I am a local zine publisher and run several different distros, mainly so prisoners can have their voices heard and share their artwork, no matter if their views are "objectionable" or "politically incorrect." With indepent bookstores and small presses going under left and right, alternative diy print media must remain vital, (and here I am strictly speaking of print, not the web, as prisoners have no internet access and zines and letters may be their only form of communication). I also make a point to support local businesses instead of corporate stores such as Kinko's who care nothing about their customers, since usually they cannot even be bothered to come to the counter.
Since AlphaGraphics print shop opened in my neighbor a few years ago, I have always given them my business. The owner, Rob, was friendly and accomodating and gave me a good rate. I recently left some of my publications there to be copied, at least a hundred dollars worth of work. When I called to inquire about them, Rob informed me that one of the workers "objected to the content," and that they would not be able to perform the job. Two of the booklets were handwritten, text mainly, with a few pictures of landscapes. The other three were anarchist based comic books, very political. All these publications were produced by prisoners. I am the sole distributor of them. When I returned to pick up the unfinished work, I explained to Rob that I do this solely out of my own pocket and make no profit, nor do I censor the voices of prisoners. He made no attempt to retain my business or make any excuses for their actions. So much for loyalty to customers, not to mention free speech! So sadly, I must let others know if they want to print underground publications in Santa Cruz, do it elsewhere. Thank you for your time,
Christopher Robin
I Press On! Prisoner Zine Distro