SpecIFICATIONS
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(Google Doc link for accessibility)
*All aspects in this document are subject to change
This is primarily a non-profit project. All proceeds will be donated to the Black Queer & Intersectional Collective of Columbus, Ohio. Fern’s intentions are to provide support for the community they live in. They consider their Black peers, collaborators and friends a part of their community too; if any Black contributor wishes to profit from this work, they may choose to do so.
Size, Pricing and Merchandise
All (or most) components are planned to be sold separately alongside the traditional bundle
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Physical Copies
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A range of 50-60 pages
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Around 20 pages will be dedicated to written copy : articles, merchandise advertisements and additional writing pieces. This number could change depending on how many writers are accepted into the project, and images and illustrations will be incorporated alongside them.
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Size A4 with glossy lamination, 80 lb. paper, 100 lb. covers
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Digital copies will also be available for purchase.
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Merchandise
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Five “traditional” types of merchandise will be offered
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A few exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces will be offered as highest-tiered bundle items. They could potentially be auctioned.
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Three special digital works will be offered: the D&D oneshot, an anthology of 80s pop-culture illustrations or a third digital exclusive work (this one’s a secret for now!)
Audience & Contributor Demographics
This zine will be 13+. Facilitation of NSFW material will not be tolerated in any context, including project-affiliated social media. Suggestive themes, PG-13 content, and cussing are okay in moderation. When in doubt, remember we are rated T for Teen by the ESRB.
Live meetings over discord may be held monthly to discuss progress and allow contributor input. They might also be necessary so we can determine page layouts; we will have artists, writers and graphic designers working together on pages, so coordination will be key and meetings will facilitate that.
Calendar
Calendar 1.1
January 4th-February 18th: Writer applications
January 18th-February 22nd: Visual Artist applications
March 1st: Contributors finalized and notified
March 9th: Initial Concepts due for visual artists
March 31st: Check-in 1
April 15th-18th: Check-in 1.5 (page layouts determined)
April 30th: Check-in 2
May 31st: Check-in 3
June 7th: Final submissions
June 21st: Proofs finalized
June 25th-July 31st: Sales period
Responsibilities in Transformative Fandom
This goes without saying (as I, the Editor-In-Chief, do “racebend” characters), but “non-canon” ethnic and racial interpretations of characters are highly encouraged*. The same can be said for LGBT+ headcanons, body types, etc. It’s called “transformative fandom” for a reason.
I am white so if you have questions or concerns about my reasons/approach to this subject please DM, email, or drop a CuriousCat on our official Twitter. I want you to feel free to open dialogue with me, anonymously if need be. I am aware that art has the power to be destructive and take this responsibility seriously, especially in light of what happened during Blacktober.
*provided the party who does it--if they are in a position of privilege--is not being irresponsible.
Special Thanks
My entire attitude about this project can be surmised by the best line in the entire movie: “Balls-to-the-wall is the motto I live by!” I am so excited and grateful to see so many people express interest in the project!