Scrapbooks and Zines

Both zines and scrapbooks share the common quality of containing anything that the creator wants. This can help contribute to everyday writing because it is very different and unique to each individual and could represent their life or something of great meaning to them. Katriel and Farrell compare scrapbooks as a “life review” and “genre of self” insinuating that scrapbooks should represent the life of the person who is making it. Similarly, zines can either represent the author making the independent magazine or it can represent anything the author desires such as cars, animals, or do it yourself projects. Each can be considered everyday writing because they represent events that happen on an everyday basis using photos and brief statements of reflection. Although neither is done on an everyday basis, the events that the pieces are reflecting are everyday significant events such as high school football games or baby pictures. Scrapbooks and zines are made with items taken from events. For example, the tassel from someone’s high school graduation could be found inside of their scrapbook along with pictures. Zines can also contain random everyday items to be visual aids for what the author is trying to represent. Although both do not contain much actual writing, they still are examples of everyday writing. A scrapbook is a “form of self-presentation”, in the words of Katriel and Farrell, so its purpose is to represent our everyday lifestyle with pictures and brief statements about the events taken place. Zines also mainly require pictures or items, instead of words, to portray what the author is explaining to their audience. The brief words in the pieces are used to help remind the creator of the event, not to explain it. Therefore, since it is mostly side note to help you remember the big picture they are both forms of everyday writing.