DIFFERENT TYPES OF ZINE FAIR VISITORS

I’ve attended an awful lot of zines fairs in my time, mostly as a stall holder. I don’t have an official count but it’s easily dozens by now. That’s weeks of my life dedicated to selling and trading to all sorts of lovely people. It’s honestly one of my favorite things to do. I love meeting everyone and getting to talk about my long-term special interest, zines.

Over these last few years I have noticed some patterns in visitors who come by my stall. Types of visitors I’m likely to see at least once at every fair. Some of them I adore, others at times rub me the wrong way, but all I’ve come to accept as part of the experience.

Below I have listed and explained eight different Zine Fair Visitor types I have met regularly. I can see myself in a few and I wonder if you will to? There are certainly more than I’ve got here and I’d love to hear who you’d add to the list!

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THE CHATTER

This type of fair attendee will spend a lot of time at your stall, some will even pick up some zines, but not all do. What they will do for certain is talk and talk for quite a while. It could be about zines, a tangentially related topic, or something completely random. They’ll keep a conversation going long enough that it’ll be interrupted by several sales from other customers.

Many zinester’s love a good chat and so long as The Chatter knows when to step aside or pause the conversation they are a beloved part of the experience.

THE COLLABORATOR

It’s likely this visitor will buy or trade but ultimately, they are here with a purpose. This purpose is to advertise zine fairs, distros, callouts, workshops, and other similar opportunities. There are only so many events where you can find this many zinester’s in one place and they will be taking full advantage.

This is typically a very exciting interaction and the kind of visitor I’ve found myself to be since starting Andromeda Zines.

THE CONFUSED

Typically, this visitor takes the form of someone’s guardian, grandparent, or older family member but can be anyone. They want to understand what a zine is and why their child/grandchild/companion begged them to come or give a lift. Typically, they’ll ask a few questions, compliment the creativity, possibly give a backhanded compliment, and maybe buy something as a curiosity. Some of them do understand what a zine is by the time they’ve left, bag a few zines heavier, but others remain a bit bemused by the whole experience.

Generally, very friendly and enthusiastic, just a bit bemused.

THE ENTHUAST

They love zines and they might just be in love with you (or just your stall, hard to tell sometimes). This visitor will pick up and buy as many zines as they can possibly afford. Sometimes it one and other times it’s ten but no matter how many they buy it’s always a pleasant time. Most likely they’ll also tag you online when they update their followers on their zine haul.

These visitors can really help perk up your energy after a long day sitting behind your stall.

THE FAKER

This person is nervous to admit that they aren’t interested in buying anything from your stall. They’ll pick some up, make a few polite comments while flipping through a random zine before moving on. You can feel guilt or awkwardness or both coming off them in waves while they try very hard not to be rude. They want the interaction to end as swiftly as possible so they can move onto something they are interested in.

I wish they knew it was okay not to buy something and just give a polite nod before moving on.

THE QUESTIONER

Sometimes a person has questions and sometimes they have an awful lot of questions. They’ll ask you about your inspiration, crafting methods, printing costs, networking, your history, and just about any related details. Curiosity is always a good thing, and most Questioners are polite individuals who respect boundaries along with your time. Some, however, are looking to access your knowledge without any care for you. They expect a huge amount of time and effort from you despite having never met before.

I encourage all Questioners to ask whatever questions burn in your mind but remember you are interacting with a stranger who is currently working.

THE READER

This visitor will come to your stall, pick up a zine, and read it front to back while you watch. It will be a long form zine, typically on the higher end of cost but never a mini zine. On most occasions they seem to enjoy themselves and may even make some small talk about it with you if you’re lucky. Then you will watch them put the zine down and walk away buying or trading nothing, despite having read and enjoyed an entire zine.

It’s important to note that flicking through a zine is absolutely encouraged but The Reader has a habit of treating your stall like a library.

THE TRADER

They might not have much money, but they damn sure brought some goodies to swap. Their bag is full on arrival with zines, stickers, or other printed items looking for a new home. While trades that occur aim to be as even as possible this visitor understands that trading isn’t always about it being equal, it’s about connecting to others. Sharing our creations and putting a middle finger up to capitalism.

To me these are the lifeblood of our community, keeping our culture alive.