S.T.A.R. Membership Book
| Zine | |
|---|---|
| Title: | STAR Membership Book (on cover), STAR Member's Book (on title page) |
| Publisher: | |
| Editor(s): | |
| Type: | |
| Date(s): | 1970s |
| Medium: | |
| Fandom: | Star Trek: TOS |
| Language: | English |
| External Links: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
S.T.A.R. Membership Book is a publication of Star Trek Association for Revival.
It is an information zine for club members and includes club rules, history, and addresses of interest to fans.
The cartoons are by Cory Correll.
There is an article called "S.T.A.R. History" rewritten by Jan Donaldson and Margaret Donaldson, one called "A Short Guide to the Fandoms," a section on "Definitions and Abbreviations," a section that explains such things as conventions, dealer's rooms, and art shows.
One tip: "Do not take flash pictures of the movie screen. The flash screen blanks out the image, as you've just wasted film on a blank screen, as well as convinced those around you that you are an ass."
The membership packet included one member's book (this publication), a 'S.T.A.R. Trekkin' bumper sticker, 1 membership card or button and 1 STE Enterprises when/if available.
From the front page: "Greetings, fellow fen. The purpose of this book is to introduce you to S.T.A.R. and the Star Trek and science fiction fandoms...S.T.A.R. Inc, is a legally incorporated, though volunteer fan-run organization in the state of Michigan. It is controlled by a committee called S.T.A.R. Central. S.T.A.R. Central's chief purpose is to publish the newsletter Star-Borne and to run S.T.A.R... the main reason why S.T.A.R. was begun 3 years ago is to revive Star Trek. A more general purpose is the promotion of science fiction."
Volunteer staff: Laura Trise Basta, Margaret Ann Basta, John Benson, Gail Leigh Brown, Roberta Brown, Carol Lynn, Denise Bozung, Todd Bake, Patti Helmer, Jan Donaldson, Mary Brennar (short bios included).
From the 2nd Printing
This reprint is not dated but was printed in 1973 and contains 8 pages.
This is the 2nd printing of the ‘mythical’ membership packet. Why is it so late? Many reasons ranging from lack of sufficient funds to lack of time. Because this is supposed to be an informative booklet with material that many S.T.A.R. members may not have known before, the two editors of STAR-BORNE, Margaret and Laura Basta, chose to publish this booklet with reduced printing because of the volume of information we felt was necessary to include in this booklet. And since the majority of STAR members will be receiving this, much of this information will not be reprinted in S-B. Only additions or corrections will be mentioned in future issues of the newsletter.
S.T.A.R. is a non-profit, volunteer organization. It consists of a central committee known as STAR CENTRAL, and local clubs known as ’chapters throughout the world. Our specific purpose is the revival of STAR TREK.
Our general purpose is the promotion for good science fiction regardless of the medium.
S.T.A.R. is an amateur, aoi professional, organization. This means that since we are volunteer (NONE of us are paid for our efforts,) we are not as efficiently run as we'd like to be. Because this is only a hobby albeit at times it seems like a vocation, this booklet was late. Occasionally newsletters will be late. There will be mistakes made with the records. And then, when it isn't our fault, there's the US Post Office. And inflation. (Our printing costs per thousand copies has almost doubled in 16 months.)
Financially, S.T.A.R. is still in the black. But the main reason for this is not the influx of new members, but STAR CENTRAL'S fund-raising projects which range from bake sales at Wayne State University to the sale of buttons. The sale of the model kits is more of a service than a moneymaking venture. Because our profit is almost negligible when sold through the mail, and because the model kits are now being sold at a price less than ours in most major cities, the sale of kits by mail will soon be ended. [1] Notification of when will be in a future S-B.
All told however, we still are able to send out every S-B within a reasonable length of time. People who write us for the 1st time get their free STAR-BORNE. This is the way we gain most of our members. S-B is the largest circulation amateur science fiction newsletter. We have a list of ST fans numbering over 10,000 names. Membership in S.T.A.R. keeps growing. And we're introducing more people to the fun as well as intellectual stimulation of the ST and sf fandoms.
STAR CENTRAL would appreciate the help of anyone in our area. We need workers whether it be to type, collate, or run a meeting. If there's no ST group in your area, why not form your own?
EVERY ORGANIZATION HAS A HISTORY, AND THE FOLLOWING ACCOUNTING OF S.T.A.R.'S IS A FAIRLY INVENTIVE SUMMARY OF WHAT REALLY HAPPENED!
S.T.A.R. (If you don't know what the letters mean by now-forget it.) was founded December 1971, by George Christman in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In February, 1972, Mr. Christman met the Basta sisters and his first contact with any kind of fandom. In March 1972, the first STAR meeting was held, and in May 1972, the first printing of the 1st newsletter came out, edited by the Bastas, and had a total copy run of 2,000 which is the smallest copy run of any of S-B's issues. The present STAR CENTRAL COMMITTEE consists of the following: Margaret Basta (editor of STAR-BORNE); Laura Basta; Roberta Brown; Ken Cramer; Jan Donaldson (Historian); Gerry Felipe (Accounting); Mrs. Micki Franz; Deborah Goldstein; Dave Lillard (Co-ordinator/Publicity); Carol Lynn (Secretary); Fred Reiss.
STAR started out as a neofan ST fandom led by George Christman who had placed advertisements in newspapers letting people know that the ST fans were still alive and fighting. The response to these ads were incredible. In February 1972, after the 1st NYSTCON #1, George met the Bastas, and a new sort of revival battle began. As time went on, many of the original plans made at that 1st STAR party in February became reality. In March the 1st ST slide show A bake sale was held at Wayne State. Though the crowds didn't appear, the press did, and the 1st major article on ST's revival was printed in THE DETROIT NEWS, March 19, 1972.
STAR-BORNE's conception was in March of 1972 too, during the last snow of the season. We're still arguing to this day which took longer - the typing of the 1st address list (A measly 2000 names) or the creation of the newsletter's name.
Meanwhile, work and the word was spreading. The return mail from S-B #1 was... overwhelming. (There's a rumor that some of the original mail still isn't answered...) And as with most groups that grow this fast, the words 'organization1 and 'caught up' became obsolete. And then came the conventions. The 1st one officially attended by STAR representatives was the World Science Fiction Convention in Los Angeles, Labor Day weekend, 1972. Then there was the DTFF in Detroit with ST guests including Gene Roddenberry A Majel Barrett Roddenberry, D.C. Fontana, David Gerrold and Jimmy Doohan.
In February, 1973 many STAR members were amongst the multitudes at NYSTC0N #2. And that there was EQUICON over Easter 1973. And the ST animation which is indeed a partial victory. And VUL-CQN I in New Orleans, June 1973 with its news of the ST movie possibilities saw STAR CENTRAL members present. And with the up-coning TORCON over Labor Day 1973, there promises to be an unprecedented amount of STAR members in attendance. And then there is STAR- CON In Detroit in October, and the next NYSTC0N #3 and EQUICON #2 over Memorial Day weekend 1974, and... (where will it end?)
In February 1973 it was proposed to Mrs. Helen Young, head of the STAR TREK WELCOMMITTEE that S.T.A.R. and STW join forces since so many of our members belong to both groups. Since then there has been no dissent on either side, so now, STAR handles the news, and STW the answers.
STAR is presently affiliated with many different fan clubs, fanzines, and ST groups. STAR does not intend to become involved with these groups in the sense that STAR is to take over. STAR'S main purpose is ST‘s revival and the passing along of accurate information concerning ST and science fiction. It has been STAR'S policy to remain uninvolved with any of fandom's disagreements (This means we're not going to take sides in fan arguments.) This also means, that with rare exception, STAR will not come out and officially recommend a fan club, a fan zine, etc. When STAR, and the editors of S-B do make a recommendation (eg. voting for a HUGO nominee such as David Gerrold's novel When Harlie Was One) it is because we're trying to be objective in informing you what we think is worthwhile, and will be of interest to you. STAR won't 'play favorites'. What havoc that would wreak!
On the other hand, the personal opinions of a STAR CENTRAL COMMITTEE member, are personal, and, as with the opinions of a STAR chapter head, or a general STAR member, do not reflect STAR'S official opinion.
And when it comes down to that which STAR CENTRAL, has decided should be the official opinions of STAR as a whole you have:
1 - STAR is in favor of the animation.
2 - The animation must have a better time slot so write NBC!
3 - STAR wants ST back 'live' too whether it be a movie or tv show.
4 - STAR wants ST back whether it be with the original cast or not. This means that if Leonard Nimoy can't return to a 'live' ST, [it's] all right. Hollywood has many talented actors and actresses who can create new roles for ST. ST was never limited by its choice of cast.
5 - STAR wants people to write to NBC and PARAMOUNT, and especially to, PARAMOUNT for a new ST movie.
6 - STAR is against petitions since they do no good.
7 - STAR is against any boycotting of PARAMOUNT products. This is silly, and can only cause difficulties with negotiations.
8 - STAR is against any fan action that is irresponsible and immature. This includes 'hate' letters to PARAMOUNT, any kind of threatening letters, and even sending wet teabags to NBC. This creates a damaging image of the ST fan.
9 - STAR wants to see Gene Roddenberry controlling any new ST films, etc.
10 - STAR encourages STAR members to start reading science fiction if you never have done so before. There's a whole new world out there! Discover it for yourself!
11 - STAR encourages members to attend a ST or sf convention. Cons can be fun! And you're not too old or too young. The ages of ST fans ranges from infants to senior citizens, and consists of people from all ethnic backgrounds, religion, political viewpoints, and education.
12 - And because of STAR'S varied backgrounds, you won't have political involvement in STAR either. (Unless you vote Vulcan.)
STAR CENTRAL hopes that all ST fans do what they think is right, but will privately, and if forced to, publicly censure any STAR member who flagrantly ignores statements 1 and 8.