Here are a few things to consider when writing away for independent publications:

• For the purposes of the Directory an "independent publication" is loosely defined as any small press, alternative, marginal and independently published material. Mass-market products readily available from high street retail outlets will not normally be featured in the Directory.

• If we give a person's name in the address for a magazine, it's best to make cheques/postal orders payable to that person rather than to the magazine's name. If you send cash make sure to wrap it carefully, and don't send coins!

• Unless stated otherwise: i) the country of origin is the UK; ii) prices listed include postage and packing; iii) the first price quoted is the retail price in the magazine's country of origin (though wherever possible prices are listed for other destinations). Foreign currency is available from most high street banks, as are foreign money orders, and International Reply Coupons, which can be exchanged for stamps almost anywhere in the world, are available from your post office. Sending your personal cheques to other countries is not a good idea, as bank charges are usually outrageously high. If you're not sure, enquire to the publisher with SAE before ordering.

• Many magazine publishers print small quantities, so you may not be able to get the exact issue mentioned in the Directory. If you must have that particular issue, say so, and be prepared to pay extra. Otherwise it's best just to request the most recent or the next issue and save trouble for everyone. And be patient - if the current issue is all gone, it may take a while.

• And since it may take a while, the envelope your order came in may get lost. Make sure your address is on the letter itself! Otherwise you may not get your copy despite the best intentions of the publisher.

• If you have time, any small publisher enjoys hearing comments on the magazine he has sent you. This is especially true if you don't like it - we all like to improve. Even a simple note of thanks can make a publisher's day.

• If you have any problems with a publication it's best to bear in mind that 99% of cases relating to non-receipt are simply a matter of things being lost in the mail. If you are writing to a publisher to complain, it is imperative to include all the details: what you ordered, when, what form of payment and how much you sent. Wait at least 6 weeks from the time of ordering before sending a follow-up letter with SAE to the publisher.

• Please mention BBR and the Directory when ordering any of the publications reviewed here. It helps us all in the long run, as the more widely the Directory becomes known, the more independent publications we'll be able to bring to your attention.

(Portions of the above adapted from 'Getting Zines', Factsheet Five #44, August 1991 - if it ain't broke don't fix it!)