RIPPP
Issue #33
Punk Planetis the latest indie zine to fold
By Laura Leebove
Published: September 1st, 2007 | 12:00am
Punk Planet left a massive hole in the independent media world when editors and publishers Dan Sinker and Anne Elizabeth Moore announced in mid-June 2007 that the Chicago-based magazine’s final issue was on its way. Founded by Sinker in 1994, Punk Planet — which published 80 issues in its 13 years — examined punk as a culture instead of simply a genre of music, setting it apart from other publications.
The highly respected bimonthly magazine featured phenomenal articles about politics, activism, and, of course, music, with an emphasis on DIY culture. Boasting a huge album reviews section, the magazine reviewed nearly everything that came through its office, so long as it wasn’t put out by or affiliated with a major label.
However, when Punk Planet’s distribution company, the Independent Press Association, declared bankruptcy in January 2007, the magazine took a hard enough hit that loyal fans and benefit shows weren’t enough to save it. In a letter on punkplanet.com, Sinker says that lack of advertising, fewer subscribers, and the poor state of the independent record world were also to blame.
But Punk Planet isn’t the only magazine that struggled. In the past couple of years, a number of indie publications have either gone online-only (Stay Free, Love, Chicago), or folded altogether (Clamor, Kitchen Sink, Rockpile).
So what’s the problem? Is it the distribution system? Not enough advertisers? The Internet? All of the above?
The bottom line is this: Independent publications need your support. Visit venuszine.com for an in-depth look at the state of indie media.
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