Engage! (Star Trek TNG and TOS letterzine)

Engage! is a gen Star Trek: TNG letterzine. It was one of the successors to Interstat, alongside Diachron and STARLink.
Engage primarily featured letters of comment, along with columns related to both Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation topics. Staff artist for all issues (front covers and interior illustrations) was Zaquia Tarhuntassa.
There were nineteen issues.
==About==
From a flyer: 
==Issue 1==
Engage! 1 (was not yet titled) was published in April 1991 and contains 16 pages.
* From the Bridge - Editorial/Introduction by Kimberly Pederson
* Letters of Comment from: Joan Marie Verba, Jan Driggs, Gerrie Benzing, Sally Scheef, Douglas C. Harris, Steve Barnes, Jeffrey K. Wagner, Paula Parker, Melissa Middleswart, Dixie Owen, Ruth Susmarski,
* Columns: Trekbeat (by Jeff Pendleton), Torn From the Trades (by Dixie Owen), Ship's Library (by Kimberly Pederson), plus an untitled column offering future discussion topics, and reprints of cartoons and news articles from various other sources
* Special Note: For this first issue, the zine did not actually have a name. Editor Pederson ran a reader poll asking for title preference and selected Engage! from among 20 possibilities in future issues.
* fans commented on what they thought of the episodes they'd viewed, on whether Saavik was more a daughter than lover, complaints about Creation Con's "preferred seating" at cons, pleasure that "Dixie's Clippings" from Interstat would continue in this letterzine and many more topics
==Issue 2==
Engage! 2 was published in May 1991 and contains 16 pages. It is still unnamed.
* fans write in about how they like the format (much like Interstat), how much the show is improving ("less wooden"), whether Spock and Saavik should be lovers, that the zine can't be called "Voyages" as the name was already a zine in the 1970s, there is more discussion on the episodes, that the fifth season of the show should have the ship go into deeper space where there would be many limitations on communications (and become more interesting), there is much discussion regarding Bronze Age medicine, whether McCoy or Crusher was a better doctor
* a fan who has written a pro book writes in and complains about a loose translation and manipulation regarding her work in the finished product ("Probe") -- this is a long, long and detailed piece that takes on the world of pro books, rewrites, contracts, and reputation
==Issue 3==
Engage! 3 was published in June 1991 and contains 16 pages.
* this issue contains many comments about what to call the yet-unnamed zine, about the demise of Interstat, horrified reactions to the treatment the write of the pro book (Probe) received by Pocket books, general comments about the show, and fans' hopes that this letterzine would have a long and happy life
==Issue 4/5==
Engage! 4/5 was published in July/August 1991 and contains 28 pages.
* more fans write in about their unhappiness regarding the editing and decisions made by Pocket Books and cite the dust-up regarding "Probe"
* a pro writer continues to air her concerns and complaints with Pocket Books in the pages of "Engage!" regarding her treatment over her published works. This letter can be read at Margaret Wander Bonanno Speaks. the author published her account, as well as the original novel, in this pdf: www.margaretwanderbonanno.com/files/Probed.doc
* this issue has an article by Jeff Pendleton called "What's Happened to All Those Wonderful Aliens?"
* this issue reviews two pro books
* this issue contains a review of Eridani #11, see that page
* a fan wonders if Star Trek fandom is big enough to support three letterzines at the same time and wonders if, instead of shutting down Interstat, the editor should have asked for someone to take over editing it
* a fan comments that: 
* a fan responds to another fan's letter in an earlier issue: 
* a fan is unhappy with the Spock in the movie: 
* a fan's religious beliefs color his expectations for TNG: 
==Issue 6==
Engage! 6 was published September 1991 and contains 20 pages.
* this issue has an essay by Jeff Pendleton called "Captain Kirk's Loss"
* this issue reviews two pro novels
* this a short review of NTM Collected that is complimentary but also more of a summarization; the reviewer notes they are "much more original than some pro novels."
* the pro writer who has been the subject of much controversy, writes a letter burning more professional bridges—one comment is that Sparky the dog has tastes in fiction and a higher ability to edit
* a fan writes an unfriendly letter encouraging others to be friendly: 
* the fan who has just been called snippy and neurotic responds to the finer topic of letterzine etiquette: 
* a fan comments on the recent development/rumor that Gene Roddenberry is becoming more of a stronger force with the pro books in making sure they follow his "vision" and canon: 
* this issue contains a letter from Richard Arnold "Star Trek Research Consultant" in which he tells fans that a certain pro writer is making a "fuss," that she isn't even a real employee, and finally that: 
* a fan complains that the character of Spock has been distorted in the movies, and that she as a fan, has a right for this not to happen: 
* a fan wants to know why everyone thinks Saavik got pregnant: 
* there is a long, long letter by a pro author complaining that the book he wrote, "A Flag Full of Stars," has nothing to with the version published by Pocket Books: 
==Issue 7==
Engage! 7 was published October 1991 and contains 20 pages.
* there is much more chat about pro writers and rights and canon
* a fan takes issue with past comments about sex and the discussion and portrayal of it in the letterzine and on the show—he says that defining what is casual, loving, caring, and promiscuous is impossible due to different attitudes, and that sex, in any case, is a part of life
* a fan discusses why another fan's comments comparing Roddenberry and Tolkien are illogical due to medium, money, intent...
* a fan admits that his "devotion to Kirk, Spock, et al. has suffered serious diminishment with the last two films..."
* there are two long pro book reviews
* there is a review of Epilogue, see that page
* there is a transcript of an interview of Richard Arnold. It appeared on the Usenet computer network 9/10/91 and was contributed by one of our readers. In this interview, Arnold says that Star Trek fans don't influence much in the grand scheme of things. They may write letters, and have cons, and make requests, and complain in letterzines, but: 
* a fan writes a long letter that explains how Wesley Crusher didn't "save" the ship as often as fans think he did, and that the character was picked on and despised because of his age: 
* a fan responds to the letter by Richard Arnold in the previous issue: 
* a fan warns that Donald Wildmon: 
==Issue 8/9==
Engage! 8/9 was published November/December 1991 and contains 20 pages.
* fans comment and mourn the death of Gene Roddenberry
* a fan complains that the name "Engage" is more TNG-centric rather than TOS-centric, and that a name that was more neutral should have been chosen
* a fan comments on the controversial letter written by Kristen Brady that was published in two letterzines, one of which was Power of Speech. In the letter he speculates on loyalty, on fan politics, on the fragility of letterzines, on how BNFs can flavor understanding and fannish flow... -- it turns out this letter to Engage! was published by mistake, that it was written to be read personally by the editor and was not a public LoC, for more about Brady's letter, see Anatomy of a Letterzine
* this issue has a review of Vonegran's Veil, see that page
* a fan complains that while sex is a basic human experience, it has been talked and done to death on television : 
==Issue 10==
Engage! 10 was published in January 1992 and contains 28 pages.
* the editor starts off with an apology for printing a letter in the zine, one that was meant to be a personal letter for her eyes only; she encourages readers to make sure they label their letters in clear terms about whether it is a personal letter or one to be published as a LoC
* there is an article by Jeff Pendleton called "The Big Three"
* there are two pro book review and no zine reviews
* a fan describes a round robin, which is a smaller version and sort of apazine
* one fan thinks more children should be involved in Star Trek and proposes a zine for them called "The Onlies News"
* there is a long, long, long letter by a fan who condemns, and quite eloquently, the letter in the previous issue that condemned homosexuality
* the editor reiterates that she is all for printing letters with differing viewpoints but to keep out the profanity, the backbiting, the vendettas...: 
* a fan sends in a short congratulatory letter to the fan who condemned homosexuals in the last issue: 
* another fan objects to the anti-gay letter, and spends a great deal pointing out why; she also objects to his use of "Risa whore": 
* another fan loves the anti-gay letter: 
* another fan condemns the anti-gay letter: 
* Bjo Trimble writes that 
==Issue 11==
Engage! 11 was published in February 1992 and contains 28 pages.
* the editor says that after this issue, the topic of sexual preference will be put to rest as it is too volatile and no one's going to change anyone's mind anyway
* a fan comments that television shows, TNG one of them, have never really "talked" about sex, they simply use it to titillate; he also disagrees with the anti-gay letter in issue #9
* several other fans recount negative experiences they'd had with Richard Arnold, who was Gene Roddenberry's spokesperson/fan liaison
* some fans condemn the anti-gay letter, others support it, one fan says he personally doesn't mind homosexuality but hopes there is a cure for it by the 23rd century
* there is a transcript of an interview with Richard Arnold conducted by "Engage!'s" editor
* this issue has an essay by Jeff Pendleton called "Is this Really the End" which discusses whether the last movie was the last movie
* there are two pro book reviews
* there is a review of The Displaced, see that page
==Issue 12==
Engage! 12 published in March 1992 and contains 28 pages.
* everybody seems to hate Kim Catrell's hair
* some fans start to discuss the rumors of Deep Space Nine
* this issue has a TNG parody by Felix Ling that was reprinted from an unknown source, possibly USENET
* there is a review of one pro book
* it contains a review of Transition, see that page
* the editor is not happy with International Reply Coupons: 
* a fan is crabby that her pseud has been revealed: 
* a fan had become impatient with a pro writer's multiple letters complaining of her treatment by Pocket Books: 
==Issue 13==
Engage! 13 was published in April 1992 and contains 36 pages.
* From the Bridge - Editorial by Kimberly Pederson
* Letters of Comment from: Bjo Trimble, Jacob R., Stephanie Ann B., Trudi D., Theresa M., Jerry K. G., Valerie La R., Melissa M., Eunice R., Paula P., Margaret Wander B., Sandy Z. Jimmie W., Steve B., Mary Louise Dodge, Jane C., Jan D. Richard Arnold, Pat K., Tim Blaes, Shirley Maiewski
* Special Report on the Star Trek at the Smithsonian exhibit, from Peter Wolter
* there is a review of Edge of Forever #3, see that page
* Columns: Book Review (by Paula Parker) - this issue "Q-in-Law" by Peter David; Dixie's Torn From the Trades (by Dixie Owen), plus reprints of cartoons and news articles from various other sources
* a fan is unhappy and feels that his conservative social views are not represented by IDIC: 
* the editor reports that she sent out 135 ballots recently, ones meant for fans' votes on the "best" recent pro novels; only 21 ballots were returned: 
* the editor reiterates her policy regarding pseuds: 
* the editor writes that she is no longer printing letters between two fans as it has turned into a mess/vendetta/slander/misunderstanding; she also tells another fan that his accusations that she is slanting the letterzine a certain way incorrect and offensive and suggests: 
* a fan comments on fan writers' desire to write professionally: 
* Bjo Trimble encourages fans to start a letter campaign to save SFAN: 
* Shirley Maiewski writes: 
==Issue 14==
Engage! 14 was published in May 1992 and contains 20 pages.
* the editor writes that she is proud that "Engage!" and STARLink have both been nominated for a Fan Q
* there is a review of one pro novel, but no zine review
* a fan addresses Richard Arnold: 
* the editor writes that she has received a number of personal letters that say the letterzine's recent letters have fans "not being particularly pleasant to one another." She also says she: 
* one fan is furious and addresses the editor: 
* the editor responds in length to the angry letter above and, and sums it up with: "You don't have to agree with the policies I have set forth in this zine, merely abide by them." This disgruntled fan goes on to start his own letterzine, one that lasted only two issues.
* an 18-year old fan writes and scolds other fans for turning the letterzine into a bickering session. He says he is sick of it and quotes Rodney King and asks: "Why can't we all just get along?"
* some fans write and continue the current feud, others write and beg them to stop, one asks: "Whatever became of IDIC? Does it really exist except as a catch acronym?"
==Issue 15==
Engage! 15 was published in June 1992 and contains 20 pages.
* fans alternately bemoan the tenor of the arguments among fans and applaud the fact that letterzines are the place to have such debates
* the editor explains the balancing act she has to do in order to keep order, keep libelous statements to a minimum, and yet keep the letterzine interesting
* a fan is unhappy with the letterzine: "Issue #14 was a downer. After waiting with bated breath all week of it to come in the mail, I had never seen such bickering!"
* there is a review of Outpost 50, the reviewer says it is a collection of news clippings and such, that while sometimes interesting, are badly reproduced; the zine itself does not even mention the editor's name or address
* there is a review of IDIC #22, see that page
* a fan admittedly restarts a feud with another fan that was started in Interstat: "(Four bars of 'Jaws' music, here, Do-do-do-do-do... Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the letterzine... I'm ba-ack!) I've quietly watching for the past year as, at the earliest opportunity, you renewed your vendetta against the pro novels and those who write them..." This pro writer, Ann Crispin, goes on to write: 
==Issue 16==
Engage! 16 was published in July 1992 and contains 20 pages.
* there is much chat about whether the character of Wesley was maligned by fans fairly or unjustly
* there is a review of No High Ground, see that page
* there is a review of Eridani #16, see that page
==Issue 17==
Engage! 17 was published in August 1992 and contains 20 pages.
* this issue has a bit of fan fiction
* fans discuss the TOS episode "The Paradise Syndrome" in relation to the Bonanza Syndrome
* a fan has decided that the Irish people are most discriminated against in TNG, but other fans disagree and say it is females that face the most stereotypes and obstacles
* there is much more discussion about "whether Transwarp existed," which has been a hot topic
* a couple of fans mention Enterprising Women and Textual Poachers and the remarks are neutral to positive
* this issue has an ad for "Blind Spinner," the third issue of Hellguard Social Register #3
==Issue 18/19==
Engage! 18/19 was published in September/October 1992 and contains 36 pages. It is the last issue.
* From the Bridge - Editorial/Goodbye by Kimberly Pederson—she thanks all for their support and says she will probably write some LoCs for STARLink.
* Letters of Comment from: Lisa G., Ruth S., Shirley Maiewski, Jeff W., Judie C. D., Kelli C., Stephanie B., Daniel H. A. Deb K. Trudi D., Audrey K. A., James D'E., Valerie Lynn P., Alison W., Jerry K. G. Richard Arnold, Jimmie W., Meg L., Margaret Wander B., J.F. D.Jr., Jan D., Eunice Raymond, Melissa M., Jeff M., Val La R., Paula P., Commodore Jeanny D. Peter W., Ron T., Verna S., Paul A., Jacob R., Michael B., Debbie L.
* Columns: Pro Novel Reviews (by Paula Parker) - this issue "Imzadi" by Peter David
* Ship's Library, Dixie's Torn From the Trades (by Dixie Owen), plus reprints of cartoons and news articles from various other sources
* Original Fiction: "Strictly for the Birds" (or In Space, No One Can Hear You Cackle) by Eunice Raymond
* Ads for STARLink and other newsletters and letterzines
* Special article on Japanese episode titles for classic Star Trek episodes
* there is a review of The Legacy of Kirk, see that page
== References ==
Category:Star Trek TOS Non-fiction Zines
Category:Star Trek TNG Zines
Category:1990s