Having been a long-term reader of the Mega-zine, it dawned upon me that this vast institution needed someone to carefully record all those valuable contributors to its pages. Therefore I, Insane Jam Sow, began to make note of every 'Ziner lucky enough to appear. This occurred sometime in August 2001 (though I cannot remember the exact date) and has continued ever since.

The Methodology

How do I do it? Well, once a day, I employ the following highly technological method: First, I use an infra-red remote control device to activate my televisual display unit. From there, I apply pressure to the appropriate buttons in order to stimulate the Teletext facility, whence I select the digits that bring forth the Mega-zine's home. This completed, I use my eyes to read the on-screen letters, and, crucially, the names of the senders. Then, having processed this information with my brain, I take hold of a standard drawing pencil (HB is sufficient), and, by pressing its lead onto paper (wide margin, feintly ruled), I record the relevant information. Subsequently, these names are input, via a computer keyboard device, into my Personal Computer System. Once achieved, I synthesise any new trivialities for the 'Zine Trivia page, and proceed to utilise an FTP (file transfer program) to upload the new facts to this very site.

Updates

Naturally, this procedure entails considerable effort. You may be wondering how frequently the List is updated. In fact, there is no specific time interval - I tend to upload when I have around ten new names to add. Therefore, some names that appear just after one update may have to wait several days to be added, while others could be lucky and sneak in just before the next. So don't expect me to be instantaneous! The date of the last upload and the current name total are clearly displayed at the top of the list.

This list really does contain EVERY name that has appeared since August 2001. Even all the one-offs; the obscure individuals you will never hear of again. Names from before this time are NOT included. At the request of a reliable source, I am prepared to add older names - but this is not regular practice.

Of course, there are those times when even a dedicated 'Ziner such as myself is forced to miss an edition - be it because of holidays or otherwise. On these occasions, a variety of 'Ziners have stood in for me - including the ever-reliant Arrant Nerd Boxes Yodeller - once I have been certain they fully understand the complex method the process requires. The Mega-zine Letters group (see Links) has also proved invaluable.

Other Points

I am not perfect! Even someone like me can make mitsakes! There is a small chance that, somewhere along the line, errors can creep in. If you are a 'Ziner, and have found a problem with your name on the list, it is most likely a mere typo - more serious issues should be brought up with me via the Contact Page. If, in the ABSURDLY unlikely event that your name is missing, and you feel this should not be so, kindly do the same. The only danger of such a dastardly occurrence is if your name is in some way familiar to me, and I assume that you are already present on the List - so, please, take it as a compliment should it ever happen.

I am also fully aware that certain 'Ziners masquerade under a variety of names. This is not my problem. The List records names, and you must not assume that every entry applies to a different person. In some cases, where a partial name is frequently used in different full titles, I add only the regular part. An example of this is the case of Snaz. Occasional additions to regular names are also generally ignored.

I am quite happy for you to link to the List (and the rest of the site) in any way you like, as long as you give me credit!

Thank you for your time. I am willing to answer any further questions in person.