HoloCroN (AOL Star Wars newsletter)

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Zine
Title: HoloCroN
Publisher:
Editor(s): Brent Schmidt
Type:
Date(s): 1994-?
Frequency:
Medium: print, email
Fandom: Star Wars
External Links: archived flyer
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

HoloCroN was a Star Wars newsletter for members of the America Online Star Wars Fan Club.

1994 Info

The newsletter was published in three formats (Ascii Text, Macintosh (multi-media), and Windows (multi-media) with a few print copies also made available. According to the flyer "the electronic [version] uses the Windows help system, so anybody can use it. It has embedded pictures and linked sound clips." [1]

1995 Info

1995 flyer

"The HoloCroN is the electronic newsletter of the 1,000+ member America Online Star Wars Fan Club newsletter. The HoloCroN covers Star Wars fandom online and features news, reviews, original artwork, and just about everything Star Wars related, except fan fiction. The HoloCroN is published monthly in three versions—Text, Macintosh, and Windows. The Macintosh and Windows versions are multimedia formats. You can download the HoloCroN from the Star Wars Software Library on AOL (keyword SF); or, from the Internet, atftp.wpi.edu in the /starwars/Etectronic_Media/ directory. If you don't own a modem, you can get a free copy of the latest issue by mailing a formatted diskette and a SASE to: Alec Usticke [address, including apartment number, redacted] (for the Windows and text versions) or Ryan Silva [address, including apartment number, redacted] (for the Macintosh version). To submit an article, review, thought, or advert, e-mail the editor, [email protected], or send it on diskette to one of the two addresses above. If you'd like to be added to AOL Star Wars Fan Club mailing list, e-mail vaderl [email protected]. [2]

1996 Info

In the summer of 1996, the newsletter announced editorial and format changes: "...a new HoloCroN, with a new Windows 3.x editor, Sionell18, as well as new Editor-In-Chief, myself, R5D4Red2. Also, Volume 3 starts following Issue #10! ...the possibility of an E-zine that consolidates other online services and their E-mags, including CompuServe's Echo Station (note: this is still in development and planning stages)...the SoloCroN, a preview of an upcoming HoloCroN issue that will be mailed before each issue with a graphics file attached." [3]

Volume 1

Volume 1 was published in June 1994.

From the flyer posted to rec.arts.sf.starwars

"Greetings. A while back I was posting messages all over r.a.s.s. asking for submissions to a fanzine I was starting. Well, I've just finished the first issue, and wanted to see if anybody on the net was interested. The cost for people who contact me on the Internet is $1.50 for one issue/$6.00 for 4 issues. The fanzine will be put out quarterly and focuses on anything in the Star Wars universe, from Jedi to Tramp Frieghters. Here's some of the interesting stuff in this issue:
  • Disturbances in the Force- A briefing of the goings-on in the Star Wars Universe
  • HoloNet Downloads- Need something to spruce up you RPG campaign? Check out the Downloads.
  • Collector's Corner- Looking for a model of AT-ST? Check here!
  • Nature of the Force- Some home made Force powers for your RPG characters.
  • Plus much more![4]

After publishing the first issue, the editor fine tuned his newsletter's format and also automated the submission process:

"Greetings everyone. I just finished up the first issue of the Holocron, a fanzine I put together, in both an electronic and paperback format. So now that I have that ready, I'm getting ready for issue 2. I've divided up the different groups, so everyone can easily find their info-

Collector's- If you have any SW item you want to buy or sell, please e-mail me a short ad describing what you want and how to contact you, and I'll put it in the current issue, free of charge! I can't guarentee and response, but what can you get for free?

Artist's- If you have any SW related art or would like to do a few pieces of art for a story in the current issue, please contact me. I've also established a ftp address, so if you would like, you can scan images and place them in that directory. Just ftp to MCS.COM, go to the mcsnet.users\wedge directory and place whatever your file is there. A short text file description would be nice also.

Author's- If you have a SW related story or RPG scenario, please contact me. There is no specific focus of the fanzine, so any story that takes place in the SW Universe, is fine for the fanzine. Again, I've established a ftp address so you can just ftp you files to me. Here's the info again- ftp to MCS.COM, go to the mcsnet.users\wedge directory and place the file there. Again, a short text file description of the file and the word processor you used would be nice. Also, I don't know if I can handle Mac word processors, so if you can limit the file types to IBM, I'd appreciate it.

Finally, I didn't mention it, but when you login to MCS.COM, you can log in as anonymous. Also, I will be placing the current electronic format of the Holocron in that directory, just so you have another place to get it. Thanks & MTFBWY."[5]

Reactions/Reviews: Issue 1

"I got a copy of "The Holocron" a few days ago. Now, I didn't subscribe for it--I don't get any Fanzine-type stuff--but I did "write" and "article" for it, so I guess that's why I got a copy. I didn't think it would be all that interesting to me, but if someone wanted to publish my Force Powers, I didn't mind. Well, I was wrong! The magazine was VERY interesting to me!

It is published using desktop publishing from a PC or something and very well laid out. The graphics are neat, with scenes from the movies and the "datapad" border seen in WEG products ( and other stuff).

It has a variety of stuff in it submitted and illustrated by a variety of people. The writing is good and highlights/summarizes new SW developments, present/future SW products (games, comics, books and more). It has an original WEG SWRPG scenario. It has a story (featuring the Empire's elite-- you know The E, DV, and GM T). It has supplementary stuff for the RPG. It has a "collector's corner". It even has a small rumour's section.

Now this is just great for me, because I don't read ALL the messages in this newsgroup (not enough time). But "The Holocron" pointed out some of the developments with movies etc in a concise manner, without my having to sift through this cluttered newsgroup (we got everybody in here! :) I found the Emperor story entertaining and informative, and I'll use the RPG scenario as the basis for a quick buch of games in August.

You know, I originally had no intention of subscribing, but I'll think I'll sent in my subscription fee (only 8.50 for 4 issues--I think). Reasons:

  • it's well done and I hope there are more
  • it's good to support this kind of private initiative
  • the SW detail is appropriate
  • the source references are always mentioned
  • the "publisher" (I know him only as "Wedge") actually bothered to send me one (Air Mail too!)
  • it's not expensive

This is not an advert, it's my opinion.

I think if you guys saw the fanzine, you'd like/appreciate/enjoy it.[6]

Volume 2

Volume 2 issue 3

Volume 2 issue 3: Building a New Republic was published in May 1995 and was edited by Asa Jay with articles AOLSWFC members.

From the online flyer posted to rec.arts.sf.starwars:

"The HoloCroN, the AOL Star Wars Fan Club electronic newsletter, covers Star Wars fandom online and features news, reviews, original artwork, and just about everything Star Wars related except fan fiction. The HoloCroN is published monthly in three versions--Text, Macintosh, and Windows. The Macintosh and Windows versions are multimedia formats.

You can download the HoloCroN from the Star Wars Software Library on AOL (keyword SF); or, from the Internet, at ftp.wpi.edu in the /starwars/Electronic_Media/ directory (Windows version only).

In this issue:

  • Again with the "Way too much to list"
  • Last month we heard about X-wings... this month it's a TIE fighter;
  • BaronTagge
  • More codes for gaming enthusiasts; Bababooey1
  • More reviews, thoughts and generally good things.
  • Letters from Star Wars Fans.
  • And much, much more."[7]

Volume 2 issue 4

Volume 2 issue 4: Where do all the fans come from anyway? was published in July 1995 and was edited by Asa Jay with articles AOLSWFC members.

From the online flyer posted to rec.arts.sf.starwars:

"The HoloCroN is published in three versions--ASCII Text, Macintosh, and Windows. The Macintosh and Windows versions are multimedia formats. The HoloCroN is available in the Star Wars Software Library on America Online (keyword SF) or at ftp.wpi.edu in the /starwars/Electronic_Media/ directory (Windows version only).

In this issue:

  • We've broken a new record
  • Star Destroyer specs
  • Many book reviews
  • Letters from Star Wars Fans.
  • And much, much more. [8]

Volume 2, Issue 5

Volume 2, Issue 5: The Days of Summer was published in May 1995 and was edited by Asa Jay with articles AOLSWFC members.

From the online flyer posted to rec.arts.sf.starwars:

"The HoloCroN is published in three versions--Text, Macintosh, and Windows. The Macintosh and Windows versions are multimedia formats.

The HoloCroN is available in the Star Wars Software Library on America Online (keyword SF) or at ftp.wpi.edu in the /starwars/Electronic_Media/ directory (Windows version only).

In this issue:

  • Sad/Happy Words from Our Editor
  • More Ship Specs
  • More Reviews
  • Letters from Star Wars Fans.
  • And much, much more. [9]

Volume 3

Volume 3 issues can be found archived here. At least 4 issues were published that year.

Issue 7

Issue 7 was published in the winter of 1996.

Issue 10

Issue 10 was published in January 1997.

Reactions/Reviews Issue 10

"An open letter to the creators of the HoloCroN (the newsletter of the AOL Star Wars Fan Club) Congratulations on the latest issue. I downloaded several versions today and had a ball reading and enjoying the artwork. Well done!

Both the Win95 and Windows 3.1 version were very well laid out. (I'm sure the Mac version was excellent too.) I can only imagine what the upcoming Adobe Acrobat version will look like.

The artwork was up to its usual standards. (I just wish each piece was credited. Who did the front "cover" image? LonePigeon?) Ghent2's piece of Vader on the second Death Star is awesome.

It was a pleasure reading the many, many well-written articles. I especially liked "'Friends' of Star Wars" and the many reviews. QUEST32681 again wins the coveted longest-article price with "The Best of the BOTQ: ReQuests and ConQuests." (He's now competing for longest article name too.) My favorite piece would have to be SGUILFOYLE's "What's in a Screen Name?" article. Hey, he says I have a cool screen name!

Special kudos to editor-in-chief R5D4Red2. BrentLynch is a hard act to follow, but somehow he managed to do it.

The HoloCroN once again proves itself to be THE leading online Star Wars publication." [10]

References

  1. ^ The Downloadable Holocron #1 is ready!, Archived version, July 10, 1994
  2. ^ from Blue Harvest #6, summer 1995
  3. ^ FIDONEWS Vol.1 # 13 posted on July 27, 1996 in rec.arts.sf.starwars.collecting.
  4. ^ THE HOLOCRON ISSUE 1 IS COMPLETE dated June 3, 1994.
  5. ^ WANTED- Author's, Artist's, & Collector's post to rec.arts.sf.starwars dated July 10, 1994.
  6. ^ The Holocron Fanzine: what I think posted to rec.arts.sf.starwars on July 20, 1994.
  7. ^ HoloCroN #3 (AOLSWFC Newsletter) dated May 1, 1995.
  8. ^ HoloCroN #4 Available (AOL Star Wars Fan Club newsletter) dated July 8, 1995.
  9. ^ FANZINE: HoloCroN (AOLSWFC newsletter) #5 is out! dated September 26, 1995.
  10. ^ HoloCroN #10 dated Jan 11, 1997.
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