So, if you're like me, you've got a stack of physical zines from the 70s-90s gathering dust on top of your bookshelf. Last night I pulled out a 1993 TNG zine and read through it in one sitting -- I'm saving the detailed review for my next Fannish Fifty post, but my god, it was SO GOOD! Novella-length, Riker-centric, hurt/comfort and whump, this was 100% the kind of fic I'd love to stumble across on AO3. And I'd download it immediately and forward it to all my friends.
Actually, here's the thing. In the year of our Lord 2020-Part-3, I do actually have lots of friends who still simp for Riker, who love hurt/comfort, who would adore
this fic specifically. A fic which isn't available anywhere online. I'm close enough to one of these friends that I could just send her the physical zine in the mail, but the rest...
That brings me to a general question. Is it ethical to scan old, out-of-print zines and post them for free access? If not, why not? I can definitely say it gives me some qualms.
( Cut for length )Does anyone here scan zines, or collect them? What are your thoughts? Do you go by any particular guidelines for reviewing, archiving, sharing?