The Clipper Trade Ship/Issues 11-20

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The Clipper Trade Ship · Issues 1-10 · Issues 11-20 · Issues 21-30 · Issues 31-40 · Issues 41-50 · Issues 51-60 · Issues 61-70 · Issues 71-79
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Issue 11

The Clipper Trade Ship 11 was published in July 1976 and contains 48 pages. The front cover is by J. Alan Tyler, the back cover is by Debbie Collin, the illos are by Doug Herring, Gennie Summers, Signe Landon, and Lizette Leveille.

front cover of issue #11

"Approximately 241 copies of this issue were printed, unfortunately."

The editor wrote that the zine is experiencing difficulties for three reasons. The first two are issues with his former printer and increases in postage. His comments on the third reason:

The third problem is, apparently, with me, according to feedback I've been getting lately. TCTS, and therefore me, has lately been interpreted to be anti-Star Trek and especially anti-Star Trek fandom. In one particular project I'm having done for TCTS a few people see as aimed to destroy fandom. Specifically, I asked Eric J. Anderson to do some research for me, as I have little time on my own to do it. He has been primarily trying to find out what rights we have to our Star Trek film clips. In his search so far, Paramount has contradicted themselves, Roddenberry has contradicted himself, and several fandom sources of authority have all said something different. Even two books on copyright law conflict with each other. However, there are kind individuals and groups in ST fandom who have asked us to quit, concerned with our safety and that of fandom in general, lest Paramount Pictures bare its teeth. I do not think that will happen. But fandom is beginning to shun TCTS for that reason, and is becoming vocal on it. At any rate, I have asked Eric to wind down the investigation and begin summarizing what he has gathered into an article for some near-future issue. So much for free speech.

Anyway — I am pro-Star Trek, but only pro-fandom in some ways and anti-fandom in some other ways. My main beef is the high ideals Gene Roddenberry spouts about ST in speeches on one hand, and on the other, his wife's company, Lincoln Enterprises, is selling such items as Unisex Klingon warning whistles, things I find degrading to the series. But that is only MY opinion; please don't lambaste on that.

  • inside page from issue #11, a parody of an ad, making fun of Star Trek fans who will buy anything having to do with the show

    inside page from issue #11, a parody of an ad, making fun of Star Trek fans who will buy anything having to do with the show

  • inside page from issue #11

    inside page from issue #11

  • inside page from issue #11

    inside page from issue #11

  • inside page from issue #11

    inside page from issue #11

  • inside page from issue #11

    inside page from issue #11

  • inside page from issue #11

    inside page from issue #11

  • Page 27 from issue 11

    Page 27 from issue 11


Issue 12

The Clipper Trade Ship 12 was published in September 1976 and contains 36 pages.

The front cover is by J.P. Alexander, the back cover is by Debbie Collin, the illos are by Signe Landon, Lizette Leveille, David J. Schow, Gennie Summers, and J. Alan Tyler.

front cover of issue #12, an example of Imitation, John P. Alexander
back cover of issue #12 by Debbie Collin

300 copies were printed. The editor had this note: "Support fandom. Go out and buy somebody else's fanzine."

The editor wrote that the zine has a new look, different font and that issues from now on will follow a more strict format: the reason is production costs.

The editor wrote:

Regular readers of TCTS know my stance on such subjects as Star Trek commercialism, Star Trek fanatics, and Gene Roddenberry in his connection with Lincoln Enterprises. Because of that, some people regard me and TCTS as being not exactly pro-Star Trek. I disagree. But rather than write an editorial defending myself, I'm going to turn a letter of comment from Frances Wong into a guest editorial, as she says it far better than I:

I'm disappointed to learn that some members of fandom are turning their 
backs on TCTS, in the mistaken belief that you are negating the popularity of
 Star Trek. Are ST fans so immature or uncertain about the value (quality) of
 their favorite program they should come to the realization that any small dif
ference of opinion is a threat to its existence? One of your readers com
pletely misunderstood the author of the Outer Limits article in your previous 
issues of TCTS. He thought the writer was anti-Star Trek when the article's 
basic premise was just that some other science fiction shows are also deser
ving of coverage, not just Star Trek this, and Star Trek that. Now I bet a
 deep-dye Trek fan will misunderstand my intentions—he'll think I was being
 'anti-ST'. I've seen practically every ST show over at least eight times in 
reruns, and this doesn't count the original first-run showings. I will prob
ably continue watching the old shows, and definitely will look to the new
 movie version, as well as collect memorabilia of the series when I can. But
 would ST fans turn on an article praising 2001, or rave about an Issac Asimov
 story being superior to anything that ST writers could ever hope to create—just because the writer dares to offer a different opinion, and is not turn
ing cartwheels over the Star Trek dream? I am amazed at the intolerance and that's the exact feeling being fostered by those members of fandom who are turning their heads away from TCTS—is rearing its ugly tentacles in the world of fandom. As an oriental who has experienced real intolerance from my fellow man— I am saddened. Even Mr. Spock, whose culture is based upon the idea that all things (good and bad) combine to create a beautiful, interesting whole—he no doubt would be disappointed by fandom's attitude.
Jim—you have a supporter of TCTS here! I dislike certain subjects—but dammit—I will not cease to listen or read about them because I know that's the only way to remain well-informed and avoid the narrow line in life.
Lastly, about the search for legal rights to the sale of Star Trek memorabilia. I doubt if your "investigations" will cause the downfall of fan collecting. If so, then all the Flash Gordon, Walt Disney thingies, and every form of book collecting and trading during the last SO years would be equally condemned. I think the most vocal people who are voicing their negative reaction to your search of legal copyrights are those members of fandom who are ignoring the spirit of Star Trek and are just out to make a fast buck from enthusiastic fans. I have a feeling they would sell a piece of lint if they could prove it was brushed off Mr. Spock 's uniform—if they can get a gullible fan to buy it! Star Trek fans deserve to be treated honestly—and without the fear they might be tapped on the shoulder by some copyright lawyer each time a purchase is completed; of say, a ST clip or poster. I know there are bootleg copies of the ST blooper floating about—but they wouldn't be available if there wasn't a market. Chances of stopping fandom from collecting any form of memorabilia [is] like the old method of tracking a needle in the haystack. I doubt if fandom will shatter from a little honesty."

Comments on the Guest Editorial: I know for a fact that the people most vocal on my sponsored investigation of copyright are quite the opposite to what Fran believes. These people are the backbone of Star Trek fandom, people who I respect highly. I wish more fans were like them. Without them, fandom would not be such an enjoyable past time. I sadly regret that I must disagree with them on this fundamental issue. On the other hand, those out to make a fast buck are deeply interested in the copyright issue; they've had their lawyers up late at night, finding out interesting items.

(False logic: that does not mean I'm out to make a fast buck. I may be a huckster, but that's to pay my way to conventions & help print TCTS. Besides, I actually represent several fans huckstering. Had I wanted to, I could have become the west coast representative to a Big Dealer on the east coast, running 6 tables at each convention; but I turned him down.)

On a closing note: Please, if you write me a letter (other than a trade proposition) that needs answering, I now require an SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope). Your letter will simply be thrown away otherwise. I AM NOT MADE OF STAMPS!!!


  • inside page from issue #12

    inside page from issue #12

  • inside page from issue #12

    inside page from issue #12

Issue 13


cover of issue #13
back cover of issue #13

The Clipper Trade Ship 13 was published in January 1977 and contains 50 pages.

300 copies were printed.

Contributors: Amy Falkowitz, L. Cranston, David J. Schow, Richard Felix, tif, Signe Landon, J. Alan Tyler, G.M. Carr, S.F. Czapla, Debbie Collin, Lizette Leveille, Gennie Summers, Ronnie Wise, David Clark, S.K. Dixon, Mike Chickelly, Jim Rondeau, Shirley Huang, Jan Snyder.

From the editorial:

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here to witness the passing of the Star Trek Convention. Those who knew it found it to be a place where legendary names in fandom could be met in the flesh; one or two genuine star and/or writer of stage and screen could be seen; new fans could swap ideas with old, old fans could swap information with new, nonfans could swap wives; actual-original memorabilia from a TV show that lasted for about four live episodes less than Lost in Space could be found: bouqht, sold, traded; fan art and fan costuming could be found in abundance; and Harry Mudd's political promise on Beta Draconis V of two parties on every hotel floor was kept. The Star Trek Convention is still in its death throes after a long illness, but so close to death that these last rites are given now in case by print time it has passed on entirely.

It was only recently learned that the west coast Star Trek Convention, Equicon, is no more, having gone on to that great whatever-they-go-to in the sky. The Star Trek Convention is survived by its illegitimate offspring, all of which are trying to capture the past glories by using its parent's name in public. They are in actuality the Star Trek Circus Show, The Star Trek Private Fan Party, and the Star Trek One Day Accidental Conglomerations. The Star Trek Circus Show is known by its traits of the stars and writers of screen and stage parading about a stage, jumping through hoops, and launching into commercials about their products, whilst the attendees sit in the audience, reminiscing about all the money they used to have in their wallets before buying a ticket to the Circus; not even enough money left to buy genuine mass produced souvenir crud of the show that Mad Magazine did not one but two satires of. The Star Trek One Day Accidental Conglomerations are the closest to their parents in most respects, but there is a crippling limit to what you can do with only a day. There's not even enough time to get the last name and phone number of the person you were holding hands with during "And The Children Shall Lead" (the only episode they could afford). And the Star Trek Private Fan Party is just that: a convention run by fens for fans -- that is, as long as you're part of some elite clique and are mysteriously smuggled news of the planned event (usually delivered by an obscene fanzine in a long, dark overcoat or a plain brown wrapper). Alas, alas; ashes to ashes, dawn to dusk.

More seriously, though (but not by much?), my part of the country has been blitzed lately by a lot of professionally run "conventions", which are indeed shows. Somehow half of them abide by the system of putting on two shows in one cay, one morning/afternoon, the other afternoon/evening, putting the guests through the hoops twice. This allows the potential of handling twice as many people as the building will allow (usually a small auditorium or high school somewhere, throwing hucksters like me in out of way places). The big pro cons (great term there) are really stepping into California now. The one in Northern California, Space The Final Frontier, isn't even held at a hotel, which I believe is half the fun. (All right, who snickered? I run a clean zine. The next one of those is scheduled for the second weekend in February, in San Francisco, and inside information has already set off echoes of ripoff. Other pro cons being set up: one in San Diego January 14-16 at the wonderful El Cortez hotel, and one in Los Angeles March 4-6 (which supposedly has lined up the casts of Star Trek and Space: 1999 both). Pity the Trimbles had to do away with Equicon. Sigh...

Hooboy. Those of you who have been reading TCTS for a while (you three know who you are; hi, mom) may recall editorial comments speaking out against some of the Star Trek commercialism being dished out to the hapless masses. Arriving conveniently in time for this editorial is the following letter to, uh, inform you what's in the works. For once I've written back to one of these things that come in the mail, and you may guess the content of that missive. Anyhoo.

  • inside page from issue #13

    inside page from issue #13

  • inside page from issue #13

    inside page from issue #13


Reactions and Reviews: Issue 13

Horrors, my subscription just expired with issue #13. I really like your new format. This is becoming quite a slick fanzine. That was a great finish to a fine and polished story by Dave Clark. That boy's going places if he keeps it up, me thinks. #13 was a damn good issue and by the time I finished it, I wanted more more! Suggestions: Let's have more longer stories. I'd like some non-Star Trek science fiction. How about some factual article on scientific subjects? How about a few pages reserved for readers' comments? I'd also like to see some critiques or reviews of current or old favorite science fiction novels? [1]

If TCTS is a Star Trek/Science Fiction/Fantasy magazine, why is the major portion of it devoted to ST with so little devoted to Fantasy and Science Fiction? Is there any chance that TCTS might go bi-monthly? I know it's a hassle just getting it out quarterly, but I think that much of your news would be a bit more recent if we saw it every two months instead of every three... [2]

rating system for this review in I Have a Responsibility, to This Ship, to That Man on the Bridge: the fan gives it a "6."

This zine is orientated toward trading, buying, and selling "Star Trek" and other kinds of film clips. It starts out with a great editor's column concerning a Sacremento ST con and then continues with a short story called "Mid Take" which is about a guy in a future phone booth which is ok, but not great. It also has the continuing article "Identiclip" by Gennie Summers and it will help ST film clip collectors tell which one shows their clips are from. There is also the conclusion to of "The Call Beyond Space" by Dave Clark. This story has one of the worst plots I've ever seen.... "The Cargo Hold" is probably the best the best part of the whole zine.

[3]

Issue 14

The Clipper Trade Ship 14 was published in April 1977 and contains 32 pages.

300 copies were printed.

front cover of issue #14, Doug Herring: "Lt. Feela of Sabor, Security"
back cover of issue #14, J. Alan Tyler: "Vampirella"

Contributors: Doug Herring, J. Alan Tyler, L. Cranston, Lyn Robinson, Gennie Summers, Lizette Leveille, Darien Webster, Julia Howarth, David J. Schow, Sandra Nelville, Ronnie Wise, Terrence Oswald Knova, B.F. Zugzwang (Jim Rondeau), D.L. Collin, Marilyn Johansen, Bob Dolsay, S.K. Dixon, Melly Frame, Lela Dowling.

From the editorial, more on fandom and profit and Gene Roddenberry:

Gene Roddenberry has done it again. Even before his movie SPECTRE can make it to the TV screen, his company, Lincoln Enterprises, is selling clips , scripts , key chain viewers, and all sorts of junk — and this all was announced in a special, uh, publication whose primary purpose is to sell you the movie, the souvenirs, and especially urge you to write in to tell the network you want a TV series made from it. What other producer blows his own horn so loudly? And at the expense of the fans? Where will it end?

The original editorial for this issue let loose my thoughts on fanzines and fanzine readers in general, of the Star Trek-type, and on current trends. Those of you who have been reading my editorials for quite some time might guess some of what I said — I admit it wasn't high praise and flattery -- but it wasn't as bad as you might guess. That's because I do approve of fanzines. But I don't buy them very often. I'm simply not a fanzine collector of any subject. Oh, yes, I do subscribe and get in trade a number of zines; but the number I get regularly is less than ten, and they come from the fields of ST, sf, film, Edgar Rice Burroughs, comics, and Sherlock Holmes. I buy very, very few ST zines. That's also partly because I'm not that deep into serious Star Trek fandom. Ah, well...

  • inside page from issue #14

    inside page from issue #14

  • inside page from issue #14

    inside page from issue #14

  • inside page from issue #14, sample page from the "Identiclip" regular feature

    inside page from issue #14, sample page from the "Identiclip" regular feature


Issue 15

The Clipper Trade Ship 15 was published in May 1977 and contains 46 pages. It has interior art by Lela Dowling, Signe Landon, Gennie Summers, and J. Alan Tyler.

front cover of issue #15, C. Lee Healy
back cover of issue #15, Lela Dowling

300 copies were printed. The price of the zine has gone up to $1.00.

From the editorial:

Good afternoon, and welcome to the fifteenth issue of The Clipper Trade Ship (TCTS).

Now hold on! There's no such thing as a May issue, you say, and how come it arrived so soon after TCTS #14? Or did this unexpected bonus to your mailbox arrive before #14? At the rate things are going, it might have. As of typing this, TCTS 14 has been at the printer 6 weeks now, just about as long as 13. So I'm going to try a local, more expensive printer for a change, on this issue that's come out between deadlines. Why the extra issue? No reason, really, except that I got ahead on my typing and believe I have enough material to print for the regularly scheduled issues.

  • In the Captain's Cabin, editorial (1)
  • For the World is a Big Round Hollow Ball Which I am Living Inside Of and If You're Not Careful You Can Hit Your Head on the Sky, Trek fiction in script-form (parody) by Barbara Lindberg (2)
  • Identiclip (12)
  • Lela Dowling Portfolio (13)
  • Mission: Unprintable (part 2 of ??? parts), Trek fiction by "B.F. Zugswang" (17)
  • Flotsam & Jetsam (21)
  • Other Zines, Other Views, reviews by tif (22)
  • Upshot: "Think Love" (Questor) by Jim Rondeau (also in The Vaslovik Archives #4) (26)
  • The Cargo Hold, ads (33)
  • inside page from issue #15

    inside page from issue #15

  • inside page from issue #15

    inside page from issue #15

  • inside page from issue #15

    inside page from issue #15

  • inside page from issue #15

    inside page from issue #15

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 15

As the colophon of this issue states, The Clipper Trade Ship is a fanzine/adzine with ST, SF related fields, and an emphasis on the hobby of film clip and slide collection. How else can I describe it? There are some very unique things in this fanzine because of the format, some of which you may not, like or may find almost, essentially depending upon what you buy zines for. Just inside this issue is an episode parody called (inhale) "For the World is a Big Round Hollow Round Ball Which I Am Living Inside of and if You're not Careful You Can Hit Your Head on the Sky." If you can't figure out what episode it parodies you'll just have to ask someone else. It's okay as a parody goes, a few good lines inside and a few gags that have become by now stock material in parodies. (How many times can you do a take off on 79 episodes?) There is an Identiclip section listing production dates for all of the 79 episodes which is useful for the collectors in the audience. Following this is a gorgeous portfolio of fantasy illos by Lela Dowling. I had never heard of Lela Dowling before seeing this portfolio, but I sure wouldn't mind seeing more of her work in the future. It's a pity the zine is a digest-sized type of format. I'm sure an 8"by 11" would give much more room for such beautiful artwork to breathe. "Mission: Unprintable: it should have been left ... unprinted. It is kinda like a jumbled mixture of Buck Rogers, Star Trek, and half of the space games ever marketed. Keeping track of things for making sense out of this story is beyond hope... This story starts. with... episode #5 and ends with #9. It would've helped to have a synopsis to clue us in on #1-4. No? There is a section of zine reviews, structured something like Menagerie's and a very interesting account of an unshot episode of Questor that was written but never filmed. The only other zine to print accounts of unfilmed episodes was Babel which has long since gone the way of the dinosaurs. Finally there is an extensive classified ad section, which are free to TCTS subbers. A unique fanzine in toto; try a single ish to see if you like it. [4]

...A couple of days ago I received TCTS #15. which pave me quite a shock since I haven't received TCTS #14 yet. Thankfully my anxiety was abated by your editorial. Forgive me for saying this, but it seemed to me to be not up to standards, being too thin and drawn-out at places to deserve its one buck cover charge. That's not to say that an issue, such as TCTS #13 is not worth a buck, I'd gladly pay that for good entertainment, but #15 just did not seem enjoyable.

For example, Barbara Lindberg's spoof of the ST episode "For the World is..." is just a feeble attempt at humor, and at that she barely succeeds. Spoofs are quite entertaining when expertly done! But Ms. Lindberg's definitely is not. I've heard the STAR DREK recording featuring Captain Jerk and friends and had a good laugh! Lindberg's piece, by comparison, pales. It seemed to be a hackneyed job and most the innane [sic] jokes were stale. Worse of all, it was too, too, too long, spanning ten pages, which could have been used to better purposes, I hate to be such a sourpuss, but these types of spoofs are about the easiest to write, requiring but little imagination. If she must write a humorous piece, why can't she do something completely original, since if she can do that and still give a few chuckles, she would have succeeded, without having to lean on a familiar episode for support.

Mission: Unprintable is definitely something that should have died stillborned before it ever reached the printer's! PLEASE! NO MORE! It was the worst example of gibberish and illogic I've ever been exposed to, in fact, after the first episode, I nearly died in bewilderment. The less said about this egoistic obscenity, the better.

tif's reviews are so and so, but she tends to be too condescending, too generous to the majority of the zines. Honestly, they can't be all that good.

Your Questor script is quite a good idea. I really enjoyed it, and it promised to have been quite an exciting episode. Unfortunately, the trend for such good science fiction characters is to bring the level of sophistication down to that of a 5 year old, and make them do outrageous things, such as in the bionic man/woman/boy/dog/...?/etc., which turns us SF buffs off. The two Man From Atlantis movies I've seen so far are quite good, but I fear that if it becomes a series, it's gonna go the same route as the Six Million Dollar Han. Anyway's, I'd like to see more TV scripts. How about getting some old Outer Limits scripts in print? I never got the chance to see that show but I heard that they were excellent.

Lela Dowling's portfolio was impressive. Her drawings remind me of the Phillipino artist Alex Nino in that the deceptively simple squiggles, almost like doodle lines, she can convey a complex impression of reality. The problem is with this style is that it seemed kind of flat, the 3-D quality of the illustrations does not stand out, and often it is quite hard to untangle the legs, forelimbs, and other appendages, as to where and to whom they belong to. Hopefully she can improve on this deficiency by varying the thickness of outlines, etc. Otherwise she is quite a talent and at last we can have quality illustrations which seems to be lacking in your zine. J. Alan Tyler's illos are OK, but S. Landon is a bit inconsistent and your other artists are only slightly above the competence of amateur doodlers.

Wups! I seem to have been carried away. Sorry for all the bad critiques, I didn't plan it as such. I know that TCTS #15 was atypical of your usual quality. [5]

TCTS #15 arrived on the 14th, and as always it is a fine issue. I really enjoyed reading the "Questor" script, and heartily encourage you to print any and all unshot "ST" writings you can lay your hands on. Reading this sort of thing" is a good two steps beyond reading most fan fiction, and it just might give a new dimension to your zine.

In referring to the rest of #15, the Dowling portfolio was nice, if not too scifiish, the spoof on ST funny, and so forth. The one-page chart on page 12 threw me; this reader was operating under the impression that you really wanted 'title' shots from ST, that is, clips that show the E in orbit while 'Shore Leave' is superimposed on the screen...

Hope you caught SPECTRE last night. It was fine, maybe the best post-ST pilot yet, even tho GENESIS II was superb. It continues Roddenberry's tradition of having one scene that I consider in poor taste, but was overall pretty good.

Finally, have you noticed that the studios are adding fine print to their production credits about ownership of films? The Bionic shows, and lots of Universal shows, all have something to the effect that unauthorized distribution of this motion picture is in violation of copyright. ROCKY and SILVER STREAK also have the same thing. The giants must really be afraid of the home videotape machines. [6]

On to a commentary of issue #15. The satire was funny, and Identiclip was interesting. The Dowling portfolio was unusual, and Mission: Unprintable was its usual unusual self. Now onto the zine reviews, tif's commentary and method are quite good, however, she lacks one thing. Common sense. Is it fair for her to devote a page and a half to one zine (giving horrendously long detail) while giving other zines capsule reviews?? I have worked with Gerry Williams of I.T.P., and know of his zine. Knowledge of the fact that SUBSPACE CHATTER has been terminated to those of us who have dealt with ITP before. Also, the only reason issues of this magazine are still available, is that Gerry had made another print run to celebrate the zine's popularity. By the way, please inform tif that there are too many people in the film clip collecting game who do not know how to take care of their clips. I for one have found many a new technique in articles of this nature.

Now onto the really profound statement of the week. You mentioned that you find little or no difference between East and West coast dealers, and any articles on differences between East and West fans would not really be valid. Well, N.I.G.Y.S.O.B. (That means Now I Get It You SOB.) That happens to be a psychology term and is only meant in jest. Anyway, I submit that you are quite wrong, look at your zine reviewer. Ail the zines she reviewed in #15 are printed in California. Look at the Cargo Hold. Out of 15 ads, only 3 are from the East coast. Also, look at the convention list. Don't tell me you haven't seen any data on the WORLDCON in Florida this year. In every pro mag that features convention listings, WORLDCON is announced at least 8 months in advance. More data is available on WORLDCON that any other con. I am also quite sure that you have probably come across info on STAR TREK AMERICA, since so many people from California seem to have enjoyed the BICENTENNIAL-10 con. (They are both being produced by Tristar Industries). I for one do not care whether or not you mention East coast or not in your zine. However, if you do have circulation in the East coast (even if Steve Czapla are I are the only ones), and if you hope to get more, you should make some small concessions to those of us here who are helping to support you.

Please excuse any long windedness or pomposity, as I usually have a tendency to defend New York and the East coast rather strongly. Since January 1976, we have had a running battle with both the Midwest, as well as the West because of a convention, which in fannish circles has the name DISASTERCON. You may have heard of the con. It's the one Lisa Boyndon had run where 30,000 people showed up, and some 10,000 more were turned away because the hotel was too full. I was both a dealer and a security officer at that convention. Ever since then, everybody is talking about what kind of animals New Yorkers are. I am willing to bet that most people who are in situations like that daily (usually residents of large urban population centers), and who come to a convention to be with the same kind of craziness about Star Trek and sf that they share with some other fans, would probably get extremely irritated, frustrated and anxious, and would probably act the same way in that situation. Yet the Midwest claims they never act that way. Sure they wouldn't. Everybody forgets that Lisa came from Chicago. Anyway, I run off at the mouth again... [7]

[the reply by the editor of "The Clipper Trade Ship" to the LoC above: ((Fanzine reviews! What are fanzine reviews "but extended opinions of the reviewer? Did you read TOSOP #2? Do you know how hip it is? How do you expect to do an adequate job of review and limit it to the same length as the review of Subspace Chatter? (Which was not a capsule review.) tif has free control over what and how she reviews — almost. Occasionally I send her zines to review, es was the case for Subspace Chatter & the Circuit, but that's about it. If she thinks a zine deserves 1 1/2 pages of review; fine. I have seen other reviews of TOSOF #2, and they all are about the same.//Conventions: No, I actually haven't read any Worldcon or Star Trek America news, partly because I have no interest in those cons. As I stated in that con listing, those were cons who bothered to sent me their flyer, i.e., they were interested enough in TCTS to take the time to ask me to make some sort of announcement. Not all cons I've received flyers from were mentioned. People wondered why I didn't mention the largest West coast ST con that was held in Los Angeles in mid-June. [8] (That particular series of cons I've had nothing but trouble with, including the chairman wanting to throw me out of one because I was selling stuff competing with a Big Midwest Dealer. Even the June one I had troubles, enough so that I'm giving up huckstering at cons, and maybe cons altogether. But enough of my problems.) Said con organiser is the West coast equivalent of Lisa Boyndon, but we aren't as lucky as you, as he's still with us. Argh, the stories I could tell... I will tell you this: He (Terry Termun) is one of the main reasons stars are charging unaffordable prices to appear at cons. Rather than negotiate prices, he has blatantly offered, oh, let's say $15,000 for an appearance when the star normally charges $10,000 — thus upping what the star can ask for the next time a convention wants him. //As for East/west battles... I will concede that there are differences betwixt New York City and Hollywood, but then again, they are alike, but different from the rest of the world. Haven't said much, have I? Fans are alike all over. As for special concessions to East coast fans — does that mean I have to make concessions for my readers in England and Iceland, too?)) [9]

Issue 16

A fan comments: Signe's scratchboard cover is spectacular on #16! Its shading is neat, not "scribbly." -- [10]

The Clipper Trade Ship 16 was published in July 1977 and contains 36 pages. The front cover is by Signe Landon.

back cover of issue #16 by Clare Bell

The print run was 300.

Contributors: Signe Landon, J. Alan Tyler, Melly Frame, Steven K. Dixon, Gennie Summers, Paul Czaplicki, Kevin Drake, Joanne Bennett, Frankie Jemison, Clare Bell, Jim Rondeau.

Poem by Frankie Jemison:

"'All I ask is a tall ship, and a star to steer her by...'
Alas, alack; the ship is sort, and the smog obscures the sky.
Or, failing that, the rats have flown, and all our ink's run dry.
But never mind: the 'zine and the ed are met at Philippi."

A fan had this plea: "I am currently trying to get all of the animated ST episodes on cassette tape. I will pay postage both ways if you let me borrow your records so I can dupe them. Please write me if you are interested, & I'll reimburse your postage."

  • In the Captain's Cabin (1)
  • Have No Fear, part one, Star Trek/Lost in Space fiction by Signe Landon and Jim Rondeau (3)
  • Flotsam and Jetsam (7)
  • Unshot -- Tomorrow the Universe -- Star Trek by Jim Rondeau (the partial script of a 1967, second seaso unfilmed Trek episode which features Hitler as a character) (8)
  • In Miniature, article about creating Spock by Paul Czaplicki (18)
  • Communications Link, opinions and news from the science fiction world, by Kevin Drake (19)
  • Letters of Comment (30)
  • Exchange, Trek fiction by Joanne Bennett (21)
  • From "The Tholian Web" by Frankie Jemison (26)
  • The Cargo Hold, ads (27)
  • inside page from issue #16

    inside page from issue #16

  • inside page from issue #16

    inside page from issue #16

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 16

Surprise, surprise! Jim asked me to do a capsule review of TCTS!!! OK, Jim, YOU asked for it!!! Let's see... what's that he envisioned about a probable review by me.,.? Aha! Here it be! Bottom of page 2h of #15: "microscopic print, obsessed with the collecting of film fragments, virtually no artwork aside from front and back covers and a few scattered drawings..." No, really, Jim, I wouldn't do that to you, would I? Come to think of it...! Maybe? No, seriously.... THE CLIPPER TRADE SHIP #16 ST/SF/Fantasy/Filmclip collecting fanzine, reduced offset (NOT microscopic!)? This issue of TCTS is unusual in several ways: l) lo and behold, there were letters from the readers, 2) two new columns — "In Miniature," which deals with model making, and "Communications Link," which is a news hotline of sorts, 3) a fine story collaboration with Signe Landon and *gasp* Ye Meane Olde Editor, Jim Rondeau, and 4) the absence of two regular columns, namely IDENTICLIP and OTHER ZINES, OTHER VIEWS — both due to difficulties of one sort or another. An unshot ST episode was featured, and there was, of course,the ads in THE CARGO HOLD, Artwork in this ish dealt mostly with fantasy and Star Wars, but Signe Landon did a lovely piece with Spock for the front cover, and Clare Bell gave us yet another of her delightful unicorns on the back cover. Not a bad issue at all, was it folks? LAYOUT: 5 CONTENT: 4 OVERALL EFFECT: 9 [11]

I take your zine because of what you offer that no other zine does — the identi-clip service, and I am very disappointed when you fill in with silly stuff like "Have No Fear" or other emotional wallows like "Exchange" — other zines do this much better. But you are unsurpassed with the clip articles, the tech ones and the looks at unpublished scripts (since we no longer have BABEL to consult). I am sorry that you have gotten fed up with cons and fans, sounds like you are rapidly moving toward gafiation, at least temporarily. Usually I do not give much credit to verse in ST zines — seldom are they even
worthy of that name, let alone poetry. But Frankie Jemison is a favorite of mine,
and her lovely, sensitive "From Tholian Web" is superb. Trust you will continue to 
have contributions from her. Peace and Stuff. Dixie G. Owen [12]

Identiclip will continue as long as TCTS can! As to the drawings of Uhura and Chapel, as you can see Gennie threw some together for me, and her usual throw-togethers turn out pretty good. I'll1 try and add these sort of things whenever I can. Only wish that I had a good frontal shot of Scotty. His hair changed three times during the shows, and it would be helpful if we could have a single extra page, with the 3 hair styles, and the episodes that these were shown in. Most people know about the hair-style changes, but are unable to decide exactly when the darn styles changed. It would be something to think about, or maybe you could ask some good artists somewhere to try their renditions of it?? We'd love to give them credit, naturally. (Can anyone out there help?) Thanks heaps for the blurb in #l6. I hope it will bring in a few more bits of clips, although I, have bid on auction for about 3000 odd fragments, and hope that there will be some more bridge scenes there, if I get it, of course. LL & perspire!![13]

Received TCTS 16 a few days ago. A very good cover, front and back! "Have No Fear" is starting out well. My favorite line is the Robot's "Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look." But then the Robot was always my favorite character. We get Lost in Space on base TV up here. I've watched it a few times and I can never believe I used to live for Wednesday nights so I could watch another adventure of the Robinson family. The acting, the scripts, the special effects; the entire show seems so childish now. But I like the Robot better than ever.

"Unshot" was interesting. It probably would have made a good episode. I have a complaint to register, though. You referred fans to Babel 1 & 2 for more information. You also said Babel 1 & 2 are out of print. I find that just a bit illogical. If they're out of print, how can we read them? (Editor cutting in: out of print is not the same as nonexistant. One must do as I did — read someone else's or get a xeroxed copy somehow.) "Communications Link." Thank you, thank you. Keep it up and make it longer.

Glad to see a letter section. That's always one of the best parts of a fanzine. I would really like to see articles in TCTS, I would also respond to your plea for submissions if I had anything to submit. To tell you the truth, though, the main reason I buy TCTS is for the Cargo Hold and Identiclip. Every fanzine has ST stories — most of them pretty bad. TCTS is oriented differently. And it should be. Who needs another ST fanzine just like all the others? I like it and hope you don't give up. You can count on one continuing subscription at least. [14]

I just got my new issue of TCTS 16 and wanted you to hear my comments on it. To start off with, the cover is excellent (it always is anyway, but this is beyond the norm). Signe Landon is truly a great artist. I think the idea of a letter column is good, too. I like to read other people's views on your zine. The "best part of TCTS this issue is the story by you and Signe, "Have No Fear... " I was hoping that there would be something about Lost in Space in your zine, and the idea of Star Trek and Lost in Space combined is really a terrific one. I can't wait to see what happens to Dr. Smith. (Actually, I hope he dies. I never could put up with him.) Your new columns like Flotsam & Jetsam and Communications Link are QK, but I dislike In Miniature. I guess that's just because I'm not into model building. Somewhere in the zine you stated you were an amateur filmmaker. I just wanted to tell you that I make movies, too Your Unshot article wasn't quite what I expected. To me, the story wasn't all too clear. I just didn't understand everything. Joanne Bennett's story, "Exchange," started out well enough, but when I had finished reading I was disappointed. There were too many old cliches used. All in all, TCTS #16 was a pretty good issue, but not as good as the last few have been. The cause of this is the absence of Identiclip. I always looked forward too it... [15]

Issue 17

The Clipper Trade Ship 17 was published in October 1977 and contains 40 pages.

front cover of issue #17
back cover of issue #17

300 copies were printed. Contributors were Melly Frame, Signe Landon, tif, Paul Czaplicki, Gennie Summers, Lizette Leveille, Richard Heim Sr., Mike Chicchelli, J. Alan Tyler, and Jim Rondeau.

The zine editor asked: "...any Stars Wars publications out there? If the now-almost-forgotten Logan's Run can generate fan clubs and publications, I'm sure the more enthusiastic Star Wars fans can put together something!"

  • Smith is Where?!, part two, Trek fiction by Signe Landon and Jim Rondeau (1)
  • Other Zines, Other Views, fanzine reviews by tif (the scale: Layout is from 1-5, Overall Effect is from 1-10) (7)
  • Letters of Comment (9)
  • In Miniature -- Andorians, by Paul Czaplicki (12)
  • After a Fashion, art portfolio by Melly Frame (13)
  • The Scroll of T'Shaikaa, part one, Trek fiction with all original characters by Jim Rondeau (17)
  • In Captain's Cabin, editorial (23)
  • Identiclip by Lizette Leveille, Gennie Summers, Richard Heim (24)
  • The Cargo Hold, ads (32)
  • inside page from issue #17 cartoon by {{DEFAULTSORT: Clip

    inside page from issue #17 cartoon by {{DEFAULTSORT: Clip

  • inside page from issue #17, art by Melly Frame

    inside page from issue #17, art by Melly Frame

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 17

Enclosed is a check in the amount of $3 for the next five issues of TCTS. I hope you will continue the excellent work.

I just finished reading #17 and it's great. I enjoyed the conclusion to "...Smith is Where?!" as well as part one of your story, "The Scroll of T'Shaikaa." Why haven't you written before? I think you're pretty good. I especially liked the return of Identiclip. I just can't get enough of it. The four episodes covered this issue are a lot better than the ones before since they go into greater detail. And even though I don't have many special effects clips, Identiclip Addenda by Richard Heim seems well researched.

One last thing: while Melly Frame's "It's a Sehlat's Life" cover is OK, it should have been switched with J. Alan Tyler's back cover of Luke Skywalker. [16]

Sorry I haven't written earlier to comment on the latest issue of TCTS. Ye Mean Old Subscriber has been buried under mail, forms, work etc.

To be truthful, I feel a little funny commenting on an issue containing some of my own work.

M'dear, you sell yourself short as a writer! You are good and I mean it! "Scroll" is a good piece of fannish writing. Too many zine stories come off being slickly produced or worse yet, being written in phony pseudo-technical terms. I like your style; clean, direct, and very nice.

Y'know, TCTS has a certain, ah, well "charm" isn't precisely the word I wanted. TCTS has an appeal that the big, slick zines don't. TCTS seems far more fannish and therefore more attractive. Do you understand? Am I making any sense?

Now to criticize the zine: "Smith is Where?" seemed a let-down in its 2nd installment. You really had my interest in the first half, but the second pact seemed weak. It just didn't have the devious charm of the first part.

Glad to see a letter column. I was beginning to wonder (like you) if there were any other readers out there.

I always like to read your In the Captain's Cabin. I feel that you let your readers get to know you that way rather than being a formless name that says yea or nay to submissions.

I'd like to see how others react to my story next ish. If they don't like it I'll probably hang up my quill. But then again — I'm just mean enough to keep writing out of spite.

I'd hate to see TCTS come to an end. I've been with this zine slice its 2nd ish and I don't think I could bear it to see it go. In fandom's increasingly professional leanings, the fans are often ignored, but your zine was a glimmer of brightness in all this muck. (I too, am becoming increasingly fed up with fandom.) Well, that's about it for now. Keep on editing!

Peace & stuff, Melly Frame -PS— Anytime you want to come to Napa and borrow my manual typewriter, you're welcome.[17]

TCTS #17 was waiting when I got back (from ST America) . Thanks for printing my ad. Loved the cover. Missed your editorial. Forgot to tell you last letter, but that's another thing I like about TCTS. I always read the editorial first in any Bine I buy. Always like to know what people are thinking.

"Smith is Where?!" ended well. Poor Mudd! Melly Frame's fashion drawings were very good. I particularly liked the Andorian females. "The Scroll of T'Shaikaa." Uh, well, it's not terrible. And it's interesting, with the suggestion of Abden's deep dark secret. Looking forward to seeing your view of ancient Vulcan. Identiclip is getting long. However did they dig up all that information? I've been trying to take notes on the episodes hut it all passes so quickly.

I have a slide (it's a copy of a copy) that shows Sulu, from Naked Time, lying on the deck of the bridge after Spock gives him the nerve pinch. It's a head to waist shot, and there's someone's boots behind Sulu's head. The strange thing is that there is a pair of red shoes on Sulu's chest, a pair of red ruby slippers that look exactly like Dorothy's from The Wizard of Oz. I asked George Takei about it at ST America. He laughed but he didn't remember what was going on in the slide. Would you possibly have any idea? [18]

Issue 18

The Clipper Trade Ship 18 was published in November 1977 and contains 36 pages.

front cover of issue #18 by J. Alan Tyler
back cover of issue #18 by J. Alan Tyler

250 copies were printed. Contributions were by J. Alan Tyler, Mike Chiccelle, Shirley Landry, Signe Landon, Melly Frame, Gennie Summers, Paul Czaplicki, Mark Marmor, Amy L. Manring, Tina M. Carlson, Frankie Jemison, Terrence Oswald Knova, David Curtis Pearson, Richard Heim, and David J. Schow.

The editor has a lot to say in this issue! From the editorial, the rise of Star Wars, and a warning:

By now you are all familiar with the Star Wars phenomena sweeping the country and fandom. ST fans are dropping ST like mad & taking up the SW banner. And because of the relatively free atmosphere they had with ST, they're carrying over the same things with SW: stories, fanzines, making buttons, collecting film clips, etc. etc. The first SW porn story has probably already been published by the time you read this. But what unsuspecting SW fans don't realize is that 20th Century Fox and its licensees are not letting their property to be so freely used as Star Trek was. The company that owns the rights to buttons, posters, etc., is not hesitating to slap a $1.1 million lawsuit on anyone selling buttons and the like not under their manufacture. The phrases "Star Wars" and "May the Force Be With You" have been trademarked. The FBI is confiscating stills from dealers. And various horror stories are beginning to circulate. Don't worry, though. The FBI won't break down your door for owning any SW' s items (unless you have a copy of the movie or stolen props). And by current copyright laws, 20th Century Fox can't do anything to you for writing SW stories — unless you use a trademarked phrase or two. (Use "SW" and "Go With the Force.") It is inevitable that SW fiction will find its way to these pages before these pages cease to exist.

From the editorial, sticking up for Star Trek, and other shows:

Remember Star Trek? Poor ol' ST. For a switch, here I am writing positive remarks. The fans are leaving it behind (almost as though they were Forced). And now that a new series is underway, fandom is attacking it en masse. Good grief, don't condemn it unseen, give it a chance. So what if we no longer have Spock and the same old Enterprise in the new series? (Haven't fans about worn out the possibilities of what one group could do in a five year period?) Just because the cast isn't exactly as it was third season doesn't mean it isn't ST. Remember Gene ("I'm laughing all the way to the bank") Roddenberry created the series on the concept of "wagon train to the stars," which does not necessarily mean "James T. Kirk, wagonmaster." You call "The Cage" ST, but the pilot had little in common with the series. So who's to say what is and what isn't ST? Admitted, some of the proposed changes don't sound good on paper. Based on the Writer's Guide, we have no Spock, but the rest are present, upgraded in command, except for Kirk, who turned down the Admiralty. New characters include a first officer named Bill ("First") Decker, a science officer named Xon (a Vulcan), and a totally bald woman alien from Delta 14, Iliya. Let's give the show a chance, at least. ST fans are usually SW fans — but why aren't they usually fans of other sf TV shows? Fantastic Journey, The Immortal, Planet of the Apes, Six Million Dollar Man, Land of the Lost — and especially the older shows. Can't they remember anything before ST? Outer Limits, Science Fiction Theatre, Man Into Space, Space Patrol, Johnny Quest... And because of Lost In Space & Land of the Giants, do they automatically presume anything with the name "Irwin Allen" attached to it isn't worth a snow cone concession in Hades? One show that was excellent — and in my opinion superior to ST in high class drama — was and still is Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. And, surprisingly, the David Hedison Fan Club still, exists...

From the editorial, copyright and politics:

A few years ago I raised the question of copyright on ST film clips. It was my contention that these cutting room floor scraps some of us collect were not copyrighted, not being part of the actual footage used in the final print, and hence not subject to Paramount's jurisdiction on selling, making photos from slides, etc. This brought trouble. The Star Trek Welcommittee (STW) higher-ups and other prominent fans assured me that I was wrong, and when Eric J. Anderson volunteered to research my proposal on TCTS's behalf (STW, of which he is a member, refused to let him write in their name as well) and began writing letters of inquiry around the country, the cries of protest from certain fans grew greater. TCTS's popularity began falling (and still is). Vicious rumors were spread about Eric. I grew tired of having long written arguments through the mail with some fans and finally asked Eric to summarize his findings, and for us on the surface to give up. Things began to quiet down...

Why did they want us to stop? They were afraid Paramount would suddenly be "awakened" by us and stomp down hard on most fan activities. Some were afraid that we'd be stomped first. That final report was to appear back in TCTS 12. It didn't. Things grew very quiet. Eric stopped writing, even to me, and so did I. The project faded away, leaving TCTS faintly scarred. The concerned fans may think they won. But the victory is ours.

The victory is not necessarily complete, but this is why: Paramount took Thunderbird Films to court because Thunderbird Films wanted to mass market ST episodes to sell to the public. Paramount lost, as it became public that they had failed to copyright the first two seasons of ST. Hence any clips/slides from the first two seasons Paramount can lay no claim over. Still in doubt (but not to me) are third season cutting room floor scraps — but Eric's findings still support my original argument. As far as I'm concerned, this affair is over at last, and we are the winners.

From the editorial, declining sales:

As indicated, TCTS's popularity continues to wane. The subscription figures are appalling and too embarrassing to mention. About 27% of the paid subscriptions at last issue's mailing expired with that issue—and as the typing of this, darn few have renewed. Beginning with last issue, fewer copies of TCTS are being printed. This issue, as last, has a print run of 250. The next issue will be down to 200. And with each decrease, the printing cost goes up per issue, thus fewer pages. I don't mean to sound pessimistic! I'm just trying to forewarn steady readers what they might expect. I do have a few projects going on to increase subscriptions. TCTS is still my hobby, and doesn't make a profit.

One complaint I've received is that my editorials no longer pack a punch — if I even have an editorial here at all. For four years now I've ranted and raved on all topics in the fan's dictionary, from Moonbase Alpha to Zachary (Smith). I can only say so much without sounding like a broken record. It's becoming harder and harder to write these things. Granted, I could blow my little tin horn on each aspect of SW fandom as I did with ST, but that wouldn't be original (even if I used as a basis that nut fan who wants to be in Guinness's book of records for seeing SW one hundred times) . I'm sorry! I've about run out of hot air, so you'll just have to happy with a tiny Captain's Cabin. Besides, it's not too thrilling to pour out so much oratory to a diminishing number of readers. I've just gone over the subscription list, and it is worse than I thought. What an I doing wrong? Why does a subscriber decide not to renew? I think I know part of the answer: Star Trek fandom is dying, partly from old age, partly from SW. Will those of you who are ST fans who are still with me a year from now be considered as diehards?

  • inside page from issue #18

    inside page from issue #18

  • inside page from issue #18

    inside page from issue #18

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 18

"Pseudoeditorial comment" re TCTS #18. I Hate to Say This, But... Perhaps ST's mass migration (of fandom) over to STAR WARS (et al) is a better thing than you realize—the nonserious fringe-os are weeded out, and instead of being a spread-out inefficient non-communicative mass, fandom again concentrates itself and its efforts back into an intelligent conglomerate, the way things were when fandom wasn't so in vogue. The fanzines will dwindle to a tight locus (no pun, please) of the ones most fit to survive, with no scattergunning, no duplication in effort—better, no wasted effort. In this scenario TCTS is fit to survive. Widespread fandom(s) may have made ST-related items more accessible, but what really have been the benefits of encompassing so many people? You've met nuts at cons aid so have I... and at the same time we've both come across that occasional, intelligent, literate sort who's as alienated from the gibbering ST hoardes as any 196? ST fan was from the "outside world." And although most fans won't admit it, much of the attraction of fandom is in being a part of an "elite" group—a gathering with a small number of members implies some sort of discrimination (and I'm blathering about taste, not race, fool!) — and anything that can distinguish one from the monkeymass is a welcome thing to a person who hates the more homogenizing aspects of society, At the same time we've seen the decline and fall of "big pro cons." You're right — ST fandom is dying from old age, but the aspect that's withering away is the transient part, the browsers, the noncommittals, and the ones, mostly, who made ST BIG BIZ. But if you and the TCTS staff were the only fans left, you see, ST fandom would not have died — but it IS in the process of being pruned, and as everybody knows, pruning is usually beneficial to growing organisms. [19]

You seem to draw so many conclusions in your editorial without backing them up with facts. None of your observations seems to be true, as far as I observe. This so-called Star Wars phenomena that is sweeping the country...

Sure, SW is very popular with everyone, including the ST fans. That doesn't mean all ST fans are leaving ST behind to jump on the SW bandwagon! By no means is that true. All ST fans that I've ever met aren't just ST fans—they're interested in everything from Aardvarks to zymurgy (that's fermentation chemistry, folks), with ST being somewheres down the middle of that. All my experience has shown that ST has simply been a meeting point drawing all these people with diverse interests together, giving them a common bond. All ST fans I know are also interested in general science, psychology, fantasy, and so forth—so things like SW, Tolkien, Gor, ERB, sf & ST all fit together. They also are interested and collect film clips, fanzines, books, etc. from all of these areas, but just because I "buy a SW book doesn't automatically mean I've given up ST! It is just that I've broadened my interests by one more category! Because SW is fantasy/sf it fits right in with ST fandom very well, and because it fits in so well it gets mixed right in without anyone batting an eyelash. ST fandom is based more on people whereas SW is more fx and action, so I think there will be a rift between the two factions during the next five years.

But then, with ST's revival, the action & fx fans will be able to get that with ST—and with ST on each week, and SW movies coming out once a year or less, the ST fan will have more to draw on, and SW fandom won't become a fandom — it will be a parasite to the other fandoms, or as I said earlier, be one of the many diverse interests that all ST fans hold. I think this is really good—and shouldn't be a thing to be frightened of or to be mad at. Let's not start a war between so-called SW fandom and ST fandom—they should be and are one-and-the-same. [20]

Hello again! And thank you for the latest TGTS special. What's that? The reading audience is dribbling away? Hmmmmmm... could be that Trek fans have turned to the SW craze, as you say. I'm thinking that a change in the contents oi TCTS will be coming?

I thought your comments on the old series/movies being ignored by 'fans' were appropriate. But then, I can't blame the fans of today—many are yourger than you or I, and would have no opportunity to see the old shows, since a lot cf them aren't out in syndication everywhere in the U.S. One can't get excited over a film one has never seen, I suppose. However, we wonder why such professional "fanzines" like Cinefantastique do well after being around 7 years or so. What's their successful formula? I find it may be because of the photos and the actual background work and interviews with the people who worked on the old film projects, and also the latest releases. Wow—if you could only get in touch with the professionals on these—or at least have some "exclusive" interviews included. Even with some of your friends attending conventions and reporting on current science fiction/fantasy projects (and exclude what is called in journalism, unnecessary fillers: "I stayed at a hotel, we drove 2 miles out to the nearest Mac Donald's, etc. type of reporting. It's interesting fan reading, but if done over many issues—gets repetitive) helps in keeping the old journals fresh for long-time readers. More background news, even photos, technical (special effects, script revisions, etc.) news on the past and present filmic offerings would make more stimulating reading. I enjoy the Star Trek news and stories, but there are so many fanzines with ST — it's overkill that's killing your zine. Gotta get more interesting, "adult" reviews of other science fiction/fantasy subjects. As you say, rabid ST die-hards cannot long support TCTS, if the younger science audiences arcund today gets swept up in the SW parade. Maybe if you can issue fewer TGTS issue per year — and thereby put out a really professional, news-filled magazine. Too many issues drain your pocketbook and the creative juices. But your TCTS deserves survival—and I think a couple of issues or even one big issue a year would improve its circulation "life." Even reviews of the music from the classic TV &/or science shows would be interesting reading if you've got someone on your editor's staff with the ability to bring such a nebulous subject to a, well, "lively" presentation. What it all adds up to is that TCTS needs a jarring overhaul. ST audiences have (aside from liking a kid show like Star Wars) grown up, and even younger kids are getting (aaagh, cliche time) "hip" to the latest trends—which then makes Star Trek a sort of TV dinosaur—effects-wise, costume—it's taking a beating from the present creative techniques.

Sorry if I seem to be writing in circles—but your stating TCTS may be in decline gave me a jolt—enough to write some comments (of questionable value, alas). [21]

I first bought TCTS because of the fact that it deals with film clip collecting, a hobby I was just beginning, but I soon found out there was much more to the zine than the articles and ads on film clips. The stories in the first Issue I received (#6) were the first amateur stories I ever read. Their quality surprised me, and I was stuck!

One thing about your fanzine I especially liked was the fact that they all had a light side. Either in stories, poems, or in your editorial, TCTS made me laugh. Unfortunately, the general feeling of the zine has been less and less lighter. The editorial ceased to be my favorite part of the zine. I hope you can get things in order and start bringing us an informative and, most important to me, enjoyable zine.

Although the above is not the brightest letter of comment, I wuld like to thank you for bringing us such a beautiful fanzine, and I hope it continuss for years to come. [22]

Thank you for the Star Trek clips. To my surprise (pleasant), I found TCTS 18 in my box just a few hours after I received your letter, which you had mailed at the same time,

I really loved this issue. Tho Communication Link was the highlight of the issue. It was truly a zine within a zine, and the news and zine reviews were great! The Stuncon report was okay, but he seemed a little over concerned with the price of candy bars and cokes—spending just as much time talking about taxes and such as he did describing the activities. And complaining about the aisles being too wide! Whew! "The Parting" was also very good. I always enjoy reading stories from other TV shows--like UFO? Hint, hint. Seriously, though, I would like to see a story taken from the show UFO, which was one of my favorites. I also thought your story was great. Although the pace was a little slow for me, I thought it was very well written. I don't know if I like the ending, though. And "...some things in our universe that should never be known" seems a little out of place in a science fiction story. And not a very good way of ending the story—only a quick way. Don't let that bother you, though. I still enjoyed the story.

Loved your editorial! You really hit the nail on the head with your comments on Star Trek. It really brought a flair of the older issues to mind. That's about all. Thank you for a great zine and May the Force Be With You. [23]

So the Trekkie rats are deserting a sinking Enterprise in favor of SW? So, they probably are that frivolous, fickle element of fans. I'm interested in the more mature ST fan's opinion of SW. The SW illos on TCTS's bow and stern are excellent. Tyler is getting better and netter. Loved those crazy borders! Now then, please tell me how he did those half-tones. Is that pencil, an ink wash, or what? How would heavy pencil reproduce in TCTS? Did the covers require special treatment and cost to reproduce? I like the shading Signe used on her splendid illo of McCoy and Gem! I presume that's dry-brush stipple work? [24]

I still like TCTS and when it comes time to renew I shall. I like TCTS because it still maintains an amateur (though well produced), individual, fannish appeal. I think the thing that hurt Star Trek fandom the most is commercialization — the swarm of profit minded business types who slap a Star Trek label on junk and foist it off on gullible "trekkie-groupies." But TCTS has never had that commercial slickness about it.

I loved "Smith is Where?" I can just envision the havoc Dr. Smith would wrack in the Star Trek universe. I wonder what would happen if Helena Russel were unleashed (with fresh batteries) on the Enterprise?

May the Force Be With You. [25]

I think you're right about accepting Trek II with open minds. [Fans] should but they won't. Changes of dogma are not easily accepted by fanatics. Fandom is bound to splinter because of it.

Funny you should mention Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea — I'm an old devotee. It wasn't all that bad of a show. Hell, even Lost in Space had its moments. How easily the true believers sweep Omega Glory and a few other turkeys under the carpet.

Do you really need to be told why subbers don't renew? You're too good for them. Ms. Average Trekkie hears about your zine, sends $$—goodness, no pages and pages of "lay-Kirk&Spock-with-each-other," no pages and pages of mawkish poetry about brotherly love, no lettercol for half these clowns to pat the other half on the back, no nude Kirk/Spock/Scotty/whoever illos. No "goshwow isn't it great to be a Trekfan" bullshit like that which fills so many zines.

In other words, if you downgrade your product you could probably build up the sub list, but why bother? [26]

Issue 19

The Clipper Trade Ship 19 was published in January 1978 and contains 36 pages.

Ronald Megrossi is the artist
back cover of issue #19, this was a wraparound cover

Contributors: Ronald Megrossi, Mark Marmor, Richard Heim, tif, Paul Czaplicki, David J.Schow, Steve Dixon, Diana Stahl, Melly Frame, Lela Dowling, Gennie Summers, Lizette Leveille, and Jim Rondeau.

From the editorial:

All sorts of trouble has been brewing in the Cargo Hold lately. I've been getting reports of people advertising material for sale and not delivering when ordered, as well as people advertising wanting material, then never showing inclination of wanting it when offered them, as well as other kinds of incidents. A year ago I never had this problem; it seems to be a recent phenomena that I'd like to see squashed before it gets out of hand. TCTS was created for the specific purpose of providing a bulletin board for clip collectors and other fannish hobbies, and I'd hate to have to do away with ads if corruption sets in. Granted, I am not legally responsible for any crooked advertiser, and there has yet to be confirmed any case of actual dishonest/', but I feel I have some sort of responsibility for all that occurs aboard my "ship." A new set of rules and guidelines are no in effect, so all those who make use of tie Cargo Hold should read the notice at the beginning of that section. The trouble in the Cargo Hold seems to largely stem from the lack of communication between advertiser and reader, rather than designed misrepresentation in the ad. Either the ad doesn't say enough or say it clearly enough, or the advertiser doesn't follow through completely in communicating when the ad is responded to. Plain lack of communication. That's something we're all guilty of at times in our life. We never have the time to always communicate properly, which invariably leads to misunderstanding. Friendships fall apart, marriages dissolve, television shows cancelled., and nations go to war.

  • In the Captain's Chair, editorial (1)
  • Flight of the Unicorn, fantasy fiction with elves by Melly Frame (3)
  • From a Fine Point, art portfolio by Lela Dowling (7)
  • Unshot Star Trek Script: The Gamesters of Pentatholon (13)
  • Identiclip by Lizette Leveille and Gennie Summers (17)
  • Flotsam and Jetsam (25)
  • The First Elfl Tale, includes humorous small illos by Melly Frame, by Jim Rondeau (26)
  • The Cargo Hold, ads (29)
  • inside page from issue #19

    inside page from issue #19

  • inside page from issue #19

    inside page from issue #19

Issue 20

The Clipper Trade Ship 20 was published in April 1978 and contains 36 pages.

front cover of issue #20, centaur
back cover of issue #20 by J. Allan Tyler
  • Letters of Comment (1)
  • Communication Ink (9)
  • Identiclip by Lizette Leveille and Gennie Summers (10)
  • Identiclip Addenda by Richard Heim (16)
  • The Beast Within, fantasy fiction by Susan Landerman (18)
  • Adverse, poems by various fans (22)
  • Unshot Outer Limits Script, Natural Selection (23)
  • In a Rut, Trek fiction by Terrence Knova (27)
  • The Cargo Hold, ads (28)


  • inside page from issue #20

    inside page from issue #20

  • inside page from issue #20

    inside page from issue #20

  • inside page from issue #20

    inside page from issue #20

  • inside page from issue #20, Melly Frame, Wizards art

    inside page from issue #20, Melly Frame, Wizards art

References

  1. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #16
  2. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #16, the editor responds at length: he doesn't like zine and book reviews, he doesn't have enough subscribers or material to go bi-monthly, he prints what he is sent...
  3. ^ from I Have a Responsibility, to This Ship, to That Man on the Bridge
  4. ^ from Spectrum #33
  5. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #16
  6. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #16
  7. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #16
  8. ^ a Creation Con?
  9. ^ the reply by the editor of "The Clipper Trade Ship to an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #16
  10. ^ from Gennie Summers, a LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #17
  11. ^ from a review in The Clipper Trade Ship #17, (the scale: Layout is from 1-5, Overall Effect is from 1-10)
  12. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #17
  13. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #17
  14. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #17
  15. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #17
  16. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #18
  17. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #18
  18. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #18
  19. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #20
  20. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #20
  21. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #20
  22. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #20
  23. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #20
  24. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #20
  25. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #20
  26. ^ from an LoC in "The Clipper Trade Ship" #20
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