Part 1 - Getting Started

So you've decided that you want to make your own underground newspaper, eh?  Well, getting everything rolling is probably the most difficult part.  Let's begin.

make sure you have something to say

The most important rule of underground journalism: make sure you have something to say before you say it.  Nobody wants to read a pointless paper.  Also, there is a good chance you could be getting in trouble at school for this.  So make sure it's something worth getting in trouble over.

know your rights

It is perfectly legal for you to run an underground paper, though some people might tell you otherwise.  The Supreme Court has ruled (Tinker vs. Des Moines, 1969) that students have the right to express their opinions on campus, as long as they don't disrupt anything, they aren't vulgar, and they don't slander people.  This is why Christians are allowed to do that whole Meet me at the Pole thing (why would you want to worship flagpoles?).

So, basically, you are OK as long as you don't slander anyone.  We will talk about distributing your paper without disturbing school in Part 3.

get some friends

You're not going to be able to do this alone.  The number of people involved with a paper generally reflects upon the quality.  The more writers you have, the more viewpoints will be shown.  The more distributors you have, the more people will be able to read your paper.  So work your connections and exploit your friends.

Part 2 - Making Your First Issue

Your first issue will be your most important.  It will have the largest impact on your audience.  So take your time and make it good.

anoymnity

Anoymnity is your most valuable tool.  Don't put your names in the paper.  That is foolish. 

 

If anyone tries to reprimand you for writing your paper, they will have to find out who you are.  Although this will not be that difficult to do, it is an extra step that the administrators will have to go through.

 

writing your articles

If you yourself are not that good of a writer, find someone who is.  All of your articles should be written clearly and targeted towards your peers.

Make sure your articles take a stand.  No one wants to read bland, unopinionated banter.   Try to showcase a variety of opinions.  For instance, if you print someone's article detailing why religion is bad, don't be afraid to print someone's article describing why religion is good.  This way, you will be able to show various viewpoints that people may not have been exposed to, and your paper will have a wider appeal.

laying things out

Computer expertise is necessary for creating the layout of your paper.  We suggest using a desktop publishing program such as Microsoft Publisher to create your paper.

The human eye divides naturally divides a vertical piece of paper into three sections.   Therefore, a three column layout is most appealing to the eye.

When you are starting your paper, you will probably want to stick with a one page, front and back format.  This makes you paper easy to distribute, as well as to photocopy.

go easy on the fonts

Pick one or two fonts and stick with them.  Lots of fonts on one page do nothing but confuse the eye.  For our paper, we use the PC font Verdana for articles and headlines.  Our logo is created with the italicized version of the PC font Impact.   And that is all we use.

artwork

This is quite a confusing area for most desktop publishing.  Too much clipart of varying style will make your paper look horrible.  But no clipart will make your paper look incredibly boring.

We have one hand-drawn picture on the front page.  A good drawing will make someone pick up your paper without knowing anything about it.  It's a good way to grab attention.

xerox time

Now that you have finished your first issue, it's time to make copies.  Whatever you do, don't go to Kinko's!!!  They will rip you off and there are many better places to make copies.

Ideally, you will be able to "borrow" copier services from your workplace or your parent's workplace.  Do this whenever possible.  After you have been publishing for a bit you will come to value free copier time.

If you have to go somewhere to pay for it, we suggest the Office Depot chain of stores.   They have a copy section with people who will make copies for real cheap.   They charge about $8 for 200 double-sided copies, which is really a bargain.   But make sure you go to the people behind the desk instead of doing it self-service.  For some strange reason, doing it by yourself costs about twice as much.

Part 3 - Reaching the Masses

distributing your paper

Do not distribute your own paper.  This could cause serious trouble.  We have found that the best way to do this is get a dozen or so reliable people to distribute.  Give each of them about 20 copies, and let them take them to their friends.  This way, you reach a varied audience of cliques, with many different readers.

trouble's afoot

Some misguided administrators may try to hassle you.  First of all, never admit to writing the paper.  Chances are, they will have no proof against you, only hearsay.

Don't carry copies of your paper around with you.  If they search your things and find that "subversive, rebellious propaganda", you are pretty much done for.   Although there is nothing legal and constitutional they can do to punish you, this will not stop them.

If they bring you in, don't answer their questions.  Giving them information will only screw you up later.  It's better to look stupid than to get in lots of trouble.

Make sure your parents are OK with you making the paper.  If your parents are behind you, there's not much the school can do.

We hope this has been of some help to those of you considering publishing.  This should get you off on the right foot.  If you have any comments, send us some email at scrape@hempseed.com