Although I've got most of you waiting for an article
list, my muse has recently informed me of the fact that it would be more appros to just you the
style. Now, this isn't something that needs to be hard-lined adhered to, rather it is a series of general principles to guide along yr hop-skipping adventure of...whatever the hell I'm talking about. I know that a lot of people might be used to writing what their teacher/professor/hostile government security agency
wants to hear....But I am of the school of thought that runs something like, "give the people what they deserve / not what they demand / unless we decide to be a business / not a band..."
First of all, I don't want any of you in the least bit to be
intimidated by this venture, it is going to be
fun. Or there
will be harsh, uncaring beatings. The tone of most (not all) articles should be casual, laid-back, but
smart. Explain concept and information in a clear and direct manner that the layman will understand - but challenge the poor sod! We won't dumb anything down - too many publications do this already, including many so-called science magazines.
Never start off an article with the name of the drug or topic yr writing about - that is LAME and UNCREATIVE. Rather, start with a sentence which in some manner can sum up the entire quality of the drug or topic at hand. For instance, if I were to write an article about DMT, I might start off with something regarding the infamous "self-transforming machine elves". Or natural gateways to dimension X through Shamanic rituals. Maybe even just babble in tongues for a while - who knows? Think outside of my box.
Information to include can consist of general background history; cultural references - whether pop, cult, or antiquarian; dosage information/comparison (in re: similar drugs or drugs of the same class); any verifiable (or at the least debate it competently) harm-reduction/tolerance reducing tips; common users of said drug; how to potentiate; if/where it grows naturally (include maybe tips on identification); and so on, ad infinitum. Ask personally if you need further help on what to include or exclude, content wise.
For longer, comprehensive articles dealing with multiple facets and delving into the depths of demiurgic based knowledge -
mix it up. I want charts, quotes, pretty pictures, statistics - whatever we can get our blood-stained hands on that proves to be true/accurate/useful. Don't spread bullshit to fill up space, look knowledgeable, or Lord-forbid, to look like a
respected professional. Too many scientists,
"experts", and scummy journalists make up patent nonsense while chuckling over cheap whiskey as it is. Do not be this person! We will brand and exile you.
That's the basics, but I'd still like to cover a few other points. Most of all, it is imperative to save all the information you might find while researching said topic. Too many sites go missing, not everyone has access to certain books or publications, and it is highly conducive to the joint-learning process known as
life. Having access to what potentially could end up as a veritable library of obscure and esoteric drug knowledge might be somewhat of an incentive to contribute, no?
Also, since our topic of publication is
sketchy at best - let's not blatantly break laws or condemn ourselves. It would just give the CIA an excuse to buy chemphoria out from Darkus and turn it into more mainstream stupid-babble. Pictures of drugs are fine but for the gods' sake - edit out all identifying information. I've only met one person who enjoys jail and he has more psychological problems than half of this forum.
Note as well that you can contribute in many ways. Anyone who is artistically inclined can do cartoons/pictures for the zine - it adds flavor and of course cheap laughs. People with highly specialized knowledge are welcome to write whatever the hell they want on their topic of choice - just don't break the ground rules. And if you can score an interview with someone worthwhile I will personally order someone else to fellate you or...whatever.
Just do it!More to come later...
Link to article list.
Be sure to send finished (or even semi-finished, I'm always up for co-authoring something) articles to me through a PM, and when we decide on a name, the zine email. Or just post it on the forums.
- Rizzo (possibly in a box)
