[F.U.C.K. is an e-zine that I started on January 24, 1993 and ended on January 24, 2000. One concept is that articles should be timeless if possible, so they were not released with dates. As such, the date on this blog is not exact but I will try to use a date as close as possible.]
As you now see, this file breaks the tradition of the ‘Looking Back’ series. From what I can tell people aren’t using these files for the intended reason to get a quick idea of what the files are about. Since most files are pretty short I think people can start to read it and determine if they want to continue.
Onward…
You will now notice there is an updated FAQ with version number. I have also released a new version of the FUCK Distribution application.
Many thanks goes out to the sysops and admins who are helping to distribute these files. In the past few months alone several BBS sysops have mailed in applications and have become distribution sites for the zine. Thanks goes out to the admins running FTP sites or Web sites with these files. If you help distribute and your name/site is not on this list, please mail me so I know. If you are interested in putting them up and need help, mail me.
Thanks goes to Voyager for running a new site and allowing me to set my web pages up on a new server (a real web server kids!).
http://command.com.inter.net/users/disorder
While you are there check out the other users pages as well as the intro page (leave off the /users/disorder part). If you would like to mail suggestions or comments, send them to jericho@netcom.com or fuck@command.com.inter.net and I will usually reply within 24 hours.
Over three years now. Not bad for the on-line magazine world. Every day I read the newsgroups I see a new zine here or someone trying to start one up and asking for submissions. Why can’t people write for existing zines? I know that variety is a good thing but starting a new zine and letting it die within a few issues will only bury your writings along with countless others out there. If you wish to write, and work on a zine, just make sure you are committed and willing to follow through. If there is any doubt in your mind that you will not be able to keep it up, write for another zine.
I have written for several other zines over the years and will continue to write for others. If something I write is not geared for this zine, then I submit it to another zine. The same variety that it appears I am speaking against is what I actually encourage. Variety doesn’t have to be brought forth in the form of different and new zines. It can be brought forth in a wider variety in the existing zines.
Reminder: If you would like to receive new files as they are released, mail me at jericho@netcom.com and ask to be put on the list.
Without further ado… this was submitted by Demonika a few weeks back. Since it does a very good job detailing some issues I would have covered, here it is.
The recent actions of our Senators and House Representatives will soon make this file illegal to distribute on the Internet. Not only is the title “indecent”, but its contents are also legally indecent as well. Within these files you will find discussions of a controversial nature, often peppered with so-called inappropriate language. I find it difficult to place these files in the same category as porn or erotic text, but this is exactly what happens when our government defines laws in ambiguous language. What exactly is indecent? Is this file indecent? Are any of the former F.U.C.K. files indecent? (oops, did I just break the law?)
Consider the following: These files will be effectively outlawed merely because of the title and some questionable language contained within them. The sad thing about the recent events is the loss of the content to the Internet. Many of these files are thought-provoking, well-written, and excellent outlets for the thoughts of young people everywhere. If you read past the title, and pay attention to the content, many of the same Senators and Representatives would be less concerned about the “bleak future” of our country. Some might even agree with the opinions of the authors, and be surprised that some of them have not even attended college yet. Some of these authors have written files of a quality that they would never consider maintaining for their high-school or college. They do it because they like the zine, and they like to express themselves. But the language of the CDA bill has effectively banned this outlet for creative thought and the exploration of new ideas. So, along with Playboy and Penthouse WWW sites, this zine will be on the wrong side of the law, undeservedly so.
When I think of the Internet I think of a bookstore. Anyone of any age can enter a Barnes n’ Noble and find a book called Fuck on the shelf. It is a book devoted to the history of this four-letter word, the usage of it, and it’s prominence in society. If you are offended by this book, you ignore it. You don’t buy it. If your child sees it and wants to know more about it, you set limits according to your own values and principles. But nothing stops this child from picking up the book and examining it if s/he really wants to. Simple. The Internet is the same way. You’re looking around some ftp sites and you find a group of files called fuck files. Do you get them? Are you forced to read them? No. You can choose to ignore them if you like. It’s the same with pornography. You know that if you web over to http://www.playboy.com/ you might see some nudity. If this offends you, you don’t go there. No one forces you to look at it. Now, if your child goes to that site, it is up to YOU, as a parent, to set limits. It can be done. It is not the US government’s responsibility to do so.
Something to think about in the upcoming months. Keep track of upcoming legislation and court rulings. If you are reading this, then they affect you.