Even in times of Freak Animal magazines.. and then Degenerate, there was handful of critics for language. But there always was also handful of people who gave compliments. Saying it is actually better language than many zines that are made by americans themselves. Which of course may be intention of those zines to be something very different, which gives indication of enthusiast teenager furiously typing his opinions, rather than someone who took care of grammar.
Most of the time, there isn't so much text written by myself (just editorial, some questions and handful of reviews). It is most of all artists talking, and I feel very cautious about re-touching someone's expression unless it has very obvious repeated typo's etc. Point is understood even with broken simple english, but often it seems that you would have to re-write everything from start to finish if you'd like to make it look "accurate". But then missing the whole personal touch of artists. Most obvious thing that comes to my mind are for example Le Syndicat/Entre Vifs in "tape noise" (SI#2). I asked handful of american friends how they feel about this, and everybody said it should be printed "as is", and not even try to make any changes.
All the texts go through automatic proof reading programs. Which are indeed shitty. They only recognize incorrect spelling of words. Then everything is printed out, and proof-read with "red marker" in hand doing notes what could be changed/corrected. And after that, it goes to print. I do realize that someone else could perhaps do better job, but for how long, and how quickly? With soon 20 years in underground activities, after c. 50 zines edited in those times, I have noticed that to get things done => D.I.Y. Many promises are always made. Many people are enthusiastic. But when it comes down to shitty consuming work that has to be done... well, it doesn't get done.
This can be asked from anyone who made noise zine/magazine. I know how to cope with reality. I have some plans how to improve grammar/language, how to improve interviews, how to improve content of 'zine. But in the end, it's "just a zine", which is healthy way of thinking if you want to get things done. So many things never gets done when perfectionism hits the game. There is always something to do better. Specific publishing schedule is helpful, since you just have to get it done with material you have ready by the deadline.
