Considering AAPA

This is a starting point for visitor interested in learning about the American Amateur Press Association. Amateur journalism is an interesting and unusual hobby. It's hard for the written word to fully convey the enthusiasm and enjoyment members feel when they publish their own journal and receive reactions from other members. Our members range from pre-teens to retirees -- a diverse group united by their interested in sharing ideas and designs through printed journals.

Take a look around our Web site for such information as

An introduction to AAPA and amateur journalism
Several on-line examples of amateur journalism
Descriptions of recent annual conventions
Answers to questions submitted by visitors to the Web site

If you have unanswered questions, jot them down and e-mail them to Dave Tribby at dtribby@stanfordalumni.org If you would like to receive a free sample mailing of amateur papers, ask for it in your message and include your postal address.

A particular welcome to teenagers

Since its founding in 1936, AAPA has had a slant toward recruiting teenagers and pre-teens who enjoy writing, printing, and publishing. As old points of contact have disappeared, it has been hard to identify and contact teens who enjoy these activities.

In the last ten years or so, several young AAPA publishers were schooled at home. Someone noticed the pattern and recognized how publishing a small AAPA journal would be a fun way to put into practice the academic skills of writing, spelling, and grammar.

One of our members, Dean Rea, describes how the AAPA has enhanced the learning experience of a home schooled student, Samuel Jero. Read the article and then click on the images at the right to take a look at scans of a recent issue of Samuel's letterpress-printed paper, Inky Fingers.

Just because Samuel uses letterpress to create journals doesn't mean AAPA only wants printers. Many members use computers to publish their papers. In AAPA, the focus of activity is publishing. No matter how it's done -- computer, letterpress, mimeograph -- creativity, imagination, and clear presentation are encouraged.

Becoming a member

If you are ready to join, print out a membership application form, enclose it and a $15 check for dues in an envelope, and mail them to our Secretary-Treasurer. Additional members of the same household can join for only $2 per year -- just submit additional forms with the notation "family member." Only one "bundle" per month is sent to the household.

Go to the AAPA home page.

This page was last modified May 8, 2008

Dave Tribby / dtribby@stanfordalumni.org