"[W]hereas the idea of being paid to write code, for example, is not similarly questioned."
Oh, they're questioning it, all right. I half-suspect that's a major reason why the big AI push in recent years: once the programs can code themselves, the tech lords can slough off all the people who they had to pay because they knew how to actually DO something. (I write this with trepidation, and hope I am at least partially incorrect: my son graduated with a Computer Science degree from a top-10 program a couple years ago and his entree into the world of gainful employment so far has been more than satisfactory, but I can't help but be concerned for him if the market for CompSci majors takes a major shift down the pike a ways.)
I worry too, and fortunately I am likely to retire before that happens. At least, based on current examples, the humorists don't have to worry for a long, long time.
I'm not so sure about that; there is an almost mathematical quality to a lot of joke-making--writing Weekend Update stuff was like doing crossword puzzles.
Excellent article, Michael. Boing Boing started as a zine in 1987. I guess we tried to become a magazine as the circulation grew. The print run of the second-to-last issue was 15,500 in 1994 or so. Then the indy distributors went bankrupt.
My favorite micropublication now is Mineshaft, which reminds me of R Crumb’s Weirdo. I kind of wish Mineshaft would just become Weirdo again but it probably wouldn’t work.
Anyway, I’ve been thinking about zines and micropublications lately. Thanks for these great essays.
Oh I WELL REMEMBER Boing Boing the zine! I should've added that to the list up top: I'll add it now.
I used to buy BB at a bookstore on Chapel Street in New Haven, that and Factsheet Five -- were you guys affiliated at all? I would call a publication with a print run of 15,500 DEFINITELY a magazine, and I remember being disheartened when the magazine stand next to my apartment on Capitol Hill in Seattle stopped carrying Boing Boing.
I know just a very little about Mineshaft, but know that it's beloved by people like Drew Friedman agreed that it could fill the hole left by Weirdo -- I hope it does.
Please think more about micropublishing; I love your work so much, and think that print culture would be better for your being in it.
Once again, Mike, thank you for your sage wisdom. Some of what you've said is exactly what Jim Warren told some buddies and I when we pitched a Famous Monsters type mag to him back in 1998. We were all too dumb and filled with hubris to make it work, but it's amazing how much of his advice still holds true with yours now, especially in terms of world building and knowing one's reader.
"[W]hereas the idea of being paid to write code, for example, is not similarly questioned."
Oh, they're questioning it, all right. I half-suspect that's a major reason why the big AI push in recent years: once the programs can code themselves, the tech lords can slough off all the people who they had to pay because they knew how to actually DO something. (I write this with trepidation, and hope I am at least partially incorrect: my son graduated with a Computer Science degree from a top-10 program a couple years ago and his entree into the world of gainful employment so far has been more than satisfactory, but I can't help but be concerned for him if the market for CompSci majors takes a major shift down the pike a ways.)
Throwing all the educated technologists out of work is a really great way to start a revolution.
I worry too, and fortunately I am likely to retire before that happens. At least, based on current examples, the humorists don't have to worry for a long, long time.
I'm not so sure about that; there is an almost mathematical quality to a lot of joke-making--writing Weekend Update stuff was like doing crossword puzzles.
Excellent article, Michael. Boing Boing started as a zine in 1987. I guess we tried to become a magazine as the circulation grew. The print run of the second-to-last issue was 15,500 in 1994 or so. Then the indy distributors went bankrupt.
My favorite micropublication now is Mineshaft, which reminds me of R Crumb’s Weirdo. I kind of wish Mineshaft would just become Weirdo again but it probably wouldn’t work.
Anyway, I’ve been thinking about zines and micropublications lately. Thanks for these great essays.
Oh I WELL REMEMBER Boing Boing the zine! I should've added that to the list up top: I'll add it now.
I used to buy BB at a bookstore on Chapel Street in New Haven, that and Factsheet Five -- were you guys affiliated at all? I would call a publication with a print run of 15,500 DEFINITELY a magazine, and I remember being disheartened when the magazine stand next to my apartment on Capitol Hill in Seattle stopped carrying Boing Boing.
I know just a very little about Mineshaft, but know that it's beloved by people like Drew Friedman agreed that it could fill the hole left by Weirdo -- I hope it does.
Please think more about micropublishing; I love your work so much, and think that print culture would be better for your being in it.
Once again, Mike, thank you for your sage wisdom. Some of what you've said is exactly what Jim Warren told some buddies and I when we pitched a Famous Monsters type mag to him back in 1998. We were all too dumb and filled with hubris to make it work, but it's amazing how much of his advice still holds true with yours now, especially in terms of world building and knowing one's reader.
I was thinking of you when I wrote that, Ed -- but I didn't realize you'd actually pitched it to Warren. What precisely did he tell you?
Be careful, we're going to start expecting daily posts now.
Erb, I'd be happy to do that if I get enough engagement. I am genuinely serious about wanting to pass on everything I know.
Your recent posts have fired up my brain cells. Thank you!
I'm glad, Christopher!
This topic you're exploring is of great interest to me. Please do continue.
I'm glad, Andrew -- I imagine it would be.