guidelines if I want to. So there.
In addition to these zines I have included a list of other zines in NZ that, while not necessarily fitting in with the guidelines, are definitely worth knowing about.
I won’t review any zine that features sexist, racist or homophobic content, or I possibly might but (obviously) I will give it a bad review. I also don’t really want to give heaps of coverage to zines that for example interview major label bands or have heaps of stuff on corporate type things. Remember that this newsletter is feminist and anarchist based and you should think whether your zine fits into this kind of category. I mean the whole reason behind the existence of zines (in my opinion) is to talk about/give coverage to stuff that isn’t talked about in all the dumb major magazines. If I decide I don’t want to review your zine, don’t be offended - remember that there is nothing stopping you from starting your own review newsletter. Oh, and I won’t review any major label magazines, music or the like. Independent and d.i.y. all the way.

BULK COPIES
Individual copies of Pepper are available for a 40c stamp, but if you want a bunch of these to distribute around skool or whatever, send me an 80c stamp and maybe a bit of money to help out. Alternatively, you could photocopy this yourself as much as you want and distribute it that way.

WHEN YOU ORDER
- it’s best to send well-concealed cash. Secure coins down on a piece of card with selotape.
- “stamp” means a 40c stamp. “2 stamps” means two 40c stamps or just one 80c one.
- a “trade” is when one person sends their zine to someone else in exchange for their zine.
- remember that zines are a fun way to make friends and penpals so friendly letters are nicer than simple requests.
- unless otherwise stated, everything listed is in NZ.
- if you are ordering from overseas, please make all orders in NZ currency unless otherwise stated.

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