Jundland, Too

You may be looking for the Star Wars letterzine, Jundland Wastes.

Zine
Title:	Jundland, Too
Publisher:
Editor(s):	Jill O'Neill
Type:	newlsetter
Date(s):	February 1984 to May 1984
Frequency:
Fandom:	Star Wars
External Links:
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Jundland, Too is a Star Wars newsletter that was canceled after two issues. It was to have taken off where Jundland Wastes ended. It was, like many newsletters of its time, published without a copyright notice and may have fallen, in the US, into the public domain.

Other Star Wars Letterzines

• Alderaan (February 1978 to August 1981) (morphed into the multimedia letterzine, Comlink)
• Bound by the Force (1982-1997) -- contains some mulifandom content
• Darkside (1994-1997)
• Jundland Wastes (March, perhaps June 1981 to September 1983)
• Jundland, Too (February 1984 to May 1984)
• Rebel Alliance (1993-1994)
• Scoundrel (late 1983 or fall 1986)
• Southern Enclave (1983 to 2000)
• Tusken Farms (1993-?)

About Jundland, Too

The editor explains the newsletter in the last issue of Jundland Wastes in September 1983:

I'm very grateful to Pat for allowing me to take over the baby she launched two years ago. She has conveyed much patience, kindness and encouragement to me over the phone lines ever since I first started writing in these pages. Obviously, without her, it is not Jundland Wastes. So with her permission, JW will now become Jundland, Too. Our new deadline will be November 24 for both LoCs and reviews. That's Thanksgiving, so hopefully we'll be mailing out your new Jundland, Too around the first of the year... Editorial policy: Primarily I see JT as providing a unique service in the publication of in-depth reviews of fanzines. This will be JT's highest priority. In the past, Jundland only reviewed SW material. JT will continue its primarily emphasis on SW material, but reviews will now cover zines which contain even just one SW piece, and the reviewers may discuss the other material included in those zines. No reviewer may comment on a zine to which he/she has made a contribution. Letters of Comment are, of course, our second function. Therefore, while I will make every effort to published letters in full as they are received, I must caution all that space limitations are fixed.

Issue 1

Jundland, Too 1 was published in February 1984 and contains 32 pages. It has small art by Robin Belyea and Patrick O'Neill.

front cover of issue #1

From the editor:

The facts of life are hard. Two other truisms about fandom and its publishing marketplace are as follows: (1) Fans are frequently, frighteningly insecure about their creative endeavors; (2) fans can be petty regarding reviews because of (1). Thus, for the protection of the writers and editors who graciously take the time to do a zine review, I have bowed to pressure and allowed the use of pseudonyms. Not in all cases, mind, but in those cases where the reviewer could offer a good reason for so hiding her identity, I allowed the practice. As a sop to my conscience, however, and for the protection of the consumer, I have used a clever dingbat (and that's not a contradiction in terms) to indicate when a pseudonym has been used. However, I will state unequivocally that the privilege will not be abused. As a reviewer in fandom for the past two years, I have never had to resort to being rude in a review to make my point about a story, and I won't tolerate it in my letterzine.... I have never seen or read anything so wretchedly awful in a fanzine that something nice couldn't be said about it in one way or another. By the same token, a piece of writing in a fanzine is rarely so well done that it couldn't be improved.

In the column "The Protocol Droid," there is a letter from a fan saying she was worried about her fanfiction as it was about the fall of the Jedi enclaves, but that she's learned that "enclaves" are from another fanwriter's universe. She wanted to know if she could still use this term. The answer was absolutely not without specific permission from the fan originator, and if done by accident, you needed to apologize by writing a letter:

The Protocol Droid is ecstatic at your inquiry. She is distressed by the rudeness of those fans who utilize other fan writers' creations, neither asking permission nor giving credit where it is due. The Protocol Droid has lost count of references she has seen to "enclaves" and "downport" (from Maggie Nowakowska's"ThousandWorlds" series), the goddess Morga (a creation of Anne Elizabeth Zeek), and Han Solo's nickname of "Little One" (from L.A. Adolf's story of the same name).

Nor is this "borrowing" confined to specific names or terms. The Protocol Droid suggests that this process occurs fairly frequently in characterizations, descriptions of planetary cultures or governments, right down to the planet of origin for certain beloved minor characters. Some of these backgrounds have become so hallowed with fan usage that few indeed can remember who first advanced a particular perception of character or place...

Thus, The Protocol Droid admits that certain fan writer's creations, such as Nowakowska's "enclaves" have found their way into the fannish language, but she feels that familiarity is no reason to treat your fellow fan's work with anything but the respect it deserves. In such cases, it behooves the conscientious fan writer to search her memory carefully, to determine whether each part of her creation is: (a) made up by herself, (b) from the saga, or (c) part of another fan writer's universe. If the latter, The Protocol Droid proffers the following suggestion. Make up your own. Thus you will win plaudits for your originality and imagination, and not face the problem of utilizing another'screation. The galaxy "far, far away" offers limitless possibilities for such flights of fancy and, if you find yourself unequal to such imaginative work, The Protocol Droid respectfully suggests that perhaps creative writing is not your field.

However, if you feel that another author's creation is just right for your universe and that no other will do (and such situations, The Protocol Droid admits, will occasionally occur), the proper behavior expected of civilized fans is as follows: Send a brief, polite note to said author, explaining what aspect of her/his universe you would like to use. (A few admiring remarks on the author's work would not come amiss at this point.) Having obtained this permission, you should insert an author's note to your story, giving credit to the original creator. This is not only good manners, but may protect the original creator's copyright, should she ever wish to use the creation in a professional story.

Occasions will arise perhaps when all your caution will have been in vain. You unconsciously pick up another author's creation and use it...and before you realize your mistake, the story is printed. In such a case, The Protocol Droid suggests that you write the original author a brief, dignified letter, explaining your mistake and offering your apologies.

• this issue has an article by Anne Elizabeth Zeek called "The Wages of Love" in which she analyzes the phrase "A long time ago in a galaxy far far away, " calling it the modern equivalent of "Once upon a time" or "When giants walked the earth," -- all "monomyths"
• a fan writes a long letter complaining of the shoddy treatment the character of Wedge receives, as well as that of his fans
• a fan writes a letter saying she is not a Luke Skywalker fan, but that she was unhappy about the amount of letters she has seen lately that "put down a certain character or idea in favor of another, and this bothers me. Although I didn't experience it firsthand, I've heard all sorts of horror stories about the back-biting and insults in ST fandom, and I sincerely hope it doesn't happen here." She refers to a number of letters in Jundland Wastes #15 and other issues which "made Han fans seem childish because were were disappointed with the Han in JEDI. What's the matter, they ask us, are we sour because he didn't have a big part this time?"
• another fan writes a long letter taking previous fans' letters in Jundland Wastes to task for picking on the character of Luke; it is one of MANY letters taking each other to task for bashing Luke or Han, Leia, Lando, and Ben Kenobi: "I believe everyone has the right to create their own personal hero in whatever image they wish. The controversy surrounding the Han/Luke fans is proof that people have wildly different views of what constitutes a hero."
• a fan writes of the double standard about fans saying they like strong women but then turn around and criticize her for the very qualities they claim to admire: "Everyone sees her character in JEDI as a positive change. I'm not so sure, but I can't express my feelings coherently. But I can say that putting her in a slave costume was a nice sexist way of getting back at the "bitch"."
• a fan writes that she is tired of fans complaining about poor reviews being a "personal attack" asking if it isn't possible that a fan just disliked something; the same applies to good reviews: "And on the same token, can't someone express a positive opinion without being the creators's bosom buddy? Is it really possible that we've all just been stabbing backs and lying our heads off in the name of friendship all this time?"
• a fan writes a long letter explaining the difference between "reviews" and "criticism"
• a fan writes a long letter and analyzes the use of the color green in the recent movie
• a number of fans write of their confusion and unhappiness with the recent movie
• a review of Alderaani Imperative, see that page
• a review of Pegasus #6, see that page
• a review of Kessel Run #3, see that page

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 1

First of all, a few comments about JToo itself. Overall, a splendid job! The layout isn't distractingly cluttered (in my opinion), and the printing (on my copy) was clean and legible. I like the continued use of "mini-titles" for the entries; this was something I always enjoyed about JW, and I'm glad to see the tradition carried on. It was good to see you state your editorial policies up front; and the policies themselves seem quite reasonable. The "Protocol Droid" column is a fine thing. The author deftly avoided preachiness, and maintained a chirpy but decisive tone of which Miss Manners herself would almost certainly approve. The advice wasn't bad, either. I really enjoyed Pat's illustrations, especially the pig guard on page 11, and the Calimari on page 13 (while not thrilled with the Calimari in general, whenever I see them in ROTJ, I am fascinated by their beautiful, limpid eyes -- and somehow, despite the limitations of his medium, Pat has managed to convey this). My only quibble concerns the typos. I didn't mind/notice the small words particularly, but discrepancies in pagination ("continued on page 27") and misspelling of proper names was a (slight) distraction. I don't mean to be vicious; I know that first issues are always difficult. The contents of JToo were both delightful and satisfying. Keep up the good work!

... now there is the best guide to criticism [by Bev Clark] I've ever seen in the first issue of Jundland, Too. Let me urge everyone to beg, borrow, steal, Xerox or, as a last resort, even buy a copy of this zine. Not only for the above article, but for the Malkin-Bartok "point-by-point" analysis of the Luke/Han wars and for Sara Campbell's remarkable letter concerning a much neglected hero of the Saga (although I can't help wondering if maybe she hasn't driven still another wedge into an already divided fandom).

Issue 2

Jundland, Too 2 was published in May 1984 and contains 25 pages. Small art by Robin Belyea, Ron Frenz, Tom Plamer, Pat O'Neill and Nancy Stasulis.

front page

• this issue starts off with part two of Anne Elizabeth Zeek's article "The Wages of Love" -- the last paragraph:

  Love. Love enabled Luke to pass from youth to adulthood, to confront his father and win through to a new level of at-one-ment. Love enabled Han to pass the test of the Great Work, emerging from carbon freeze as a mature, responsible adult worthy of the Heavenly Bride. Love enabled Leia Organa to reach a stage of actualization as the Lunar Queen, the Heavenly Bride, and go beyond the impersonal love of the cause to the deeply felt love of the individual. Love enabled Anakin to find self-forgiveness and redemption. Love enabled Ben and Yoda to make their last passage so meaningful. Love permeates this saga. Is it any wonder the last words in ROTJ, the words from the Ewok celebration song, are "celebrate the love"?

• Leia, Lucas, and Fandom is an essay by Sandra H. Necchi; in it she explains that Leia was originally meant to be the hero but Lucas changed his mind, that Star Wars is a fairy tale filled with symbols rather than real people which is why it doesn't stand up to as much introspection fans give it...
• the column "The Protocol Droid" answers the question of how "an unknown fan get Big Name People to write for her zine" -- the answer: asking, flattery, understanding of "Time" and "Audience," and why BNFs write for some zines and not others -- an excerpt:

  Recall that fan writers do not receive money for their efforts. Thus they receive gratification in other ways... such as the knowledge that their fellow fans have enjoyed the fruits of their talents. The truth is that more fans tend to read the well- known zines. Zines like Warped Space and Guardian, for example, boast circulation figures nearing the thousand mark. Most good writers prefer to see their work in zines read by the most fans. Most good writers also prefer seeing their work in zines with other good writers. And that is the other edge the more well-known zines hold. It does no good writer credit to be seen in the company of the worst of fan writing...the Protocol Droid has noticed a certain "rubbing off" of reputation occurs that no writer appreciates. And since most of the good writers are in certain zines, there appears to be a 'vicious cycle' effect.

• one fan's letter discusses Wedge Antilles:

  We do not see Wedge's mystic great ness as detracting from Luke Skywalker's apotropaic struggles with Darth Vader, the Emperor, and the minions of the Empire; but Luke is too inwardly torn, too spiritually troubled with the same questions we all share to aspire to the role that is Wedge's alone. Nor do we feel that Han Solo's mortal preoccupations with matters of mature love and responsibility represent a lessening of his character -- he is just as darling and attractive as his fans maintain. The same is true of the other major characters; we who extol the merits of Wedge Antilles are not Interested in glorifying our hero at the expense of others- The SW saga needs those other characters, too. We do not deny that almost every other character in the saga is easier to relate to, in simple, direct terms. We, too, admire the charming, personable qualities of SW other characters. But our awareness has grown; we have become more sophisticated and discerning than we once were. We have crossed into that area of awareness where we can begin to grasp the full implications of that remote grandeur, that cryptically understated but nonetheless undeniable splendour which is Wedge Antilles alone.

• a fan writes, tongue-in-cheek:

  Dear, dear me! It seems that now we have the Church of Ford and the Right Thinkers For Wedge; and soon, no doubt, we shall have the Left Thinkers for Leia, the Mosque of Mothma, the Ashram of Akbar, and so it goes ad infinitum. Now, we Imperials couldn't be more pleased to see the Rebel miscreants fighting among themselves; but it is frustrating that they should be so preoccupied as to ignore Us, their Real Opposition. After all, in the old days, Karen Osman could start a good, satisfying dust-up by simply asking, 'Now then, just what makes you think the Empire is Evil?" Nowadays, even such extreme measures as standing on the table In a crowded spaceport bar and declaiming "Alderaan had it coming!" won't even spin a thread. We have therefore resorted to fighting fire with fire and organized the Cult of the True Imperial, to remind the Poor Benighted 'Eathen just who the one true Faith really is around this galaxy and spread the gospel through friendly persuasion and superior fire power. By these signs, ye shall know us.... A True Imperial can not understand what the Hanfen and the Lukefen are arguing about, because Luke deserves to be turned over his father's knee and Han deserves life plus 20. Really True Imperials can't tell Luke and Han apart because all Rebels look alike to them.

• there are many letters taking each other to task for stating opinion about favorite characters as fact and vice verse -- one example: "Opinion...opinion... all it is is Personal Interpretation. There is a big difference between fact and fiction, Marcia. You and your gang are way off in fantasyland with fiction rather than fact." Another fan writes: "I think I'll bow out of the Han/Luke debate as gracefully as I can. My opinions remain the same, but frankly, my dear, the whole debate is becoming a bit too acrimonious for my taste... emotions appear to be escalating on both sides to dangerous levels, and I personally prefer not to add any more fuel to the fire."
• "Post ROTJ: a Marvel-ous Approach" by Patrick Daniel O'Neill is an interview with Marvel writer Mary Jo Duffy and editor Louise Jones
• a review of Skywalker #5, see that page
• a very detailed and lengthy analysis and review of "Last Sanctuary" in the ThousandWorlds universe

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 2

I will tell [Michelle M]hat I guess I'm in trouble with her because I wrote Jundland, Too a rather scathing letter about their, uh, editorial policy. I will qualify that by saying that the letter was in response to their first issue and, unlike [Jean S's], written with the letterzine staring me in the face. I certainly don't think that any letterzine should be set up against another ("us against them") because it's much more fun to have more than one letterzine! But, if I pay my money, I certainly have a right to at least comment on what's going into that zine. As Michelle said, I don't have to buy it and I don't intend to if their policy remains unchanged.

There was a wonderful piece written on Wedge Antilles as the True Hero of Fandom back in tbe early '80s by a wonderfully witty fan named Sara Campbell not long before her tragic death. Cheree, do you think you could reprint that Jundland, Too gem? Tbe O'Neills are on GEnie and could probably provide the copy; I imagine they are the proper source now, since Sara is no longer among us.