OFF-Line

OFF–Line is a free perzine with a political twist, produced about four times per year by Vincent J. Romano and Claire E. Cocco in White Plains, New York. Founded in 1999, its 40th issue (about the couple’s DIY commitment ceremony) will be published in spring of 2007.

Incorporating anarchist philosophy and a good dose of humor, OFF–Line puts a high priority on interaction with readers in its extensive Readers’ Forum. Its mission statement aims to set it apart from most perzines:

• We believe it is crucial to have intellectual, interactive, commercial-free alternatives to the corporate-dominated television and Internet media.

• We think there is something beautiful about producing our own forum for truthful information and respectful communication.

• We are not afraid to be honest or controversial. We defy authoritarianism, resist convention, and agitate for a more peaceful, egalitarian world.

• We welcome you to participate in our community of independent people, which records our experiences of life in paperbound letters.

Past issues have included exposés of a corporate tax agency (#23) and a schoolbook publisher (#37), an account of teaching a high school women’s history class (#39), a personal experience of war tax resistance (#31), embarrassing stories from growing up (#34), reflections on parents who died from cancer (#22 & 36), travels in Canada (#18 & 38), and critiques of nonprofit organizations (#10) and the peace movement (#32). Vegan recipes, photography, and short fiction pieces are regular features as well.

OFF–Line articles appeared in Volume 4 and Volume 8 of The Zine Yearbook.

A free sample can be obtained from this address: 35 Barker Avenue #4G, White Plains, NY 10601.

(Posted March 2007)