How old are fanzines?
Through Barmy Article’s minor contribution the the Voice of the Fans exhibition at Leeds Central Library, I chatted a little with Peter Slater (no relation), a volunteer who was heavily involved in the research around fanzines for that exhibition.
He also has a blog, with the latest post highlighting the longevity of some fanzines around the country.
Barmy Article gets a mention as the first WSL printed fanzine.
As someone who started a fanzine in a very digital world, it’s baffling to consider the work that had to go into creating and then sharing a purely physical media, with only visibility outside the grounds and word of mouth to get the word out.
Its a rich history and culture within football.
Barmy Article is 4 years and 19 (18 regular plus a cup special) printed fanzines old. A mere baby in the grand scheme of fanzine culture. Still the only dedicated, independent printed fanzine in WSL after Kingsmeadow Chronicle’s move to digital only and long running Arsenal fanzine, the Gooner, diversifying to women’s issues on top of its 300+ men’s issues so far.
What next?
Barmy Article isn’t going anywhere. There’s enough online content already, Barmy Article will continue to focus on print. It can do more though, but only with your help.
If you’d like to get more involved, either as an occasional writer or on a more regular basis, please get in touch.
If you have friends who always have an opinion on Utd Women, urge them to put it in writing and contribute.
A fanzine is only worthwhile if it’s varied in it’s contributors, at Barmy Article we always want more.
Write for it. Help find writers for it. Contribute to its direction. Be a part of its history.
Get in touch.