Communications Console (Star Trek newsletter)

You may also be looking for the adzine Communications Console.
Communications Console (often referred to as "ComCon") was a newsletter published by a Memphis, Tennessee club called Allies for Star Trek, which was originally begun as college activity for Memphis State.
Its focus was Star Trek: TOS, each film as they came out, and later Star Trek: TNG. 
The fan club began in 1975 and remained active until the mid-2000s.
==Summary==
From a fan in summer 1982: 
==Many Issues Had the Eyes and Ears of TPTB==
Susan Sackett and Gene Roddenberry received issues of this newsletter. 
Copies of reviews, such as the one for the Star Trek pro novel, "Strangers from the Sky," were sent to their authors. From the Nov/Dec 1987 issue - a letter from Margaret Wander Bonanno: 
==Oct 1975== 
Communications Console Oct 1975
This first issue was edited by Chris Bradford.
==Sept 1981: Special Bulletin==
==Sept/Oct 1982==
Communications Console Sept/Oct 1982
* contains a review of Visions #1
* contains a review of Eternal Triangle #1 and #2
* other unknown content
==Jan/Feb 1983==
Communications Console Jan/Feb 1983 It was dedicated to Susan Sackett.
It contains much news about the actors and their current endeavors, newspaper and magazine clippings, reviews of various pro Star Trek books, booster-ism for the upcoming movie and Lincoln Enterprises.
It also has a bunch of club news, a poem by Melissa (Mele) Lee, short con ads, small illos, a very unflattering illustration of two Star Trek fans by Annette Taylor, a financial reporting for the club, and a membership roster that includes addresses and phone numbers.
One clipping is called "Discover of Rare Network Brochure Exposes Attempt to "Exorcise" Mr. Spock." The topic is the Paramount pamphlet called "Advanced Information on 1966-67 Programming: Star Trek," and early ideas, pitches, and revisions to the concept of the show.
 
File:Concomjanfeb1982-1.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1983 issue
File:Concomjanfeb1982-2.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1983 issue, a very unflattering illustration of two Star Trek fans, Annette Taylor
File:Concomjanfeb1982-3.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1983 issue
==March/April 1983==
Communications Console Mar/Apr 1983 and contains 28 pages.
It contains interior art by Annette Taylor.
A new printing plan for the newsletter: 
* editorial (2)
* updates on the third Star Trek film (3)
* updates on the next Space Trek (Joining Walter Koenig and James Doohan will be Leonard Nimoy. However, Gene Roddenberry will not be able to attend.) (3)
* Trek Tidbits (Trek and Trek actors in the news) (4)
* review of Black Fire, see that page (11)
* Trivia Quiz (all about this fan club and its members) (11)
* Star Strokes (a review of the zine, Kirk, see that page) (13)
* a con report for Tulsa Star Trek - 83, see that page (15)
* Gene Roddenberry appears at "Mizzou," by Phyllis Sutter (a report about Roddenberry's lecture at The University of Missouri on February 10, 1983) (17)
* Hooray for Live [sic] of Trek, con report by Phyllis Sutter (Love of Trek February 11-13, 1983 in Omaha) (17) 
* Love of Trek '83 Con Report (or, "The Night Linda Slept with De's Coat") by Jean Ann Hodge (Love of Trek February 11-13, 1983 in Omaha) (19)
* Star Trekking With Scotty by Phyllis Sutter (a report about James Doohan's lecture on February 14th at the University of Omaha, following Love of Trek) (21)
* Poet's Corner: "Designer Gene" ("You've heard of designer shirts, designer perfume, designer jewelry... Melissa Lee offers a different kind of "Designer Gene," dedicated to the one who first dreamed the ST dream." (22)
* The Nightmare, fan fiction by Melissa (Mele) Lee ("a haunting story about a "nightmarish" possible aftermath of ST II") (22)
* answers to the trivia quiz (26)
File:Concomapril1983-1.jpg|from the Mar/Apr 1983 issue, book review, trivia quiz
File:Concomapril1983-2.jpg|from the Mar/Apr 1983 issue, illo by Annette Taylor, trivia quiz
File:Concomapril1983-3.jpg|from the Mar/Apr 1983 issue, illo by Annette Taylor
File:Concomapril1983-4.jpg|interior art by Annette Taylor
File:Concomapril1983-5.jpg|fanfiction from Melissa Lee
==May/June 1983==
Communications Console May/June 1983 contains 16 pages. 
From the book review of biographies by William Rotsler: 
* Newsletter News (about page size and fonts, some thank yous) (2)
* Star Trek III Update (3)
* Trek Tidbits (Trek in the news, quotes from clippings, con announcements, mentions of Memphis Fantasy Con and Memphis Film Festival, mention of ArkCon) (3)
* Star Strokes (reviews of books and fanzines: "Star Trek Distress Call, "Star Trek II Short Stories," and "Star Trek II Biographies" (pro books), Indian Summer and Other Seasons (fanzine).) (6)
* Star Trek 1½: ABC's Version of ST: The Motion Picture, commentary by Debbie Gilbert (about the showing of Star Trek: The Motion Picture as it was shown (re-edited and added footage) on television) (This review is also in TREKisM #29, and later, TREKisM at Length #5.) (8)
* a very negative review by Howard Cross of the pro-book, Triangle (reprinted from the Chattanooga News Free Press, April 10, 1983) (10)
* a review by Anna Maria Avolio (from Rome, Italy) of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan, see that page (11)
* con report for Galactic Enterprise III by Jean Ann Hodge, see that page (12)
* Contemplation, fan fiction by Jean Ann Hodge (Scotty-centric) (13)
File:Concommayjune1983-1.jpg|from the May/June 1983 issue, Annette Taylor
File:Concommayjune1983-2.jpg|from the May/June 1983 issue, Annette Taylor
==July/Aug 1983==
Communications Console July/Aug 1983 contains 20 pages.
The art is by Annette Taylor.
Full of metaphors, the meta by Jeanie Peeples, "Reflections in a Broken Glass Slipper - Observations," appears to a address something disappointing in club politics, possibly centering on the very recent Space Con: 
Comments by Emily Ross about two pro book reviews: 
* comments about the success of the skit, The Planet Spock (2)
* comments about Space Trek, including feeling disappointed and patronized by Leonard Nimoy's speech and Q&A (2)
* Star Trek III movie update (3)
* Trek Tidbits (Trek and the actors in the news, includes this short blurb: "Gene Roddenberry will be spending the summer working on his novel, "Report from Earth", which is about an alien named Gan and his observations of Earth cultures.") (3)
* a clipping from "The Commercial Appeal" May 20, 1983, called "Dream On, Trekkies" - includes a cartoon by Bill Day of Howard Cosell reporting from the Space Shuttle (5)
* comments by a fan about the two reviews by Howard Cross of Black Fire and Triangle that were in the previous issue (7)
* a review by Howard Cross of the pro book, Web of the Romulans, see that page (7)
* a blurb about ArkCon (9)
* Star Trekkin' with Scotty: Texarkana, Ark, a report by Regenia Marracino of James Doohan's lecture and Q&A on April 8, 1983 
* Star Strokes: How to See Hollywood in Five Days on One Leg, report by Debbie Gilbert (visiting Hollywood to see William Shatner get his Hollywood Walk of Fame star, visiting with various fans including Vel Jaeger, going to a club meeting, going to a too-loud cocktail party, visiting the set of T.J. Hooker, going to an industry and club banquet with William and Marcy Shatner and Adrian Amed and his wife, getting lots of special favors because of Shatner's benevolence and "magic" voice...) (10) 
* Space-Trek II: An Honest Critique, con report by Melissa Lee and Jeanie Peeples (14)
* I Never Promised You a Rose Garden: A Space Trek II Report by Melissa Lee (15)
* Reflections in a Broken Glass Slipper - Observations, meta with heavy metaphors, by Jeanie Peeples (topic is the club Allies for Star Trek and perseverance, dedicated to Annette Taylor "with love") (16)
* Newsletter Fund - Semi-Annual Financial Report for the Period Covering January-June 1983 (17)
* Summer Rain, fan fiction by Melissa Lee (17)
File:Concomjulyaug1983-1.jpg|from the July/Aug 1983 issue, Annette Taylor
File:Concomjulyaug1983-2.jpg|from the July/Aug1983 issue, club financials
==Sept/Oct 1983==
Communications Console Sept/Oct 1983 contains 24 pages. 
The art is by Annette Taylor.
From the letter by Gene Roddenberry: 
* A Touch of Class. con report by the editor for Starship Cincinnati, see that page (2)
* Star Trek II, movie update (3)
* Star Trek Tidbits (includes a clipping from Bristol Herald Courier about the fire at Paramount Studios that damaged Star Trek sets) (4)
* a letter dated August 16, 1983 from Gene Roddenberry to the members of Allies for Star Trek (It thanks them for the portrait of himself; it includes a short movie update. This portrait was titled "Tribute," and it was created by Annette Taylor. It was first displayed at Space Trek II.) (7)
* a letter dated August22, 1983 by Susan Sackett, address to the members of the fan club (about the portrait, and other newsy Star Trek items) (8)
* an outlandish clipping from possibly The National Enquirer (9)
* club contest announced (9)
* a puzzle by Don Rubin (reprinted from elsewhere) (10)
* Star Strokes, a review of Visions #2, see that page (11)
* Star Strokes, a review of Eternal Triangle #3, see that page (11)
* Star Strokes, a review of Kobayashi Maru , see that page (12)
* a review by Bill Seal of Susan Sackett and Cheryl Blythe (reprinted from the August 27, 1983 issue of TV Guide) (13)
* a short description of "ST Saturday," which was a minicon held in December 1981 at the "Main Library" (400 fans attended, it was free, there were episodes shown, the blooper reel, posters and fanzines for sale, and some NASA materials were shown: "It remains a precious memory for those of us who participated and who were "shocked" at the massive response.") (13)
* a con report for a mini-con, see Quincy Mini-Con (14)
* a con report for Shore Leave #5, see that page (14)
* a con report ("Nice Things Come in Small Packages") for Starship Cincinnati, see that page (14) 
* Eternal Triangle, poem by Melissa Lee (dedicated to the editors of Eternal Triangle) (17)
* untitled fan fiction in script form by Laura Lee Kyro (a winner of the Space Trek II writing contest) (17)
* A Short Trek, fan fiction by S. Catherine Jones (reprinted from an unknown issue of JDIFC) (20)
File:Comconnewsletterseptoct1983-1.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1983 issue, letter from Gene Roddenberry thanking a fan for a portrait of himself, drawn by Annette Taylor.
File:Comconnewsletterseptoct1983-2.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1983 issue, letter from Susan Sackett, about the Roddenberry portrait
File:Comconnewsletterseptoct1983-3.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1983 issue, Annette Taylor
==Nov/Dec 1983==
Communications Console Nov/Dec 1983 contains 24 pages.
From the movie update: 
About the story, "Creature of the Night": 
* Editorial (2)
* Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, update ("The above report could not have been compiled without the assistance of ED FINE, UNIT PUBLICIST, SUSAN SACKETT, The STW Newsletter (supplied graciously by Jeanie Peeples), INTERSTAT ASSOCIATED PRESS, Jeanne Powers, and anybody else that I forgot about.") (3)
* Trek Tidbits (5)
* a con report by Jeanne Powers about the 1983 RoVaCon (October 14-16, held in Roanoke, VA) at which George Takei was a guest, the comments are mostly about Takei's comments on Star Trek: The Search for Spock (8)
* Books (reviews and blurbs about pro books, including a long report of "Mutiny on the Enterprise" - "...it has adventure, if you don't mind the character flaws, but I found the flaws in this novel far out-weigh any good qualities I could find. I do have one question: if Vardeman could do a relatively good job with the characters in KLINGON GAMBIT, why couldn't he keep it up?") (9)
* Club Membership Roster as of October 1983 (includes full home addresses and phone numbers) (11)
* cartoon by Annette Taylor (15)
* Con Calendar (16)
* Star Strokes, reviews by Debbie Gilbert of The Making of Star Trek, On the Good Ship Enterprise: My Fifteen Years with Star Trek, The Best of Trek #6, "The Making of Return of the Jedi," "Skywalking: The Life and Films of George Lucas") (18)
* Stop the Galaxy, poem by Elizabeth (Beryl) Turton (19)
* Creature of the Night, fan fiction by Melissa Lee (20)
* Incident Report: Case Report #79-9082, fan fiction by Phyllis Langdon (21)
* cartoon by Annette Taylor (23)
File:Comconnewsletternovdec1983-1.jpg|from the Nov/Dev 1983 issue, cartoon by Annette Taylor
File:Comconnewsletternovdec1983-2.jpg|from the Nov/Dev 1983 issue, poem "Stop the Galaxy" by Elizabeth Turton
File:Comconnewsletternovdec1983-3.jpg|from the Nov/Dev 1983 issue, cartoon by Annette Taylor
File:Comconnewsletternovdec1983-4.jpg|from the Nov/Dev 1983 issue, Incident Report: Case Report #79-9082 by Phyllis Langdon
==Jan/Feb 1984==
Communications Console Jan/Feb 1984 contains 20 pages.
Jean Ann Hodge and Inge Bryant are stepping down as club presidents, and Debbie Gilbert is stepping down as the columnist of "Star Strokes" to become the newsletter editor.
Jeanie Peeples and Joel Murdock step up to be the new co-presidents of the fan club.
Debbie Gilbert includes some comments about the last installment of her column, "Star Strokes." Her regrets about discontinuing this column are clear. Presumably, she can no longer have opinions because she is becoming the editor?: 
* Editorial (2)
* Membership Info, movie updates (3)
* Trek Tidbits (includes a con report for Sioux Empire Peace Trek) (4)
* The Doctor's Rx, essay by Davie (Bones) Jackson (his recollections about being in the play The Planet Spock) (6)
* Super Sulu, cartoon by Annette Taylor (7)
* My Weekend with Star Trek, a lengthy description by Vicki Holden of being given a multi-day tour of Paramount studio lots by Richard Arnold (8)
* a description of a trip to the Paramount Studio lot, by Dr. Marvin Bensman (printed on Memphis State University, Theatre and Communication Arts letterhead, dated October 24, 1983) (10)
* a review by Melissa Lee of for-profit Star Trek calendar (11)
* Memory Serves, fan fiction by Melissa Lee, includes an illo of David Marcus by the author (12)
* review of TREKisM at Length #3, see that page (16)
* review of Galactic Discourse #4, see that page (17)
* illo and farewell by the editor (18)
* club financial report (18)
* illo by Bauer (19)
File:Comconjanfeb1984-1.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1984 issue by Annette Taylor
File:Comconjanfeb1984-2.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1984 issue, fanfic and art by Melissa Lee
File:Comconjanfeb1984-3.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1984 issue, Debbie Gilbert
File:Comconjanfeb1984-4.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1984 issue, Sabina Bauer
== March/April 1984 ==
Communications Console March/April 1984 contains 20 pages. It was the first issue under a new editor, Debbie Gilbert.
The cover and interior art is by Annette Taylor and someone named James.
From the editorial: 
* the editor cracks the whip on 17 subscribers who behind in their dues; she lists them by name, including one who "paid up as this was going to press, and was thus snatched from the abyss of non-membership."
* an update for the upcoming movie The Search for Spock as reported by Interstat, TrekisM, and Starlog
* there are plans for "an Easter party"
* a fan writes of attending a speech by Gene Roddenberry at Texas A & M (Feb 18, 1984) -- she reports he didn't talk much about Star Trek but instead about the future of computers, but that it was still a good chance to get together with other Trek fans to talk
* another fan writes of his experience seeing Roddenberry's talk at Tacoma Community College (January 20, 1984)
* there is a list of Roddenberry's college/university appearances
* there is a newspaper clipping from "The Tacoma News Tribune" by Cheryl Tucker about Gene Roddenberry losing weight in case he has a chance to fly on the space shuttle
* a clipping about Nichelle Nichols from "The Baltimore Sun"
* a clipping from the December 27, 1983 issue of "Star" about the future of space exploration
* poetry by MeLe: "The Plan(e)t Spock"
* an essay about fans, fandom, cliques, getting along by Susan McCutchen called IDIC, see that page
* an article about Star Trek comic books
* ads for fannish goods
* there are several short notes about what the celebrities are up to, William Shatner gives marriage advice, a psychic talked to William Shatner's dog about health problems ("The dog said to me, 'When they were shipping me back from up north in Washington, the airline dropped the crate. It hurt my neck real bad.'"), and a detailed description of Parker Stevenson and Kirstie Alley's wedding (Neil Sedaka sang, there was snow, everyone cried, Kirstie's wedding dress was lovely, and "Parker looked like a million bucks.")
* there is a list of upcoming cons, available tie-in and pro Trek books, and a Trek "laserdisc arcade game based on Star Trek: III"
File:concommarchapril1984.jpg|cover of the March/April 1984 issue, Terry LeCroix and Annette Taylor
File:concommarchapril1984-1.jpg|inside page from the March/April 1984 issue, Annette Taylor
==May/June 1984==
Communications Console May/June 1984 contains 20 pages.
From the editorial: 
From "Club Notes": 
* Editor's Log (2)
* Club Notes (3)
* Movie Update (4)
* Trek Tidbits (one tidbit: Shirley Maiewski's 4-year old grandson one a raffle in a cereal box, and his prize was a "full-size, 500-pound arcade-type STAR TREK game that he does not have to put quarters in to play") (5)
* Reviews and Plugs for Pro Books (8)
* "People Need Someone to Look Up to Nowadays; There Aren't Many Heroes" - a clipping about fan Jeanie Peeples, in the Bristol Herald Courier, Tennessee, Sunday February 26, 1984 
* The Great Bird Speaks (more reports from various lectures by Gene Roddenberry) (10)
* "One thing's sure about 'Star Trek III': Nimoy's in charge" - clipping from The Gazette in Montreal, February 21, 1984)
* illo by Mike and Colleen Melnyczenko
* The Enterprise Man, poem by Beryl Turton (13)
* "Enterprising 'Star Trek' magazines" - a rendition of the article by Wiley Hall III, Under-the-counter magazine presents alternative Treks (it quotes the first part of the original article, and paraphrases the second part) (13)
* To seek out new life, article by Katherine Gillen, reprinted from SigNature News (a newsletter for conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts) (14) 
* illo by Bauer (17)
* illo by Annette Taylor (18)
 
Image:comconmayjune1984-1.jpg|from the May/June 1984 issue
Image:comconmayjune1984-2.jpg|from the May/June 1984 issue
Image:comconmayjune1984-3.jpg|from the May/June 1984 issue
Image:comconmayjune1984-4.jpg|from the May/June 1984 issue
== July/August 1984 ==
Communications Console July/August 1984 contains 24 pages.
 
* Editor's Log (2)
* Club Notes (3)
* What Allies Do for Star Trek, "a report on the Memphis promotion for Star Trek III," by Melissa Lee (3)
* Fan enjoys trek into fantasy, clipping by Michael Donahue (5)
* Trek Tidbits (6)
* Letters from Our Readers (8)
* Cons (9)
* Old Ironsides, a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes (10)
* The Enterprise, poem by S. Catherine Jones (10)
* Enterprising Trekkies lobby for their ship, clipping by Ellen Kozak for USA Today (11)
* Trek Books (reviews and plugs for pro books) (12)
* Star Trek: The Search for Spock Fan Reactions (13)
** Debbie Gilbert: "The Great Bird Has Impeccable Taste"
** Paul Neuwirth: "Star Trek III: A Nauseating Shock"
** Robyn Dalby: "Dynamic Meaning"
** Michael Melnyczenko: "Mixed Feelings"
** Susan Fuller: "Perfect Blend"
* Star Trek III: Media Reviews (from many mainstream press sources) (17)
* You Heard it at Space Trek 3! (distilled information from audio recordings a fan made of some of the speakers) (20)
* illo by Annette Taylor (21)
==Sept/Oct 1984==
Communications Console Sept/Oct 1984 contains 24 pages.
From the editor: 
* Editor's Log (2)
* Club Notes (parties, presentations...) (3)
* Trek Tidbits (4)
* clipping about the The Four Banned Star Trek: TOS Episodes in the UK (5)
* Letters from Our Readers (three letters from fans: the topic was the recent Trek movie) (6)
* clipping: "'Trekkie Syndrome' result of winner's visit with cast" (Murfreesboro, TN, Daily News Journal, June 9, 1984, topic was fan Gale Pierce) (7)
* Space Trek 3: A Personal Account, con report by Phyllis Langdon (8)
* And Evening with the Squire, a Report of the Memphis Film Festival by Jean Ann Hodge and Inge Bryant (8)
* The Needs of the One, fan fiction by Mele (Melissa Lee) (9)
* Membership Roster (names, home addresses of members as of August 1, 1984) (11)
* untitled poem by Emily Ross (nominated but did not win a K/Star Award: "the judges had no taste, that's all...") (12)
* Trek Books (reviews and blurbs of pro Trek books) (13)
 
Image:comconsepoct1984-1.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1984 issue
Image:comconsepoct1984-2.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1984 issue
Image:comconsepoct1984-3.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1984 issue
Image:comconsepoct1984-4.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1984 issue 
== Nov/Dec 1984 ==
Communications Console Nov/Dec 1984 contains 24 pages.
From Roddenberry's comments about the Four Banned Episodes in the UK : 
* the editor notes that this extra big issue is due to enthusiastic fan effort in the form of a six-page cartoon (and the cost of producing the zine made them go over-budget), that more fans need to submit material, and (on the other hand) it hurts to have to turn away top-notch material if the zine gets too big (so keep those submissions short).
* a list of members, some new addresses for members who have moved house
* "Will There Be a Star Trek IV?"—article about the upcoming movie, contains a partial transcript of Roddenberry's presentation given to the Atlanta Star Trek Society, also includes lengthy quotes from Shatner in "Variety" and from the Shatner Weekend (the latter reprinted with permission from The Shatner File)
* a short report on the positive comments about this newsletter received at the William Shatner Fellowship Weekend
* there is mention of a con skit: the next club meeting will have a "showing of "Planet Spock," so if you haven't seen it yet, don't pass up this opportunity to see Joel performing with stardust in his eyes!"
* lengthy report by Jan Driggs on The William Shatner Weekend
* a review of the pro book The Vulcan Academy Murders, see that page
* a review of the pro book, "The Tears of the Singers"
* untitled poem by Jean Ann Hodge
* "Choices," poem by MeLe
* three fan letters
* a Search for Spock crossword puzzle
* "Trek Tidbits"—various Trek news and promotional bits, including a lengthy comment by Roddenberry made "during a August 24 news conference in Newcastle, England," about the Four Banned Episodes in the UK 
File:comconnovdec1984-1.jpg|from the Nov/Dec 1984 issue, cartoon commentary by Annette Taylor
File:comconnovdec1984-2.jpg|from the Nov/Dec 1984 issue, Annette Taylor -- "you ain't nuthun' but a sehlat..."
==Jan/Feb 1985==
==Mar/Apr 1985==
 
== May/June 1985 ==
Communications Console May/June 1985 contains 15 pages.
From the editor: 
* Editor's Log (2)
* All About Allies (includes the then-current club finances) (3)
* Trek Tidbits (what the celebrities are up to, club activities) (4)
* Trek Books, a review of The Best of Trek #8 by Walter Irwin and G.B. Love (6)
* reviews of various Trek pro books (6)
* Star Trek 2½, by Melissa Lee (a review of The Wrath of Khan as it was shown on television, and comments about the extra 15 minutes of footage that was put back in.) (NOTE: while the topic and the title are the same, this is NOT the same article by Debbie Gilbert in TREKisM #54 in 1987.) (7)
* Star Trek IV Update (7)
* a reprint of Harlan Ellison's negative review of Star Trek: The Search for Spock ("Several years ago, Harlan Ellison's review of ST:TMP in STARLOG magazine provoked a great deal of comment and controversy within Trek fandom. For this reason, I thought our readers would be interested in what he had to say about Star Trek III.") (originally printed in the September 1984 issue of "Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction") (8)
* a review of the science fiction con, "Midsouthcon" IV (March 22–24, 1984) (9)
* seven fan letters (10)
* a pro review of "The Search for Spock," reprinted from "Video Times" February 1985 (13)
* some newspaper clippings, and reprinted pro cartoons
==July/Aug 1985==
Communications Console July/Aug 1985 contains 20 pages.
From the editor, Debbie Gilbert: 
From "Trek Tidbits" - Roddenberry begging to fans: 
Comments by the editor about the rumor of Eddie Murphy being cast in the next Star Trek film: 
* Editor's Log (2)
* All About Allies (3)
* Trek Tidbits (More begging to fans by Roddenberry, it includes news from Susan Sackett that enough money ($3000) has been collected from fans to buy Gene Roddenberry his Hollywood Walk of Fame star; James Doohan contributed some cash to push the amount over the edge. Any additional money collected will be donated to a charity of Roddenberry's choice. "The unveiling ceremony has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 4, 1985 at 12 noon. It is likely that most of the Star Trek cast will attend. Susan wishes to thank all the fans that made this dream a reality.") (4)
* various clippings (including one that echoes the rumor that Eddie Murphy was going to be in the next Star Trek film.) (6)
* Some Words from the Creator ("The following was taken from the STAG Newsletter. It is a partial transcript of a press conference with Gene Roddenberry, taped in Newcastle, England, on 24 August 1984.") (8)
* Trek Books (includes a review of Mind Meld #2, see that page, as well as some pro Trek books including Ishmael and The Vulcan Academy Murders though the type is too faint to read these last two reviews ) (9)
* Remember: Join us as we reminice over the last ten years (12)
** Debbie Gilbert
**David Jackson
** Jeanie Peeples
** Robyn Dalby
** Dr. Marvin R. Bensman
** Melissa Lee
** Patti Pasda
** Mike Melnyczenko
* untitled poem by Rhea Brainerd (16)
* One from the Heart, three poems by Debbie Gilbert (17)
* Letters from Readers (three of them) (18)
 
File:comconjulyaug1985-1.jpg|from the July/Aug 1985 issue 
File:comconjulyaug1985-2.jpg|from the July/Aug 1985 issue 
File:comconjulyaug1985-3.jpg|from the July/Aug 1985 issue 
File:comconjulyaug1985-4.jpg|from the July/Aug 1985 issue 
== Sept/Oct 1985==
Communications Console Sept/Oct 1985 contains 15 pages.
From the editor: 
From the book review section: 
* Editor's Log (2)
* All About Allies (3)
* Trek Tidbits, info about the celebrities, lots of professionally-produced things for sale (Includes a note about Susan Sackett's "handsome, gold-lettered invitation" to attend the ceremony in California to attend the dedication of Gene Roddenberry's Hollywood Walk of Fame star -- "A number of members are planning to fly out for the ceremony (and I expect a full report for the next newsletter, guys!) THANK YOU, SUSAN SACKETT, for remembering us! We Trek fans will no doubt give Gen one of the most memorable moments of his entire life.") (4)
* a reprints of newspaper cartoons (7)
* Trek Books, includes an update from Paramount's spokesperson, Eddie Egan about "The Killing Time by Della Van Hise (8)
* Trek Books, three Trek pro book reviews by Roberta Rogow, reprinted from "Voice of Youth Advocates," a professional journal for librarians: "Uhura's Song," "Shadow Lord," and "Best of Trek" #8 (8)
* art by Patti Pasda (10)
* a reprinting of "Mr. Spock and Gaan: Alien Perspectives on the Future" (part one) by Gene Roddenberry (This originally appeared in Feb 1995 issue of "The Futurist." This appears to be what was mentioned in the July/August 1983 issue of the newsletter with the description: "Gene Roddenberry will be spending the summer working on his novel, "Report from Earth", which is about an alien named Gan and his observations of Earth cultures.") (11)
* Letters from Our Readers, nine letters from fans (12)
* a Star Trek crossword puzzle (15)
 
 File:comconsepoct1985-1.jpg| from the Sept/Oct 1985 issue, Patti Pasda 
File:comconsepoct1985-2.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1985 issue 
File:comconsepoct1985-3.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1985 issue 
 
 
==Nov/Dec 1985==
==Jan/Feb 1986==
Communications Console Jan/Feb 1986 contains 20 pages.
The editor was Jean Ann Hodge, the club president was Inge Bryant, the staff artist was Annette Taylor, and the columnists were Debbie Gilbert and Jeanne Powers.
From the editor, a description of some changes: 
From the editor: 
From the editor, a description of a proposed second Star Trek Saturday, and some examples of a lot of unpaid fan labor to benefit Paramount, which in turn benefited fans: 
Some more promotional begging and unpaid fan labor, this time for Bjo Trimble: 
 
* Editor's Log (2)
* Club Notes (3)
* Movie Update ("With Nicholas Meyer adding his creative genius, we seriously doubt that Bill has anything to worry about!") (5)
* Trek Tidbits (5)
* A Report on the October LA Convention by Susan Ray with Betty Schmidt (11)
* Star Strokes, return of an old column by Debbie Gilbert (the topic is analysis, commentary, and reviews of the new Twilight Zone on television; Gilbert also reviews The Best of Trek #9, see that page) (13)
* Paper Chase, a new column by Jeanne Powers (the focus is STAR TREK as it appears in the print media) (15)
* a review of Infinite Diversity #6, see that page (16)
* On the Music for Star Trek, article by Doug Little (17)
 File:comconjanfeb1986-1.jpg| from the Jan/Feb 1986 issue 
File:comconjanfeb1986-2.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1986 issue, art by Annette Taylor 
 
 
 
==Mar/April 1986==
Communications Console Mar/Apr 1986 contains 20 pages.
The editorial is about the recent space shuttle disaster with Challenger.
From the Washington Post clipping, Roddenberry disses some fans, and makes a distinction between good fans and bad fans: 
* Editor's Log (2)
* In Memory (quotes from famous men about the shuttle disaster) (3)
* Apparition, poem by Debbie Gilbert (about the shuttle disaster) (4)
* Fan Comments about the Shuttle Disaster (4)
* Club Notes by Inge Bryant (5)
* Pen Pal Project (6)
* Trek Tidbits (7)
* clipping from the Washington Post: Head Trekkie: Gene Roddenberry Boldly Went Where No Man Had Gone Before, Against Network Executives, by Desson Howe (12)
* Star Strokes by Debbie Gilbert (contains a poor review of Carl Sagan's book "Contact" and a positive review of TREKisM at Length #5, see that page) (15)
* Paper Chase, column by Jeanne Powers (contains much about Diane Duane, and many other topics) (17)
* illo by Annette Taylor (portrays female fans who hope to be in the next Star Trek movie) (19)
 File:comconmarapr1986-1.jpg| from the Mar/Apr 1986 issue, Patti Pasda 
 File:comconmarapr1986-2.jpg| from the Mar/Apr 1986 issue, Patti Pasda 
File:comconmarapr1986-3.jpg|from the Mar/Apr 1986 issue, Annette Taylor, portrays fans who'd like to be in the next Trek movie - it is commentary on good fans and bad fans (and shame) and isn't a glowing example of IDIC 
 
 
 
==May/June 1986==
== July/Aug 1986==
Communications Console July-Aug 1986 was edited by Jean Ann Hodge, and 40 pages in length. 
It is "Special Anniversary Issue."
 
The cover design for this issue is by Lisa Hockett. Other artwork in this issue is by Patti Pasda and Gamin Davis.
The "Steve Barnes" listed is not M.L. "Steve" Barnes, nor the African-American author Steven Barnes.
From the zine: 
* Club Notes, by Inge Bryant (5)
* Star Trek News (about the fourth Star Trek film, various clippings) (6)
* Convention Reports (16)
** Starlog's Salute to Star Trek by Carolyn Barrett, see that page
** Space Trek IV by Diane R. Durham, see that page
** Space Trek IV by by Carolyn Barrett, see that page
** A Dinner with Eddie Egan at Kansas City Con by Judy Decker, see that page
** Kansas City Con by Inge Bryant, see that page
** My Dinner with Ralph Winter at Kansas City Con by Jean Ann Hodge, see that page
* Star Strokes by Debbie Gilbert (27)
** a review of Likely Impossibilities #2, see that page
** a review of Kaleidoscope, see that page
* Paper Chase (short reviews of books, newspaper articles, comics) by Jeanne Powers (29)
* What Star Trek Means To Me by Harold Feldman, Diane Bell, Betty Dain, Steve Barnes, Robyn Dalby, Norma Taylor, Jean Ann Hodge, Patti Pasda (a poem), Jeanne Powers, Debbie Gilbert (Gilbert's essay is also in TREKisM #53)) (30)
* Final Notes (40)
 
Image:comconaug1986-1.jpg|from the July-Aug 1986 issue
Image:comconaug1986-2.jpg|from the July-Aug 1986 issue, Gamin Davis
Image:comconaug1986-3.jpg|from the July-Aug 1986 issue
Image:comconaug1986-4.jpg|from the July-Aug 1986 issue
Image:comconaug1986-5.jpg|from the July-Aug 1986 issue, Patti Pasda
Image:comconaug1986-6.jpg|from the July-Aug 1986 issue
 
 
=== July-August 1986: What Star Trek Means to Me===
Some excerpts:
Diane Bell: 
Betty Dain: 
Steve Barnes: 
Robyn Dalby: 
Norma Taylor: 
Jeanne Powers: 
Debbie Gilbert: 
==Sep/Oct 1986==
Communications Console Sep/Oct 1986 contains 24 pages. 
It was the last one headed by Jean Ann Hodge and Inge Bryant.
This issue contains a short letter by Harve Bennett: "Thanks for your kind letter and for my copy of the 20th Anniversary Special. I loved the piece on "Dinner with Ralph.""
From Jean Ann and Inga, the editor and president: 
From the info about the upcoming new series, (Star Trek: TNG: 
About the upcoming Trek film: 
From the comments about Vonda McIntyre's recent Trek books: 
* Editor's Log (2)
* Club Notes by Inga Bryant (includes info on Star Trek Saturday) (3)
* Star Trek News (much about the upcoming film, a blurb about the upcoming new series (Star Trek: TNG) (5)
* Excerpts from "The Handbook of Production Information for Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" (courtesy of Swearingen and Conaway Communications and Paramount Picture Corporation) (6)
* a photocopy of a Paramount Pictures Corporation News Release (topic is Star Trek: The Next Generation) (10)
* Membership Roster as of October 28, 1986 (It is 5 pages long, but is unnumbered)
* "New Star Trek Television Series on the Launch Pad," newsclipping by Morgan Gendel, Los Angeles Times (11)
* excerpt about Star Trek: TNG from "Variety" on October 15, 1986 (12)
* a report from Broadcasting Magazine, embedded in a October 17, 1986 letter by Dr. Marvin R. Bensman (on Memphis State University letterhead). It also includes information on how the broadcast industry works: syndication and such. (14) 
* Star Strokes by Debbie Gilbert (mainly, a long review of Vonda McIntyre's book, "Enterprise: The First Adventure") (15)
* Paper Chase by Jeanne Powers (comments about various video releases, comments on some Trek pro books and their numbering, info on decorative plates, on calendars and a lot of official swag) (17)
 
Image:comconseptoct1986-1.jpg|from the Sept/Oct 1986 issue
 
 
 
==Nov/Dec 1986==
Communications Console Nov/Dec 1986 contains 20 pages.
The editor was Chris B. Roberts (one of the original founding members), the columnists were David Jackson, Debbie Gilbert, and Chris B. Roberts, the editorial staff were Patricia Pate, Jane Dike, Amy Fleischer, Harold Feldman, George Roberts, and James T. Kacarides. 
The club president was David Jackson. 
From the editorial, some changes: 
An interloper! Another Communications Console!: 
* Editor's Notes (2)
* Club Notes by David Jackson (includes a report on the recent Star Trek Saturday) (3)
* Trek Tidbits (4)
* Just a Little Problem of Morale, fan fiction by Diane R. Durham (to be continued) (6)
* untitled poem by Diane R. Durham (6)
* Spotlight on a Star (about Catherine Hicks, actress) (7)
* short Treks by David Jackson (Star Trek tidbits and clippings) (8)
* Star Strokes by Debbie Gilbert (glowing praise for the fifth Star Trek movie) (9)
* more random clippings
* a long letter from Henry Pabst who wants to sell fans many Star Trek and Star Wars things (13)
* more random clippings
* Trickling Sands of Time, poem by Diane R. Durham (18)
* illo by Annette Taylor
 
Image:comconnovdec1986-1.jpg|from the Nov/Dec 1986 issue
 
 
 
==Jan/Feb 1987==
==Mar/Apr 1987==
==May/June 1987==
==July/Aug 1987==
 
== Sept/Oct 1987==
Communications Console Sept/Oct 1987 contains 18 pages. While the official editor was Chris B. Roberts, this issue was temporarily edited by James Kacarides.
 
* Trek-Bits by Pat Pate, Trek in the news (4)
* In Defence of STTNG by David S. Jackson (5)
* various newspaper clippings from newspapers
* Tribbles and Bits by David S. Jackson (10)
* more clippings (12)
* Star Strokes by Debbie Gilbert, a review of the Tie-in book by Margaret Wander Bonanno's book "Strangers from the Sky" (Gilbert sent the author of this pro book her review, and the author responded with a letter, printed in the Nov/Dec 1987 issue) (15)
* The Paper Chase by Jeanne Powers, article Trek in the news (16)
* some short fan testimonials by fans about how great "Com Con" is (18)
 Image:concomseptoct1987-1.jpg| from the Sept/Oct 1987 issue, Taylor, the Cabaret is likely a con thing
File:Concomseptoct1987-2.jpg| from the Sept/Oct 1987 issue, Taylor
== Nov/Dec 1987==
Communications Console Nov/Dec 1987 contains 20 pages. 
Though Chris B. Roberts is listed as the editor, this is a courtesy, as Roberts is stepping down at the end of the year. 
Editorial staff: Jane Dike, Harold Feldman, Amy Fletcher, James T. Kacarides, George Roberts and Pat Pate. Columnists: Debbie Gilbert, David Jackson, and Jeanne Powers.
The cover is by Jane Dike.
Some changes for the newsletter and club: 
A letter from Margaret Wander Bonanno: 
From Gilbert's essay about Star Trek: TNG: 
* Editor's Log (2)
* Club Notes by David Jackson (3)
* Trek Bits by Pat Pate (Trek celebrities, information in the news) (4)
* a flyer for Creation Con (Nov 21-22, 1987) (5)
* Mail Call, there are five letters of comments from fans (6)
* clippings about about Star Trek: TNG (7)
* Star Strokes by Debbie Gilbert (essay about Star Trek: TNG, review of the show)
* names and addresses of about 100 club members (11)
* another clipping about ST: TNG (14)
* more fan reviews of Star Trek: TNG (15)
* a letter reprinted from Starlog (#122, Sept. 1987) (speculation about Saavik, and David Marcus -- and mutual grandchildren for Spock and Kirk via The Romulan Commander) (16)
* more clippings (17)
* Paper Chase by Jeanne Powers (more Trek, more official things to buy) (18)
 Image:concomnovdec1987-1.jpg| from the Nov/Dec 1987 issue, the essay by Gilbert, about Star Trek: TNG
File:Concomnovdec1987-2.jpg| from the Nov/Dec 1987 issue, the essay by Gilbert, about Star Trek: TNG
==Jan/Feb 1988==
Communications Console Jan/Feb 1988 contains 20 pages.
Editor: Jane B. Venters-Dike. Co-Presidents: Patricia Pate and Harold Feldman.
Editorial Staff: Jane and Reece Dike, Linda and Dean Eckhart, Harold Feldman, James Kacarides, Patricia Pate.
Columnists: Debbie Gilbert, David Jackson and Jeanne Powers. Cover: Jane B. Venters-Dike. Club logo: Annette Taylor.
From the editor: 
From "Star Strokes": 
From "Tribbles and Bits": 
From the con report: 
* Editor's Log (1)
* Trek Bits ("Walter Koenig was in Memphis for Creation Con at the Marriott Hotel. He said that he had proposed a script for the new series, but was turned down.... Walter Koenig also has a movie he is working out and also a science fiction movie. We will let you know more as we find out." (3)
* clippings (5)
* an essay by Harold Feldman (about TNG as reported in an issue of Starlog) (8)
* more clippings (9)
* Star Strokes by Debbie Gilbert (about David Gerrold's TNG novelization, about novelizations in general, but mostly short reviews of TNG episodes) (11)
* A Review of Star Trek IV by Bill Stewart (13)
* Tribbles and Bits by David Jackson (14)
* clipping (15)
* Notes on the Creation Convention in Memphis by Harold Feldman (16)
* another clipping (17)
* illo by Patti Pasda (18)
 
Image:comconjanfeb1988-1.jpg|from the Jan/Feb 1988 issue
 
 
 
==Mar/Apr 1988==
Communications Console Mar/Apr 1988 contains 20 pages.
Co-Presidents: Patricia Pate & Harold Feldman; Editor: Jane B. Venters Dike; Editorial Staff: Jane & Reece Dike, Linda & Dean Eckhart, Harold Feldman, Amy Fleischer, James T. Kacarides, and Patricia Pate. Columnists: Debbie Gilbert and Jeanne Powers.
From the editor: 
* Editor's Log (1)
* President's Log (much about the upcoming elections in the US, and further plans for space exploration) (2)
* In Memoriam (letters reprinted from Interstat about the passing of Kay Johnson) (3)
* Mail Call (reprints a letter from Shuttlecraft Columbia from Patrick Stewart to a fan named Norma Taylor; there are also other letters reprinted from that newsletter) (5)
* Trek Tidbits by Patricia Pate (6)
* Data Input (letters and poems from fans about Data) (8)
* Star Strokes by Debbie Gilbert (a review of the pro Trek book, "The Final Frontier" by Diane Carey; also reviews of some Star Trek: TNG episodes) (9)
* Paper Chase by Jeanne Powers (this one was supposed to be in the previous issue but there was a mail mix up) (11)
* Paper Chase by Jeanne Powers (the column written for this issue) (13)
* Star K'lips by Harold Feldman (clippings) (14)
==May/Aug 1990==
Communications Console May/Aug 1990 contains 20 pages.
Administrative Officer: Patricia Pate
Treasurer: Chris Roberts
First Officer: Jimmy LeDuc
Editor: Jane B. Venters Dike
Editorial Staff: Jane & Reece Dike, Linda & Dean Eckhart, Miles Fears, Harold Feldman, David Jackson. Jimmy LeDuc. Carol Marsh, and Patricia Pate 
Columnists: Debbie Gilbert, Jimmy LeDuc, and Patricia Pate
From the Editor's Log: 
From one of the letters: 
* Editor's Log (1)
* Results Received from Survey of AFST Membership (favorite episodes) (2)
* Letters from Fans (14 of them) (2)
* some black and white photocopies of Star Trek: V posters from Germany (9)
* Trek Bits (11)
*Trek Quest, more Trek bits by Jimmy LeDuc (18) 
* Star Trek Comic Books by Harold Feldman (very brief synopses of Gold Key offerings from the 1970s) (20)
* various clippings (22)
* updates about Trek from a fan who attended Dixie Trek (24)
* several more terrible photocopies of stills from Star Trek: V from Germany (26)
* reviews and descriptions of Starlog by Harold Feldman (with Star Trek TNG content) (29)
==References==
Category:Club Zines
Category:Star Trek TOS Non-fiction Zines
Category:1980s