The Propagator

"It's not pretty, but it's cheap." 
(from the top of the October 1984 issue) 
The Propagator is a gen Star Trek: TOS letterzine. It averaged 4-6 pages. The emphasis was on analyzing the pro novels, and the newsletter featured a number of reviewers.
There were six issues in the original run, and thirty-nine issues in the second run. Burnt out and disillusioned, Wahl stated her intentions to end the newsletter around issue #35; she said she planned to go to issue number forty. According to the header on issue #39, the newsletter was to be passed the newsletter on to Rick Jervis. It is unknown if he continued it or not. 
 
About the title: Wahl explained in the second issue (of the new run) that she got the title from James Blish's adaptation of "Spock's Brain", wherein Blish alleges Spock said that Vulcans propagate themselves through the mail.Blish worked directly from the scripts, often earlier versions than what was finally aired, and remarks like this may have been in the original Gene Coon script. Wahl stated: "I believe that Trekkers are conceived and born through the mail"."
From Omne Praeceptum Frangit: "The Progagator was originally for the correspondance branch of the club, The Association for the Propagation of Trekkism, and tries to entertain all Trek fans, not just local members. Its four to eight pages are filled with reviews, LoCs, articles, a monthly Con Calendar, cartoons, filksongs, con reviews, puzzles and whatever strikes the editor's fancy. It can be ordered separately from Tradition membership, as many do."
Wahl notes in the first issue of the new run in 1984 that the newsletter was "produced on a computer, my trusty Apple IIe, Saavic."
While the newsletter clearly had an audience of fans who were very well-read, both in Star Trek and other venues, the entire subject of zines is almost completely ignored. There are a few off-hand mentions that they exist, and the review of the article Spock Among the Women in one issue specifically points them out, but other than that, they are a complete non-issue. Likewise, and probably by default of this newsletter's focus, the subject of slash (or any sex, for that matter) is only brought up once, and it is in an essay in issue #22. Not one fan comments or responds to this essay. 
==Reactions and Reviews==
==Issues 1-6 (original run)==
The Propagator 1-6 were published starting in late 1975 and ended in December 1976, with issue #3 published in October. It was first published as a correspondence club newsletter. 
 
==Issue 1 (new run)==
The Propagator 1 (v.2 n.1) was published in September 1984. The editor said it would be "published irregularly (to say the least)." She should have given herself more credit, as it went on to become a zine with a very regular publication schedule.
* the editor proposes several projects, but admits that "you know I'm fond of coming up with lots of bright ideas that never work out because I can't get anyone interested." -- Wahl wonders if anyone would like to do a letterzine "like Interstat" and also proposes a tapezine -- "a zine on tape. No, not just filk music, but ST stories, audio trivia quizzes."
* there is a con report for Starlog Con in L.A. in May. The fan was mostly disappointed. "The lines were long, the organization was not terrific, and the con was obviously run, unlike most I've attended, to make money."
* there is a full-page flyer for Intersect
==Issue 2==
The Propagator 2 (v.2 n.2) was published in October 1984.
* the editor explains the title: "First of ll, I'd like to address the rumor that I named this club on the basis of a Spock quote from Blish's 'Spock's Brain.': 'It is a well-known fact that we Vulcans propagate our race by mail.' Nothing could be closer to the truth! I believe that Trekkers are conceived and born through the mail!"''
* the editor addresses money and aesthetics: "...to those of you who think this newsletter could be reproduced better: what do you want? Pretty or cheap? There are lots of pretty newsletters and zines in fandom that most fans can't afford. So, I'm aiming for cheap."
* there is a review of "Tears of the Singers" which is not particularly favorable; he notes that he hasn't read a pro book yet that is terrific
* two fans review the pro book "The Wounded Sky" -- one liked it, one hated it -- they both agreed it had a Mary Sue-spider
==Issue 3==
The Propagator 3 (v.2 n.3) was published in November 1984.
* there is a review of "Tears of the Singers" -- the reviewer pronounces it "decent Treklit..." [and] "while I don't expect to find a 'classic' among the ST novels, I do expect to find 'Star Trek.'" She is glad the book isn't "trash like 'Mutiny on the Enterprise." 
* two fans review the book "The Final Reflection" -- one likes it, and she likes how the Federation weren't all good guys. The other one didn't like it -- she is an idealist who wants to believe the Federation is good; she also says: "I got so annoyed at having spent good money for a ST book, only to find out it wasn't about ST at all."
==Issue 4==
The Propagator 4 (v.2 n.4) was published in December 1984.
* there is a letter from Susan Sackett who says that she put Gene Roddenberry's name in for a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame almost a year ago. "I vowed that I would personally put up the $3000 needed if his star was approved..." She goes on to say the star has been approved, and "If only 3000 fans each send $1.00, we'll have the cost of his star."
* there is a review of "The Vulcan Academy Murders," a pro novel by Jean Lorrah -- "Many of you reading this are going to be immediately drawn to this book simply because the author gives credit for her ST writing ability to her experience with fanzines." He goes on to pronounce the book "one of the better ones I've read in quite some time."
* this issue has a Doctor Who filk and a con report for CreationCon
==Issue 5==
The Propagator 5 (v.2 n.3) was published in January 1985.
* there is a review of the first Star Trek movie, the uncut version. One remark that shows the new-found power, and disillusionment, offered by the VCR was this: 
==Issue 6==
The Propagator 6 (v.2 n.6) was published in February 1985.
* a fan reviews "Corona" and pronounces it: "...not fun exactly. It was merely swallowed up by it's own technicality. Too much talk on any subject (especially astrophysics) soon becomes a lecture... the Cabbage-Head-Dollbaby-meets-the-Great-Cosmic-Muffin plot line reeks. It is a class-A case of Marshak/Culbreathism..."
* some LoCs state they liked "The Vulcan Academy Murders," one fan wanted to know why the reviewers in this letterzine were so critical of pro novels -- she is sending in her own long novel ("a lengthy romantic Trek trilogy") to a publisher and is afraid she will get the same negative reaction from fans
* there is a review of "Uhura's Song" -- the fan pronounces it not great but not terrible and notes that it would help if one were a fan of cats
==Issue 7==
The Propagator 7 (v.2 n.7) was published in March 1985.
* there is a report of Creation Con from a fan who was stationed at the STW table
* a fan reviews both "The Vulcan Academy Murders" and liked it, and "Uhura's Song," which she also liked but abhorred the Mary Sue character: 
* [J V] writes a letter in response to a letter in the previous issue that had asked why so many fans were critical of the pro books: 
* Shirley Maiewski also writes in response: 
==Issue 8==
The Propagator 8 (v.2 n.8) was published in April 1985.
* a fan reviews the pro book, "Shadow Lord," and dislikes it: he felt it had bad cover art and poor characterizations, and a boring plot
* a reader writes an LoC that addresses Maieski's letter in the previous issue -- he points out that bad reviews, when done politely, does everyone (readers and writers) a favor as they warn readers about poor fiction and money unwisely spent, and they help writers to improve: "Let us never fear to face the truth."
==Issue 9==
The Propagator 9 (v.2 n.9) was published in May 1985.
* there is a review of the pro book "Ishmel" -- the fan really likes this one: "The story was not new, the plot was very similar (with the characters switched around) to the story The Mind Sifter in Star Trek: The New Voyages, which I also liked."
* there is an Anaheim Starlog con report
* there is an announcement that Paramount has just released ten Star Trek episodes on video tapes for $14.95 each
* a fan writes an LoC defending two writers: "If I read one more sneer at the fine team of Marshak and Culbreath, I'll scream, 'T'Vareth!'... Rather than stamping out cardboard Trek figures like so many uninspired authors, these two take us on a non-stop-no-holds-barred adventure through the characters' minds and souls. The brooding depth of their crew leaves you breathless. Marshak and Culbreath write straight from their hearts -- and their hearts are obviously full of love for Star Trek. No other Trek writers have stirred me to quite the same degree."' She admits, though, that she "choked a bit on 'Vulcan Command Mode' [in 'The Prometheus Design.']''
* a fan writes that she disliked the pro book "Shadow Lord" -- "I found the novel very disappointing, especially considering the quality of some of the recent ST novels."
==Issue 10==
The Propagator 10 (v.2 n.10) was published in June 1985.
* there is a short, negative con report for ShadowCon, see that page
* one LoC comments on pro books: "I disturbs me that so many ST novels are shallow and superficial. The books tend to be all action and no meaning, and the characters are cardboard. The few writers who capture the meaning and message, as well as the significance of the friendships of ST, are Marshak and Culbreath, Sky Duane, and Lorrah. The rest range from entertaining but trivial to outright dull."
* a fan complains that the newsletter has too many typos and asks if the editor uses "a spelling checker." The editor replies that it's hard to use and not terribly useful as a lot of the words are not in its dictionary: "Human proofreaders are so much better, and I, at great personal expense and sacrifice, have therefore gone out and acquired and [sic] English techer [sic] for a roommate. Please address all complaints on typos to [J G]."
* Ruth Berman writes a letter of response to the topic of "criticism": 
* Another fan, [J G], writes: 
* there is a full-page flyer for PropCon, see that page
==Issue 11==
The Propagator 11 (v.2 n.11) was published in July 1985.
* a fan reviews Killing Time; while he points out its faults, he also says he enjoyed it and recommends it
* a fan, one who had previously commented in a letter that fans were too hard on pro books, reviews "The Vulcan Academy Murders" and liked some of it, but she found the idea of an Italian restaurant named Angelo's on Vulcan unlikely and found the story "long, tedious at points, and boring before it could come its obvious end." This fan writes that she enjoyed "Tears of the Singers" but despised "Corona' -- "As for my own scathing review of 'Corona' -- it had it coming. I objected in an earlier letter to the harshness of the reviews in 'Props' past because they were mostly aimed at someone I have a great deal of respect for, Vonda McIntyre. She is a gifted writer. I've exchanged words with another reader who happens to think she's a potato head. Let's simply agree to disagree. That way we both come up smelling like a rose."
==Issue 12==
The Propagator 12 (v.2 n.12) was published in August 1985.
* a fan writes about Killing Time: 
* [J V] comments on the subject of criticism: 
==Issue 13==
The Propagator 13 (v.2 n.13) was published in September 1985.
* a fan reviews "Dwellers in the Crucible" and despite the fact his reviews of the last two novels were pretty favorable, and "lest you thing the old Trader is getting soft," he doesn't like this one. His two main complaints are that this novel doesn't have much to do with the Enterprise and that the two female main characters appear to have the hots for each other. "There have been some complaints that in some books, Kirk's relationship with Spock gets a bit too 'lovey-dovey.' Well, if you don't like that, you won't like it in a female either. I kept waiting for them just to jump in the sack and get it over with."
* there is a long con report of PropCon -- some of the highlights: the supper at the Sizzler, the long hours watching Star Trek and Doctor Who videos, the filksinging, the enforced art project at 4:30 in the morning, and the host's constant making of ice cubes. Fans lit candles at the base of the Leonard Nimoy altar in the kitchen and chanted "Phone home, phone home." And Lisa made more ice cubes. There was a panel on Women in SF ("Do We Really Need Men? -- the general answer was "no"), "people complained bitterly about the missing orgy, and the fact that they waited in line all day to see Lisa water the lawn," Lisa made ice cubes, there was Lisa's 'Death Dinner and Birthday Party" (on the menu: egg rolls, barbequed chicken, spaghetti with sausage), fans watched some Man from U.N.C.L.E., more Trek, more Doctor Who, fans were "forced to participate in a dramatic reading of the upcoming fanzine Omne Praeceptum Frangit," fans went out side and sang filksongs, and the Dealer's Room was really a linen closet. And Lisa made ice cubes.
==Issue 14==
The Propagator 14 (v.2 n.14) was published in October 1985.
* the editor addresses issues about Killing Time and the rumors that it had been recalled by Pocket Books "because of questionable material" -- "I've talked with David Stern, editor of the Trek line for Pocket books... On 'Killing Time,' the wrong manuscript was typeset in the first printing. Pocket has revised the manuscript to Paramount's satisfaction and the second printing contains the correct version of the story."
* a fan writes in that "Dwellers in the Crucible" is a worse novel than the previous reviewer gave it credit for: "This novel would have ended up at a cat toy... I've always found Bill's reviews informative, witty, and accurate, and I felt sure that he was going to give this novel the tongue-lashing it deserved. He should have torn it to ribbons."
==Issue 15==
The Propagator 15 (v.2 n.15) was published in November 1985.
* a fan writes that she would like to know exactly constituted the "questionable material" in the first edition of [Killing Time]], a book she owns. Her "main objection to the story was its wimpy portrayal of Spock's pon farr. Somehow, I doubt that he'd slide peacefully into unconsciousness. Let's hear it from someone who has read both versions and compared them. This is bound to boost sales for Della Van Hise, don't you think?"
* this issue has a full-page flyer for Omne Praeceptum Frangit
==Issue 16==
The Propagator 16 (v.2 n.16) was published in December 1985.
* a fan writes a review of "Pawns and Symbols": 
* this issue contains the essay, "4,800 Seconds with Leonard Nimoy" by Morjana Coffman, an account of a talk by Nimoy on October 12, 1985 at CreationCon
* this issue has an article called "Return of the Apple Gamesters Within" by Andy Thornton and Anthony Flynn; it is a humorous essay on the predictability of all ST episodes
* a LoC writer offers to critique fan-written fiction for no cost, except that of a copy of the work and an SASE
* a LoC takes on a previous letter addressing the quality, and quantity, of Spock's sweat
==Issue 17==
The Propagator 17 (v.2 n.17) was published in January 1976.
* this issue has a small essay, a parody of a Doctor Who episode by Andy Thornton and Anthony Flynn titled" "Gestalt Doctor Who"
* Trader Bill offers up a summary of his ST pro book reviews, see image
* a fan has compared the two versions of Killing Time and offers this summary up: 
* a fan was offered a copy of the new ST novel, "Mindshadow": 
==Issue 18==
The Propagator 18 (v.2 n.18) was published in February 1976.
* Trader Bill reviews "Mindshadow" and dislikes it: the plot has obvious holes in it, and it features a Mary Sue -- he "wonders why Pocket Books is so insistent on subsidizing the adolescent fantasies of some of these female ST writers (not that the few male writers have been much better). I know there's some good ST fiction out there -- why is it you have to buy six ST novels to find one decent one?"
* a fan writes an essay asking why, seeing how it's very prevalent and would be quite useful, Kirk and Spock and others haven't bothered to learn Klingonese or the Romulan language
* there is a long LoC from a fan who dislikes celebrities hawking products in commercials and has been especially angered and horrified by Nimoy's recent "selling out" in an ad for Westerna Airlines despite the fact that he states in his book, "I Am Not Spock," that he wouldn't degrade his character for money because "drama is a kind of spiritual crusade."
==Issue 19==
The Propagator 19 (v.2 n.19) was published in March 1976.
* two fans write a short parody of a Space:1999 episode and title it, "Return of the Variant of the Destiny of the Beta-Arcadians (a Space:1999 Gestalt)"
* a fan is asking for fiction submissions as "I am actively soliciting for a proposed Star Trek anthology along the lines of The New Voyages books of a few years ago. I need first quality short stories ASAP."
* two fans disagree with a fan's letter in the previous issue, saying Nimoy shouldn't be shamed for doing ads -- perhaps he thought it would be fun?, or he needed the exposure? or he needed the money? 
* the fan who wrote the original letter about Nimoy's "prostitution" has gotten quite a bit of backlash, but defends her stance and says: "The letters I've received thus far have missed the point entirely: In fact, I'm beginning to think Star Trek fans will defend anything the stars do. However, I don't think it's okay to do something dishonest because everyone else is doing it, or because nobody pays any attention: these are essentially the arguements I've received. So, try again, folks."
==Issue 20==
The Propagator 20 (v.2 n.20) was published in April 1976.
* Trader Bill reviews "Crisis on Centaurus" -- while he says the news on pro books has been pretty bleak lately, this one is "worth a look... I was very pleasantly surprised by this book... I felt really at home with the characterizations and situations. To give you an idea of what I mean, I think this book could easily be made into a movie (or one of the TV episodes), and ST fans would probably like it. That's more than I can say about most of the other ST novels I've read. You won't find any super-stretching of characters here, but Ferguson has remained loyal to the way they have been portrayed on the screen."
* this issue has a short con report for Creation Con
* the newsletter's editor announces a second PropCon: 
* there are four letters addressing the subject of Nimoy's appearance in an ad: one that argues she should lighten up, one that somewhat defends the letter but also says that any personal attacks to will be "passed on to my attorneys for possible action," one letter applauds the follow-up to the original letter as it was an "A+" piece of logical writing and well-thought out but that the last line ("Try again, folks" was an unnecessary challenge for conflict), and the last letter is by the original fan -- in it she says she still disagrees but that if fans don't have a problem with actors hawking products, then welcome to it; it only confirms her belief in the lack of taste and intelligence out there
==Issue 21==
The Propagator 21 (v.2 n.21) was published in May 1976.
* Trader Bill reviews the pro novel, "Dreadnought!" -- "The books has its ups and downs. It's the first ST novel I've ever read that was written in the first person, and that makes for a refreshing change. The Piper character was a little strange, something of a cross between the normal ST-novel superwoman (Mary Sue) and 'Carol Burnett in space.' Maybe a sort of female Luke Skywalker... The plot was predictable, however, and there wasn't enough of the Enterprise crew for my taste... Trader Bill says he's read better, but he's also read worse."
* this issue has a long account by Joan Verba of her visit to the set of Star Trek IV
* a fan writes an account of the New York City Starlog Festival
* there is a full-page listing the nominations for the 1986 Hugo Awards 
* the fan who complained about Nimoy's ad for Western Airlines writes again and says it is dishonest to appear in ads for which you personally do not endorse: 
* a fan writes a letter and suggests that the original letter writer is looking for attention: 
* a fan writes a letter in support of the original letter, and says that: 
* a fan remarks on a fan's threat (in the previous issue) that she will forward harassing letters to her lawyers: '
==Issue 22==
The Propagator 22 (v.2 n.22) was published in June 1986.
* a fan writes about a Doctor Who episode called "The 27 Doctors"
* this issue has a long essay called "'Slash' -- Sex in the Twenty-Third Century?" -- in it, the fan writes: 
* a reader, in response to a complaint that Trader Bill's book reviews are overwhelming negative, asks fans what they want to see in a Star Trek novel
* there are several more letters addressing Nimoy's, and other actors' commercial endorsements, and one fan scolds: "This is not Interstat! No more BACKBITING!"
==Issue 23==
The Propagator 23 (v.2 n.23) was published in July 1986.
* the editor has a new computer, a Mac named "Jamie"
* one fan, [T S], wrote she wanted a Star Trek pro novelist to "1) Watch the episodes, some more than once, 2) Avoid fan clichés, 3) Be a responsible science fiction writer, 4) Avoid all resemblance to Devil World and The Enterprise's Visit to Horatius [actually, the title was Mission to Horatius], 5) Be creative, and 6) Don't bore me.' Another writer added, 'I think a Trek editor needs to like ST as much as we fans do, and be as familiar with it as we are'."
* Trader Bill reviews the pro novel, "Demons" -- "In a nutshell, this one is a little better in plot, still has a Mary Sue, and is not particularly original."
* Trader Bill responds to a fan's complaint that he is too harsh with his reviews: 
* [J V] writes in defense of the critical book reviews: 
* another fan weighs on critical reviews of pro books: 
==Issue 24==
The Propagator 24 (v.2 n.24) was published in August 1986.
* a fan and writer of a pro book, [A C], writes: 
* a fan adds: 
==Issue 25==
The Propagator 25 (v.2 n.25) was published in September 1986.
* Trader Bill sign's off as the newsletter's "official reviewer" with this issue: 
* Trader Bill's last review is of "Enterprise: The First Adventure" -- 
* the editor reviews two pro novels; she liked "Crisis on Centaurus," but "Enterprise: The First Voyage," not so much
* this issue has a short essay by Tess Kolney called "Women of Star Trek IV, or The Gossip Paramount WON'T be Leaking" -- "I look at all I know and have seen and heard of STIV and wonder why Paramount felt the ST mythos couldn't even support one female character operating as a real, whole human being with her own motivations. I look at it and wonder what relationship this film bears to Roddenberry's original vision -- or my own dreams for the future of Star Trek."
* This issue has an ad for Trekcruise '87
* a fan clarifies some vocabulary: "...please, let us distinguish between talking about a work's quality and the degree of enjoyment gets from a work. Example: 'Albatross' and 'Pirates of Orion' are tied for my favorites (enjoyment) among the animated episodes, but the best (quality), in my opinion, is 'Yesteryear.' The fact that some ST pro novels get on the New York Times Gook Review mass-market paperback best seller list may or may not indicate quality. It may simply indicate that readers enjoyed the books." 
* a fan is unhappy with the newsletter for printing the plot summary of the newest movie, despite the fact it clearly had a spoiler warning: "Was it really necessary to print the entire story of STIV in Propagator? And don't tell me, "But it was labeled DON'T READ THIS IS YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED..." Dangling an entire page of plot before most Trek fans with a tiny warning at the top is like passing Swiss chocolate under the nose of a chocoholic who's trying to watch his or her weight. Not fair!... I really wish you'd seen fit to keep most of that knowledge to yourself."
* this issue has an essay about the necessity/non-necessity of war and the universe of Star Trek -- it is called "Give Peace a Chance?"
==Issue 26==
The Propagator 26 (v.2 n.26) was published in October 1986.
* the newsletter reports that Paramount is going to do a new ST TV series called Star Trek: The Next Generation
* the newsletter prints some tidbits from Bjo Trimble's Space/Time Continuum #1, one of which is an announcement that the Star Trek Concordance is being corrected and updated to include all four movies
* another fan is unhappy with the movie synopsis printed in the last issue: "I just tossed the whole thing in the trash to avoid reading anything more."; another fan did not find the synopsis bothersome: "What's he so upset about?... Fans are people and they are capable of exhibiting self-control in not reading past the warning, when they truly wish to be surprised."; another fan writes that she believes fans want all the information they can get as soon as possible
* a fan scolds another one for her article about war in the last issue: "Go stick your head in a bucket of anti-matter, you ninny. I do not say this because I disagree, which I do. I do not say this because I find your reasoning silly, which I do. No, I say this in order to express disgust and disdain that you would bring up politics in a Strekzine. Please don't do it again"
==Issue 27==
The Propagator 27 (v.2 n.27) was published in November 1986.
* about a third of this issue is a reprinted article from The New York Times (11.2.1986)
* a fan writes in an scolds the fan who scolded Trader Bill for his reviews: "... personal attacks on T-Bill when he is so widely known for his charitable critiques of bad ST fiction are unthinkable." He adds his two cents about the movie spoiler that was printed in issue #24: "Yes, ST news is good, but I, too, succumbed to the bait and ruined the surprise for myself. Not that I don't want you to print that sort of stuff, I just wish I hadn't read it."
* a fan writes and asks why shouldn't fans accept things in the pro novels as canon? "The books are well-done, imaginative but convincing expansions of the movies."
* many fans write in and complain about Trader Bill's admiration and positive review for the book "Enterprise: The First Adventure" -- they all express their dislike for the book
* a fan writes that while he doesn't want to get into any political fights in the newsletter, he "100%" agrees with the essay about war
==Issue 28==
The Propagator 28 (v.2 n.28) was published in December 1986.
* there is a report on the George Takei Star Ceremony at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
* this issue has a long, long article called "Spock Among Who?" -- in it, the fan (a male), writes about The New York Times article called Spock Among the Women: 
* the letterzine has a new reviewer to replace Trader Bill; this new reviewer's name is The Average Fan. He or she reviews "Battlestations," and gives it a "B" -- the plot was pretty good, and it has some fine action scenes; if you liked "Dreadnought," you like this one and the opposite will be true; "Kirk is a little too perfect, crafty, and unapproachable, but on the whole isn't bad. Spock spends most of his time looking wise, while being completely useless. McCoy just stands around being incredulous a lot. The others are non-existent."
* there is a review of the filk tape, Divine Intervention, see that page
* a fan reviews the novelization of the movie "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home" and finds it passable but lacking, mainly due to continuity and careless errors
* the editor encourages fans to vote in the Surak Awards, which is one of the few times zines are even mentioned in the newsletter
* a fan writes a long letter proposing nuclear disarmament and uses the Star Trek universe as an example of the need, citing the Genesis torpedo
* there is an ad for SocioTrek
* a fan writes that he thinks that, while Starfleet is a military organization, it is probably more like the Coast Guard than the Navy or the Air Force
==Issue 29==
The Propagator 29 (v.2 n.29) was published in January 1987.
* everyone is abuzz about the new TV series: much of this issue is of a report of David Gerrold's talk at LosCon by Shoshanna and at Universe '87 by Alan Hale
* a fan writes that for it to be considered canon, something must appear on the movie or television screen, or be out of Gene Roddenberry's official notes or books
* a fan has seen the new movie and pronounces it "stupid, but enjoyable"
* the editor, Wahl, points out that she is now the editor of the STW Directory
==Issue 30==
The Propagator 30 (v.2 n.30) was published in March 1987.
* there is more information about the new TV series and it published the casting request, see the Star Trek: The Next Generation page
* The Average Fan reviews "Chain of Attack" -- he likes it okay, and he gives it an A-
* a trio of fans carry on with some more letters saying they find the other's letters insulting and immature
* a fan writes in an scolds other fans about their opinions about novelizations and tells them "It is clear that both of you do not understand, or care, about the special difficulties in writing novelizations."
* a fan writes in and explains what he'd like to see in the next movies: 
* a fan writes of the advantages to knowing as much about a movie before seeing it, and "wishes to state for the record that knowing the plot of ST IV in advance did not 'ruin' the movie for me."
==Issue 31==
The Propagator 31 (v.2 n.31) was published in May 1987.
* The Average Fan reviews "Deep Domain" -- he or she writes that the plot is complicated and perhaps too ambitious, the new characters were interesting, and in the end, The Average Fan was ambivalent about the whole book; the grade is a "B"
* there are some more rumors about ST:TNG
* in this issue is a long article by Carol Mathews called "Star Trek: The Series -- Military or Exploratory?"
* one of the pro writers, Howard Weinstein, has a LoC and discusses some of the background details to writing an ST novel
* one of the fans who is in some sort of feud with two others writes in and says: "Once you ring out the sarcasm and venom from your reply to me, all that is left is your hypocrisy."
==Issue 32==
The Propagator 32 (v.2 n.32) was published in July 1987.
* a fan writes in and reports on his visit to The Next Generation Sets
* The Average Fan reviews "Dreams of the Raven" -- he or she doesn't like it and gives it a C-
* the author of the pro book that was recently reviewed writes in and, classily, defends his novel
==Issue 33==
The Propagator 33 (v.2 n.33) was published in September 1987.
* a fan writes a long report on The Next Generation
* The Average Fan reviews the book "The Romulan Way" -- he or she doesn't like it and gives it a C-
* the editor reviews a filk tape called "Don't Ask" and gives it a B+
* a fan comments on the novel, "Deep Domain" -- 
* the author responds: 
==Issue 34==
The Propagator 34 (v.2 n.34) was published in November 1987.
* a fan, Rich Kolker, includes an interview with Gene Roddenberry that he did in March 1987, called "Interview with Gene Roddenberry at "Not the August Party" -- in it, he talks about ST: TNG
* The Average Fan reviews "Strangers from the Sky" and he or she gives it a "B-"
* a fan, Morjana Lee Coffman, writes an article called "Star Trek IV: Making Sequels Better"
* fans start to weigh in on the new series...
==Issue 35==
The Propagator 35 (v.2 n.35) was published in January 1988.
* The Average Fan reviews "Bloodthirst" and he/she loves it -- final grade is an "A"
* fans discuss and argue about whether Star Trek: The Next Generation is any good: some hate it ("a decaying zombie"), some like it with reservations, almost all of them say they will try to give it a chance; fans scold each other about a variety of slurs and prejudices regarding their expectations of the show
* one fan comments about the differences between pro novels and zines: 
* there is a long, long letter by a fan who addresses the subject of religion and science as it was discussed by the editor and the author of the book, "Deep Domain" -- she ends up siding with the pro author's opinions, rather than the editor's; she also takes the newsletter's editor a bit to task about her previous dismissal of ST:TNG, asking her to give it more of a chance
==Issue 36==
The Propagator 36 (v.2 n.36) was published in March 1988.
* the editor wants out: 
* The Average Fan reviews Jean Lorrah's book, "The IDIC Epidemic" -- she/he pronounces it "pretty good" and gives it a B+/A-
* there is a long, long letter from a fan who defends two "nay-sayers" of both pro books and the new TV series, saying they have been maligned, and unfairly so, that their opinions are valid
* a fan writes a long letter saying that the old show had many flaws, that it was its spirit that should be carried on into the future in new incarnations, there are other thoughtful letters as well, that try to figure out just what "Star Trek" REALLY is... a dream, a wish, hero worship, a religion, reality, positive, negative...
* The Average Fan signs out and says she/he will do more reviews
==Issue 37==
The Propagator (v.2 n.37 was published in ? 1988.)
* note: it is possible this issue never existed and the numbering is off
==Issue 38==
The Propagator 38 (v.2 n.38) was published in September 1988.
* a fan reviews the first TNG pro book, "Ghost Ship," and he finds it lacking -- "I'd give this one a D+ on a demanding letter grade scale."
* a fan reviews the first season of TNG: it is critical but fair, and he wraps it up by writing "There is good potential for interesting episodes in the second season, and I hope the break helps them to think about how to do it better. It's not perfect, nor will it ever be, but I'm enjoying it very much, and it IS Star Trek."
* a fan writes: "I agree that some of the fun has gone out. Do not despair. I have noticed that the mud slinging has created some feelings of realness behind the words used as names. We've experienced a naming ceremony. As a psychological anthropologist, that was one of the first things I learned -- all rites of passage... carry some discomfort as the new relationships are established. I hope this means that this culture will soon revitalize despite the changes."
* a fan writes: 
* a fan writes: 
==Issue 39==
The Propagator 39 (v.2 n.39) was published in November 1988. The header says Wahl will be the editor until issue #40, and after that, mail should go to Rick Jervis. There, however, doesn't seem to be issue #40.
* there is a small amount of ST:TNG rumor and information
* this issue has a full-page flyer for RevelCon
* there is no indication that this is the last issue, nor does the editor have any comments; there are no book reviews
* this issue is just four pages long, and just like that, "The Propagator" is no more
 
==Gallery==
Image:prop1.jpg|front page of issue #1
Image:prop2.jpg|front page of issue #2
Image:prop3.jpg|front page of issue #3
Image:prop4.jpg|front page of issue #4
Image:prop5.jpg|front page of issue #5
Image:prop6.jpg|front page of issue #6
Image:prop7.jpg|front page of issue #7
Image:prop8.jpg|front page of issue #8
Image:propnine.jpg|front page of issue #9
Image:prop9.jpg|front page of issue #10
Image:prop11.jpg|front page of issue #11
Image:prop12.jpg|front page of issue #12
Image:prop13.jpg|front page of issue #13
Image:prop14.jpg|front page of issue #14
Image:prop15.jpg|front page of issue #15
Image:prop16.jpg|front page of issue #16
Image:prop17.jpg|front page of issue #17
Image:prop18.jpg|front page of issue #18
Image:prop19.jpg|front page of issue #19
Image:prop20.jpg|front page of issue #20
Image:prop21.jpg|front page of issue #21
Image:prop22.jpg|front page of issue #22
Image:prop23.jpg|front page of issue #23
Image:prop24.jpg|front page of issue #24
Image:prop25.jpg|front page of issue #25
Image:prop26.jpg|front page of issue #26
Image:prop27.jpg|front page of issue #27
Image:prop28.jpg|front page of issue #28
Image:prop29.jpg|front page of issue #29
Image:prop30.jpg|front page of issue #30
Image:prop31.jpg|front page of issue #31
Image:prop32.jpg|front page of issue #32
Image:prop33.jpg|front page of issue #33
Image:prop34.jpg|front page of issue #34
Image:prop35.jpg|front page of issue #35
Image:prop36.jpg|front page of issue #36
Image:prop38.jpg|front page of issue #38
Image:prop39.jpg|front page of issue #39
==References==
Category:Star Trek TOS Non-fiction Zines
Category:1976 Zines
Category:1980s