Spock Underground

Zine
Title:	Spock Underground
Publisher:	the fan club of the same name
Editor(s):	Carle' Johnson
Type:	bulletin
Date(s):	June 1968-to at least Summer 1971
Frequency:	monthly?
Medium:	print
Size:	10 pages
Fandom:	Star Trek: TOS
Language:	English
External Links:
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Spock Underground is a gen Star Trek: TOS bulletin/newsletter created by members of a fan club of the same name.

There were nine issues, each running about 10 pages each. The print run of some issues as low as 19 and as high as 100.

The zine contains non-fiction articles as well as information about club activities.

NOTE: This zine supports the "Spock Underground" circuit stories and other fan creations sent among members. While some of these short articles and occasional poems are printed in it, it does not contain the fiction, itself. These were either published in other zines (such as this club's sister zine Galileo 7), or lost to the mists of time. In later years, several fans mentioned that some of these stories were both het and slash and explicit and non-explicit. The editor never mentions them, which makes the stories of "Spock Underground" even more underground. This was due to the fact that the zine was published by a chapter of the LNNAF; these types of stories were both not appropriate for an official publication, nor one that fans discussed openly even among themselves.

For similar zines of this era, see List of Star Trek TOS Zines Published While the Show Was Still On the Air.

A 1968 Description

From Chatter Boxes #9 (Summer 1968) where "Spock Underground" is reported to have the "aim of recording "Legends of Spock.":

The 30 members work on these legends, and check each other's stories for 'authenticity' with the aid of their staff of 'authorities.' Some members have chosen such esoteric subjects as 'Vulcan Customs and Traditions,' 'Klingon Studies,' 'Vulcan Glossary,' 'Vulcan Anatomy,' 'Alien Psychology,' and 'Alien Environments,' as well as conventional sciences.

About the Club

In 1968, the club had about 50 members.

From an early ad:

Mostly for those fans who like to write Star Trek stories, science fiction, poems, etc. Members exchange their works through the mail to receive the comments, praise, or criticisms from other members.

From an ad in LNNAF Journal (Winter 1967):

SPOCK UNDERGROUND: STAR TREK - Spock story writers unite. Swap your idea of a script for others. Non-profit, but plenty of critics.

Some 1968 Rules

From the fourth issue:

Regulation 1, Paragraph 5 -- Stories circulated shall be in the complete form; Do not send out half in one envelope and the other half at a later date -- its [sic] impossible to reach a conclusion about the story.

Regulation 4, Paragraph 3 -- Persons not a dues-paying member of SU are not permitted to use our lists for circulating their story.

Reg 4, Para 5 -- Members may not sponsor stories by non-members through SU Lists.

This is because they are not bound to honor our stories and do not support our club by paying to forward you stories as you do for them. The growth of the club necessitates that we do this, even if we have to exclude some fine stories.

Issue 1

Spock Underground 1 was published in June 1968.

Issue 2

Spock Underground 2 was published in July 1968

Issue 3

Spock Underground 3 was published in August 1968

Issue 4

Spock Underground 4 was published in September 1968 and contains 20 pages. The mimeo reproduction on this issue makes some pages very difficult to read.

cover of issue #4, SD 0915 refers to "Stardate September 15"

Printed in the fourth issue was the official tally of fanworks making the rounds through the mail among fans -- stories (86), poems (18), articles (10), and scripts (2). This sum is likely low, as fans were almost certainly unofficially circulating other stories, some of which were het and slash, both explicit and non-explicit.

• TO: All Members, Subject: Practice, editorial/essay by Carle' Johnson (the topic is persistence and practice in writing)
• Wet Bottoms, illos by Rusty Hancock, "reproduced by Naomi Bradfield" (the topic is Vulcan babies and children)
• a July 11, 1968 letter to Naomi Bradfield from John W. Campbell (editor of Analog) (the topic is improving one's writing)
• Xenopsychology, article by D. Cornish (the topic is the study of alien minds and behavior)
• Lycanthropy-Facty, article by Nancy Gismonde
• Computer Report (number of members, number of fanworks)
• Short Reports
  • reminder from Security Officer: Ellen Donaway ("Donaway wishes to remind you to list your stories and send them to her, as well as sending her a copy of your routing instructions. She is trying to track down those lost stories. Help her do the job she volunteered for -- It is to help YOU!")
  • Dorothy Fent "has volunteered for the authorty [sic] on "Animal Psychology," "Alien Intelligence," and "UFO's" [sic]"
  • Shelia (likely "Sheila") Knowal "has dropped "Alien Dance" in favor of "Alien Customs & Religion"
  • Linda Leach volunteered for "Fine Arts"
• some reminders of the rules
• The Annual Awards: Important Selection of the Best Stories (the first prize for the annual writing award was "a choice of a ST Script of your choice, or a 16"x20" portrait of Spock painted on brown velveteen." -- "Due to the large number of stories, and the many members of SPOCK UNDERGROUND, we are forced to make a selection of the best stories for the year a contest which will be judged by a committee. Each member should enter their best story or other words by informing the committee...")
• Eligibility for Annual Awards
• Help Stamp Out Klingon Stain! by Naomi Bradfield ("There is a Klingon plot out to make our scripts look as if they came from the worm beds of Amagon 5! Klingon imps who spill tea, coffee, chocolate, or what-have-you on our treasured stories! Let's defeat this nefarious plot. We can protect our scripts by the simple process of making sure they are covered with a wipable surface. Chief Scribe has snooped around and found just the thing. These are called Kleer-Vu-Report Covers...")
• Naomi's Notes (club news, includes mention that the "SU Bulletin" is sent to Nimoy, Teresa Victor (Nimoy's "Girl Friday") sends her thanks; also "We hope to get James Blish, author of the SU paperback books & and many others to be an honorary member of S.U."; also: "Palmer Writer's School has shown a decided interest in Spock Underground as being a good training for would-be authors in their school. Anyone interested in receiving a true evaluation of their work contact me and I will notify you! You may have an agent come to call, but that doesn't mean you have to sign anything or even pay attention to him. But if you can afford it and really wish to be a writer, then he will be welcome. I admit I get a small commission for this.")
• Wiring Panel, small comments by Naomi Bradfield
  • "Hooray! We now have a SECURITY OFFICER who will trace [sic] down our lost stories - we hope.... This is the gal to write to if you wish to locate your brain child or children. Authors send a list of your works to her instead of Carle' and I. Members help her every now and then [by] sending in a list of the stories you have received and where you sent them on to."
  • comments by Roddenberry about sending letters to the network, also about sending fanworks to him or the network: "It would be our greatest joy to encourage new writers in the field of TV scripting for ST. However, because of insurance & legal restrictions, the studio business office will not allow us to read scripts or story ideas not sent through a recognized literary agency... Thank you for your interest in STAR TREK and for your desire to add to the show. We sincerely appreciate this and wish we could be more cooperative."
• Comet Trails (poems by members)
  • Down Alien Paths by Adrien Spectra
  • Planet's Wake by Adrien Spectra
• Vulcan Legion of Honor by M.J. Matthews
  • The Silver Threat by Donna Wilson - "Highly original with excellent style. Dialog was unsurpassed."
  • Thanalogic by Mildred Torgerson - "Extremely moving story which is very believable. I accept it even though the ideas were contrary to my own."
  • The Oath of Kal-Uhm-Meht by Adrien Spectra - "A most original look at Vulcan customs which is free of infilatrating Earth ideas so common to most of our stories."
  • Nebulous Planet by Donna Wilson - "Professional dialog is presented with a Klingon character that is so good that I cannot write a story about a Klingon without making it resemble this one."
  • Life is But a Walking Shadow by Jane Peyton -- "The most shocking story I have read. If you have read the book ROGUE MOON, you will now what kind of a shock this story offers."
• The Donaway Award by Ellen Donaway: Ian by Mary Jane Matthews
• Spock Underground Award by Carle' Johnson; Anteros III by Mildred Torgerson' To Even Up an Old Score by Beth Moore, and Experiment by Donna Wilson
• New Members Listing and Renewals (names and addresses of fans)
• Gossip (news about available fan items)

• 

  from issue #4, club officers and info

• 

  from issue #4, by Rusty Hancock, "reproduced by Naomi Bradfield"

• 

  from issue #4, rules for the contest

• 

  from issue #4, the letter from John W. Campbell (editor of Analog)

• 

  from issue #4, an example of the rough mimeo, this page includes some mysterious handwritten code or abbreviations

Issue 5

Spock Underground 5 was published in January or February 1969 and contains 18 pages.

front cover of issue #5

Printed in the fifth issue was the official tally of fanworks making the rounds through the mail among fans -- stories (110), poems (11), treatises/articles (8), and scripts (2). This sum is likely low, as fans were almost certainly unofficially circulating other stories, some of which were het and slash, both explicit and non-explicit.

From Wiring Panel by Naomi Bradfield:

Happy sparks; We of the S.U. staff wish you and your's a very happy Thanksgiving, and of course, a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Spock Underground has grown from a mere speck to about 45 or 50 members, and the stories to come out of most of this group have been well done and entertaining. Keeping in mind that we are not professionals, it is indeed gratifying to see the results that spring from untrained minds, and some are rather surprised to find that they can set words down on paper to gradually form a story. Attempts at first may be awful, but as time goes, by there is improvement and though a lot of us may never become writers in the professional sense, there is the pleasing self-satisfaction of knowing that one's ideas can come to life on paper. Also the fun in doing so over-rides any thought of time spent, and the idea that it is work never enters our heads. S.T. has been a joy to us, end our pleasure is revealed by the sometimes fascinating plots that has come to our doors via the mailman. As far as comments are concerned, many have not been exactly the type we line to see, but usually they have been of help and encouragement, be also love to brickbat our own S.T. on T.V., but like McCoy's sarcastic growls of disgust, it is only to hide our real feelings for this grand show, and that feeling, although very un-Vulcan, is one of love and deep enjoyment. We hope to have another year of Spock Underground for your pleasure, and truly, the many friends we accumulate make everything worth while. So I am looking foreward [sic] to many more tomorrows of S.U. stories, and letters to answer in the coming year. Live long and prosper.

• The 1969 Annual Awards by Carle' Johnson (about the club's awards, rules, reminders, process)
• Naomi's Notes (comments about the ridiculousness of the just-shown episode, "Spock's Brain")
• Naomi's Notes: Slow Burn Department (a long scold about members not affixing enough postage on the round robin stories they send, on sitting on stories because they don't have enough money to send them or are too lazy to figure out correct postage, all which makes difficulties for the pipeline of stories being sent in the circuit)
• a list of fans who have "dropped out" and pleas not to send them more stories
• fans' changes of addresses
• The Annual Awards for 1968
  • Life is But a Walking Shadow by Jane Peyton (science fiction story, 14 points)
  • Experiment by Donna Wilson (science fiction story, 12 points)
  • Components of a Rose by Nina Bennett (science fiction story, 11 points)
  • Walk in Sorrow by Mary Jane Matthews (science fiction story, 11 points)
  • Ambassador from Eternity by Mary Jane Matthews (science fiction story, 11 points)
  • And the Silence if Laughing by Loraine Streeter (science fiction story, honorable mention)
  • The Oath of Kal-Uhn-Meht by Adrien Spectra (science fiction story, honorable mention)
  • Shells by Carle' Johnson (science fiction story, honorable mention)
  • Ian by Mary Jane Matthews (Star Trek story, 25 points)
  • The Lesson by Adrien Spectre (Star Trek story, 6 points)
  • Call of the Ram's Horn by Carle' Johnson (Star Trek story)
  • Last Mission by Mildred Torgerson (Star Trek story)
  • Thanalogic by Mildred Torgerson (Star Trek story)
  • Images by Adrien Spectra (poem)
  • Vulcana by Adrien Spectra (poem)
  • Poetry by Jari L. Wood
  • Report #243 by Beth Moore (article)
  • The People of Procyon by Nina Bennett (article)
• James Doohan, or How to Succeed as a Scotsman When Irish, essay not credited (topic is James Doohan, his fan club)
• Mark Lenard, or Sarek is Alive and Well in Old Seattle, essay not credited (topic is Mark Lenard, his letter accepting his honorary membership to "Spock Underground," info about his fan club, descriptions of his opinions of fans, description of his handsomeness, intelligence, and sense of fun)
• Security Report by Ellen Donaway (scolds fans for being lazy and for not helping her do her job tracking down lost stories sent to fans: "Well, some of you might thing I'm just a snob, and others might think they could do a better job. if anyone wants to take over my humble position, they are more than welcome. I like the job, but some people just don't give you any credit at all.")
• Naomi's Notes (club and fan news)
• Wiring Panel by Naomi Bradfield (Bradfield is disappointed that club members are not sending stories to other fans, that some fans are not returning stories sent to them, that the whole point of the club is to be active and helpful for writers but many fans are falling down on the job: "If you care enough about our SU club, then follow the rules.")
• Comet Trails (poems)
  • Termination of Humanity by J.L. Wood
  • Alien Hospitality by unknown author
• Wiring Panel by Naomi Bradfield (about writing, optimism and satisfaction with the club, hopes for the future)
• Computer Report
  • "Original Stories: 110, Poetry 11, Treatises 8, Scripts 2"
  • a mention that a fan has received a "Digital Computer for Christmas. Fascinating!! I could sure use one. But I need a desk more."
  • "Jari Wood and Kathy Wollard and others are always happy to read your stories. It does happen: One gets too many stories, and someone else has none. Get acquainted with the other members, and try different routes, and be sure to skip the dropouts."

• 

  from issue #5

• 

  from issue #5

Issue 6

Spock Underground 6 is not dated and contains 12 pages.

cover of issue #6

From Johnson:

As long as anyone is interested in swapping our daydreams and story-telling I am willing (barring catastrophes) to continue with this club. If, by that last bit of hope for more ST series fades into the void, we will gradually expand into other realms of SF. But our main interest will continue to be in the ST universe.

Perhaps some of us will become pros, and perhaps we will just remain story-tellers among ourselves. Yet, I hope that we will continue somehow.

Maybe we can't write a script acceptable to Gene, but we may come up with some excellent ideas for other series. Or just continue to entertain each other without stories.

There is something very special about our gang. Getting and receiving comments is as entertaining as reading your own stories, and seeing new viewpoints into the world we hope to see someday.

I will continue to urge submitting your stories to the fanzine. It is great experience and good for the ego. It also will encourage you to try the pro-zines when the time comes for that. Yes, I hope some of you will become pros.

Don't give up on writing a story that will be tried out on us. Ask for help, and we will try to give you that bit of assistance in writing better stories. Keep on trying to tell your story to us. As long as YOU are interested, so are we.

Live Long and Prosper - Carle' Johnson

• Subject: Our Future by Carle' Johnson (encouragement to members and writing)
• a letter from Hal Clement accepting honorary membership in the club, includes his comments about becoming a better writer
• The 1969 Annual Awards Contest (judges: Jane Peyton, Beth Omore, Nina Bennett, Adrien Spectra, Gwen Carlson, Mildred Torgerson, Mary Jane Matthews, and Sheila Kowal)
• Wiring Panel: Slow Burn Department by Naomi Bradfield (some fans are snitching the clear plastic covers off of the stories she sends out)
• Naomi's Notes ("Thanks to all those who have returned my trace slips within the stories marked you have read. I hope to find out where a great many of them are. Please -- either return or send them on. There is no excuse for keeping a story over a reasonable time limit. The drop-outs are not excused.")
• Computer Reports ("Original manuscripts: 161, Stories: 125, Poetry: 19, Articles: 7, Scripts: 1, Cryptograms: 1")
• Fiction Mentioned
  • Various Thoughts by Donna Wilson
  • Wish of the Mind by Naomi Bradfield
  • The Immortal Flaw by Mary Jane Matthews
  • And Many More Tomorrows by Naomi Bradfeild
  • The Specimen by Adrien Spectra
  • Lost in Space or Same Old Story by Carle' Johnson
  • Stadsiat Effect by Carle' Johnson
  • Brother of the Wolf by Carle' Johnson
  • Jetsam by Carle' Johnson
  • Call of the Ram's Horn by Carle' Johnson
  • World Called Haven by Carle' Johnson
  • Though They Came from the Ends of the Earth by Jari Wood
  • Invisible Ones by Dorothy Fent
  • Sound of Silence by Naomi Bradfield
  • The Unseen by Naomi Bradfield
  • Don't Wait Too Long by Gwen Carlson
  • Life is But a Walking Shadow by Jane Peyton
  • Time by Ellen Donaway
  • Spock and the Dweldyans (sp?) by Ellen Donaway
  • Planet of Living Dead by Jane Peyton
  • Car Trek Satire by Jane Peyton
  • Shakhir, Touch of Vulcan by Jane Peyton
  • Incident Off Duty by Donna Wilson
  • Saboteur by Nancy Lee Kirk
  • Thanalogic by Mildred Torgerson
  • Last Mission by Mildred Torgerson
  • Birds of a Feather, author not noted
• Comet Trails, three poems (The Sands of Vulcan by Mildred Torgerson, Ponn Farr by Mildred Torgerson, Last Leaf, author not credited was Naomi Bradfield )

• 

  from issue #6, Hal Clement's letter ("SD 0204" refers to "Stardate February 4")

• 

  from issue #6, printed in the sixth issue was the official tally of fanworks making the rounds through the mail among fans -- stories (125), poems (19), articles (7), and scripts (1). This sum is likely low, as fans were almost certainly unofficially circulating other stories, some of which were het and slash, both explicit and non-explicit.

Issue 7

Spock Underground 7 was published in Spring 1970 and contains 10 pages.

photocopied cover of issue #7 (NOTE: the #8 on the cover is a mistake), artist is Senok

From Naomi Bradfield:

Somehow it only seems to bounce off, or go in one eye & out the other... as we have reached the point where file copies have been sacrificed to satisfy the cries of "SEND THEM TO ME!" To my mind those who withheld stories are to be pitied as being too selfish to allow others to enjoy them. We can be patent, we have been for quite some time, but even Vulcan patience can be as last worn out. You may be innocent, but somewhere someone has his, or her, own self to live with. It may seem funny now, but how about later when you demand the same qualities in others you will not give to us. Think about it then pass those efforts on. Be honest. It's old-fashioned, but still works.

• SUBJECT: For a Dime's Worth You Pay Ten Cents (commentary by Johnson, stories are fewer and farther between, fans are urged to be proactive and more reciprocal)
• Wiring Panel by Naomi Bradfield (includes more scolding for fans to follow the rules of the club, also "Let's get those stories, friends. Just because NBC Klingoned S.T. is no excuse to sit back & grumble. We still have our memories, so get on with it." -- Fans are urged to send stories to Tim Courtney who is seriously ill.)
• Power (unclear word) by Naomi Bradfield (a short essay about unkind feedback)
• there have been so few stories written and shared that the club has dropped the annual awards

Issue 8

Spock Underground 8 was published in

Issue 9

Spock Underground 9 was published in

Fan Comments

Between 2004-09

How did you come to fan-fiction writing? Wow, this is ancient history. I was involved in "Spock Underground" back in the 60's. We would circulate (via snail mail!) hard-copy K/S stories (& other Vulcan fantasies…) to each other for private reading and critiques because at that time none of the Trek fanzines would touch sexual stories. Later, some of my work and art appeared in a long gone US fanzine called "Spockanalia" Some of the other very talented lady writers in the "Underground" group are now professional SF authors. (no names mentioned 'cause I doubt if they even want anyone to remember back that far)

Wow, do you remember "Spock Underground?" (60's hard copy circulation of erotic stories none of the zines would touch, both het and K/S premise)?

"Spock Underground" --- was a writer's group that circulated 1960's fictions "too hot to handle" for regular fanzines. The "head editor" would ask for a written age statement and leave it at that for membership. The process for these early K/S, or S/BEM, (hehe, that's old SF for "Bug Eyed Monster") fictions was to circulate them in the U.S. "real snail mail" with a "diary" of comments by all members. Each member would read, comment, and pass on and the stories would eventually find their way back to the author with a booklet of reviews. Simply a "hard copy" version of today's on line postings.

The generous exchange in this association was remarkable, and many comments would be as detailed as a college essay, citing line and verse to either praise, or give positive criticism. Not much out-and-out nastiness in hard copy. Some of the authors who participated in those days include some present-day *non-slash* pro-SF female writers --- so I feel a bit unsure about mentioning specifics, except to say that they learned from their first efforts and their passion matured into real professional ability. Hats off to you, ladies.