Spectrum (Star Trek: TOS zine published by Kzinti Press)

Spectrum is a gen Star Trek: TOS and fanzine newsletter put out by M.J. Fisher alias Jeff Johnston. 
This zine by Kzinti Press (issues eighteen and up) were advertised nationally. It contains reviews, con listings, and "Dear Fandom Annie" column for readers' questions. 
One fan described it as " a fannish comment zine designed for ST fans who are interested in fandom." from Datazine #3 
There is Star Wars content in later issues. 
Fisher/Johnston was a 19-year old college student when the first issue was published in 1975. He wrote in 1976 that he "... falls into a minority of male zineds. When I'm not involved in fandom, I... keep 8 aquariums, do calligraphy, and make monthly payments on my IBM typewriter." from the editorial in issue #25 
==Began as a Club Zine==
The first seventeen issues were local club newsletters published by S.T.A.R. Toledo called Spectrum. That means that "Spectrum" by Fisher/Johnston starts at issue #18.
==Fisher and Johnston are the Same Person==
The editor and publisher of this zine states in the first issue that "Fisher" took the zine over from Johnston:
It is unknown if Fisher/Johnston intended to keep these two identities separate, or if the fact they were the same person was a fandom open secret. 
The editor of Stardate in April 1976 connects the two names twice in his publication: "Johnston, who puts out SPECTRUM under the alias of M.J. Fisher (see the fanzine reviews), recently wrote these interesting remarks in response to some inquiries on my part concerning fanzine reviewing..." And: "I really wasn't fair to M.J. (alias Jeff Johnston) last issue, and this issue of SPECTRUM makes me swallow my words emphatically." from Stardate #8 
Up to issue #32 of "Spectrum," "M.L. Fisher is listed as the editor and publisher. From #33 onward, the publisher is listed as Kzinti Press. 
From Joan Verba in Boldly Writing: "Edited by Jeff Johnston (whose pen name was M.J. Fisher), [Spectrum] contained mostly editorial matter, but it was always interesting."
==Zine's Focus==
From a 1974 ad: 
==Spectrum's End==
"Spectrum has temporarily suspended publication until further notice, however, all subs will be honored." from an notice in Datazine #7 (October/November 1980) 
==Reactions and Reviews==
===1975===
===1976===
===1978===
==Issue 18==
Spectrum 18 was published in July 1975 and contains 5 pages. It is also "vol 3, n. 1, whole number 18" which reflects its earlier life as a clubzine.. 
This zine was the first nationally advertised issue, aimed at Star Trek fans who did not belong to the local club.
From the editor, M.J. Fisher: 
 
* editorial
* listings for 17 cons
* Highbrow Fandom?, essay by M.J. Fisher - The author talks about many issues relating to power and control of fandom. It also contradicts many of the doomsayers of Star Trek fandom of the time and notes: "Although some people believe that ST fandom will eventually merge with SF fandom, ST fandom still has not hit its height nor has it accumulated its greatest number of fans."
* reviews of T-Negative #26 and #27, see that page
* review of Quartet Plus One, see that page
* review of Halkan Council #6 and #7, see those pages 
* The Gripe Column: various short comments about fans, clubs, zines, and cons 
** "There is a lot of concern directed toward S.T.A.R nowadays and perhaps some hostility since Star-Borne has not been printed in almost 10 months. This is of little concern for an article since it would only be complaints and bitching. But is S.T.A.R. finished now in it's operation? It's purpose was to get the show back, that's done. What of it's chapters...does someone have the inspiration to suggest a possible plan for another organization (maybe the STW) to absorb the members and chapters. Certainly we can't let that already-organized group just dissolve!"
** "We are beginning to see the con with the bad reputation. Many cons are snubbed be cause of the chairperson(s) holding them. Should this be so, and if so should we publicize the nasty reputations of these chairpersons or find a way to restrict them from doing one thing or another for the benefit of the con-goers?"
** "Pick up a few ST zines here and there and you'll likely find a Vulcan zine or stories related to Vulcan. How many people are saying, "Oh no, not another Vulcan zine!" (Can you blame McCoy?) Can't we leave Vulcan to the people who started it, and promote creative stories. Menagerie has stories which have been written so as to not take place on the Big E...anyone out there following suit?"
** "Anyone notice the little mention of "Gerroldian epiphytes" (look it up) in "Sleep Not, Dream Not"? "Sleep Not, Dream Not" is a story by Connie Faddis. Faddis talks about that story in Media Fandom Oral History Project Interview with Connie Faddis. Get you thinking? What's DG's place in ST fandom? Maybe he is feeding off of us, but [is it] malignantly or benignly?"
==Reactions and Reviews: Issue 18==
==Issue 19==
Spectrum 19 was published in August 1975 and contains 7 pages. 
* the editor notes the reaction to first issue was tremendous and it was sold out in two weeks
* the editor writes that there will be some changes to Spectrum: 
* some con announcements
* a con report for Re-Kwest*Con, see that page
* a con report for Wondaycon #4, see that page
* "Zines in the Attic", an article where the editor says too many zines are coming out too quickly and that it is difficult to keep up with them and their reviews; he proposes a review-only zine
* The Right to Say, an essay by M.J. Fisher on speaking your mind, slander, and points of view
* a review of Warped Space #8, see that page
* a review of a brand-new newsletter by Karen Fleming called Goings On, it was to focus on the ST cast and crew and what they were up to. There was at least one issue, but possibly no more published
* a review of Menagerie v.2 n.1, see that page
* a review of Interphase #1, see that page
* reviews of A Piece of the Action #28 and #29, see those pages
* reviews of The Halkan Council #8 and #9, see those pages
* The Gripe Column asks these questions: 
** are cons becoming too tailored to a specific group of fans: "How many cons are becoming "tailored" to a specific group of fans. Not every con chairman wants the "trekkieboppers" galavanting around in the hundreds or thousands at their cons even if they do mean extra money. And how many more cons in the future will keep the doors open to just every fan off the street?"
** how can we make fans aware of legal problems for fans (i.e. IRS, copyright, bankruptcy): "True, the average fan doesn't have to worry about it at all, but fan club leaders, publishers, and especially con chairpersons might need to know a lot. Of course it might not be a good idea to include such a thing in a separate booklet but publish it along with another booklet so that the information is available for fans. Such a list of legal problems and actions might include: getting non-profit status from the IRS, getting tax-exemption from the IRS, incorporation, the perils of publishing including copyright infringement, and filing for bankruptcy."
**how many ways is ST cathartic: "Besides those people that go in for the romantic aspect of space travel or the show's adventure style, how many people are moved to tears by scenes from what Are Little Girls Made of?, or The Empath. Or perhaps there are housewifes that have switched from a soap opera addiction to a Star Trek addiction. Is there a psychiatrist that would recommend watching an episode for therapy?"
** how much "real information" is passed to other in con hotel rooms and private letters
** in a possible allusion to K/S: "How many fans don't know of "underground" Star Trek stories that circulate by the mail? And wouldn't it be interesting to discuss the contents of a few of these?"
==Issue 20==
Spectrum 20 was published in October 1975 and contains 5 pages.
* announcements for 17 cons
* CONfusion by M.J. Fisher, an essay about the future of cons and how to keep them accessible, but at the same time not... too accessible
* a review of the first issue of 2nd Age, see that page
* a review of The Halkan Council #10, see that page
* a review of Menagerie #6, see that page
* a review of Delta Triad #1, see that page
* a review of A Piece of the Action #30, see that page
* a review of Amani #8/9, see that page
* Vulcan Lit... or, "Spock's Problem", essay by M.J. Fisher, about of the plethora of Spock zines being issued. The writer feels the subject has gotten boring and writers aren't saying anything new: "I'm not sure I can stand to read another Spock zine again... Will the reader market for Vulcan stories peter out?" 
* contains a handwritten flyer for the 1976 Star Trek Lives! at the Commodore Hotel
* From "The Gripe Column" (which several fans stated they thought this was a misnomer):
** an embryonic comment about the need for the Fan Q Awards: "An interesting project to carry out through this fanzines might be a little contest or just a survey to determine which things we might want to include in a ST fandom Hall of Fame. The projects could include the best of: ST Novels, novellas, short stories, poems, art and perhaps layout. Positions of honor might be best, writer, editor, artist, poet, all-around-fan. Such a project could be commemorated by a special zine to be put out every year. This would be comparable to the Idea that has been tossed around of the ST Hugo-type award."
==Issue 21==
Spectrum 21 was published in November 1975 and contains 10 pages. 
The editor wrote: "Jacqueline Lichtenberg has told me that STLives! has gone into its fourth printing and the Star Trek Welcommittee corrections went through at last!"
* IDIC and the Prime Directive, essay by Karen Fleming
* The Fall of the Terran Empire...an extrapolation, article by M.J. Fisher (It begins with: "The Federation will be in grave trouble and will quite conceivably build itself up for collapse slowly and inexorably. That same future foretold from those facts, gleaned from Star Trek,indicate a faulty political and economic structure doomed to a tomorrow of stagnant and unchanging values and overly conservative action. This will be the case unless action is taken in the proper manner and by the proper people to reorient the Terran society.")
* "The Nausea Effect": Star Trek Lives!, review by Sharon Ferraro of Star Trek Lives! (also excerpted in The Halkan Council #12). In Boldly Writing, Joan Verba wrote that the review contained "one of the few unfavorable reviews of Star Trek Lives! Sharon complained that fan stories about sexual situations were over-represented in Star Trek Lives!, and that interviews with the actors were superficial." 
* a review of T-Negative #28, #29, see those pages
* a review of Independent Entity #2, see that page
* a review of Halkan Council #11, see that page
* a short description of the contents of A Piece of the Action #31
==Reactions and Reviews: Issue 21==
==Issue 22==
Spectrum 22 was published in January 1976 and contains 7 pages. 
* 15 con announcements
* a listing of Gene Roddenberry's college appearances
* Many fans might be left in the lurch of fandom, essay by M.J. Fisher about changes in fandom's size and possible growth
* A Short History of the Star Trek Welcommittee by Helen Young
* Death Wish by Cheryl Rice, an essay that discusses death stories in Star Trek: TOS fiction
* a short history of the Star Trek Welcommittee, by Helen Young
* a review of Halkan Council #12 and #13, see that page 
* a review of Furaha #1 and #2, see that page
* an ad for Tribble Dribbles
* The Gripe Column tosses out many questions:
** what happens if STW becomes too bureaucratic
** how many people are getting ripped off by greedy fannish goods dealers
** should fandom have an ombudsman
** why hasn't there ever been a "revealing" survey of ST fans: "Apathy? or don't we know how?"
** "will fandom ever look half-way respectable so that even your 'Aunt Emma' would approve (provided "she isn't a secret fan herself"). Will fandom ever become serious enough for this, or will we actively keep fandom among ourselves?"
** what will the movie mean to fandom: "What in the world will happen if half of the actifans in fandom expect the ST movie to be as deep as Kraith? Or as sloppily mushy as Grup for that matter?"
** "Is 1999 going to taking away any potential fans "out there." Are Banal Bain and Languid Landau that appealing?"
** "How much of a black eye did S.T.A.R. give fandom? Does everyone ever know what happened, or will they forget it in another six months?"
** David Gerrold: "Why in hell was Gerrold so upset over the [T]ribbles? Has avarice taken Dear-David over completely?"
** "One thing that fandom is developing among its writers is the art of being critical. My, but aren't we picky when someone writes a story with bad characterization or, Ghu help us, bad technical errors. Look how everyone jumped on STL! 'cause it wasn't their book, as though fandom's collective child had died."
** what will the postal increase mean for fannish communication...?
==Issue 23==
Spectrum 23 was published in February 1976 and contains 10 pages. The cover is by Merrie K.
* Con Descending by M.J. Fisher, an essay about the impact of professionally-run cons 
* A Tall Tale by M.J. Fisher, essay about rumors about the actors and privacy issues
* a flyer for Derby-Con
* a flyer for The Mariette Hartley Fan Network
* there are 18 con announcements
 
* a review of A Piece of the Action #33 and #34, see those pages
* a review of The Halkan Council #14, see that page
* a review of That Which Survives, see that page
* a review of Berengaria #6, see that page
* a review of Warped Space #14, see that page
* a review of Contact by H.O. Petard, see that page
* From The Gripe Column: 
** "The idea of the fandom ombudsman seems to be an unworkable one to many people. What about a milder counterpart -- a "Dear Abby" for fandom. We may already have a few people who [have] taken it upon themselves to counsel fans, a sort of closet Ann Landers. Maybe it would make a nice addition to Spectrum, ay, what? Dear Fandom Annie..."
** "If fandom is becoming more ordered and departmentalized in some areas, it might not be all that surprising to find we'll need computer or data-storage assistance in the near future. This ultra-modern aspect of mundane life might become involved in Strekdom too... provided anyone can afford it."
** "Perish the thought that people in fandom are picky, but we may be spoiling ourselves when it comes to zines. Zines like Interphase are by far the exception in fandom, but it just might start a trend. There's a fortunate aspect to this though -- Interphase involves a great deal of personal effort, dedication, money, and especially talent. It is difficult to mass produce those qualities in a zine that is run off by the thousands by an offset machine. It will also raise the standards by which we judge all other zines. The word "crudzine" is going to pop up much more often now."
** "There seems to be a plethora of new Star Trek books in the works for future publication. Hopefully Bantam has learned a little about SF, although without someone like Judy Lyn del-Ray it's debatable. Is is too hard to believe that before long we are going to have a book published on Spock that reaches out to the mentality of the Spock-shocked, bug-eyed trekkie? Afterall, I Am Not Spock doesn't have the widest publicity and is published by an obscure publishing house."
** Does anyone REALLY know of an adolescent boy who's been raped by a sex-starved housewife at a ST con, as a few people fear after reading STL!"
==Reactions and Reviews: Issue 23==
==Issue 24==
Spectrum 24 was published in April 1976 and contains 9 pages.
* the editor says he is using a new, cheaper paper (it feels like construction paper), one that costs $1.69 a ream
* Underground Fandom, by M.J. Fisher, The first line: "Fans have admitted in the past that the structure in fandom comes close to anarchy and that the less formal structure, the better." A fan has submitted this taxonomy: 1) Armchair Fan 2) Trekkie 3) Neofan/Trekker 4) Contributing or Established Fan 5) BNF: 
* a page and a half of convention listings (24 of them!)
* a review of Warped Space #15, see that page
* a review of The Halkan Council #15 and #16, see that page
* a review of Interphase #2, see that page
* from The Gripe Column: 
** "Would fandom benefit from such a thing as a board of standards? Within fandom now the only standards that exist are those that most of the fans agree upon verbally. The World SF cons have a set constitution which define certain rules concerning conduct...might something of this sort be adapted in STrekdom?"
** "What might be the long term effect of publishing fan fiction in the pro market? Star Trek: The New Voyages is the first attempt at this and somewhere along the line the original stories have been clipped, mangled, or metamorphosed out of shape. Bantam is notorious in STrekdom for their sloppy or inconsiderate editing. Perhaps New Voyages will be the straw that breaks the camel's back and turns fandom against Bantam."
** "Here's an interesting idea - a world ST con, much the same as the world SF con held each year. To date, almost all of the ST cons have been autonomous events. If we could ever really organize STrekdom it might not only be possible, but inevitable."
** "What power does STrekdom really have now? We all know what it did in the past to get Star Trek's third season a new lease on life and to get the animated version and the movie, but it doesn't reflect on fandom's ability to survive as an entity. What unit force do we have to keep fandom's integrity. Without some form of integrity fandom might very well dissolve, some of the fans drifting off to SFandom and some fading away, never to be heard of again."
** "What's David Gerrold doing in fandom these days besides running DAGE or collecting the profits thereof?"
** "Are there really BNFs in fandom? If so, who applies the title?"
==Reactions and Reviews: Issue 24==
==Issue 25==
Spectrum 25 was published in May 1976 and contains 10 pages. 
* there are 25 con announcements
* The Golden Age of Strekdom by M.J. Fisher, posits that Star Trek fandom: "...is sort of a freak, a phenomenon to be sure, but one that has a limited lifespan.... We can only keep Star Trek alive so long and then it will fade away..."
* To Censor the Art Critic by Merrie K.: "I resent limited schooled people, in the art field, making unqualified judgements about other people's work and publishing these comments as Godlike!!!" 
* a review of The Other Side of Paradise, see that page
* a review of T-Negative #31/32, see that page
* a review of Menagerie #9, see that page
* a review of Warped Space #16, see that page
* a review of Berengaria #7, see that page
* there is a flyer for Assignment: Star Trek
* this issue contains the first "Dear Fandom Annie" column, fan's who submit questions would be totally anonymous and the editor promised confidentiality; it is likely that the questions, as well as the answers, were by Fisher himself:
** "Dear Fandom Annie: All of the kids in school think I'm STAR TREK crazy (which I am). What can I do to retaliate? -- Anxious" 
:: "Dear Anxious: Sad, but true, I've found that proselytizing seldom works with Trek. If someone has seen it but doesn't feet it, you might as wall save your breath; they never will, and move onto the next warm body. School, however, can be a painful situation. If survival is the order of the day, don't flaunt your IDIC. No one's giving the commonfen combat pay yet."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: Why did Jacqueline Lichtenberg put so many "EFFECTS" in Star Trek Lives!? I was effected to death! And how come it wasn't about F*A*N*D*O*M like it was supposed to be? -- Let Down" 
:: "Dear Let Down : The object of JL's effect-ion is very likely the answer to your second question as well. It's what the U.S. Mint does."
** Dear Fandom Annie: Is it true that Sharon Ferraro is really 3 different people? How else can anyone have their fingers in so many things at once? I opens the ST Tech. Man. and what finds I? I finds her name listed in the credits! -- Curious" 
:: "Dear Curious: Truth be know, Sharon Ferraro is really a fan hoax perpetrated by three bilingual rotifers "rotifer"? in Poughkeepsie."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: Please tell me where I could get a lock of our gorgeous Captain Kirk. Do they cut hair in that time, or do they phaser it off?... I'd do anything to get a lock of Captain Kirk's hair. -- A Hair Freak of Kirks" 
:: "Dear Freak: I wish you Harvard guys would go back to bugging Ann Landers. Can't you tell this is a sercon column? (Actually, $5.00 to Lincoln Enterprises would probably bring you a lock of hair from one of WS' old toupes [sic].)"
==Issue 26==
Spectrum 26 was published in July 1976 and contains 14 pages.
* the editor sent some fans a copy of The STrekfan's Glossary of Abbreviations and Slanguage along with this issue of Spectrum
 
* there are announcements for 28 cons
* a detailed reivew of Star Trek: The New Voyages by Laurraine Tutihasi, some of which complains of stories that have been altered from the original, and winds up with "For those of you who are not Trek fen, I would advise you to spend your money elsewhere. Because of the nature of the original, that is, because Star Trek was a TV show, Trek fan fiction tends toward mediocrity. The only good story here is the original Mind-Sifter, and that is not in the book."
* Commercialism in Strekdom, an essay by M.J. Fisher about commercialism in fandom (mostly among dealers at conventions and fanzine editors who overcharged for their merchandise), a common complaint 
* Caveat Emptor, essay by Mandi Schultz: "ST is already legend, but the purpose of this article is not to talk about the show itself, but rather about the sub cult that surrounds it, sf fandom's bastard child, ST fandom." 
* a review of Night of the Twin Moons, see that page
* a review of Warped Space #17, see that page
* a review of Turnabout, see that page
* a review of Karen & Leonard... A Monochromatic Romance, see that page
* a review of Stardate: Unknown, see that page
* a review of A Piece of the Action #39 and #40, see those pages
* a review of The Halkan Council #19, see that page
==Reactions and Reviews: Issue 26==
==Issue 27==
Spectrum 27 was published in August 1976 and contains 11 pages.
From the editor: 
* regarding two names: 
* there are 22 con announcements
 
* The Right of Fanzine Reviewing: Part 1 by Sharon Emily 
* The Right of Fanzine Reviewing: Part 2 by M.J. Fisher 
* a review of Stardate #9, see that page
* a review of All My Crewmen, see that page
* a review of Furaha #3, see that page
* a review of Contact #2, see that page
* a review of Fanzine Review 'Zine, see that page
* a review of The Halkan Council #20/21, see that page
* from "Dear Fandom Annie":
** "Dear Fandom Annie: Why do Trek fanzine critics always have to give away the ends of stories? Don't you think that is a cheap shot and unfair to the author and potential reader? - Chastened Reviewer" 
:: "Dear Chastened Reviewer: The end justified the means, more often than not. Frankly I'm hard put to wonder why so much recent flack over this, seeing as how the endings of the stories involved had absolutely no real bearing on the plot. It's been my experience that the furor hasn't been well-founded, and much to the reviewer's dismay probably brought the story in question more attention than it deserved in the first place."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: Who is Paula Smith and why does she say so many nasty things? - Sickened" 
:: "Dear Sickened: Dear Sickened: Please don't bother me with Paula, I'm still working on who or what Sharon Ferraro is."
** To a fan who asks about overpriced zines: 
:: "Dear Stymied: Not knowing the format of the zine it's difficult to confirm or deny an increase of costs. I am however, a firm believer in voicing one's opinions, and if you feel you're being ripped off, YELL. There's a difference in preserving harmony and kissing asses, after all. If you feel you haven't gotten your money's worth and want to know where the additional cost is going, ask, it's your right as a consumer to know and I for one, wouldn't trust an Ed. who won't tell you."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: Who do editors think they are that they can tell an artist how to do artwork for a fanzine? Not only do they ask the artist to use certain size, shape, and layout, but they have the audacity to tell us exactly what type of medium we must use. What gall! I feel the artists should have the right to produce what they think best conveys their inner feelings and not prostitute themselves. - Angered Artist"
:: "Dear Angered Artist: A good artist is a disciplined artist, and one with discipline can work within the limits zine eds have to set, obviously because so many do. One must realize what it costs to produce art for a zine - and the fact that the more costly it becomes, the rare expensive the zine is going to be. To avoid problems, the eds specify the mediums, size, etc. The most inexpensive way to repro art is electrostencil but its abilities are limited, so the next step is offset. Some artists don't seem to realize that offset does not occur like manna from heaven, you have to pay for it. Pencil originals with halftones require a heavier metal plate and casphotographic process at an incredible cost just to make the screening negative and plate, so Eds ask for art in Black ink, no halftones and if the gods are with"them it can be done on the "instant process" that uses a paper or foil (and therefore less costly) plate. In any event, if the drawing is too large, you pay to have it reduced. If it's too small you pay to have it enlarged. Believe me, Eds have better things to do that - think of how many ways to inhibit your creative flow. Take pity on them, or don't complain about the high prices if you've helped create them. Since many zines are featuring beautifully done art that does conform, perhaps the problem lies with your ego, not the Ed's desire to exercise his power."
==Issue 28==
Spectrum 28 was published in November 1976 and contains 16 pages.
* the editor apologizes for a part of a review in the last issue where he compared a fan's story to one by Isaac Asimov: 
* On the Border, an essay by M.J. Fisher about the controversy surrounding his zine, why he dropped the letter column, and the lack of art in this zine. 
* Cynical Fandom, an essay by M.J. Fisher about cynicism, honesty and maturity in ST fandom: 
* there are 17 con announcements
* a review of Alpha Continuum, see that page
* a review of Second Age, see that page
* a review of Menagerie #10, see that page
* a review of Warped Space #19, see that page
* a review of IDIC #3, see that page
* a flyers for Delta Triad #3 and Who's Who in Star Trek Fandom
* an art piece depicting someone at MidAmeriCon (Worldcon), as well as some photos, including one of Paula Smith and one of Marion Zimmer Bradley and Devra Langsam (who is dressed in a Darkover costume)
* this issue contains an extensive con report for MidAmeriCon (Kansas City, MO)
 
 Image:spectrum28fan.jpg|from issue #28, a fan at MidAmeriCon, artist is Marty Siegrist
 Image:spectrum28-1.jpg|from issue #28, Marion Zimmer Bradley and Devra Langsam at MidAmeriCon
 Image:spectrum28-2.jpg|from issue #28, at MidAmeriCon
 Image:spectrum28-3.jpg|from issue #28, con report for MidAmeriCon
 Image:spectrum28-4.jpg|from issue #28, con report for MidAmeriCon
 Image:spectrum28-5.jpg|from issue #28, con report for MidAmeriCon
 Image:spectrum28-6.jpg|from issue #28, con report for MidAmeriCon
==Issue 29==
Spectrum 29 was published in December 1976 and contains 12 pages.
* the editor writes: 
* the editor talks of possibly having to raise his rates if the postal service raises their rates "like they've been threatening to do"
* Getting Ahead in Fandom, an essay by M.J. Fisher about BNFs, breaking into fandom, how geography dictates your "level" of fannish level of recognizability, how to write letters to the "right people," fannish politics and how to become exposed to the grapevine, and what letterzines to write to. "Most likely, most of the people in Star Trek fandom who are active fans have been in Halkan Council several times, if not frequently. With a little luck, a fan can pass from obscurity to being quite well-known in fandom with nothing more than a few letters appearing in a letterzine."
* there is a full-page ad for "Inside Star Trek... Gene Roddenberry," a long-playing lp record album what will shortly be for sale
* "Transeat in Exemplum," an expose by Mandi Schultz about a Trek fan who was fooled by a thief; it was also printed a month earlier in Warped Space #21 with the title: The facts are these. Hoover is not telling the truth. 
* a review of Delta Triad #3, see that page
* a review of Alternative: The Epilog to Orion, see that page
* a review of Furaha #4, see that page
* from "Dear Fandom Annie":
** "Dear Fandom Annie: What can be done to initiate some new ideas at conventions? It seems that all Star Trek conventions are becoming increasingly repetitive? - Slightly Bored" 
:: "Dear Slightly Bored: Changing con programs is going to be a painfully slow procedure. Short of holding the kind you want yourself, TALK to the con comms, especially if and when you're a paid member. Tell them what you want to see at a con as well as what you'd like NOT to see. Most of them won't listen because they're convinced they're already doing quite nicely without your help, but there's always a chance. Another idea would be to write up reports of cons you've been to for fanzines pointing out what you liked as well as what you didn't, and what you would've preferred. The whole idea is that you have to be pointedly vocal about it, and too, try smaller cons. Unlike the large ones that have turned into side shows, the small cons, for the most part, are much more interesting as you can attend on a personal basis. You won't be lost in the tidal wave of sheer numbers of fans."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: I have noticed that in Star Trek fandom there is an awfully large preponderance of offset fanzines. From what I hear, this isn't the case in other fandoms. Offset is not only more expensive, but many fans use it poorly. Why do zine eds do that? - Confused Zine Editor"
:: "Dear Confused Zine Editor: I could answer in one word -- EGOTRIP -- but I won't. Some claim that it's easier, some want the prestige, and some feel that for the cost of one offset zine run you could buy a used mimeo in decent condition. Indeed, some use offset very poorly by not preparing a good original copy, and some go for the ungodly expense of metal plates for art that could be handled for a fraction of the cost. Many would do well to realize that even a snappy appearance will not conceal poor content."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: It occurs to me that fandom lends itself to politics as much as anything else. If so, how can a fan politically stack the deck in her/his favor? - Political Student"
:: "Dear Political Student: The fine art of ass-kissing seems to lend itself to your need. But do you really think the personal debasement and compromising of principles is worth it?"
** "Dear Fandom Annie: I have noticed more porno in ST lately. The same occurs in science fiction; it isn't art unless it's dirty an calls itself "speculative fiction." This doesn't mean I want everything to be squeaky clean, just that I believe a ST zine shouldn't resemble an underground comic. To me this is sad because many fans are too young for this garbage. How can parents believe in the wholesome interests in Star Trek if they see these zines? Some do not even state they are "For Adults Only." Also, it is a blight to the minds of fans of any age who believe in ST and see its philosophic goals for the future. Outsiders, such as reporters, insult fandom enough, must we insult ourselves with this trash? What do you think? - Saddened"
:: "Dear Saddened: Well, in all honesty I like to peek as much as the next guy does. How ever, I can peek for less money at better quality if I'd buy from a dirty book store. Having made a point of perusing every so-called pornzine that has come out recently - as well as the "unusual" ones plumbing the depths of the K/Sp relationship, I feel fairly secure in having the opinion that the majority of the people writing have had almost no actual experience with the subject matter. This is not to say that we should not write what we don't know per se - obviously we would all have to give up right now. But since sex in all of its various and deviant forms, already exists with fairly well-defined basics, the people without the experience are standing out like sore...well, make up your own analogy. I think what I personally resent the most is the virtual elevation of such stuff (I hesitate to refer to it as literature) as serious writing, and would feel much better if everyone admitted it's all a lark. Yet people will go to great lengths to validate their efforts, including thinking that they can point to various things in the episodes themselves to back up their ludicrous suppositions. Personally I resent the insults made to my intelligence by the insinuations that this sort of thing is anything but a lark as well as a last-ditch step in Trekfic. Perhaps we are truly marking time until The Movie refuels us with ideas. That's a pretty sad statement to be made of a group that us supposed to be exceptionally imaginative and creative. As for me, the sampling has been more than sufficient, to convince me that the material of this nature is even more odious than Sturgeon's law promises. And the next time I want to be titillated, I'll go to a specialty store, pay half the price, and get color photos to boot! In short, will everyone please turn down their gonads and start writing something worth the paper it's on again? Enough is enough, barf bags should not have to become standard survival gear."
==Issue 30==
Spectrum 30 was published in February 1977 and contains 10 pages. This issue doesn't have any zine reviews because A Survival Guide for Strekcons took up most of the space.
Fisher is grumpy about postage costs: 
* it contains an 8-page article by M.J. Fisher called A Survival Guide for Strekcons
* there is a full-page ad for Star Trek Adventure
* there are 22 con announcements
* from "Dear Fandom Annie":
** "Dear Fandom Annie: I have read many stories where Kirk and Spock have a homosexual relationship. If this is true, does Spock ever get jealous of Kirk's girlfriends? -- Fascinated" 
:: "Dear Fascinated: There are some things mortal are just not meant to know."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: Back when Fandom first started, how did people know where to get in touch with other fans and how dis the idea of publishing zines come up? Also, how did fans know where to get the zines before the Star Trek Welcommittee was formed? -- Latecomer"
:: "Dear Latecomer: Embarrassing tho it may be, most early fen (at the time when Strek was on network TV) found each other thru Leonard Nimoy's Club(s) or at his early personal appearances to hype his records. The idea of a zine, per se, is not new to a fan club, nor to SF fen [There is an article on zines in SFdom in Sol Plus III- Ed.] SO when STrekkers infiltrated SF cons, the idea rubbed off. Last but not least, there were already-established SF fen such as Juanita Coulson. They were already zineds and produced some of the early zines. A lot of campuses (Texas A&M comes to mind) already had SF clubs and their members turned on to Trek. Not unlike VD, the publishing urge spread from person to person via an assortment of pleasant exchanges."
** two other questions: 
:: Why has Trek art become so boring?
:: Does the "post offal" hate fanzines specifically? (the latter a reference to late mail, damaged mail, and general fan dissatisfaction with the Postal Service)
==Issue 31==
Spectrum 31 was published in April 1977 and contains 12 pages.
* 26 con announcements
* The Future of Star Trek Fandom, essay by John Baker and M.J. Fisher. It says Strekdom will be active at least into the 1980s because the movie will keep it going, but after that, "it will be dropped." It predicts that if popular markets stop selling a lot of the pro books, they will still continue to be sold to high school and college bookstores for SF courses. The essay also has a lot to say about conventions
* Loonies in Fandom?, an essay by M.J. Fisher about being an enthusiastic Star Trek fan
* a review for Altair, see that page
* a review of Stardate: Unknown #3, see that page
* a review of All My Crewmen #2, see that page
* a review of Fantasia #1, see that page
* a review of Masiform D, see that page
* a review of T-Negative #32/33, see that page
* from "Fandom Annie":
** "Dear Fandom Annie: I just received issue 1 & 2 of Interphase, xeroxed, from Lori Chapek-Carleton, and I really didn't like them. I found that The Other Side of Paradise was a hundred times better... Why is it that people say Interphase is the best and most professional Strekzine in fandom? I didn't find is so. -- Phased Out"
::"Dear Phased Out: I certainly must applaud your courage to say such a thing in print. I also happen to agree whole-heartedly. While Interphase is always a visual coup, its literary contents frequently leave something to be desired. But how many people would have the nerve to take the name of its editor in vain?"
** "Dear Fandom Annie: I've been in Star Trek fandom for almost a year now. Every con report I've read seems to put down the con. Since I haven't been to a con yet, I can't judge the con for myself. Are cons dying out? Why are they put down so much? -- Non Con"
:: "Dear Non Con: As far as big (pro) cons are concerned, you haven't missed much unless your character would have benefited from highway robbery. Cons are put down because people are unsatisfied with them, as well they should be. It's ridiculous to pay $25 for the honor of being crammed into an auditorium in order to hear the cast tell you about their present projects. At least on television, commercial messages are free. People are tired of being abused by poor hotel staff (though the blame does fall on the con promoters for insufficiently arranging things) and suffering with poor facilities. People are tired of paying their money for the opportunity of being swindled by dealers masquerading as fans. Fan cons are the wave of the future."
==Issue 32==
Spectrum 32 was published in May 1977 and contains 14 pages.
* the editor notes that he has permission from both Lori Chapek-Carleton and Joni Wagner to use the LP6 on the cover of this issue
* Statistical Fandom, an essay by M.J. Fisher
* the editor notes two letter campaigns are circulating: one to renew Space: 1999, and the other is to get more of Gene Roddenberry's show Spectre: "Personally I thought [Spectre] was spectacular, and I would like to see more. If you feel the same way you can write to the following addresses: [...] Remember the basic rules for writing to networks: don't use form letters, don't mark Spectre on the out side of the envelope, and don't threaten or condemn. Type if you can, and use your own stationery if you have any, and try to be concise, polite, mature and sincere."
* the editor thinks the WSA is "investigating the Star Trek Association for Revival and the Basta sisters. No one is making any accusations or pressing charges. This is just an investigation urged at the request of some fans. If you have any gripes, praises, or useful information, contact WSA Chief of Operations, Ron J. Frantz."
* the editor has two maps of "fan density," getting his data from fan club addresses, from a STW personnel roster, of his own zine's subscription list, and from various directories
* there is a full-page flyer for The Tsytsean Chronicles
* Bev Clark has an essay called Con Fans and Mainstream Fans: 
* a review of Warped Space #23, see that page
* a review of Delta Triad Supplement #1, see that page
* a review of Saurian Brandy Digest #1, see that page
* a review of Menagerie #11, see that page
==Issue 33==
Spectrum 33 was published in July 1977 and contains 14 pages.
* there are 28 con announcements
* the editor warns fans to keep their addresses current: 
* the editor is also plugging a new movie: 
* The Story of The Cage, the Se-Kwester*Con Too Conzine... or... How Not to Publish a Fanzine, an essay by the editor: 
* a full-page flyer for Diamonds and Rust
* a two-page graphic by M.J. Fisher titled "The Laws of Fan Publishing"
* an essay titled The Starving Artist Syndrome by M.J. Fisher, lists how fandom's artists are badly treated; the poor printing of their work in zines, original artwork not returned to the artists, art published without permission in other places such as shirts and such, zine eds who use whiteout and other editing procedures on art; the author suggests organizing themselves and using contracts for protection and respect
* a review of Time Warp #1, see that page
* a review of Scuttlebutt, see that page
* a review of A Piece of the Action #52, see that page
* a review of The Clipper Trade Ship #15, see that page
* from "Dear Fandom Annie":
** "Dear Fandom Annie: Where the hell does Paramount, the original ST cast, and Roddenberry come off trying to rip us STrekfen off! Every time I turn around, I find that the actors have jacked up their price for appearing at a con, and then they just plug whatever book or record they have out. It looks to me like they're going to price themselves right out of the business. -- Pissed Off."
:: "Dear POed: While I agree that the cast is pricing themselves right out of the con-game no pun intended, the fact remains that there have been throngs of fans, Trekkies and Trekkers alike, willing to pay the equally ridiculous con admission fees, that paid these gargantuan salaries. But I do not feel that the actors can be faulted for whatever they do on stage. These people are paid showmen after all. I don't know what else the fans expect them to do up there. At one point I recall someone suggesting they perform Star Trek on stage. Evidently this fan knows absolutely nothing about the business or [s]he would never have made such a ludicrous suggestion. Such performing is bound on all sides by a plethora of guild and union rules, not to mention copyright laws. Who, pray tell, will write this scenario for them? Do you know what it costs to pay someone to do that — and legally, you would have to pay a union member...also hire union people for props, costumes, make-up, etc.. etc. If you think $25 is exorbitant for con admission, imagine what you would pay if the con-throwers had to pay that as well. To maintain their profit margin they would have to increase admission price. You people also forget that we all eat, drink and sleep ST. the actors do not. It's eight years in their past, despite the cons, and they cannot continue to eat and pay the mortgage on the house by living on the fumes of past glories, no matter how enthusiastic they may seem about the possibilities of a Trek series. So, if their services are purchased at a personal appearance, they are going to promote what pays the bills now. Being enamored of Spock's ears does not put food on Nimoy's table anymore; his residuals stopped a long time ago."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: I heard, long ago, from the grapevine that S.T.A.R. was going to published a fanzine/book called NOVA which was supposed to be a super-colossal fanzine with articles and artwork by pros and fans alike, with the intent of paying off the former debts and subscriptions owed by S.T.A.R. I even heard rumors to the effect that some people have seen the artwork from NOVA, and there might even be copies of it that really exist. Is NOVA just an unfounded myth like Noah's ark, or is there such a thing? -- Myth-fied Fan"
:: "Dear Myth-ified: While I am sure that nowhere in the Bible does it say "and the ground clave asunder and swallowed up NOVA," the result is just the same. As I understand it, NOVA was intended to be an appeasement from S.T.A.R. to all of the people who were left hanging, still owed $$'s worth of something or other, Babels, club memberships, whatever. This was, I believed, well over a year ago, probably closer to two. Every now and then I hear vague rumblings or a new rumor that someone has seen a cover, a chapter, something, anything, to signify that NOVA really is going to exist. I personally think we'll witness the Second Coming first, and believe me,Id be happy to be wrong since I lost my hard-earned ¢a$h there too. For those of you who have been similarly 'deprived" — that is, those to whom Bastas/S.T.A.R./Et. A1 still owe something to, please get in touch with Ron Frantz P.O. Box 95171, Oklahoma City, OK 731091. WSA is a consumer protection group for fans, formed by fans. They are currently investigating just what, if anything, these people plan to do about NOVA and would appreciate hearing from anyone who is owed. Please include details such as copies of checks that have been cancelled and all pertinent dates."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: I recently noticed something about Star Trek fandom in comparison to what I know of Science Fiction fandom -- STrekdom doesn't have a single amateur press association. Not one that I've ever really heard of. Why is it that there are no APA's in ST Fandom? -- APA-fan"
:: "Dear Non-APAthy: The purpose of the APA is usually mass letter writing, talking more than books or fandom. You'll find the majority of APAzines, unlike STrekzines, feature not fiction, but accounts of personal thoughts and experiences. Whereas the genfen are eager to share everything about themselves with others of their ilk, the majority of Trekfen apparently are not. It is hard to believe they have nothing to share, but so far they are working hard to prove it."
==Issue 34==
Spectrum 34 was published in September 1977 and contains 14 pages.
* the editor has seen Star Wars, and he is enamored: 
* the editor adds: 
* there are two pages of photos of fans from SeKWesterCon
* there is a full-page flyer for Necro-Con, a con for fans of old horror films
* there is an open letter by Sharon Ferraro Short, the topic is S.T.A.R.; club is in disarray and in trouble; see The 1977 S.T.A.R. Letter by Sharon 
* there is a review for Showcase #3, see that page
* there is a review for Starfleet Assembly Manual #1, see that page
* there is a review of The Star Trek Bartender's Guide & Punch Book, see that page
* there is a review of Deep Grope, see that page
* there is a review of Stardate: Unknown #3, see that page
* there is the very first review of a Star Wars zine, one for The Force, see that page
* there is a review of All My Crewmen #3, see that page
* there is a review of Masiform D #6, see that page
* there is a review of A Piece of the Action #53, see that page
* there is a con report by David Lubkin for MudCon; it is told entirely as a filk to the tune of "House of the Rising Sun"
==Issue 35==
Spectrum 35 was published in Jan 1978. It had two covers, one risqué, one not risqué The Wicked Wanda cover was sent to fans the editor felt would be fine with it. Other fans he wasn't so sure about got a cover with Kirk on it by Merrie K.. There were 15 of the of copies of the Wicked Wanda cover that were hand-colored and were sent to subscribers who had an interest in collectables.
This issue was late because the editor used up all his ink running off the zine Diamonds and Rust. He had ordered thirty more pounds of ink, but it was late in arriving. 
Fisher also writes that it is the first issue in a long time to have a lettercol. One of the letters is about APAs in Trek fandom, one letter states they wish "Spectrum" printed more letters, one letter is about the difference (or lack thereof) between "art" and "illustration" in zines, the last letter is about bad service from T-K Graphics.
He directly addresses The 1977 S.T.A.R. Letter by Sharon: "Dear Sharon- Seeing, in this case — seeing NOVA in the mailbox — is believing. But I tend to think that the age of miracles has passed."
The bulk of this issue are two long, thoughtful essays, one by the editor on the "pro" side of explicit material being allowed in fanzines, and a long essay by Karen Fleming on the "con" side, arguing against explicit material. 
 
* a review of Mahko Root #1, see that page
* a review of Interstat #1, see that page
* a review of Menagerie #13, see that page
* a review of Trexindex #1, see that page
* a review of Pegasus #2, see that page
* a review of ComLoc #4, see that page
* The Wall, essay by M.J. Fisher
* Truth forever on the scaffold, essay by Karen Fleming
* from "Dear Fandom Annie":
** "Dear Fandom Annie: Where does Paramount come off, trying to rip off us fen? Instead of charging a little bit for a film, their prices have going up into the hundreds and thousands of dollars. That stinks. I can't really pin anything on Roddenberry, but Paramount has been cracking down on people selling ST film clips without permission. Now, granted, Paramount has sole rights to these clips, but the fans selling them can't be hurting Paramount really. It seems to me that Paramount and Roddenberry are just trying to get all the money they can and not share it with anyone else. -- Pissed Off
:: Dear Pissed Off: Paramount is a business, not a charity institution. They are not blind to the amount of $$ con-givers are making, and they want their percentage. You must also realize that the cost of renting an episode also does things like paying the Writer's Guild their cut, if I have been informed correctly. You're not going to like what I have to say about film clips either. Paramount is not blind to the enormous profits being made by the big-time dealers at cons. The studio has the right to their percentage, or to crack down on people selling. You seem to forget that they legally own this stuff. Lo, these many years ago, Paramount was the one who shelled out hard cash to make Star Trek. It belongs to them, even the film clips which are throw- away scraps (until they throw them in a public dump, they own 'em). They paid the actors in those film clips - they paid for sets, the costumes, the scripts — they own it. Morally, ethically, legally, they are entirely within their rights to demand a percentage on any monies anyone is making on what they own. Look at it this way — if you owned Star Trek, would you be as generous as you condemn Paramount for not being? I don't think so. In the past. Paramount has turned a blind eye to the dealing that went on since there was only a handful of dealers. Things have changed considerably. Vie've brought it upon ourselves, even those of us who are not dealers, by buying from the over-priced ones. Paramount has given the fans every consideration in this department, and they're the ones who've been robbed. (For example, even the licensed dealers report only a fraction of their con profits in order to minimize their percentage to Paramount.) I do not think they can be faulted for finally protecting themselves."
** "Dear Fandom Annie: I have been noticing lately that a lot of zines say they are for sale for people 16 and over (rated X). Now, you tell me, how in the heck do editors of these zines know that the people who sub are 16 and over? Or is it just publicity? -- Minor-ly Interested"
:: "Dear Minor - Those ratings (X, Adult only, etc.) are meant to serve the same purpose as the notices the TV networks run before shows that might be offensive or require "parental discretion." They are also about as useful. Obviously zine editors and TV stations don't know the true age of their audiences, but giving some warning does shift the blame in case any one becomes upset. The ratings would, to a certain extent, work as advertising. Most people; whether under or over 16, are interested in what someone tells them they can't have. For bidden fruit is always the sweetest & most enticing."
==Issue 36==
Spectrum 36 was published in January 1978 and is eight, single-spaced, tightly packed pages.
The entire zine is what the editor hoped would be a sort-of supplement Communication the Hard Way: 
About the cover: 
The editor notes that if the subject of the zine was too specialized, that : 
Regarding the zine: the editor wrote: 
==Issue 37==
Spectrum 37 was published in May 1978 and contains 16 pages.
* the editor is becoming very weary and crabby: 
* The Glory and the Dream, essay by M.J. Fisher, on why fans leave a fandom. He cites the "boredom factor" (a term that he says Bev Clark coined in a letter to him). Another reason fans leave is unlike SF fandom which gets new material all the time, a media fandom's canon is stagnant and provides no new material. Other factors are that fans can be fickle in their interests, that some fans take on too much work and become run-down, that Star Trek's fans who are in high school and college like action/adventure fiction and the more established fans are writing less of that type, that egoboo makes some fans leave because they get a single bad review, that it is harder for zine eds to publish zines now that Interphase and The Other Side of Paradise have set the bar too high for most lazy fans to hit, that some fans end up marrying people who are hostile to fandom, and that fans drop out of fandom out of disillusionment.
* Pat Stall wrote a letter and said she was bothered that some zine eds don't bother to credit or list their artists' works: "A plea to Zineds: Most fans buy the kinds of zines that interest them, and for me the art work is as important as the writing. As an art teacher, I'm always excited by the work of a Faddis, Miller, Moaven, [Gayle F], Nim, Fish, Landon, Wagner, Siegrist, Falkowitz, and so many, many other fine artists, and especially delighted to discover a new artist among the ranks of these illustrious, established Trek illustrators. Am I alone in being enamored of good Trek art? Why, for example, do so many new zineds fail to list their artists, when describing the contents of their zines in their ads? Some even neglect to mention whether they do, in fact, have any art at all among their offerings. Sending a SASE to inquire before ordering takes more than just stamps — it takes considerable time to write all those letters, and time is a luxury few of us can afford when we have publication deadlines to meet. Please, Editors and Publishers, list the artists who did your illos in your ads and flyers and please, Zine Reviewers, tell us about the artwork when you discuss zine contents and quality. Thank you!"
* there is a letter by Paula Smith: she says she found Thrust somewhat boring in that all the stories were about the same thing but she liked the art, that she's bothered that fans crab about sex in zines but not violence or the prevalence of get'ems, that folks shouldn't take sex so seriously..., see Thrust for more
* a fan wrote: "I just wanted to write you and tell you how much I feel about all the awful pornography in Star Trek fandom. Goddamitall, how can people write such awful stuff about that wonderful Captain Kirk and his luscious first Officer, Mr. Spock. Fuck it man, why can't those cocksucking writers write something nice?... Even my brother and his boyfriend feel the same way I do (And boy, can they feel.) You tell those nasty, commie, perverted, ball licking writers to stop writing such awful stuff. Signed, A Pure American"
* Gerry Downes wrote that T-K Graphics is experiencing many problems and that she, and a number of other fans, are trying to work with them: 
* a fan wrote about all the sex in zines and says many people don't think about how the actors would feel about it all (see full comments at The Wall): 
* Roberta Rogow wrote: 
* Cheryl Rice wrote: 
* there is a letter from a fan who says "straight zines are still straight," she hasn't seen any K/S zines sold without a warning, and that if you don't like the material in a zine, don't buy it: "I would like to point out to you that none of the "porn" zines have deceived any fans in their ads. I've been exposed to fanzines since 1976—just about the time that the controversy surfaced, from xeroxed stories in the underground. Every one of these ads have said "age statement required with order." "if you don't like the theme, done buy the zine." These stories are not being shoved down any fan's throats. All they have to do is refuse to order or read the zine." See more of her comments at The Wall.
* this issue contains 40 con announcements
* there is a review of Warped Space #35/36, see that page
* there is a review of a personalzine by Amy Falkowitz called "Interstellar Amnity"
* there is a review of Alnitah #7, see that page
==Issue 38==
Spectrum 38 was published in July 1978 and 6 pages. It was the first issue that wasn't printed in mimeograph format, but instead reduced offset. The editor explained that with this format, he could include the same amount of content, but it would cost less in postage to mail: 
 
* No Easy Answers, essay by M.J. Fisher -- it is about the generation gap in fandom, of gafia, and the changes in fandom 
* Fandom: A Neofan's View is an essay by by Judith Hanhisalo. She lists the steps as 1) First Steps or "We have to go home now so you can watch what?" 2) Getting Involved or "Can you imagine: these were actually written by fans?" 3) Conventions or "Wow, look at all those other people who are as crazy as I am" 4) Contributing or "Do you suppose I could do that, too?" and 5) The Death of Fandom or "Oh, Hell, I just got here and everybody's leaving."
* a fan wrote a letter discussing The Wall. An excerpt: 
* there are two letters addressing the essay The Glory and the Dream, see that page
* "Dear Fandom Annie" addresses several topics: Star Trek: The New Voyages #2 and the "editing" done by Marshak and Culbreath, a fan who was very unhappy with Menagerie #13, and the difficulty of getting ahold of out-of-print zines
==Reactions and Reviews: Issue 38==
==Issue 39==
Spectrum 39 was published in January 1979 and contained 8 pages. Despite the editor's plans for a few more issues, this was the last issue of "Spectrum" published. In fact, according to a 1987 issue of Comlink, Johnston gafiated sometime in 1980.
The editor (who had been planning his own Star Wars newsletter at the time) wrote: 
* there is a long article called Breaking into Print: Publishing Yourself by M.J. Fisher. In it, he discusses why people publish zines and how to do it; it also discusses at length Interstat, libel and the issues that zine is having
* a review of Atavachron, see that page
* a review of The Clipper Trade Ship, see that page
* a review of ComLoc #7, see that page
* a review of Interstat #15, see that page
* a review of a zine called "Afta" #2, edited by Bill-Dale Marcinko 
* there is a full page ad for Solar Sailors
* a fan writes that she thinks the change in Star Trek fandom has to do with more and better communication, and that diversification is natural and a good thing
* a fan writes that she doesn't think fandom is falling apart: "More likely, the old one-room structure is crumbling, and a larger, multi-roomed house is being built, complete with cribs for the neos, rocking chairs for the elders, and garrets for the gafiators. And maybe double beds for the K/S folks."
==References==
Category:Star Trek TOS Non-fiction Zines
Category:1975 Zines
Category:1970s Zines