ATTN: You (YOU) have one (1) month to make a zine. Bring 15-25 copies (or more) to The Steady on October 18th at 7:30pm to trade with other zine-makers. Meet interesting people. Get lots of free zines. Immeasurably improve your life.

The inaugural Toronto Zine Off is a self-enforced communal deadline designed to get you going creatively and facilitate exchange of weird and personal work.

You don't have to make a zine to participate... but wouldn't it be cool if you did?

FAQ:

Question: What's a zine?

Answer: As wikipedia says, "a zine (pron.: /'zi?n/ zeen; an abbreviation of fanzine, or magazine) is most commonly a small circulation self-published work of original and/or appropriated texts and images usually reproduced via photocopier". Really though, zines are a way of sharing stories, drawings, information, whatever you want with other individuals. Be creative!

Q: What's the Zine Off?

A: The Toronto Zine Off is a self-enforced communal deadline. Basically, participants have a little over a month to create a zine. (Most people procrastinate and do it in the last few days, natch). There is no penalty for not making one, but really, the fun in having the night is seeing how many awesome zinesters are out there, so get working!

On Wednesday October 18 those who have made a zine and anyone who would like to come check them out can come hang out at The Steady for a night of trading, reading and camaraderie. 15 - 25 copies is a good number.

Q: Is this your first time?

A: Personal question. We ran this event in Ottawa for a few years and it was usually a packed house. Here are some examples of the coverage we received:

http://www.brokenpencil.com/news/q-a-the-ottawa-zine-off

http://glueottawa.com/2014/02/11/you-can-do-anything-in-a-zine-redefined/

http://apt613.ca/3rd-annual-ottawa-zine-off/

Q: What can my zine be about?

A: Anything! In the past, we've had zines about queers in space, a picture book about one girl's experience living with Down's, Kanye West puns, self-care manuals, comics and poetry, mind-control through furniture design... anything, I'm saying.

Q: Who can participate?

A: Everyone! Invite your friends, neighbours, family,

coworkers, mailperson, favorite barista, etc.

Q: Is there a cost?

A: No! The meetup event costs nothing, but please support our hosts by buying a drink or food. Participants can ask for for a donation for their zine, but we encourage trading. At the last few Zine Offs, zinesters traded copies amongst themselves instead of exchanging money.

Q: Is the Zine Off a safe space?

A: As we're not able to vet every zine that people bring, it's not appropriate to claim that designation. You are free to write what you like in your zine, but you are also accountable for how your zine is received. If the content of your zine is potentially triggering, you may wish to issue a content warning.

Hate speech, racism, cissexism etc. has no place in the community. Please contact the organizers (JM & Maxx) during the event if you feel your safety is threatened.

Q: Is the venue accessible?

A: The Steady has a ramp available to make its back room wheelchair accessible which we will have set up. Unfortunately the washrooms (which are non-gendered) are downstairs.

If you have any further questions, feel free to post them on the event wall. Poster is coming soon, and we'll make copies available for anybody who'd like to promote the Zine Off at their favourite hang out spots...

Now, MAKE A ZINE!