Interlac the Legion of Super-Heroes APA
So what is an apa?
"APA" is an acronym, standing for "Amateur Press Association." It is a collection of fanzines: fan-created mini-magazines all centered around a common theme. There are many, many APAs out there. Then what is Interlac? Interlac, named after the intergalactic language of the 30th Century, is the oldest apa dedicated to the Legion of Super-Heroes. In June of 2017 the apa reached its 247th bi-monthly mailing (its 41st anniversary!)
What is a mailing?
Every other month (February, April, June, August, October, and December) there is a scheduled mailing. All participating members create their own "zine." They are responsible for the printing and the assembly of up to 60 copies of their zine. They then mail/send 60 copies of their zine to the elected member of the apa known as the "Central Mailer." On the deadline day, the Central Mailer then collates one of each zine into a finished mailing, then mails one to each member.
How do I do a zine?
Your zine is your particular contribution... it's like if you created your own version of Time or People, even the National Enquirer, but only about the Legion as its main focal point. Most zines have a title having something to do with the Legion. Some past and current zine titles include 'Naltorian Tea Leaves," "Rokk Krinn Roll," and "The Time Cube." Your zine can contain content on any variety of topics -your opinion of the latest Legion, discussions of other comics, movies, your vacation, whatever. As you get to know other members, you'll start to do "Mailing Comments," These are similar to short letters in your zine, responding to the previous mailing's contributors. Near the beginning of your zine you should include an "indicia." Like a real magazine, put who you are, where you live, your phone number, etc. To remain a member of the apa, a member must "meet minac." Minac is "minimum activity." This means you must contribute at least 4 pages of your material within every 6-month perlod. An apa is a participatory activity -Failure to meet minac will mean your dismissal from the roster.
How do I physically assemble a zine?
Some members do zines on typewriters. Some do them on PCs or Macs. A lot of people draw a lot of their zine. The page size is standard 8 1/2" by 11". It's a smart idea to leave about 1" on the left margin that will be lost in the gutter of the completed mailing. Also be ecologically-minded, use both sides of the paper if you can. (Save a tree!) Your zine can be printed on mimeo, photocopy/ Xerox, right off a laser printer, ditto, whatever. Print at least 50 copies of your zine. This number may vary, but will never exceed 60. Collate the pages in order and staple them. Use one staple, vertical, in the top left corner. It is a good idea to "ten" your zines - stack ten of them, then stack the next ten facing up but topside down, then stack the next ten the way the first ten are, and so on. This makes it easier for both you to slide them into an envelope and for the Central Mailer to know you've sent enough.
How should I mail my zines?
The Central Mailer will, in the previous mailing, post a deadline. It is your responsibility to mail your zines in enough time to arrive by the deadline (usually the 3rd or 4th Wednesday of a deadline month). If you plan to send 1st class priority the post office says that'll take 3 days. Give yourself a week. If you mail bulk/book, give yourself 2 weeks. You can send your zine overnight mail as well. (It is almost recommended that you check the "waive signature" block with these overnight shippers, UPS, USPS, FedEx, etc.) Make sure your envelope is tight. Nothing's worse than a post office demon eating your package.
What will this cost?
Each member must keep an account with the Central Mailer. It costs $10 to start one and must be kept positive. Shared costs to assemble the mailing (the copying of the bulletin, covers, staples, and envelopes) and the mailing are divided among the membership. Each mailing will cost somewhere around $8. A mailing will not be sent if your account has fallen below the cost to mail your mailing. How do I became a member? The current membership roster has a limited number of available slots. Industrious clever fans (who would probably win all $5000 on Win Ben Stein's Money) can bypass the "waitlist" by having a 4-page zine, 50 copies collated and stapled, ready for the next mailing. We do, however, have a 'waiting list,' more commonly called the "waitlist." "Waitlisters" may contribute like regular members... giving themselves a chance to get their feet wet. There a limited number of extra mailings (as well as an even more limited number of backmailings): waitlisters may only get 'overruns' or partial mailings but will usually receive any mailing to which they contribute. They may not vote in the annual Central Mailer elections. A waitlister does not have to contribute. They must, however, respond by post card, letter, or phone call, to the Central Mailer every other mailing to express their interest in remaining on the waitlist. As members drop off the roster (for either not meeting minac or letting their account remain negative), the waitlister with the highest seniority is invited in and the rest of the roster moves up.
What should I do now?
If you're interested in seeing a mailing, send your initial $10 into the Central Mailer. Nothing can quite describe an apa better than seeing one in action. The $10 will put you an the waitlist and get you your first mailing. And, as they say in Interlac, Geh Ro Yeem! (Welcome! May you stay for cycles!)