N.B. Most of this is totally inaccurate now. For a quick summary of where Mega-zine is today, please see this Important Message.

Mega-zine? What is this Mega-zine?

It's not that I've ever been frequently asked questions about the Mega-zine, but here is a set of answers I feel might be useful.

Click below to skip to a particular question, or scroll down the page for the whole experience.

A 'Ziners List Explanation page can be found here.

What is Teletext? / Where can the Mega-zine be found? / Does this mean I can't access the Mega-zine? / And what exactly is the Mega-zine? / Who's in charge? / Who are you? / Can I contact you? / How many 'Ziners are there? / What sort of things to people write about? / When does the Mega-zine update? / How do I contact the Mega-zine?

What is Teletext?
This is an on-screen information service provided in the United Kingdom. Data is transmitted alongside normal television pictures, so terrestrial users (those relying on traditional aerials) can still receive Teletext. Users can bring up various screens via their remote controls, and access a range of topics. However, most people either ignore it, or just look at news, weather or TV guides once in a while. The service is available in other countries - however, only British Teletext is home to the Mega-zine.

Where can the Mega-zine be found?
On Page 382 of Teletext on 4. This is the only way to access it - ITV1's and Five's Teletexts are different, and the BBC's inferior Ceefax service is entirely unrelated.

Does this mean I can't access the Mega-zine?
Unfortunately, unless you inhabit the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, the answer is no, you can't. While some other European countries receive the BBC and ITV1, Channel 4 is restricted to the British Isles, or those areas close enough to receive its broadcasts. (I say this because I know it's available in northern France.) However, those outside this range now have a solution: Mega-zine Letters, a sub-section of the Vegetable Revolution, aims to record all that is broadcast. Access via the Links Page.

And what exactly is the Mega-zine?
Inappropriately located among the pages of Ace, Teletext on 4's trendy, teen-based affair, the eight pages of the Mega-zine (or 'Zine, as it is affectionately known) are a haven for social outcasts, misfits and people who have something to say. While anyone is welcome to write, only a select few are chosen to be printed each day. To have a letter included is to become a 'Ziner, and have nationwide recognition thrust upon you. Well, perhaps not, but it's an honour nonetheless. The word 'Ziner is pronounced the same as Xena (as in Warrior Princess), not rhyming with 'diner'. This has been verified by the great WLW himself (Who? See below), in a letter shown on March 17, 2002.

Who's in charge?
The short answer is WLW. He is the person in charge - and he decides who and what is printed, as well as making (sometimes) amusing comments after each broadcast letter. WLW stands for "White Line Warrior" - goodness knows what that means - and he has recently taken to styling himself as a "gay giraffe". WLW lives with Davord, Lord of Tharg; his pet cat Mavis (or Medulla); and his monkey Marcel. They reside happily in WLW Towers, somewhere in London. He also loves Jaffa Cakes. It has become apparent that the actual human person responsible for WLW's comments changes from time to time, with the most recent definite change in January 2003. Of course, the 'Ziners themselves are really in charge, and it is up to them to make it work.

Who are you?
Insane Jam Sow. As you'll have gathered, I am (or was) a 'Ziner. I got to 100 letters, and then retired gracefully. You can see all I wrote here. Despite my name, I am male.

Can I contact you?
Yes. Please see the Contact Page.

How many 'Ziners are there?
Perhaps obviously, this changes every time a newcomer appears on the Mega-zine. For the latest list and information, visit The 'Ziners List. Some 'Ziners are more prolific than others - at one time, regulars included Parsley Possum, Fluffy The Evil One, She Who Lost The Plot and my friend Sir Whence Pitchfork, for example. Of course, times change, and newcomers establish themselves, too - now you're more likely to see Farmer Jack, Topper, Samurai Hedgehog or Lilac Leopard. Despite this, there are also countless one-hit wonders such as... er... what was her name again?

What sort of things do people write about?
Anything and everything. Popular themes are musical tastes, the futility of life, endless inconsequential debates (such as goats vs squirrels) and those strange fleeting thoughts everyone occasionally gets. It is almost a requirement for every 'Ziner to detest Ceefax's Backchat service on BBC Page 577 - mainly due to its laughable content and embarrassingly self-conscious coolness. Any reference to this taboo subject should be as B*ckch*t.

When does the Mega-zine update?
Around 3:25 on every day but Saturday (and bank holidays). WLW needs his days off, like the rest of us.

How do I contact the Mega-zine?
If you feel you have something relevant and/or interesting to say, and would like to see your name in Teletext's ghastly font on screen, you should e-mail the Mega-zine at mega-zine@teletext.co.uk. You can also write to:

WLW Towers (or Teletext Ltd)
Building 10
Chiswick Park
566, Chiswick High Road
LONDON
W4 5TS

A new option is to text Mega-zine. Send comments to 07624 809 849. Start your message with MEGA, and don't forget to include your 'Zine name. You will be charged your usual SMS rate.

It can take a few days for a message to appear from time of sending. If particularly topical, or in reply to another 'Ziner, it might be quite quick. However, remember that only a select few will be used. If you fail to get printed once, try and try again.