< zine:resource >
MEDIAGEEK #1
($2.00 ppd – cash or stamps only – from Paul Riismandel / PO Box 2102 / Champaign, IL / 61825-2102 USA. Web:
www.mediageek.org)
This zine is an offshoot of the
Mediageek website and radio show and the focus of all three is independent media, how it relates to the world at large and how you can create your own to effect change. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turns out this is a fantastic primer for getting out there and just doing it. The issue starts off with an editorial that's as much introduction as it is mission statement. Following that are: "A Radical Media Call to Arms", a well-written (and convincing) piece on why everybody should create their own media; Aj Michel on creating a zine (including a nice list of tool suggestions and other advice); and indepth reviews of a couple of local-music documentaries (from Chicago and St. Louis). My favorite piece in this issue, though, is a really helpful article about what to look for in a camcorder, including the differences between all the types (from those old VHS shoulder-mount units to miniDV), what you should expect to pay, features to look for, brand advice, etc. It's really pretty comprehensive, but written so that the information won't go out of date any time soon. I've had a camcorder for years, but I learned some things and I'll definitely refer to this article when I go to purchase my next one. I found every piece in this zine to be informative, helpful and encouraging. Definitely recommended to anybody who needs media creation demystified or just wants some good advice on making their own.
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